Q: 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.
Ans: GoRapid Inc. is a full service plumbing company based in Newnan, GA. Since our founding in 2013, we have had the pleasure of serving the residents of Newnan, as well as Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Fairburn, Douglasville, Carrollton, and the surrounding metro Atlanta area. GoRapid Inc. proudly pledges excellence in our performance and customer service. Offering a full range of repair, replacement, and renovation options, our team is equipped to handle any plumbing concern with exceptional skill and professionalism.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: In 1984, I started plumbing while enrolled at Southern Technical Institute completing my education. Primarily, my experience is with large commercial and industrial plumbing installations. Some of my most notable projects include The Avenue in Peachtree City, Park Avenue and Park Regency near Phipps Plaza, and the 2500 Peachtree Condominiums. Although my most recognized work has been in the commercial and industrial world, I am equally proud of the exceptional work my team has completed for the residents of Newnan and the surrounding area.
Q: 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?
Ans: Usually, a business idea arises from a recognized need. My business is no exception. In the realm of plumbing, the Coweta-Fayette area lacked an ethical, customer-centered plumbing service company. I wanted to found a business which combined excellence in customer care with high standards of integrity. Plumbing is not only about the pipes; it is also about the people. As a result, my company does exceptional work, but also has heart.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: At the very beginning, I would advise new business owners to develop a relationship with their accountant and banker. A business will only survive if built on the proper foundation. Budgeting and finances cannot be overlooked. Secondly, prepare for gaps in your cash flow. Since there are many expenses with the upstart of a company, the business may not be very profitable at first. Make sure to join a networking group in your area. Networking with other professionals is a key component in getting your business running well and accessing your client base.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: A successful entrepreneur must be communicative, diligent, and evolving. Being able to communicate with employees and customers is vital to your business being effective. Without those positive interactions, your team will lose momentum and your client base will look elsewhere. Because you are building a business from the ground up, an entrepreneur must be hard working and patient. There are great challenges every day which will require significant amounts of time and energy. As the founder of your business, you must set the standard and example for the rest of your team with your attitude and dedication. In a constantly changing technologically advanced world, you must learn and evolve with the times. Technology is necessary to reach your clients and also to make sure that your methods remain current and effective.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: Be prepared to work 8-16 hours a day. On average, I would say 60-70 hours per week. As the owner, you will always be troubleshooting and managing problems which arise. Especially since my company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services, I have to be prepared to help customers or my team members at any hour and on any day.
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: My success is directly connected to the people surrounding me. I am constantly challenged by the capable and smart people around me daily. Having people to push me to the next level has greatly affected my success. Recognizing the importance of other peoples’ skills and expertise has had a tremendous impact upon my business. I am not too proud to ask for and accept advice. When you have an open mind and a listening ear, you will realize the potential of your team members as well as yourself.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: In the past, my primary way for promoting business was through word of mouth. A satisfied customer can be the greatest advertisement. Currently, I am getting started with marketing to access my client base more effectively. In the months to come, I look forward to seeing all the successes achieved through our marketing efforts.
Q: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: GoRapid Inc. was made possible without investors; we are completely self-funded. Although this could have been a risky personal venture initially, I chose to believe in the possibilities for the company, so I am all in with this company. In the midst of gaps in cash flow, I also acquired a line of credit to help. From the beginning, I have been fully invested in my company.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Through hard work and exceptional employees, my business has been successful thus far. In the long term, I expect those two factors to continue to be the driving force for GoRapid Inc. The business will steadily grow and flourish through the commitment of my dedicated team.
Q: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: Over the next few years, I expect to see a slow and deliberate growth. Plumbing is built on establishing long term relationships with our customers. As we continue to demonstrate our superior service, clients will develop faith in us and trust us with all of their plumbing needs in the future.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: Chick-Fil-A has my utmost respect. They have managed to offer exceptional food and service, while keeping their integrity central. Regardless of how they have grown, Chick-Fil-A has remained true to their founding virtues. As my business grows in the years to come, I want to emulate their dedication to service and principles.
Q: How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Building a team of employees who watch out for each other and the company, has been crucial to our success at GoRapid Inc. Having an effective team dynamic leads to better results for customers as well as a positive work environment. My team of professionals help make all of our success possible.
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: In every decision, I carefully consider all aspects involved, so I will not give up easily. Being resilient is key to success as an entrepreneur. My team is trained to not be easily discouraged. If an idea proves to not be the best solution, I will easily accept new superior information.
Q: What motivates you?
Ans: My team and their families are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Since I built this business hoping it would support families, I have all of them in the forefront of my mind. In addition to my desire to be successful for my people, I also remain committed to being the best based upon my integrity.
Q: What are your ideals?
Ans: My ideals center around God, family, friends, and integrity. In every aspect of my business, I aim to make God and those closest to me proud. Even in challenging moments, I am committed to making the right choices.
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: Through reading and listening to others’ experiences, I have found helpful inspiration. Once a new idea is generated, I love finding ways to apply it to my business effectively.
Q: How do you define success?
Ans: Success is being happy and content with your circumstances. In life, ups and downs happen all the time. It is important to always find contentment in the midst of moments of failure and triumph.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: Always treat people with the dignity and respect you would desire. Your customers and potential customers are not only looking for excellence in workmanship, but also exceptional customer service. Since our business is focused on establishing long term relationships with our clients, we realize our daily interactions with people will have tremendous impact.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: Growing and developing systems is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship. The freedom to build a business which runs with idealized methods and dedicated service excites me.
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: Because I have invested my time, talents, and money into this business, seeing growth in my company is extremely satisfying. All the efforts seem worthwhile when growth is occurring.
Part of construction worker with tools belt
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: With great risk can come great reward. Although working for an already established business can bring security, limitations on growth and freedom are also included. Even in the midst of a 70 hour week with no real free time, I still much prefer having options. Although the schedule can be grueling at times, I still can arrange my schedule to accommodate my life more readily.
Q: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Ans: The culture of my company is centralized around service. We are always looking for ways to improve upon the service which clients could receive from our competitors. This focus on service would never be achieved without our team being committed to unity and mutual respect. My employees are always expected to model the decency and dignity which they would extend to customers to each other.
Q: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Changing
For more information visit us at http://gorapidinc.com/
