Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Pettegrew.
Hi Reggie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
After about 15 years of friendship and countless years of side jobs, me and my business partner Max Adams decided we wanted to venture out on our own, and contribute to our own dream rather than paying into someone else’s. It was the beginning of 2019 (January 2-3 to be exact) and the RAX brand was born. I was on a trip in Las Vegas enjoying the strip, taking in the sights when Max and I were texting back and forth trying to decide on a name. After hours of deliberation concerning what would be our biggest venture to date, we decided on RAX. A combination of our two names. Based in Berea, we were quickly embraced by our community. Although it was a slower start than we anticipated, we quickly took off. The both of us continued to grind and build relationships within our community. Little by little, we gained traction and by the middle of 2021, we had doubled our total sales from the previous 2 years combined! When you have us do any kind of work in your home, you become family. We understand the urgency and the anxiety that comes with “strangers” in your home but like the countless hundreds of other jobs completed, your home (Or commercial property) will be treated as if it was our very own! With 60+ years of combined workmanship experience, we assure you no detail is missed and only perfection is the answer. It is safe to say that by the time 2022 came, RAX DRYWALL AND PAINT has become Cleveland’s premier drywall and paint contractor. A title we don’t take lightly.
Starting a business from scratch is never an easy thing. The dream only works if you do. Many factors come into play like choosing vendors, hiring employees, and so on, but I wanted to make sure we were able to give back to our home community. Berea, Ohio. One of the first things we did was offer DEEP discounts to our customers. They took the chance on let us prove our worth so I felt they deserved a little something too. I also had my business sponsor a softball team for both the spring (In Brookpark) and fall (in Strongsville)- Which both of us managing partners play on as well and still do today! Another way I’ve reached out to our community is sponsoring the weekly car cruise that Mootown hosts. If you’re a car enthusiast like I am, that is one of the places to be-plus, you can enjoy ice cream!! What else could make a better afternoon?
I have personally been involved in my church’s feeding the homeless ministry called “Brown Bag”. It feels nice to be able to give back any way I can, and it’s in part been because of this business.
There’s many highs and lows with owning your own business. “Behind the scenes” is often the part of the business no one wants to talk about because it deals with a lot of pressure, stress, and an overwhelming amount of responsibility. Not only for me but for my employees as well. making sure there are jobs coming down the pipeline to help put the food on the table.
I’m a firm believer in “only the hungry will eat”. Working 100 plus hours a week isn’t anyone’s idea of easy and laid-back life. That’s where I shine. If you work for it, it will come!
I would encourage anyone to take the leap. As an entrepreneur your opportunities are endless. However, I would advise you to take your time and really think about what you want to do. If you’re anything like me; I really like to work with my hands so this avenue was an easy choice. In the long run, I’m thinking retirement! No longer will it be dream (as it is for some) but an anticipated reality!
Alright, 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?
Like with most other new businesses there is a learning curve. You have to figure out what works and what doesn’t. That can mean the implementation of rules and procedures to the way you and where you order material. In our first year, we were not overly busy. I knew good things come in time. However, the COVID-19 pandemic was something no one ever saw coming. (Awesome timing coming off a slower year, right?) My business did not qualify for any government forgiveness loans or any government assistance so navigating through all of that was a challenge. In my business’s favor, I enjoy a good challenge.
We were able to push through and prove to our community and neighboring cities that safety and the ability to provide a showroom-worthy product was our top priorities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Aside from a real Estate investment company, RAX Drywall and Paint means so much to so many. Since inception, we have earned hundreds and hundreds of satisfied smiles and clients for life. I would say about 50% of our business is repeat customers and their families! It’s with great pride I wear that on my sleeve, knowing that not only did we deliver amazing results (which you can view on our Facebook page /raxdnp, Instagram @raxfamllc, or our Google page! but we also gained friendships and maybe even better than that, trust. I am very proud of the fact that not only did we become a staple in our community, but across Northeast Ohio!
I conduct business different than many of my corporate competitors. To them, it’s a game of volume. “How many jobs can we get done and look presentable?”. Me; it’s perfection. To me, it’s not so much the time (although we work with you and your schedule and have always got done on time and under budget) but it’s the product that’s delivered. If I wouldn’t do something in my home, I wouldn’t have it done in yours. Your home will be treated with the utmost respect and it will be left better and cleaner than when we first got there!
How do you define success?
Success means different things to different people. I would define it based on the number of relationships built. The money can come and go but if you made that great first impression and earned that customer’s trust, you will not go hungry.
Pricing:
- Bedrooms start at $250!
- Kitchens start at $200!
- Patios and decks start at $400!
Contact Info:
- Email: raxrealestateinvestment@gmail.com
- Instagram: @raxfamllc
- Facebook: www.faceook.com/raxdnp
- Other: google pictures and reviews: RAX Drywall and Paint
