Chris Pintek

If you have a goal, you should really stick with it. If you’re positive about it will always work out just fine.

 

Chris Pintek is an entrepreneur is a free spirit with a record of success that has followed him throughout his career. He has been in the automotive industry throughout his career. He started out as a paint detailer for an automotive dealership in Daytona Beach, Florida. Before long he was promoted to a management position for the shop. Soon After Chris was transferred to their Orlando location to run the detail shop at the car auction. However, after the first year, he was promoted to the collision department to write auto repairs. By the following year, he was promoted to management and was running the collision department for the car auction. Looking for a change, Chris moved to another dealership in Orlando, Florida to try his hand in sales and his success continued by becoming number one for that year. He relocated back to Daytona Beach.

Chris Pintek started his business while he was in Daytona Beach. He was working with a customer, and they began a conversation about the previous owner’s retirement from the inflatables business. Ever vigilant about new opportunities, Chris made the decision to start his own business. He maintained his position with the dealership while he began this business. But two years later, Chris Pintek was transferred to their Texas dealership. His buiness was relocated to Texas and has been a successful business for the past four years.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

When I was thinking about a name for the company, I was thinking along the lines of bounce something or other. But I decided that when kids are using these toys, they are having fun, and they are inflatables. It just made sense to call it Fun Inflatables.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Up at 5:30. Take vitamins and protein shake, and I am ready for work by 7. I work at the dealership service department. I take care of customers that come in for service. Aside from their regular service for maintenance I let them know all of the options that can be made available to them either for their convenience or to improve performance. I am done at the shop at 4. I go to the gym.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I get my ideas from my customers. I listen to what my customers want. I research manufacturers who provide the inventory that I require. If it is financially feasible, I make it happen. If it is not economically viable at the time, I will put it on the new inventory list for the future.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I like to think that I can make more money next year then I did this past year. I concentrate on marketing and really getting the word out there. I’d like to see my business become the new trend. That would really excite me!

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

The one habit I have is to push to get more customers. I sometimes overload myself. I have two people who work with me. I have to make sure all of the equipment is clean and ready for any events.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Always be positive about yourself and what you are doing. If you have a goal, you should really stick with it. If you’re positive about it will always work out just fine.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Some people have the idea that I should advertise differently. They have their own concepts of how I should run my business. I run it the way I want in the long run, I am right!

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I work a full-time job and running your own business, so I have to be able to manage my time really well. I have two days off a week. My company knows that and works with me. I use that time to book events. I use my vacation time to do the same.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I have to make sure that my website stays up to the ranks on Google, as well as on social media. I have to update consistently. They have to be managed every day.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Trying to find helpers that will stick with me. I pay them really well, but it is only a part-time job. I have to hire younger people who don’t have a family. I need referrals from customers.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I have been looking at a year-round business. Perhaps ice machines or vending machines. Just keep your eyes open. I look for things that people know all the time, such as ice, food, coffee. It just should not be too complicated.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I bought a pair of Nike sneakers.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I use my Google page to run my business.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I am really not a book person. I have done my own thing all of my life. I am building my business on my own intuition.

What is your favorite quote?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Key learnings:

• Nice out-going person who enjoys life
• I enjoy helping at charity events
• I live life on my own terms

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