Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caleb Irmler, owner of Crazy Ant Pest Control, located in Fresno, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are in the Pest Control & Prevention. Our main focus is on residential Pest Control, Mosquito Control, and Commercial Pest Prevention. We lead the way in using eco-friendly products.
Tell us about yourself
The truth is, I started in pest control after my first failed business. I knew nothing about the industry the day I applied for the job. My focus was on just finding work. I was interested in running my own branch. That did not interest me at all, but running my own company, was something that I was very interested in doing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating Jobs that people can be proud of the work. We are a family-friendly company that focuses on giving our workers opportunities to grow with the company and have flexibility in their work month if they want to schedule a three-day weekend at the same time doing work that matters.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Staying focused on the main thing. It is easy to work all week just putting out fires and helping people. It's the difference between feeling good and doing good.
For example:
When you help an employee do something they should have to know how to do themselves, you feel good but are wasting two people's time on what one person should be able to do and driving up the cost for the customer. Doing good is coaching your staff to be self-reliant, always there for support but not doing everyone's job for them. This is actually doing good.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Reduce personal debt & expenses and have as large of a nest egg as possible.
- Your sales process is more important than your service process. If you can't do the first, the second does not matter.
- Consistency, consistency, consistency.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crazyantpest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrazyAntPest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FresnoBug
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crazy-ant-pest-control-inc-/
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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