​TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?
Robert Brigman, Owner/operator: I kind of stumbled into it.  I was young and needed a stable job.  After I got into the industry, the more I learned the better I liked it.  I really enjoy working outside and taking care of our customers.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?
Robert: While working for a larger company, I started out as a New Start Technician and progressed my way up in the company to management and builder sales.  I was working long hours and out of town often.  It has always been my goal to start my own business.

TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
Robert: It was a big struggle the first couple of years.  I worked two jobs until the business got big enough to maintain our family. I've never been one to quit or give up.  God has truly blessed us.  We owe everything to Him.  My wife Tracy has been beside me from day one.  She has been my one true constant that I could count on.  The business wouldn't be where it is today without her help.

TSR: When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional ?
Robert: It all began in March 2008.

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you had to face?
Robert: Taking that first step.  Putting everything you have on the line.  It was a scary thing, but now looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.

TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
Robert: Spartanburg is my home town.  This is one of the best places in the country to live.  The people are great and down to Earth.  You can still ride down the road and wave to a complete stranger and they will wave back.  The people are personable and I really like that about this area.

TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?
Robert: 1.  Great customer service!  With us, you are not just a customer number at a certain address.
2.  No contracts required!
3.  Quarterly services are guaranteed.  If you ever have a problem in between services, we come back out at no extra charge.

TSR: Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
Robert: I think the internet technology we have available to us today has helped our business, but our biggest growth has definitely been from word of mouth. Satisfied customers telling their friends and family about us has helped us grow by leaps and bounds, and we appreciate that more than they will ever know!

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018?
Robert: I am currently training a new technician.  I hope to have him on the road soon.  He is a great addition to our company.  Very personable and customer service oriented.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
Robert: I'm not sure about the answer to that question.  I truly believe we are right where God wants us to be.  We have steady growth and a customer base of great people we love to take care of!  We continue to grow, and that is all I can ask for.

TSR: Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
Robert: Still providing great customer service and growing.  Taking things one step at a time.

TSR: What is the best way for our readers to connect with your team and to take advantage of what your company has to offer?
Robert: Call us at (864)384-1442

I sat down for coffee with Mr. Michael Terry, owner of Dirtbusters Carpet Cleaning! We discussed why he got into the carpet cleaning business, why he loves it and what his plans are for the future of his business. Learn more below....

TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?
Michael Terry, Owner/Operator of Dirtbusters: I chose it because I couldn’t get anybody to clean my carpet. I wanted to be in business on my own, and anything you do you have to have a love for it. I had a guy who was to clean my carpet, but he was so busy, kept breaking appointments, so I finally said can I ride with you? And so I rode with him a couple times and it just seemed like something I really wanted to do. So now I am kind of in his shoes.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?
Michael: I like the freedom! I like to go to things like my daughters graduation, if I’m sick, or just tired, no doctor’s note needed, whatever reason, I don’t have to answer to an employer. I remember one time, being pulled into my (superior’s) office, they had said they wanted to see me…then all week it had me worried, then it really turned our it was about nothing! But it let me how much control other people had over my life, and I didn’t like that feeling.
 
TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
Michael: If you have a love for what you do, and you have a satisfied customer, that’s just… well, I had a woman hug me last week! She was going to throw her carpet away, I was able to save it… she said I don’t mean anything personal but can I give you a hug? I said sure, like the commercial says, that’s priceless.

TSR: When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional ?
Michael: I would say when I put the first real money in it… I purchased a machine at that particular time that cost $70,000, at that time that was my reality. At that point I was committed! 

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you had to face?
Michael: Learn the business. Everyone has different ways. Every stain is different. Even today, I just came across a carpet cleaning chemical that so far, is just outta this world.  It took me over ten years to find it. That’s just it, things are always changing. Learning, going to school, finding what works best for you. Instead of spending three hours in a house, you get to the point where you can spend an hour and forty five minutes, that was just hard to learn to get more productive. Just learning the trade… we want to do right by people, you are in people’s homes. They want results and they expect you to know it when you walk in the door, everything pertaining to carpet.  You’ve gotta stay up on it. 

​TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
Michael: You get to interact with a lot of people. Me, being a former officer, when you are in somebody’s house, I feel like we can always share a story. I feel like somewhere along the line I can benefit them. I have some people that tell me they made a decision because of me, that changed their lives, you know, because of my experience, they can look on the website, there’s me, in my uniform. So sometimes I have people ask me to stop, do I have a few minutes to just talk to their son or their daughter… because they know my history. I used to deal with the DJJ kids, who were in trouble, that really kind of feels good that I can make a difference, help others in the community.

TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?
Michael: I would say my guarantees on work. A lot of people have “guarentees” like (one company) say if they can’t get a spot off, they discount the next time they clean… customers are not interested in that, they are interested in THIS cleaning. So, I’ve got a concept, if you are really dissatisfired, you don’t owe me nothing. I won’t take anything from you. You have sever days from the time I walk out of your house. No body offers that… I will come back and fix whatever is wrong free of charge. I don’t nickel and dime you, if the price goes up because of something I didn’t know, we have not talked about it on the phone, I clarify. If the price goes up a little more, then I eat it. They even had it on the news, some of these companies say it’s such a price for three rooms… then they come out, measure the size of these three rooms, you did not see that coming! Now your paying three times as much as they said it would be. I don’t do that. 

TSR: Has technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
Michael: Yes. New machines, like the CRV, where I used to have to scrub the carpet with a tool, that technology does it for me, one or two passes (over the carpet) is equal to me doing five hundred times in one spot, just with one part of the technology. It makes our service be a better clean, again, more productive. 

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018?
Michael: I don’t see any major changes. My goal is to pass this onto my son, see what he wants to do with it. I thought about expanding, but my standards are high. I’ve trained a couple of people, then when they get to a customers house, there may be a problem, I would just rather deal with it myself. It never was about money with me, even though I know I’m going to make money, it’s got to be a personal service. With my experience as an officer monitoring even some of the worse detention centers, I run into people all the time now, and never once have I had a bad experience. They know I treated them like men. I’ve always told them the difference between me and you is just a charge. I will always do my job respectfully, always firm and consistent, and men respect that. So, when I’m out and about I never have to watch my back. That’s no different in this business.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
Michael: I think I would have studied up on the equipment more before I got it. I bought a lot of equipment that gave me a lot of problems, but I had just rushed into it. I should have just took my time. I would have done more. I finally got all my schooling, but I should have gotten more before I just jumped out there. That defiantly cost me a lot of time. 

TSR: Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
Michael: Just give to my son whatever of it he wants to take. 

You can schedule Dirtbusters Carpet Cleaning to give you a free quote at 864-416-7547 or visit them on Facebook

Mike Hall, Owner of The Spartanburg Review, spoke with James Mullins, owner of Showtime Window Tinting in Spartanburg! James has been tinting windows in Spartanburg for 20 years this year and loves the one on one connection he has with his customers. Read about James and his company below!

TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?
James, Owner/Operator Showtime Window Tinting: My Grandfather and I would always get together on Saturdays, you know, mow the lawn , work around the house, repair things, cars… it just kind of morphed into a way to remember him.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?
James: I was working in my field, as a robot technician. The job market then was kind of in and out. I got laid off a few times, I said, I gotta find something to supplement my income. I would like to do something dealing with cars.

TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
James: I guess, as a kid, my dad told me, we had _____ we had to _____ everyday, like read for an hour, do that kind of stuff. It was drilled into me from like the third, fourth grade, failure is not an option.  

TSR: When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional ?
James: I started it around 1992 just kind of working on detailing at my job, and working on tint for people at my job. For their spouse, my friends. It was’nt much about the pay it was just a hobby. It was just an interest I had, so I started learning about different polishes, so I started with {a national branded chain}  just calling their service department, asking how does this work, why does it work, things like that. They started sending me different products to try. I actually got started in my mom’s garage. The official business really didn’t become key until maybe 1998/99….

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you faced right away?
James: Probably financing the overhead during the off season. The other thing would be the nay-sayers, the let down as far as dealerships. I had to tell myself, this just works.

TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
James: Basically, just watching it grow. I started out with doctors, lawyers, major companies sales reps, taking care of their vehicles, and I’ve seen the trend from older corporations, that generation growing older, they retire and  their offspring stepping in so they are always trendy, you’d have to pick up another market. Local dealerships start out very small, now have grown to larger, and I’ve met those guys, and they just happen to be the sales guy or in service, and over the years I’ve done work for them, and now they are the GM. So, I grew with our community.

TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?
James: Mainly, the one on one, personal relationships I have had with my customers. I meet a customer, they are now my friend, I’m here to help them out. Verses just financing, trying to get their money, my years of expirence and dedication. I’m determined to make each customer unquestionably satisfied, whether I make a profit or not.

TSR: Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
James: It has. If I were to start now, verse what I did years ago, it took me 10-12 years to do what the internet can do in two years.

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018?
James: Actually, I’m still learning, always bringing on new products. I would say continual improvement. (for instance) Ceramic coating…. It’s actually a product that is made of silicon dioxide, like a glass, phosphorus coating that shields paint, metal, plastic. It has UV protection, developed for aerodynamic technologies, and in the last five years has made it into the market. Basically, nothing actually sticks to it! Spray paint, graffiti, gasoline, degreasers, any kind of agent that would normally rip through the clear coat… and it repels it. It lasts for 7 years! If it’s double coated, it’s guaranteed for life.

TSR: What is it about your team players that contributes to your company's overall public perception?
James: I do outsource some, with others in our community. We work really well as a team to get stuff done.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
James: Maybe I could have had a better business plan. But things were so unpredictable, gas prices, the rising costs of petroleum, but the school of hard knocks is a good teacher!

TSR: Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
James: Probably adding two more shops. One in NC, and maybe another shop in SC. 

James' shop is located at 9 Old Blackstock Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29301, and the phone number is 864-809-2805
​You can also visit his Facebook page to see some of his work as well!
So, if you need car window tinting in Spartanburg, check out Showtime Window Tinting and let James take care of you! 

Debbie Hall with The Spartanburg Review sat down with Jennifer Spears, owner of MonoEmono Creations. Jennifer makes handmade home decor, craft pieces, etc. Read more to find out about this unique business!

TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?
Jennifer: I have just always like crafts, doing things. I am a teacher, so I finished schooling and raising kids, and this was a chance to get back to doing what I like. This ended up being a hobby that I get paid for.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?
Jennifer: I’ve always kind of done a lot of extra things. This way, I can do this at home, my husband and I kind of can do this together, sometimes when I get really busy the kids can help too. It’s good to be able to make money while doing something fun with all of us together.

TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
Jennifer: I really like when people bring me pictures, send me things and say “Hey, can you do this?” and then for me to attack it, see if it’s something I really want to do. I just love when people do that, and anytime I kind of get bored doing a few similar things, someone new always comes along with something new I can try.

TSR: When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional?
Jennifer: It really took only about four months. With this type of business, there’s no overhead, we started at home as just a hobby.

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you faced right away?
Jennifer: Figuring out to say NO to things… people come up with things that are just them looking for a deal. I understand my value. People should realize what you are doing counts.

 TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
Jennifer: There’s just always someone wanting something done custom. I love custom work. I kind of tease and say there might be some people in Spartanburg that I am just outfitting their house because I can do what they want, just me.

TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?
Jennifer: I’m pretty fast at what I do. I am lucky to have a husband who does graphic art, I can’t do it myself and he can do whatever… I have enjoyed moving into the wood side, he really enjoys that while I can work on the customizations that they want. I am easy to work with.

TSR: Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
Jennifer: It’s the only way to get out there anymore. It’s the only way I sell. If I don’t advertise, I don’t have orders.

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018? 
Jennifer: This will be my first full calendar year, my goal is to double what I’ve made in the six months previous. A huge bulk of my business is repeat customers.

TSR: What is it about your team players that contributes to your company's overall public perception?
Jennifer: My family… I have three beautiful girls, my children are very quick to post whatever I am making, and they encourage me all around. And what it had taught them… getting out of debt, working for something we want, like going on a cruise. The can see if you want something and you work for it, without using budget money, you can do it. Now one of my girls has started something all her own.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
Jennifer: I think just learning as you go along. I think I bought some things I ended up never needing, so we are learning as we go along. We change the processes as we learn a better way, a faster way. We won’t have a “one way” we do any one project… that would alter the creativity. We said from day one, if I get bored or overwhelmed, we will step back. This way I can just do my own thing.

