Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joseph Zago, Founder of The Carpet Guys, located in Troy, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I founded The Carpet Guys and I am the EY Entrepreneur of The Year national finalist in 2010 in Metro Detroit, Michigan. The Carpet Guys is a shop at home. Residential replacement floor covering installation dealer serving Homeowners in Michigan and surrounding states.
Tell us about yourself
After working as a door-to-door salesperson for Kirby Vacuums, Empire Today, and Express Flooring, I decided that I wanted to try to create a better way for consumers to be able to purchase floor covering. I decided I would go into business for myself and do it my way. It was very hard starting up, especially with almost no money at all, literally less than $600. I did what I knew best and went knocking on doors in the neighborhood, asking homeowners if they had ugly carrots that they may want to replace. Only about one outbid every 50 doors that I knocked on was in the market for new flooring, which meant I was subject to a tremendous amount of rejection. I remember quotes from Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan as well as words of wisdom from so many great in our history that told us to never give up and keep on believing in ourselves. I did just that. If I wanted to get two sales in a day, I would need to knock on 100 doors a day. That's how it all started in our humble beginning 13 years ago. Today, The Carpet Guys serve close to 10,000 homeowners per year and provide a steady income for well over 100 associates who work with us. The Carpet Guys now service more than just Michigan and are well on their way to becoming a national brand that will provide top-notch customer care to homeowners throughout America.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my greatest accomplishment has been the ability to provide a wonderful opportunity to so many other people while at the same time helping so many great causes to help better our communities. Of course, producing 30 million dollars or more in sales each year has really been incredible, but being able to help others achieve their hopes and dreams while setting a great example for my 10-year-old son, has been by far the greatest reward or accomplishment to date.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Remaining motivated and disciplined even when every other human instinct tells us we should just give up and go take a secure route instead.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't spend too much time planning; dive in and get used to the water you will. Figure it out as you go. Too many people spend too much time planning rather than executing. Start now!
- Don't give up... Ever!
- Givers get, be kind and. Generously and know faithfully that when you do right by others, you will have a greater likelihood that others will do right by you.
- Be wise; call The Carpet Guys! At 855-4-My-Guys!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.carpetguys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carpeting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarpetguys/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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