Hardware store
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Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Denise Adams, owner of the Home Depot in Phoenix, Arizona. Denise has been running her hardware store for over a decade, and she has some great insights on how to succeed in the industry.
1. When did you first decide to open your own hardware store?
Denise: I knew I wanted to open a hardware store right after graduating college. My father had been in the industry for years, and I fell in love with it. I saved up as much money as I could and then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I opened up my own store.
2. What challenges did you face when starting your business?
Denise: When I first started out, I didn't have a lot of customers, and I had to learn everything about running a business from scratch. It was also difficult to compete with larger hardware chains in the area, but I never gave up.
3. Can you tell us about any major milestones or breakthroughs that helped you become successful?
Denise: One breakthrough that helped my business grow was when I switched to using Shopify to manage my online sales. It was a game changer! I was able to reach a wider audience and offer more products to my customers.
4. What was your biggest struggle in overcoming those challenges?
Denise: My biggest struggle was financial. I had to keep re-investing in my business to make it grow. But it paid off in the end.
5. How do you differentiate your business from larger chains like Home Depot?
Denise: I offer personal attention to every customer that walks through my door. I make recommendations based on their unique needs, and I'm always willing to help them find the right tool or product for their project.
6. What advice would you give to someone starting their own business in the hardware industry?
Denise: Be persistent and stay focused on your goals. Don't be afraid to take risks, but also make sure you're making smart financial decisions.
7. What are your future plans for your business?
Denise: My business is doing better than ever, and I'm looking to expand my online presence even more. I want to continue growing and serving my community with quality products and excellent customer service.
Thank you, Denise, for sharing your insights with us today. It's inspiring to see how you overcame the challenges you faced and became so successful.
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