We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tony Milian a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
For several years I worked in the corporate world. It definitely had its perks like a steady paycheck, insurance, and predictability. I had achieved what I had set out to do, I went to university as the first born from immigrant parents and became the first engineer in the family. I used my degree daily in my corporate career. However, I was unfulfilled, I felt it in my heart. There was a gnawing idea that I could create something from nothing and begin to control my destiny by starting my own business. It was the summer of COVID, June 2020. I realized the world was changing rapidly and I wouldn’t be able to continue my career as it was. I was searching for an answer, something that would inspire me. I landed on starting my own roofing business. Since I started I’ve never looked back. Everyday is still and exciting for me. I’m meeting new people, solving new problems, I’m never in the same place for too long. There are definitely struggles, but I look at them with optimistic eyes, as a chance to do something I’ve never done before.
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.
My family has been in the construction industry since I was a young kid. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and being outside. By pairing my engineering career/ education with my background in construction I have been able to create my own roofing business. I consider my business successful when we meet the clients needs and they are more than satisfied. We have found that it’s just as important to be good at what you’re doing as it is to communicate regularly with our clients. As a roofing contractor in Northeast Florida I am able to use multiple mediums; tile, asphalt shingles, metal and modified rolled roofing, composite shingles. I am very proud of the roofs we’ve completed that are art. It takes patience and skill to put together a tile, metal and composite shingle roof. When everything lines up just right, the pieces flow together and best of all there are no leaks!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
In my experience I have found that funding my own businesses has made me feel more confident and also made me want to work harder to succeed. Knowing that I’m all in makes me more comfortable, able to take appropriate risks and be able to grow when I deem necessary.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Hands down referrals are the best source of new clients. Treat one customer right and they will bring you many more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourfloridaroofer.com
- Instagram: @endlesssummerrofing
- Facebook: Endless Summer Roofing Co
- Other: [email protected]