We recently had the chance to connect with Doug Long and have shared our conversation below.
Doug, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have two hobbies outside of work, fishing and bowling.
The ironic thing is, when I’m at work, I think about fishing and when I’m fishing, I think about work!
When I’m bowling, I think about how frustrating it can be, but a near perfect game or two will keep you coming back! Which is true with work as well–it can be frustrating at times but a good week, a good month, a good year, will keep you coming back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I bought Power Vac America in 2003 after over 30 years in the computer and software engineering business in Houston in the Oil and Gas sector. When I bought the company, it was 85% residential and 15% commercial. My first goal was to change the focus of the company and provide more commercial services. It took some time, but we have been 85% commercial and 15% residential for over 20 years.
At a young age, I learned that honesty and integrity are the best way to be successful because they’re best way to earn the respect and trust of your clients and team members.
Knowing this, it was easy to come up with a mission statement:
“Power Vac America provides the highest-quality air duct cleaning service in the most honest and professional manner.”
Since 1991, Power Vac America has provided commercial, industrial, marine, and residential air duct cleaning and HVAC system cleaning. By remaining highly specialized in air duct cleaning, we have established ourselves as one of the leading air duct cleaning companies in Texas.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work; they were both of the Great Depression era and that had a big impact on me.
My first job, at the age of 12, was as a paperboy. I kept that job through college, growing 60 customers to over 350 and in many cases picking up extra routes when someone was out sick. Other than the early morning alarm clock, the hours were great–I had the rest of the day free. While my friends were sacking groceries or pumping gas, I was enjoying the day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No, I have been blessed throughout my career–in both the computer consulting era and also in this duct cleaning part.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Being honest.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
It wouldn’t be work. If I stopped working I would probably only have 5 years left!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://powervacamerica.com/
