Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paulette Guthrie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Paulette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my construction business, Central Point Services & Construction, in 2008 because I was working in the mortgage business, and I wanted to set aside some of the money I was making. It was a subprime lending market, so I entered real estate investing. I would buy and flip homes, but I had contractors giving unfair prices.

“I don’t think the price is reasonable,” I said.

Some would take the money I would give them for the repairs, not finish the job, and disappear. Later on, I met a contractor who did good work but would never answer the phone. The lack of communication would make me anxious and was a poor reflection of customer service.

I told him, “I feel like I could be a better contractor.”

I entered the construction business because it was a challenge between him and me. He said I couldn’t do it because I was a woman. However, before starting the business on my own, my ex-husband had owned a construction company. I was already familiar with the business since I used to go around with him while he was working on projects.

I wouldn’t have wanted to start earlier. Because everything in life has a cycle, and everything happens the time that it should. If anything, I wish I had been more disciplined in the beginning to grow the business earlier. I was comfortable, and it took me many years to program a property maintenance plan that someone else would’ve launched it four years back with my skillsets. It’s been a learning experience, and I plan to continue to strive for growth.

Paulette , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a minority woman business owner in a male-dominated industry. I came to the U.S. from Jamaica back in ’83. I’ve learned that America is the place for opportunities, but they don’t tell you how much hard work it is.

In the construction service industry, you have to be good at communicating with your customers. I provide a service of building, repairing, and updating kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring, usually things within the house. I also do commercial work, but I focus primarily on residential remodeling. I enjoy kitchens and bathrooms the most. Kitchens are where people gather for functions, and the bathroom is where people go to escape from such functions. Those two places have to set the stage for a home.

What sets me apart from other contractors is that I like to educate my customers on products, services, permits, and guidelines. If a job needs a permit, I pull one. If I see something that is not up to code, I tell them it may need to be addressed. I don’t just focus on my work, but I give them my honest opinion versus what may be most beneficial to me. Integrity is very important to me. I like to make people have beautiful spaces, and that’s what made me open up my showroom, Central Point Kitchen & Bath Showroom, located in Hamilton, New Jersey.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I first started, I ran a special for $199 for 8 hours on small projects around the house. I always believed that even if you don’t like the job, you should do a good job. I’ve done well with those jobs, and I built my business on referrals. It’s always best when your work can speak for itself. Good quality work, communication, and principles are the foundation of my reputation in this market. “Integrity is the key to quality service.” That is the tagline for Central Point Services & Construction, and I stand behind it.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I joined organizations that are based on referrals like BNI. I look for clients that can refer me to business. A lead from the internet is not the same as a referral because word of mouth is usually a recommendation from someone who knows your work and has the other person’s trust. My next goal is to network with more real estate and insurance agents to expand new clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.centralpointkitchenbath.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpkitchenbath
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpkitchenbath/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3NM6HWsS70djZ7GN_sYYaA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/central-point-kitchen-and-bath-showroom-hamilton-township

Image Credits
Jessica Innis