Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Wengert.
Hi Sam, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our family business was started by my father and grandfather in 1981 in an old dairy in central Pennsylvania ( Cleona). They built the business slowly throughout the years and eventually bought our current building in the the late 1980’s. We still own the original building but it’s strictly a warehouse now. The business began selling surplus and “ B grade” material at discount prices and evolved into a “ home center “ type business offering “ A grade materials” at competitive prices and installation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s always a challenge as a small business with big box store competitors and economic struggles throughout the years. Not to mention the recession in 2008.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I began at 15 years old doing what every entry level employee does . Loading/ unloading trucks, sweeping floors, dusting merchandise, even cleaning the bathroom. I currently do all the book keeping work, wait on customers, answer phone, order product, etc. I love how far I’ve come, I never expected to be where I am in my family business but here I am. I’ve learned so much about business, balancing family and professional life and mixing the 2 together at times. I have learned every aspect of our business from beginning to where I am now and enjoy passing that knowledge on to our employees.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We have taken many necessary risks, some work out, some don’t. But the old adage is “ you gotta spend money to make money “. As a small business we have a limit to the risks we can take. It could make or break our business so we must be strategic on when and how we go about taking those risks.
Pricing:
- Apples for apples when you price materials
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wengertshomecenter1.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063502793482
