Location: Santa Barbara
Established: January 2007
Number of Employees: 5
Supply and installation of windows, doors, entry doors, skylights and trim
www.maverickwindows.com
Shortly after losing his job selling windows, Damon G. Millar knew he did not want to work for the competition; he realized he could improve upon what he had already learned. It took two seconds to make the decision to go into business for himself, and Damon spent the next year building a window business from his home. When it came time to create a brand and presence in the community, he approached WEV’s Small Business Loan Fund for the capital needed. MAVERICK Window & Door, Inc. continues to benefit from Damon’s instincts for capitalizing on opportunities, such as adjusting his lease to increase workspace, or adding value by offering installation of the products.
Is this a new business or are you growing an existing business?
Growing a fairly new business. The company itself started out as Maverick Window Sales in 2007 - as the company evolved so did the name.
What prompted you to go into business for yourself?
After working in the construction industry for over 20 years I was offered a job selling windows by a local dealer. I spent the next three years working for other people at various locations constantly frustrated by the lack of customer service and attention to detail. Eventually I lost my job, had no prospects, and had no interest working for the competition. I knew I could improve what I had already learned and there wasn’t anybody out there that offered quality customer service and care. It took two seconds for me to make the decision to go into business for myself.
What is your biggest business challenge?
Being under-capitalized (I used one third of my severance pay to get the company off the ground). I built the business from scratch entirely from within. It has made it difficult to grow as fast as we could have. We missed some opportunities, but the business is right where it’s supposed to be.
What is your biggest business success?
Growth in a bad economy – MAVERICK is projected to double in profit and size for 2010. We grew 25% in 2009.
Who is your ideal customer?
Homeowners, contractors, architects and designers.
What has been the biggest surprise about owning a business?
The long hours and the endless amount of attention that goes into the details.
How do you juggle all the pieces of your life? (Family/work/self/volunteering) to make it all come together?
I am still learning; each day is a work in progress and an opportunity to improve. I try to give my full attention and focus when I am there, but I am spread very thin. The good thing is that it feels like it’s starting to get easier, and I have hired a few employees.
What advice do you offer to others who might want to start their own company?
Get out there and do it! You never know what you are capable of until you try. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a fantastic way to experience personal growth. It’s not always easy, but well worth it.
“Prepare diligently and with all passion for your role and then walk empty handed into the abyss.” I have always planned for my success. You can’t doubt that. You just have to believe.
How did WEV help you achieve your goal or dream?
WEV capitalized a critical growth period, when I needed help for showroom development and marketing improvement. WEV had resources available that made it possible for me to brand the company. As a result, our sales increased approximately 25% in 2009.
Is there something you learned from WEV that you use everyday?
Yes, that I CAN do it. Persistence pays off. It’s important to have a strong vision and work towards making it real.
What does ‘success’ mean to you?
Given the mistakes I have made in my life, I like best what Mamie McCullough once said “Success is failure with the dirt brushed off.” Success means striving in all aspects of my life. Success is also the comprehension of achieving what was once a dream.
What is the biggest reward you get from your business? What makes it all worthwhile?
I am rewarded by the satisfaction of knowing I am a thriving business owner and continue to grow and be successful even when the odds are against me. Even when the days are long and there are no guarantees, I am fortunate to love what I do.
How do you picture you and your business in one year? Five years? Ten years?
In one year, I would like to have a fully educated staff, so I could take weekends off. In five years, I would like the business to remain successful, with dedicated employees that are interested in the success of the business. It would give me the freedom to work half time and give me more time to sell a company I stand by and believe in. In ten years, I want financial freedom, and to have MAVERICK Window & Door, Inc. be a well recognized and strong business.
If your business is being affected by the economy right now how? And what are you doing to deal with this challenge?
The economy is something I have chosen to see as an opportunity; the opportunity to find new customers looking for a new place to do business. Since January 2009 we have grown and found new customers by looking for them and calling them up. We continue to offer a higher level of customer service and quality brands at competitive prices. The federal stimulus and improved awareness of energy conservation is also a big help in motivating customers. It also appears that if people are not building new, they’re replacing and upgrading what they already have.
Photography courtesy of Maria Carreras Photography: www.mariacarrerasphotography.com |
