Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddie Awon.
Freddie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been self-employed since the age of 22, with my first business, a martial arts school, later opening one of the first limousine companies on the South Shore (Ultra Limousine). Having also been a partner owner in a used car dealership since the mid 80’s, I wanted to start something new and innovative. So in 2012, I exited the car dealer industry and took on my next project, ‘Dustless Blasting’. I guess you can say that I’m a Serial Entrepreneur 🙂 in search of the next best thing in the service industry.
I enjoy creating things and seeing how far I can push the bar on success. I’m by no means a millionaire, but we have been successful and have seen enormous growth since inception in 2013. I’d have to say though, that this new business has been the best of all, both in success and satisfaction. You learn lots starting and growing businesses from scratch, yet while all these business differ in characteristics, they are a service business. It is important to grow your base organically, and this is what we’ve managed to do. Most of our business comes from word of mouth, and the other comes visually. While we only work within the tristate area, we do get many calls outside our territory in response to our compilation of videos posted online, from cedar home wood restoration, anti-fouling paint removal on boats, graffiti removal, auto paint/rust removal, brick/concrete surface restoration and so much more. There doesn’t seem to be a project that we haven’t been able to tackle successfully.
When we transform peoples’ investments right before their eyes, it’s really rewarding and seeing their expressions, makes it that much more delightful!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges you face starting out in business. Most of them are geared towards money. For me, all those other challenges are small hurdles, but trying to find funds to grow a business seems the most difficult.
To cut costs, I built our website and managed to get our listing on the first page of Google – took couple years, but we’ve managed. Everything we do now is self-funded and having good relations with your banker and credit history can go a long way.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Plymouth Rock Dustless Blasting Co – what should we know?
Our company is a media/sandblasting business, but more importantly, we are 100% mobile – We go to you to perform services, rather than you dropping off your projects. We do not have an on-site blasting facility, so that means we do not offer service at our facility, but if you do have a small project that we feel would not be cost effective for us to travel to both for you and us, we would refer you to a local company which does offer these services.
Our business deals in the new technology of rust/paint, surface preparation on virtually all types of substrates using the newest and most innovative system called the ‘Dustless Blaster’, manufactured in Texas – Our company was the first in Mass to offer this new technology.
We specialize mainly in cedar homes restoration – removing paint bringing back the natural look, Anti-Fouling paint removal on boats, paint and rust removal on all types of metals including cars & frames and removing paint or restoring brick/concrete back to its’ beauty – not to mention saving people thousands and even 10’s of thousands of dollars in costly replacement costs.
This is all done using a process of what many referred to as slurry blasting. We call it ‘Dustless Blasting’. So by using water in combination with media (100% Recycled Crushed Glass), this process not only prevents airborne dust, but helps to remove whatever it is we are removing without damage to the substrates. This system is also being used successfully to remove asbestos & lead without emitting harmful dust, hence the water.
As a company, when we succeed in helping people increase the value of their investment at minimal costs, this is what gives us the drive to continue on our journey of growth. What separates us from our competitors is that we are small enough to save our clients a great deal over those larger companies, but more importantly, we use technology that those companies yet do not offer. No job is too small or too big for us to take on.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Proudest moment is being self-sufficient – being able to survive on your own with assistance from anyone around you. While family will undoubtedly be there in your time of need, in most cases, being able to survive without relying on others is something we all strive for, some with success others not so fortunate. While my career life is well balanced, I have yet to find that special someone to balance off my social life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 76 Industrial Way – Crosstown Business Park
Unit 24
Rockland, MA - Website: http://plymouthrockdustlessblasting.com
- Phone: 781-489-8171
- Email: info@plymouthrockdustlessblasting.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthRockDustlessBlastingCompany
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/plymouth-rock-dustless-blasting-company-brockton
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7RXnMlq4dP-fyNlLj3eFJA
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