Hope and an Idea
By Drue Ann Hargis-Ramirez, Write Right
Enterprises
Daryl Gray, Owner and Founder of
Eight years ago Daryl Gray walked into RAHSCO’s Dallas/Ft.
One day, after more than 20 years as a machinist, Daryl spotted a man pressure washing in the neighborhood. “He shared with me the idea of being independent and self-employed,” explained Daryl. Although his words sparked Daryl’s imagination, he initially thought of the work only as means to earn extra money.
He tapped into the Internet and identified four equipment manufacturers in his area. RAHSCO was his last stop, but this time he didn’t leave empty handed. He was now equipped with his first pressure washer and more information in his head than he could absorb.
“RAHSCO offered the most quality product and the most information on how to look for business. And they took the time out of their schedule to talk to someone who [simply] walked in [off the street] and shared one-on-one information.”
He didn’t know it then but his journey toward a new career
had begun. What started as a part-time gig for extra money changed his life. “I never thought it would turn
into a full-time job or one that would offer a career to other people,” Daryl
commented, humbly, in a tone conveying surprise at his own success.
Daryl
and his wife Cindy operate Mesquite Mobile Power
Daryl credits
his success to three things. The first is trust. “The secret to success,” Daryl
says, “is building bonds of trust, not only with business associates but with
your employees too. The relationships are what counts; it is what will carry
you through.”
The
second is the people surrounding you. “It [your business] is only as good as
the people surrounding you and I have good people. My guys are the key to this
business.” Daryl says his wife Cindy also continually influences and encourages
him and is his driving force. “She is the first of offense, and convinces them
[the prospective client] I’m the one they want to do business with.”
The
third is RAHSCO’s reliable and high quality equipment and readiness to help with
whatever he needs. “RAHSCO is who we will always do business with. They have a
quality product that is truly second to none. They know what the customer wants
and what the requirements for the job are.”
He
promotes Mesquite Mobile Power
Three
keys to finding customers and expanding your business, Daryl believes, is
putting others first, listening well, and understanding their needs. “The
customer will tell you what they want if you just listen.”
Following
his own advice, he expanded into parking lot striping. “Parking lot striping
came out of a need to service our customers more,” Daryl says. Mesquite Mobile
cleans and stripes new malls and restaurants, then comes back after they open
to establish relationships with the new owners. They also clean awnings because
it’s what their customers wanted.
Daryl
also emphasizes the importance of stocking your toolbox with spare parts. “If
your machine goes down in the middle of the night, and you don’t have the part
to do repairs in the field, you’re dead in the water.” Although he says
experience will teach you what spare parts you’ll need to stock, you also have
to find a company that has everything you need. “There are 20 or 25 stock parts
that each of our trailers has in the toolbox. RAHSCO always has the parts for
our inventory.”
His
success has helped him achieve his personal goals and find time for his
hobbies, though not the typical kind. “My grandkids are my hobby,” he says.
With nine grandchildren, they definitely keep Daryl busy.
He has
big plans for the future too. He still has hope and an idea; both have simply
grown bigger with time. “Our plan is to have an employee-owned company; that’s
where we’re going”. He says his employees are helping him build their business
and his. And he sees only success for them both.
Drue can be
reached by email at WrightRightEnt@aol.com.
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