Starting a business is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and valuable lessons. When I founded Precision Air in 2017, I had a vision of creating a reliable HVAC company that served both Washington and Oregon with top-quality service. However, like any entrepreneur, I quickly learned that running a business is more than just having a great idea—it requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. Looking back on my journey, I’ve gained insights that I hope can help others who are considering taking the leap into business ownership.
The First Steps: Taking the Leap
Starting a business is one of the biggest risks you can take. I had a background in HVAC, but moving from working in the industry to owning and managing a company was a completely different challenge. In the beginning, I had to handle everything—from customer service and scheduling to repairs and installations.
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was the importance of preparation. I took the time to research the market, understand local competition, and build a strong business plan. Starting a company without a plan is like driving without a map—you might eventually get somewhere, but it’s going to take a lot longer, and you’ll hit more roadblocks along the way.
Building a Strong Reputation
In the HVAC industry, reputation is everything. People don’t just hire you for your skills; they hire you because they trust you. One of the best decisions I made was focusing on customer service and quality work. I made sure every job was done right the first time, and if an issue ever came up, I fixed it without hesitation.
Word-of-mouth referrals became one of my biggest sources of business. Happy customers led to more business opportunities, and I quickly realized that providing great service was the best form of marketing. To this day, I remind my team that every job we complete is an advertisement for our company.
The Challenges of Growth
As my business grew, so did the challenges. At first, I was working long hours, trying to keep up with demand. Eventually, I had to make a tough decision—hire a team and scale the business, or stay small and handle everything myself.
Hiring employees was a learning experience. Finding the right people—those who were skilled, professional, and aligned with the values of Precision Air—wasn’t easy. I quickly learned that investing in good employees is one of the most important parts of running a business. A strong team makes all the difference in customer satisfaction and business growth.
Managing Multiple Ventures
In addition to running Precision Air, I also own rental properties. Managing both my business and real estate investments has been a balancing act. However, I’ve found that strong time management and prioritization are key to handling multiple ventures successfully.
One thing that has helped me is setting up systems and processes to ensure my business runs efficiently. For example, implementing scheduling software, automating certain tasks, and delegating responsibilities to trusted team members has allowed me to focus on growing the business rather than getting stuck in daily operations.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
After years of being an entrepreneur, there are a few key lessons I’ve learned that I believe can apply to anyone looking to start or grow a business:
- Take calculated risks – Starting a business is a risk, but smart planning and preparation can minimize potential downsides.
- Customer service is everything – Your reputation will make or break your business. Treat every customer with respect and always deliver quality work.
- Build a great team – A business is only as good as the people working in it. Invest in good employees and create a positive work culture.
- Be adaptable – Challenges and unexpected problems will always arise. The key to success is being able to adjust and find solutions quickly.
- Keep learning – Whether it’s improving technical skills, understanding financial management, or learning about marketing, always continue to grow as a business owner.
Looking to the Future
Running a business is not just about making money—it’s about building something meaningful. I take pride in the fact that Precision Air has grown into a trusted HVAC company serving Washington and Oregon. Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding, refining our services, and ensuring that we remain a company that customers can rely on.
For anyone considering entrepreneurship, my advice is simple: be prepared for challenges, but don’t let fear hold you back. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay committed, and keep learning, the rewards of building a successful business are well worth it.