Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Korn Lai, Owner of Midtown Motor Trends, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Midtown Motor Trends has established a reputation for being the go-to car spa for perfecting, enhancing, and protecting one of your most treasured investments, your vehicle. We have been providing hand car wash and auto detailing services since 2005.
We use reverse osmosis spot-free water for our hand car wash and 295-degree commercial steamers for your interior auto detailing service. Midtown Motor Trends attends SEMA, WFCT, and Auto Dealer Conferences to learn new products, tools, and techniques. We continue to provide the highest auto detailing and paint protection standards for the Houston area.
Tell us about yourself
I was hired as the office manager when Midtown Motor Trends was first built. It was formally known as South Beach Auto Spa. Years later, I ended up buying their first location (Upper Kirby Car Wash) and ran that for a while until I bought Midtown Motor Trends and took over as the new owner. My motivation is to provide a service that helps people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing clients satisfied with our services and seeing my business grow more and more each day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Letting go of control. Understanding that I can't wear all the hats all the time and to trust my team fully.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not chase money. Focus on building a solid foundation; the money will come.
- Sacrifice. 20-30 hours a week is part-time. 40 hours is full-time. Being a business owner means 100+.
- Be an employee. Work side by side with your team so you can understand the day-to-day operations and your team's strengths and weaknesses so you can make adjustments.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Starting a business isn’t for everyone. Failures, as well as hardships along the way, are part of the process. Make your business into something you love. Something unique to you. Do not chase after trends. Do it your way.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.midtownmotortrends.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidtownMotorTrends
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtownmotortrends/
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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