Today we’d like to introduce you to JR Smith.
JR, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the industry 25 years ago straight out of the USMC. I always knew one day I would start my own business, The strict regimen of the Marines, a get the job done attitude, along with a new sense of freedom motivated me to no end although at that particular time, I realized I needed some industry experience before I could branch out on my own entirely.
My initial exposure to the industry came in the way of a building materials manufacturer/supplier. I was hired initially as a “strong back” Warehouse/order entry/inside sales person. The branch had been plagued with various issues ranging from inventory shortages and personnel problems to diabolical sales and customer service.
After “cleaning house” and a mover all of our daily operations and procedures, our sales began to improve dramatically. Within a few short months I was promoted to Branch Sales Manager. During that time we began to gradually build the clientele base, which propelled our branch sales to unprecedented levels, shattering previous month sales numbers every single month of every year. After 5 years, our branch was sitting at the top of all US branches in the country, second only to the Atlanta branch.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting out is hard, It’s you against the world quite daunting at the beginning as well as staying competitive in a very competitive industry. Getting our name out there, advertising etc. Expensive On occasion having major job overages and having to pay out-of-pocket to finish on an under estimated project.
Dealing with the general public and sometimes having to deal with somebody that wants to give us a negative online review when we didn’t even do a project for them. Sometimes they would not like our general terms and conditions and would want us to change the contract and legal language for them and if we wouldn’t they would file a complaint. Although these complaints are dismissed, it’s still like walking on eggshells some days out there, with the various types of personalities that you meet.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the H-Towne & Around Remodelers and Guns To Hammers Construction story. Tell us more about the business.
So H-Towne does all types of residential remodeling work. I am very proud of our company’s ethical approach to our business. We always try to give people value for their money regardless of how much money they have to spend. We also use industry experts in all categories. Unlike many companies who will put a single individual on a job, who may not be as skilled as the specialized tradesman. This results in a subpar finished product.
That’s been the secret to the success of our company and our impeccable reputation for quality. If you care to learn more about us please visit our website at;
As our company grew, we started to get more and more calls from wounded veterans who needed very specific work done in their homes.
Typically, they needed an ADA bathroom built so that they could shower themselves, doors made wider so that wheelchairs could easily pass through them or wheelchair ramps built etc.
It seemed as though these wounded war heroes were always waiting on a check to come in from the VA to make these types of improvements but unfortunately the check would never arrive.
As a former Marine myself, as well as someone who was trained to never leave anyone behind, I felt compelled to help these guys, who were, essentially, left behind right here at home. Many of them were cut down in the prime of their lives and now are living at home unable to do the most basic things like take a shower without assistance.
I then decided that I’d had enough of this so I decided to open The Guns To Hammers Foundation.
Guns to Hammers is a 501(c)(3) that specializes in helping wounded veterans live life more independently by providing necessary residential improvements and modifications to the veterans home at no cost to them whatsoever.
As GTH has taken off dramatically over the last year,
through our partnerships with corporate sponsors, as well as individuals, we are now able to reach out and help these veterans live in their homes more independently and comfortably.
To learn more about us, visit our FB page Guns To Hammers Construction or if you care to contribute to or sponsor a veteran please visit our website at Gunstohammers.com
Today, with help of course, I currently run both companies.
I live by the following motto..
“Pick up those in need, work hard & stay positive!!”
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck plays a huge role in our daily lives. From having close calls out there on our crazy freeways to walking in on the perfect project at the perfect time. I believe I had good luck when we decided to move to Houston, a great place to work and build a business with a diverse economy even through the down years, through good luck and Fortune, we were able to get through it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14139 Cypress North Houston
Cypress, TX 77429 - Website: Htowneremodelers.com
- Phone: 281-477-3400
- Facebook: H-Towne & Around Remodelers
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