Q.1 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 are a custom home builder and remodeler specializing in high-end design/build residences, serving Tampa, FL, specifically South Tampa.
Q.2 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.We are a two-partner firm growing our business in our hometown of Tampa, FL. Our early education covered civil engineering and business degrees, followed with general contractor licenses. After 17+ years providing the highest quality design, construction and service, we pride ourselves in the number of clients who’ve become our life-long friends, provided repeat business and brought along their friends and families as well.
Q.3 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. The business climate was perfect to launch our initial concept of a high-end, fully appointed spec home.
Q.4 What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans. Keep your word. Select the best collaborators. Don’t be afraid to say no to a project that doesn’t fit well.
Q.5 What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans. Ability to listen. Problem solving. Persistence.
Q.6 How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans. 1 – 12hrs
Q.7 To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans. Finding and refining your niche. Keeping your word.
Q.8 How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans. Marketing: An in-depth, portfolio-style website; feature articles and advertising in local high-end lifestyle magazines; appearing in major home design/remodeling websites and social media. Word-of-mouth has also been very successful for us, we respect and cherish our relationships with clients as well as vendors.
Q.9 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. All funding came from reinvesting our capital gains back into working capital for the first few years since inception. Took little to no proceeds.
Q.10 What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans. Fair practices. Keep commitments. Protect your reputation.
Q.11 Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans. Continuing to refine our business and enjoying ourselves in the process.
Q.12 Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans. Other large, successful custom home builders and remodelers.
Q.13 How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans. Our world functions around vendors and the trades. Selecting the most talented, honest, hard-working people is crucial. Respecting them is imperative. We do not sub-hop, always looking for the cheapest price. Loyalty is far more important.
Q.14 How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans. It varies – a few seconds to a few years!
Q.15 What motivates you?
Ans. Client satisfaction.
Q.16 What are your ideals?
Ans. Treat others how you want to be treated.
Q.17 How do you generate new ideas?
Ans. Quiet reflection time.
Q.18 How do you define success?
Ans. Client satisfaction.
Q.19 How do you build a successful customer base?
Ans. Build an honest, transparent relationship with every client. Word will get around!
Q.20 What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Ans. The harder you work, the higher the reward.
Q.21 What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Ans. Completing complex projects and driving by them to enjoy their marvel.
Q.22 What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Ans. They are different mindsets, different personalities. One is not better than the other, people flourish in different environments.
Q.23 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. Casual, yet highly professional. Our ‘culture’ is a reflection of both our personalities – nothing hidden, no airs – just us!
Q.24 In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans.Calculated.
Q.25 If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans. Take a few more risks.
Q.26 How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans. Flexibility to be with them when I need to.
Q.27 What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans. Failure in making mistakes that could have been prevented. Triple check, all the time.
Q.28 How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans. Born and raised here.
Q.29 Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans.Yes, but each industry has its own formula.
Q.30 If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans. Jesus.
Q.31 Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans. Past clients and bosses that I admired.
Q.32 What book has inspired you the most?
Ans. A Land Remembered.
Q.33 What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Ans. Not taking some calculated risks.
Q.34 How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Ans.Triple check, all the time.
Q.35 What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans. Outdoor recreation – boating, fishing, etc.
Q.36 What makes you happy?
Ans. Contentment.
Q.37 What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans. At times, having to make difficult choices.
Q.38 If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
Ans. How would you wish to be remembered?
Company Detail:
Company : Sunset Properties of Tampa
Contact : Mark Jordan
Address : 3612 W Azeele St
City : Tampa
State : FL
Zip : 33609
Country : USA
Phone : 813-876-4800
Email : mark@sunsetoftampa.com
