Lee Triplett

Treat employees well, and their work will help build the brand.

 

Lee Triplett is a successful entrepreneur, and the brains behind Perfect Choice Exteriors. Lee started this company after noticing a huge gap in the remodeling market. Through hard work, and determination, he has managed to grow the company into a respectable player in the home remodeling business. As a manager, one of his key defining characteristics is respect for employees. Lee always listens to employee needs, and always ensures that they are well remunerated. This motivates them to give the exceptional work quality that Perfect Choice is known for. Besides, running a successful business, Lee also has a good social life. He is a family man, and enjoys traveling the world with his family. The Triplett’s have been to several UNESCO heritage sites across the world. Lee is also into golf, and regularly enjoys a swing with his close friends. He is also a very charitable person and has helped lots of homeless people in his home area. He often gives them food, clothes and some money to take care of their basic needs. He is so passionate about helping that, he always tries to engage with them, and get to know their stories. He is an excellent time manager who can comfortably juggle between work, and other activities.

Where did the idea for Perfect Choice Exteriors come from?

The idea was a natural extension of my work. I was working in the real estate industry for many years, before I started this company. Through experience, I identified a gap in the remodeling market, and went for it. So far, everything is good. I am happy that I took this decision.

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

My typical workday starts at 8 a.m. I meet with all our staff, and make sure that everything is set for the day. I then head out to pitch our company to prospective clients for the better part of the day. To make my day more productive, I always ensure that all internal issues are resolved before I leave the office.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I am sociable person and interact with lots of people within the day. This gives me insights into what the market wants, and then I implement these ideas.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The increased power of artificial intelligence in 3D modeling is making work really easy for us. Virtual reality is another technology that is likely to revolutionize this industry in the next decade.

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

I always deal with one issue at a time. This helps me work faster, especially when handling complex customer issues.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to take more risks without fear. You may lose some, but ultimately, you will emerge victorious.

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

I believe that in the future, robots will take most tasks in the real estate industry. Most of my friends think it’s too futuristic, but it’s already happening.

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

I always put a friendly face when talking to clients, no matter how outrageous their demands are. I would recommend that all entrepreneurs to do the same. Being able to relate well with customers is key to retaining them.

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

My strategy is simple. Treat employees well, and their work will help build the brand. All our employees, especially the field ones, are well remunerated and treated with respect.

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

My biggest failure was starting an underfunded logistics firm. It failed terribly! I didn’t have industry knowledge, and the business was not well funded. I learnt how to concrete on businesses that I understand. I have no regrets!

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

I have noticed that there is a huge demand for solar power. A business focused on solar installations could be lucrative.

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

I bought a homeless family food and clothes. I felt happy knowing that I had positively touched their lives.

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

I use WhatsApp a lot. It helps in communication with all my staff and give directions via video, when the need arises.

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

I would recommend The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. This offers lots of useful insights for business, especially startups.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is “price is what you pay, value is what you get”, by Warren Buffet. It’s a quote that has helped me make very rational decisions in my business, especially when sourcing for supplies.

Key Learnings:

• Risk taking
• Decisiveness
• Effective Communication

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