Persistence is an essential tool if you want to run your own successful business.”
Having never enjoyed a classroom environment and possessing an aptitude for water treatment technologies, Dave Parker was compelled to start a business and create his own professional opportunities. Raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, Dave took pleasure in working with his hands and having been exposed to the plumbing trade, he acquired foundational skills essential to running his own company. At the age of 27, he opened Clear Flow Water Solutions to what he describes as the “greatest outcome possible”. Dave generated profit from his business and after years of hard work he was able to provide job opportunities to others interested in the industry. Dave takes great satisfaction in working with a team and developing ideas, however, he also recognizes the importance of balancing his time. When he is not at work he has his hands full being a father and a husband. Dave works to set a positive example for his family by constantly improving the service of his family business and always looking forward.
Where did the idea for Clear Flow Water Solutions come from?
I had first developed an interest in the plumbing trade, however as my knowledge expanded I wanted to learn more about water treatment technologies. I aimed to have control over the outcome of every job, so I could offer my services to the best possible standard. Quality control and developing professional relationships with my clients were both motivating factors when it came to opening my own business.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
The most important aspect when owning a business is to be organized. This is achieved by developing a schedule that works for you and maintaining it. Certain days, I’m out in the field, yet I will need to do follow-ups, return calls, check emails, prepare estimates, and communicate with my office staff to make sure we are all on the same page. This is expected of me daily, so efficiency and quality are both key.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It is an amazing experience to watch my ideas take form. When I first began Clear Flow Water Solutions it was as if it was meant to be, most potential concerns were non-existent, and everything fell into place. Of course, we have days when issues arise but they only help us improve our services.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Having a social media presence excites me as we can reach millions of users from the click of a button. We can share information and promote our services to multiple geographic locations and to thousands of individuals interested in our type of business from the comfort of a screen.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Persistence is an essential tool if you want to run your own successful business. There will always be instances that challenge you professionally, and results are not always immediate. Success is a journey and by recognizing certain pitfalls you can improve and move forward as a business.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I would not describe any previous employments as “bad” as they were all learning opportunities for me. My past jobs only motivated me to succeed and it is because of those experiences that I was able to open my own business.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would not change anything as I am content with what the company has become and how we continue to grow. The only aspect I would alter is to try not to worry to such an extent and enjoy every moment of the process.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Customers are the most important factor when it comes to any business and it is that relationship which will determine your success. To continue to prosper we need to follow up with our clients so we can make necessary changes and improve accordingly.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Always strive for the “wow” factor with each customer. At Clear Flow Water Solutions, we go above and beyond expectations with every call that we receive. We strive to make excellent customer service a norm by listening to the customers’ needs and then performing to the best of our abilities. That is how we have achieved a large customer base which continues to grow.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Hiring new employees and having them not work out, it makes me feel as though I failed as a leader. I learned that things don’t always go as planned and as long as I always do my best and put in 100% I am on the right track.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A site that offers greater crowdsourced reviews for specific businesses. Customers often go online and research a business before purchasing a service so to be able to scroll through extensive reviews would greatly benefit local businesses.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Being able to balance my professional career and my personal life is very important to me. As a result, I think it is very important to take time to yourself. I recently got a massage and it was a great way to relieve any underlying stress.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
We use so many different software programs it would be difficult to name just one. However, I will say that we use only the best services of the highest quality when dealing with our customers as they are our top priority.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
A book I would recommend would be “From Worst to First” by Gordon Bethune, it provides great inspiration and helpful strategies for aspiring business owners.
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.