Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandon Smithwick, Co-Owner of Discount Glass and Screen, located in Holt, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Discount Glass and Screen has been around since 1989 as a locally owned window glass and screen repair shop in Holt, Michigan, near Lansing. We fix and replace broken glass in windows/doors and screens for both residential homes and commercial buildings. In addition, we offer pet-proof screens and mirror replacement, and we take custom requests. Most of our clientele is age 35+ who own their home, property managers/owners, apartment complexes, and some commercial establishments.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been the go-getter that was curious about culture, what makes people tick, and how business decisions are made. I was what you’d call experiential with trying new things, not sticking to my immediate circle, and looking forward to how to make a difference. This led me to be more into being entrepreneurial and always have side jobs to bring in extra income. Long-term, I wanted to be in business for myself but knew enough to grow my foundation first before making this a reality. This path allowed me to partner with my brother, David Johnson, to purchase Discount Glass and Screen at the end of 2020.
My motivation is to be a part of something bigger than myself. Exploring the unknowns of the business, navigating the building of relationships with our team as well as our customers, taking this real-life experience, and sharing it with others. This is what excites me. It isn’t about the product or service but more of the difference I can make. Owning a business has been one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever endured.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Two accomplishments I’d say are leading myself along with getting to know my brother better than I ever did and working together to achieve a higher revenue volume in the first year of ownership than the previous owner ever achieved during his 30+ years in business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Self-leading myself. I must lead myself if I want to lead my team. It isn’t about me or the business, as it’s more about the culture and examples you set as a leader. You must take ownership of what needs to be done regardless of who is responsible. My brother and I have defined roles in the business; however, there have been times when I have had to step in and take over certain tasks like repairing screens or cutting glass. When either of us extends past our own responsibilities, we see this as serving our team and placing the business first before our personal preferences.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Invest in yourself. Never stop learning, and continue to grow your knowledge and learn more about who you are. The better you know who you are, the better you can know your team. Learn to be an energy producer than an energy drainer.
- Build your network, and do not place all your eggs in one basket. You need to diversify. Treat the business as an investment and continue to look for new opportunities to expand. When you learn to serve your network, it will be reciprocated back to you.
- Be humble. You don’t know everything. Don’t take your network for granted. Partner with those that have opposite strengths than you and can help take you to the next level. They may or may not have a higher stature than you. When you humble yourself as a business owner, it becomes less of a competition as you focus on yourself and how to grow the business. You are not there to outpace your team or partners but rather work as a team to move everyone up the ladder. After all, you must get rid of the “employee” mentality. Become a humble leader.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://discountglassandscreen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discountglassandscreen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjsmithwick/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsmithwick/
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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