Episode 22:
Tracey and Doug Hepner founded IWS in 1987. IWS has built a staff of seasoned personnel with a reputation of broad experience, pride in craftsmanship and the ability to deliver both complicated and off the shelf solutions to their customers. The integrity of what they supply from the bid to the installation shows in their professional approach and desire to supply the very best.
Their key to success comes from running a well-managed small business that supports their dedicated family of employees and includes their extended family of vendors and customers.
They take the team approach to everything they do. They involve all the right people and create a winning attitude that allows long-term relationships to be built and maintained. IWS works under the belief that their reputation and signature is on every piece they deliver and that’s the way they like it! IWS applies the same quality to production runs as it does to custom runs, ensuring that the inside is as strong as the outside is beautiful. That is one reason their customer base is so loyal — if they say they can do, they do it. Their slogan is, “If you can draw it, we can build it.”
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- Tracey’s background and how IWS came to be
- Why you need to surround yourself with quality people and why you need to listen to what they have to say
- What Tracey learned from her dad, an entrepreneur himself
- How Tracey made it through the time when IWS was on life support — and how her business mentor helped her turn it around
- Why Tracey had to turn away a major business opportunity and why it turned out for the best in the end
- The point where Tracey decided that her team was wearing too many hats and how she grew the team to where it needed to be
- The award-winning project for the University of Washington that moved IWS to the next level
- Why the organizational chart is so important for the growth of your company
- How to recognize which employees are holding you back
- Why “A Players” are self-motivated and have the entrepreneurial spirit
- What IWS’ hiring process looks like
- How IWS onboards their employees — and why Tracey believes this is something that needs improving
- Getting the processes out of your head and onto paper
- How IWS stands out through their culture and opportunity
Ways to contact Tracey:
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/traceyhepner
- Website: www.interiorwoodworking.com