To see more of Jennifer's creations, or to place an order for a creation of your own, visit their website MonoEmono Creations or on their Facebook page!

I spoke with Chad Pye, owner/operator and creator of The Firm Fitness Center in Spartanburg. Chad opened up his new gym, located at  473 E. Blackstock Rd. in Spartanburg!  Chad opened about 6 weeks ago and said the response so far has been great! Read on and see what he has to say about his new place!

TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?

Chad Pye, Owner/Operator of FIRM Fitness Spartanburg: “I’m a lawyer by trade, and I’ve been practicing law for 20 years, but I’ve always been into fitness. I used to train at a local gym here in Spartanburg, it was just a phenomenal gym…. He ended up going out of business, and everyone was sent over to another local gym. It was like going from a Rolls-Royce to a Pinto. People didn't like it, I didn't like it. But I’m one of these guys who is a doer, not a talker. So, I said, “ You know what? I’ll step up, I’ll do a Gym!” But I wanted it to be like {the first local gym} was, I want it to have something for the hardcore person, you know the real intense person, to the casual, who just want to do the treadmill or ride the bike. I’m one of these people who if I say something, I’m going to do it. I guess from seeing a problem, as a lawyer, I just want to fix it.  The concept was to kind of have a combination of all the gyms I’ve liked.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?

Chad: A lot of people talk about getting a franchise. The owner at {the other local gym} has talked with me about that. You're paying for a name, and if you own a franchise, you’re an employee of that franchise. You work for the corporate headquarters. My whole life I’ve been into fitness, I knew what people wanted in a gym, so I created it. It’s been fun!

TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?

Chad: We’ve only been open about six weeks. What’s inspired me is the smile on people’s faces, them saying “Thank you for doing this”… “The Westside of Spartanburg needed this!” For example, you have only one place to do Barre class… it costs $150 a month. Here it’s like $10 a month, no waiting. 

TSR: What date would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional ?

Chad: Our opening day late March, but we’re still adding equipment. We are always putting in something new to try!

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you faced right away?

Chad: Getting the equipment here. I had it all custom colored, upholstered, all matched because I didn’t get {one complete set up} I selected and got the very best of the best for each piece of equipment. So the most challenging was getting it here.

TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
​
Chad: I think of the gym community. I think this gives the community everything in one spot. You come to this one location, you get 8,000 square feet of everything you need. We even have a power lifting area, no one else offers that. 

​TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?

Chad: We do not have contracts. If you don’t want to be here, we won’t penalize you. No hidden fees, you will find {other gyms in Spartanburg} have a ton of hidden fees and penalties. When you think through it all, we are cheaper than other gyms!  (other notes during our interview we at TSR recognize as terrific perks)  we have a Cross-fit room… PLUS your “regular things” most gyms have, free weights, pin-stacks, cardio machines, everything all under one roof. We have private showers, not communal, private dressing rooms, stand-up tanning, childcare, very open viewing of your child while you work out, We just took the best of the best we have seen and rolled it into one.   You can’t even go into another gym in Spartanburg and even find the range of supplements we sell. 

TSR: Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?

Chad: Yes, the internet along with social media for sure. It plays a big part of advertising.  

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018?

Chad: Maximum capacity will be capped at 500 members. I want a place where people are not standing in line for equipment, it’s clean. We are constantly wiping down everything! We keep our bathrooms clean, our showers clean, we just want people to be happy here.

TSR: What is it about your team players that contributes to your company's overall public perception?

Chad: Everyone’s really friendly, I get compliments (about them) all the time. Very nice, professional, well spoken.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?

Chad: Honestly, I would not have done anything any different. I was very fortunate to have found this location, the layout, I am happy with it.

Chad is excited about his new venture and says that if it continues to be as well received as it has been so far, he may look at opening another location! 
To find out more check out  The Firm Fitness Center website, or visit them on Facebook! You can also call them at 864-754-4599