Walter Williams – Owner of William’s Stone Masonry
1. Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Walter Williams; I am a 51-year-old man that has been involved in stone masonry for the majority of my life. I was born and raised in Fairview, North Carolina and have always been an athlete. I always try to enjoy life and I like talking to people. I consider myself a hard worker and believe in doing a good job for all customers. My favorite activity is spending as much time with my grandson as I possibly can.
2. Can you tell me how you got involved with Stone Masonry?
When I was 17 I observed some Stone Mason’s laying rock and decided that was a trade I wanted to pursue. I started as a laborer and after 7-8 years I felt that I had mastered the trade. The trade is nothing but hard work. When I originally started there were no stone yards to pick up your rocks, you had to go out into the mountains and dig them up, carry them to the truck and haul them to the job site. When you’re doing a large home it takes a lot of rocks, 1 ton covers 30-35 square feet. I like the trade because it keeps me in shape and I love the thrill of heights. I had a mentor named Raymond Pressley who not only taught him the trade but inspired me and drove me to success.
3. Could you give me some examples to illustrate the challenges you have faced starting your own business?
When I first started the challenge was to convince customers that my services were legitimate and good. I really had to get out there and show the clients what I was made out of and what I could do. Some challenges I faced when starting my business was coming up with the initial amount of money that it took to get the business started, and finding reliable help. Starting your own business is a challenge in itself in every aspect. You have to have confidence and believe in yourself no matter what.
4. When problems arise within your company, how do you resolve them?
I resolve the problems in my company by first sitting back and evaluating the situation. When problems arise, I first figure out how it happened, what caused it to happen, and how it needs to be solved. I have found this method to work for all problems stemming from issues on the job all the way to my employers. You have to be smart when you handle situations and remain levelheaded.
5. How have the experiences that you have had during your entire career influenced the way you now run your business?
I have had some bad employees which have forced me into getting better references from other employers to insure the quality of new employees. I have had excellent experiences with safety; I have always been safe with no majors accidents reported on the job. I take pride in continuing to keep it that way.
6. How did you first begin to market your business?
I began to market my business by word of mouth, which still to this day continues to be my best source of marketing. I also marketed with business cards, hats, t-shirts, and had an ongoing portfolio of pictures. I also marketed by sponsoring my children’s athletic teams.
7. How do you determine what or who to market?
With word of mouth I always had more than enough business. I never turned down a job unless I couldn’t do it do because I had too much business and not enough help. No job was too big or small for me.
8. How much time on an average week do you dedicate to your business?
I spent 12-14 hours a day, 5 days a week dedicated to my business. So average 60 to 70 hours a week.
9. Can you give a percentage of how you dedicate your time to the different aspects of your business?
I spend 100 percent of my time making sure that the client is happy. I believe in doing what makes the customer happy, 100 percent customer satisfaction. As far as the different aspects I spend 10% traveling/billing, 15% spending time with the customers, and the remaining 75% of the time laying rock.
10. Do you have any future plans of expanding?
Yes I plan on expanding; so far I have started with 1 employer and ended up with 7 employees.
11. Could you describe a typical day?
First thing in the morning I wake up and get dressed. Then I go get the employees and the trucks loaded with the appropriate tools. Then we stop and get breakfast and head to the job. Once we are on the job I start by staking strings and setting up forms. Then the crew makes the mud to lay the rock and set up scaffolding. Then everyone starts carrying/wheel barrowing rocks to the locations we are going to build for the day. Then I start laying the corners of the structure and continue onto the remaining of the structure. When the structure is done, we clean up the job site and head home.
12. How did you receive knowledge that related to your business?
Hands on is the best way to keep up with the best practices in my industry! I also attend seminars on the newest products in industry.
13. How do you think you compare to some of the larger business in your industry?
The quality of our work was better, it is easier for me to manage my crew and look over the job since we are smaller. I am also the owner and I get in there with the guys, and work with them all day long so I know everything that is going on.
14. Are there any particular changes you would like to make to help advance your business?
The only change that I would like to make would be to travel less and do more work that is closer to home. Other than that I am comfortable where I am at, and with the employees and clients that I have.
15. What advice would you give to someone who was considering a career in your particular industry?
I would tell someone considering a career in stone masonry to most importantly to be motivated, honest, and to believe in themselves. Always no matter the circumstance respect others.
