Mandatory Questions –
- Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
ColoRadon is a Northern Colorado-based Radon Mitigation and Testing company. We serve the northern Front Range, from Cheyenne WY to Longmont CO and east and west of I-25. Our main office is located in Wellington, CO. We love to help our clients understand what radon exposure is, test to measure their levels, and if needed, how to cost-effectively lower their exposure with our expertise in radon mitigation. We work in both new-build, already-built houses, real estate transaction testing, and designing and installing radon systems for new commercial, multi-family housing, apartment buildings and tenant finish.
- Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
My name is Kent Molin and I am proud to be the owner of ColoRadon. I have been a certified Radon Mitigation Specialist for over 20 years and have experience mitigating existing and new build homes. With a Masters degree in Architecture, and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, my understanding of the built environment assists in delivering an aesthetically planned route that is both functional and cost effective.
- What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
With many years of radon mitigation under our belts, and working in the construction industry, we set off with a goal to help homeowners and home builders to integrate a radon reduction system into their homes to lessen the exposure to radon but also ensure that the systems were as discrete as possible. Kent started out of school as an architect but wanted a more hands-on career. He saw a need for quality, functional, and better-engineered radon systems. We started ColoRadon to give us the flexibility to spend time with our family and also to do a higher quality job with radon mitigation than we were seeing on new-build homes. Kent has worked with several high end builders on large custom build projects to create aesthetic and functional solutions for high end custom homes as well. His approach to Radon is one of working WITH other subcontractors to coordinate routes and electrical, which sets him apart from others in the field.
- What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Starting your own business is such an adventure. It is hard to jump off the fence and pursue something that you are passionate about. It comes with its ups and downs, but you are the one that gets to steer the ship. There will be rough and calm seas, but be invested in your journey, and go for your goals. One of the best perks of working for yourself is being able to set your own schedule, and carve out more time for your family.
One of the best things we did was to hire an excellent accountant, maybe a funny thing to say but…we had an experience with a not-so-great accountant first and now we KNOW the importance behind having a great team of people who are good at their jobs. If taxes aren’t your passion, hire a really good accountant who specializes in entrepreneurship!
Another important thing we did was to decide we would never get into bad-mouthing other companies. We saw a lot of it during bid processes…we’ve decided to let our quality work speak for itself, and to focus on all the really great working relationships we’ve made with other subs. Even when we’re hired to fix other systems, installed by other people, we try to focus on the solution rather than drag them through the mud.
- What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Faith, determination, and humility.
- How many hours do you work a day on average?
6-9/
- To what do you most attribute your success?
Kent’s relentless work ethic. Even on the days that are 100 degrees, he does the best job he possibly can for every single client, in every imaginable way. People recognize dedication and competence, especially when he truly wants to help our clients. It shines through everything he does.
- How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Word of mouth is by far the most fulfilling form of marketing. Developing relationships with people that are happy with our work has been our greatest asset. With the determination to reach a broader base, we have also pursued a greater web presence by seeking the help of qualified and marketing company.
- Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Knowledge and expertise were core to starting and from there it was slowly building volume.
- What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Good planning! And as we’re figuring out, diversifying the income streams to include multiple facets of the same type of work. Smart growth, supported by a team of experts (like a financial planner, accountant, bookkeeper and marketing team) make decisions to grow or pivot less scary!
- Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Growth is the goal. We want to help as many people achieve better indoor air quality as possible and lessen their exposure to radon gas (which is the number one suspect for lung cancer in non-smoking individuals and the second cause of lung cancer in smokers). We ultimately would like to have several teams so that we can serve a broader market with Kent’s attention pivoting to training a new generation of high-quality radon professionals.
- Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most? Companies that I have worked with in the past that cared about procedure, precision, and honesty. We were glad to be a part of some great companies, and our interactions were mutually beneficial.
Recommended Questions –
- How important have good employees been to your success?
I dont have to tell anyone that is reading this, but finding good employees is such a blessing. Finding someone that is willing to step up, try to improve daily, and looks for solutions is key (and keep them around if you can find them).
- What motivates you?
Having a flexible schedule and being at the helm to solve everchanging challenges.
- What are your ideals?
Honesty, respect, and critical thinking.
- How do you define success?
Providing for not only myself but our employees quality of life.
- How do you build a successful customer base?
Trust and word of mouth.
- What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Being able to enjoy life a bit more when I could dictate how the work week is scheduled.
- What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Faith, determination, and humility. Trusting in faith that the idea you have can be a way to live.
Optional Questions –
- How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
I cant say it enough. It is great having some flexibility to be there for our family. That is what really matters at the end of the day.
- What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Keeping the schedule full. The answer: Faith, determination, and humility.
- How did you decide on the location for your business?
We continue to work in the place that we grew up. We are proud to be a local Northern Colorado business.
- Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Absolutely not. All paths are different.
- How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Try to be self aware both in work and life. Understand your surroundings and be conscious of your environment.
- What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I thoroughly enjoy fine wood working and creating things with my hands and imagination.
- What makes you happy?
Time with family and the outdoors.
- What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
The safety net of an employer I suppose. But once things are off the ground, good planning can elevate some of those worries.