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What You Need To Know From 51 Years In Business, with Jerry Harrod
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Being in business for 51 years will teach you more than a few things.
In this episode, Jerry Harrod, who is also my dad, tells the story of how he started Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in 1970. He shares how he, my mom, and my brother made it through what could have been a business-ending accident that put him in the hospital just a few months after they went out on their own.
Dad also gives the three fundamental career skills he recommends every small business owner or corporate employee put into practice to be successful.
Today’s Guest
Jerry Harrod
Jerry Harrod is the founder and owner of Harrod’s Blacksmith and Welding in Howard, Kansas. Jerry and his wife, Mary, still operate the business they started in 1970. Along with their son, Gary, they serve customers throughout Kansas and Oklahoma.
And, as I said above, I’m proud to say Jerry Harrod is my dad.
You’ll Learn
- Why “the customer is always right whether he is or not”
- How, when Jerry was only 26, his dad died and caused him to take a big career risk to care for his family
- Why the best leaders don’t ask their employees to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves
- The biggest challenge new small business owners face today
- Tips on diversifying to survive in business when economic conditions change
- The core principles successful business owners share regardless of their companies’ revenue levels
- What to consider to avoid letting rules put you out of business
3 Fundamental Career Skills from Today’s Guest
1. Get input and make a decision
Great leaders get input from their team members, analyze the situation, and make decisions.
2. Treat customers right
Successful business leaders sincerely appreciate their customers. And, they let their customers know they are appreciated.
3. Ask don’t tell
Avoid “command language” and be polite when assigning tasks, even when you’re the boss.
Links and Resources from this Episode
My blog post, “3 Simple Tips for Polite and Effective Email“
Facebook page for Toot’s Drive In. Still going strong since 1955.
My hometown, Howard, Kansas on Wikipedia. Just in case you’re interested.
For More Information
Check out the full show notes on the episode page at GregHarrod.com.
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