Today we’d like to introduce you to Pablo Arguello.
Pablo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Every successful story starts with some foundation. My father used to say, “don’t follow your dreams; work hard to accomplish your objectives and dreams can come true.”
Back in the 90’s, freshly graduated from college, I received the opportunity to work for IBM, which later would change everything I learned from my classes. IBM showed me “belief is a powerful thing and the pursuit of a belief is to manifest it into reality.” To pursue something implies that it already exists, which means your choice to pursue is, in itself, the creation of the dream you are grasping for. Pursuing your dreams means rejecting the claim that something is impossible.
It is how everything started. By using process, tools, and teamwork, we created solutions to fit specific needs of our customers, we tailored and designed products that work and take our customers to different levels of success.
After a decade in the IBM business school, other valuable opportunities showed up at my door. I received the opportunity to be part of a research team to create a new communication technology for Rice University. That’s how I ended up in Houston, TX.
In 2003, I needed a job. I was offered a job to be part of a painting company which was very well recognized in Houston since they were in business for almost 20 years. It was incredible the way they handle the business; very old school, they had boxes and boxes of files. Computers were not part of the business, but the way they did the work was extremely professional. Never in my life had I held a paintbrush and suddenly, I am the office manager of this company.
After 12 months and naive decisions, I went into a partnership to create a new company. After struggling for almost 3 years I realize that I forgot the golden rule “using process, tools and teamwork” success would be around the corner.
We changed our vision and mission of the company. I got back to school to learn construction and design and 2008 we got our first real breakthrough. Even though for years we were never in the red, money was tight. That year changed everything for me. I was tired of managing a simple painting company and I was ready to change my path, remodeling or design?
For 4 years, we were in the remodeling business, which was very successful but did not fulfill my creativity. I wanted a change and I let go of everything.
By 2013, our mission changed, SCM Design Group went full throttle towards the design business as primary service. We got focused and went towards that objective.
We implemented a process, using tools and customer service orientation, our projects became more and more breathtaking, customers loved every step of the process. Our management tools lower the anxiety in our customers and final products are amazing.
In the SCM Design Group, everyone is important to our company. The value and contributions are priceless and the whole team is on the same page with the values of the company.
We created a new approach for the business, our customers are just not customers, they become our friends. The SCM Design Group raises the bar for customer satisfaction and creativity.
I am so thankful for each talented person that works in the company, they are the reason the SCM Design Group is where is right now.
Growing up
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I am from Ecuador, 2nd of 5 siblings, my father always pushed us to commit in real objectives, not in dreams, I believe that is probably the reason I am very pragmatic.
Being brought up in Ecuador, I had everything I needed or wanted, I was very lucky to have parents teach me to be thankful and generous.
My father always said, “tendency in life has a span of 10 years.” I did not understand what that meant until I got my first opportunity when I was 17, my second at 27 years old and third when I was 37th and I cannot wait to see what life has for me in 3 years.
In 2005, I discovered painting with acrylics, and suddenly I realized I am good at it. I feel I have the artistic touch and the sensibility to express my emotions in canvas.
Thankful won’t describe in full my emotions or feelings towards God. God is the most important part of my life. Everything I am, and I have is because of Him.
Has it been a smooth road?
The main struggle that we had in early 2000’s was not having a clear objective where we were going. Everything was based on fulfilling payroll and the lack of focus almost collapsed the company.
No matter how hard you work, if you don’t have clear objectives, the company or partners are condemned.
Financial struggles are always part of the lack of objectives, lack of control of the finances, not keeping up with expenses and more importantly safeguard money; it’s a critical combination to fail.
For years, I was focused on the product and not in the important part. The company is an entity that lives by itself, if you don’t nourish the company, it will die eventually.
Little by little, the partnership became a hardship and eventually died. When your partner does not understand changes had to be made, I had to decide to let the company die and remove yourself from a toxic partnership.
Success becomes real for small businesses when the Company can breathe and live by itself, I m a sole owner of SCM Design group, but SCM Design Group it’s my employer, the company is robust and strong to provide a great workplace to me and my coworkers. When you reach that point, your company is a real business with a great future.
If I must do it all over again, I won’t ever be partnered with somebody that has not the same vision as mine and always hire the best of best for the position. Life will be easy, and you will have so much fun to be around quality and talented people.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
SCM Design Group is “OUR VALUES.”
Dedication to every client’s projects creativity, innovation, and uniqueness that matters for our company and for the customers. Trust and personal responsibility in all relationships
SCM Design Group is the one-stop resource to create a new look for your home and business.
We specialize in residential and commercial projects that reflect our client’s personality and lifestyle.
Our team will design, build and manage your project to create a home out of your living space and a business that caters to your clientele.
I am so proud for each person that works in SCM Design Group, we stick to our values.
Our approach, we handle every project as unique, we always get excited to create new kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces each time that we have a new customer.
There are creative challenges each time that we have a new project. Our process from the conception, design, drawings, and management is the key for a wonderful customer experience that finishes with beautiful spaces.
Our Golden rule “using process, tools, and teamwork” success is about the corner.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Woodlands, TX is one of its kind, our community is loyal to the local business, as long you provide an excellent service and products the customers will be at your door.
Always be thankful and give back to the community, enroll in volunteering, donate, teach the young and assist our elders.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1790 Hughes Landing BLVD
Suite 400 - Website: http://www.scm-design.com/
- Phone: 281-516-8180
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scmdesigngroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scmdesigngroup/
- Other: http://www.thewoodlandsremodelingservices.com/
Image Credit:
SCM Design Group
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