We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jay Allman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jay , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
“The passion I have for a clean network and home automation is what ignited the creation of our business acronym. It’s all the things I cherish about these technologies that have served as the driving force behind our company’s inception.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I entered this industry during a challenging period in my life when I was in desperate need of employment. It was then that I stumbled upon a new trade craft, which offered me the chance to learn and grow. As I delved into this field, I discovered a deep passion for it. Throughout my life, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a desire to achieve more than the average, not just for myself but also for my family.
My greatest motivation, however, is my son. His well-being and future are of paramount importance to me. The love I have for him fuels my unwavering commitment to success. Failure is simply not an option when it comes to providing for him and ensuring he has everything he needs for a fulfilling life.
Today, our business offers a diverse range of services, spanning from structural low voltage wiring to comprehensive automation and control solutions for both commercial and residential projects. Automation and control technologies have revolutionized our industry, allowing us to accomplish remarkable feats. The ability to control an entire structure with the push of a button is a cornerstone of what we do.
In some instances, we create elegantly simple solutions that precisely meet our clients’ needs, whether they relate to audio, video, or network systems. We’ve been in business for over seven years now, serving a broad clientele, both locally and across state lines. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities that have come our way and for the invaluable connections we’ve forged on this journey.
I take immense pride in having forged a path that allows me to make a living on my own terms, on my own schedule. It’s a challenging endeavor, but I’ve managed to achieve it. I believe I stand as living proof that turning your dreams into reality often requires a unique blend of determination and, yes, a certain level of desperation.
As a wise individual once said, “Learn the game, you’re a student at best.” This statement has resonated deeply with me, and I’ve wholeheartedly embraced it in every facet of my life and business today. It serves as a constant reminder that continuous learning and adaptability are key to success.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
This business wasn’t always my primary source of income. I started off mounting TVs during my nights and weekends, armed with basic tools from Home Depot and operating out of the trunk of my trusty Lexus GS300, which I still own to this day. I could never have envisioned that this would evolve into the field in which I would excel and grow with such grace.
It all began when I met some wonderful clients at my day job who gave me the opportunity to serve their TV mounting needs, and from there, things took off. Word of my name, my number, and the quality of my work started spreading like wildfire. Before I knew it, I found myself at a crossroads, forced to choose between working for someone else or taking the leap to work for myself. The choice became crystal clear, and so I took a leap of faith, jumping off a cliff and building my wings on the way down.
Today, I find myself soaring over places in my life I never thought possible, forging valuable relationships and securing major contracts from builders and corporations, both within and beyond my home state of Florida. This achievement stands as one of the proudest milestones of my journey so far.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
In my earlier days, I used to earn monthly bonuses at my day job, and I strategically utilized those bonuses to make strategic moves towards achieving my goals. However, there came a point where I needed more than just bonuses to progress further. To take on projects larger than basic TV mounting, I required an extensive array of tools and a dependable pickup truck.
During this critical juncture, I was incredibly fortunate to have the support and belief of some of my closest loved ones. They not only believed in me but also in my vision. Their unwavering faith in me was a pivotal factor that allowed me to acquire the necessary tools and take that crucial step into the next phase of my journey.
I will forever be indebted to them for their support and assistance in helping me get to where I am today. Their contribution has been invaluable, and my heart is filled with gratitude for their unwavering support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freshavanddesign.com
- Instagram: fresh.av_design
Image Credits
EVOL Media