Ken: So Doug, to wrap things up, what do you think the one thing is that you can attribute your success to more than anything else?
Doug: I would say making sure that every project is done right, and that way you’ll always get that call back if they happen to be looking again, or they have a friend that happens to be looking. Always keep in mind that this a business to make a profit, so charge a fair fee and don’t back down, you’re worth it. And if you make sure that that project is done right, then you’ll know that you can sleep at night, and that’s all you can do. The other thing, follow up. It’s all about follow up in this business. You attempt to direct something, and of course, it doesn’t always happen. You have to just continue to make sure that you follow up to make sure whatever that is gets done. I guess the last thing I would say is coming through on your promises. Whatever expectations you’ve set, of which you have to set those expectations with the client and team early, and then they know what’s going to happen, and then you have to come through. That’s vital to your success.
Ken: It sounds like great communication and delivering excellence. Those are the two things it sounds like that really have made you stand out from the crowd. 1. Being able to connect with people, being able to have great communication with yourself and with your prospects and clients, and then 2. Always knowing that you’re going to over deliver and make sure that the project goes really, really well for your clients. That’s what gets you the referral business that keeps you thriving, right?
Doug: That’s right. That’s what I go for, that’s what I attempt, and it’s a constant battle. I really enjoy it. That’s what it comes down to, I really enjoy it.
Ken: That’s great, and you do have to love what you do, right?
Doug: You do have to love what you do. You shouldn’t be doing it for the money, you should be doing it for what you love, and the money will come.
Ken: Right. So Doug, how can people reach you and DesignLine Architects?
Doug: My office is in Gilbert. My phone number is 480-710-3861. You can find me on the web at www.designlinearchitects.com. My email is drusk@designlinearchitects.com. I’m available five days a week from eight to five is my normal hours, but I’m willing to flex on those hours if needed.
Ken: Just like every other successful entrepreneur, right?
Doug: That’s right.
Ken: Thank you so much for being on today, Doug. I appreciate it. Again, we’ve been talking to Doug Rusk from DesignLine Architects. Doug owns and operates an architectural design firm in the Phoenix market, serving both residential and commercial clients on custom home plans and tenant improvement and remodeling plans. Doug, I want to thank you very much for being on the show today.
Doug: Ken, thank you so much. I appreciate your time and the opportunity to talk to you.
