Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Doug Croisette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Doug, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, what do you think about family businesses? Would you want your children or other family members to one day join your business?
Growing up in a family business within the same industry has provided me with a unique perspective, allowing me to witness its evolution from childhood into adulthood. This experience has been invaluable, equipping me with a diverse set of life skills that I have been able to apply in various aspects of my life. Inspired by the success my father achieved, I embarked on my own entrepreneurial journey with the goal of building something as remarkable.
Central to the prosperity of a family business is effective communication. I firmly believe that familial involvement can greatly contribute to a business’s success. However, it is imperative that all individuals involved share a common drive towards achieving its goals. Without this shared commitment, internal conflicts can jeopardize the entire venture. The synergy created when family members work towards a shared objective can be a formidable force. Their unparalleled dedication often surpasses that of hired employees, as they are willing to go above and beyond, even in the face of adversity.
Nonetheless, it is essential to address any familial dissonance early on to mitigate potential staffing issues. Candid discussions and alignment of objectives are crucial to avoiding pitfalls that could impede progress. While I envision passing on my business to my children, I believe in offering them the opportunity rather than imposing any pressure. By providing them with a business foundation and imparting my experiences and knowledge, I aim to empower them to make informed decisions and excel in their endeavors.
In essence, a family business holds the potential for unparalleled dedication and cohesion, but it requires a shared commitment and proactive management to ensure its sustained success.
Doug, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Born and raised in the historically rich and charming city of San Juan Capistrano, nestled in Orange County, California, I am the second eldest of seven children, born to hardworking parents who owned a family electrical contracting business. Surrounded by the allure of both beach and hills, my upbringing was marked by a balance of outdoor adventures and academic pursuits. A voracious reader with a passion for music, I cultivated my interests in literature and classical instruments while engaging in hands-on work alongside my father in the electrical trade from a young age.
My journey into the industry began at the age of 16, assisting my father during summers and school breaks in high-end residential electrical projects. Transitioning to part-time work at 18 as I pursued a music degree in college, I further honed my skills by taking on a summer job at a lighting store, where I gained expertise in crafting and installing high-end light fixtures. However, my path took a turn when I ventured into emergency medicine, becoming an EMT and working for ambulance companies across Los Angeles and Orange County.
Despite my detour into healthcare, my passion for electrical work remained steadfast, leading me back to the trade after my time in emergency medicine. Working for commercial electrical contractors, I acquired a diverse set of skills and experiences that enriched my craft beyond the realm of residential projects. Upon returning to Huntington Beach, California, I obtained my electrical contractor license and founded Doug Croisette Electric, leveraging my accumulated knowledge and commitment to excellence to provide top-tier customer service and quality installations.
Driven by a dedication to continuous improvement, I constantly seek to expand my expertise by pursuing new certifications, licenses, and services for my company. In 2021, my wife and I made the decision to relocate our family and business to Reno, Nevada, drawn by the promise of a better quality of life and the opportunity to serve a new community. Despite the move, I remain committed to upholding the same standards of excellence in both states, fueled by a deep sense of pride in my work and a genuine connection with my customers.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. I refuse to cut corners, ensuring that every project meets or exceeds industry standards before completion. Whether working on million-dollar estates or smaller-scale projects, I treat each client with equal care and respect, prioritizing their needs and concerns as if they were my own. My reputation is built on the satisfaction of my customers, and I am dedicated to maintaining their trust by delivering nothing but the best in electrical craftsmanship and service.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy in expanding my clientele has undeniably been through the power of networking and referrals. Building and nurturing relationships within my industry and community has not only allowed potential clients to witness the quality of my work firsthand but has also provided them with valuable insights into the dedication, expertise, and commitment I bring to every project.
Networking has enabled me to showcase the pride I take in my work, demonstrating my meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to excellence. By engaging with fellow professionals, suppliers, and community members, I have created a strong presence that reflects my passion for delivering top-notch service and craftsmanship.
Referrals, stemming from satisfied clients who have experienced firsthand the quality and professionalism I bring to every interaction, have been instrumental in expanding my client base. These referrals serve as a testament to the trust and confidence my clients have in my abilities, as well as the positive experiences they have had working with me.
Moreover, networking and referrals have provided me with opportunities to educate potential clients, answering their questions and addressing their concerns with transparency and expertise. This not only fosters trust but also positions me as a reliable and knowledgeable resource in the industry.
Ultimately, my commitment to cultivating meaningful connections, delivering exceptional service, and leveraging my experience has been the cornerstone of my success in growing my clientele. By consistently demonstrating the value I bring to every project and prioritizing the needs of my clients, I have built a reputation that precedes me, driving continued growth and success in my business endeavors.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The most impactful source of new clients for my business, aside from partnerships with general contractors and local realtors, has undoubtedly been word-of-mouth referrals. This organic form of promotion speaks volumes about the quality of service and expertise I bring to every project, as satisfied clients are compelled to share their positive experiences with others.
Word-of-mouth referrals are a testament to the trust and confidence that my clients have in my abilities. When they recommend my services to friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances, they are essentially vouching for the excellence and professionalism they have experienced firsthand.
What sets word-of-mouth referrals apart is their authenticity and credibility. Unlike traditional advertising or marketing efforts, referrals come from individuals who have no vested interest in promoting my business other than their genuine satisfaction with the results. This lends a level of trust and credibility that is invaluable in attracting new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dc-ed.com
- Instagram: @dougcelectric
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougcelectric/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-croisette-84857082