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: We created outdoor living spaces, decorative outdoor floors. Driveways, walkways and patios designed to be flexible, dependable with multiple textures, colors and shapes. We have unlimited amount of options.
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: I started this company in 1984, started with patios. Then Built a lot of driveways and eventually commercial. Within 2 yrs. We won the National award for Plano. We were recognized as a good installation company. Places where we can congregate. Then we started creating outdoor living rooms, pizza ovens, fire pits. We really wanted to make the customer feel as if the outside was the inside.
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: I started out helping a friend build patios, as I was going through the process I realized this was a product that was in huge demand. I was 21 at the time, but I knew I was on to something. This was a fairly new product at the time.
What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: Being in the right place at the right time is always a good thing. North Tx. Was a really happening place for my product. I believe that Quality is a must, your integrity, and most of all your Word Matters. Make sure to keep your word, and always stay grounded.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: I think Personality is extremely important, Love your product with a Passion, have Leadership skills, and always make sure to have a great bond with your workers.
How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: I know this say cliché, but when people tell you, “if you love your job, it’s not work”. Well, its so True. Don’t get me wrong, I work, and Work a lot! But I truly do not keep up with how many hours a week, because I can be at home at 10:30pm watching a television show and when I see or hear something that reminds me of the business, I will stop everything I’m doing and either write down notes, or send out an e-mail. So working is almost non-stop. And as long as my crew is out there, I’m out there.
To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Again, its all about Quality, passion, and knowing you have a product that I believe in. I believe my product works. Also, you cannot be successful without great relationships! You need great relationships with your customers, and referral partners.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: Ads, radio, yellow pages, and word of mouth.
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: I didn’t! I had zero dollars when I started Precision Pavers. I started with Scratch. I’ve never had investors, mainly because I did not want to answer to anyone. I felt as if I was my own man, and if I am able to get a job done, then why would I have to let someone know I was done. If I wanted to go on a vacation, who’s to tell me otherwise?
What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Again, having those relationships. No one can do anything by themselves, and if they think other wise then they are fools. I put all my long-term success on making sure I never burn any bridges, and to hold on to my integrity.
Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: I see myself still being the owner, of course the whole idea is to increase revenue. I’m pretty sure I will take a couple steps back, and making sure all the key employees are in place. Still working, and still under control
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
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Ans: Park Place Motors. This is one company I truly admire. When I purchase a vehicle from there, I KNOW they will take great care of me. That means so much to me, because I guess the value’s they possess are the same one’s I have for my company. So we see eye to eye in those regards. Very Professional as well.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Good employees are the foundation of any company. Without good employees, you won’t have a good brand. You need good employees to make a business flow correctly. I have been fortunate enough to have great ones, and also not so good ones. But the success definitely came from the good ones.
How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: That’s so funny you ask this, I was just talking to someone about this the other day. I Always have so many ideas. My problem is executing them. If I had a nickel for all the inventions I’ve thought about, I’d be a Very Rich man. Hahaha. But when I do stick with one idea, I tend to finish the thought.
What motivates you?
Ans: My family. When I was younger, things didn’t matter as much, but once I had my boys I knew what I was working for. It was all for them.
What are your ideals?
Ans: Work hard, play harder. Hahaha. Now that I’m older, I love to have a great time. Life is important to me. Enjoy it while you have it.
How do you generate new ideas?
Ans: Now, it’s my staff. When we have our meetings, they really bring new ideas to the table.
How do you define success?
Ans: Family! Having a great family is what I feel success is. Don’t get me wrong, I’m No Dad of the year, but I feel if I’ve raised my kids right, kept them out of trouble (for the most part. Haha), then I’m pretty successful.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans: That goes back to what I mentioned before. When working with a customer, you really have to show that you care!! Establish that relationship with that person, and make sure what you say is what you do.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans: Time! I get to make time for anything I want. I’m not on anyone else’s schedule. If I need to be somewhere at a certain time, I don’t have to tell anyone. I can just go!
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans: 1984, When I decided to start Precision Pavers! Yes it was scary, but it was the best thing I could have ever done at the time!
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans: The Entrepreneurs are the visionaries, and the people that work for them are the helping hands. Nothing wrong with either by far. I just saw a vision, and stayed with it.
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: I wanted to introduce a great environment for my staff. I’m a very happy go lucky kind of guy, and I feel if you have a great environment to be around then you will do great things.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Vision
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans: Nothing at all! I have failed and I have been successful, but only by failing I was able to find success.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans: Very positive. It was able to give me time to spend with my boys. I loved every minute of it.
How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans: During the 80’s, North Texas. Was exploding with opportunity. So I decided to pick a location in the Collin county area and make sure to stay there no matter what.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Yes, It all goes back to Quality, Integrity, and relationships. You need those things to be and stay successful.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans: I like to go Hunting and Golfing
What makes you happy?
Ans: Spending time with my Sons