I. Cuevas Interview by Prince John Gaither-Eli
Ismael Cuevas, co-founder of Brothers Rental Services, talks with us about the experience of his family company’s first year in business. Sharing his thoughts on customer service, advertising, and leaving a legacy, Mr. Cuevas hopes his business grows in the future.
Daniel Cuevas, co-founder of Brothers Rental Services, also shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship and the future. With a wisdom and insight that belies his age, Daniel tempers enthusiasm with pragmitism. See his commentary on entrepreneursip and the need to do more than “work” for money but “create” for wealth.
Why Did You Open Your Own Business?
Our current jobs are not enough for us to achieve a better lifestyle for our families. Having our own business allows us to network gaining new relationships in the business world as well as from a client/customer perspective. You know, you needs and wants come up and you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Having a business allows us to maximize the personal and professional value of relationships.
I want to teach my children the value of money by not giving them everything they may want but being able to provide them with what they need. Operating a business offers a way to achieve this goal because it generates options a job can not provide.
Who Is Daniel Cuevas?
I am an average guy. I am working for a better life for me and my family. I am a family man. If I had to describe myself in three words, I would say I am ambitious but not greedy, passionate but not obsessive, and gracious but not overeager. Some people say I have “intelligent wisdom” but I leave that for others to share and tell.
What Is Brothers Rental Services?
A company that provides tables, chairs, coolers, and jumpers for different events and occassions. You know, we got the idea for this type of company from a neighbor who is a caterer. Her clients would ask her did she know of anyone who rents tables and chairs. I began to think, along with my brother, Ismael, we should start a business providing these services and products. Beginning in April 2010, we launched BRS. I feel very good and grateful about the success of our business in our first year. We didn’t think we would that much business but we had quite a bit.
When naming our company, we wanted a name that showed our relationship as brothers and recognized our family bond. For us, the name shows the power of unified action. It also has an auditory appeal to it or so we thought.
What Has Been The Most Difficult About Operating Your Company?
Not all the people think the way you do regarding how people should be treated. In my culture, we say, “have a cool head”. We have had instances where equipment was damaged and issues where customers did not want to pay. The most difficult part of life is interacting with people because it can go very well or go very bad. The people problem is also a people solution so you take the good with the bad. Overall, BRS has been received very well.
Where Do You See BRS In The Next Five Years?
I see the company growing. We would like to offer more services and products and invest in capital improvements such as equipment and logistics. We would like to progress to the point were BRS is creating jobs for other people expanding throughout the state of North Carolina.
Did You Do A Business Plan Before You Started Your Business?
No. Because we did not know exactly how to go about it as well as things moving very quickly. However, we have used business cards, flyers, and newspapers to promote our business. We have thought about advertising the business through the internet. At this time, we are looking to do a strategic plan for 2012 as well as do a five-year plan to infuse more structure into our operations.
What Advice Would You Offer To Those Considering Being Entrepreneurs?
To open a business, you must look at the market to see if your business model is appropriate. You need to acquire business intelligence regarding price, quality, and quantity. You want to be sensitive to price but not be cheap regarding quality. You must balance price and quality with your competition but keep the customer in the heart of what you do. They are the most important part of a business.
Two brothers with one ambition, to be a success. With this motto, “Make Your Guest Feel Good” or as they say in Spanish, “Has Que Tus Invitados Se Sientan Bien”, Brothers Rental Services may achieve just what they desire.
