Navigating the Troubled Waters of Small Business Ownership

By 7:45 a.m., Ronnie Hurst is already more productive than most people. In his first fifteen minutes of work, Hurst has already delegated cleaning and restoration jobs to his three employees and begun planning for the remainder of the week. It is from his office, lined with filing cabinets and paper, that Ronnie Hurst runs his own business: the Waco Rainbow International.

Before Hurst became the owner of his own Rainbow International franchise, he already had plenty of years of experience under his belt.

“Every person who is really successful in business is a good salesman,” says Hurst. “The better at sales they are, the better their business is.”

Following a passion for sales, Hurst began his career as a salesman. Over the years he sold trailers, mobile homes and eventually franchises at The Dwyer Group franchise development office. Working closely with other salespeople and learning the inner workings of various Dwyer Group franchises, Hurst began to understand the benefits of owning a franchise over starting his own small business.

“I’ve seen a lot of guys that own businesses fail and it’s due to a lack of knowledge,” says Hurst. “There is a certain value to having a franchise rather than starting my own business.”

In 2006, the opportunity arose for Hurst to purchase the local Rainbow International franchise. Quickly seeing a great opportunity to use his skills in sales and utilize his work ethic, Hurst became the owner of the Waco Rainbow International.

A self described micromanager and hard worker, Hurst has spent the last five years growing his business. But even with all of his experience in sales, Hurst still finds he runs into trouble managing his own business.

“Business is so involved,” said Hurst. “There are so many liabilities, and to be efficient at it, you have to be pretty sharp.”

To help facilitate his success and growth in small business, Hurst credits The Dwyer Group and their excellent training methods.

“They teach you every aspect of the business, from accounting and law, to management…I couldn’t have done it without The Dwyer Group’s support.”

The future looks bright for Hurst, but he will be the first to admit his struggles with operating a business.

“Nothing is perfect and The Dwyer Group is not perfect either, but I think they continue to strive to be as good as they can be,” says Hurst. “What holds us back in business are our own mistakes, and The Dwyer Group tries to help prevent us from making them.”

Hurst doesn’t want anyone to think that he runs his business from his office. After delegating employees and getting the day going, Hurst spends the later part of the day working with customers and overseeing restorations and cleanings.

“I’m mechanically inclined so I’m out in the field working.” says Hurst.

Offering not only just restoration services, Hurst’s Rainbow International also offers carpet cleaning. Although, Hurst says they are performing restoration services around three times a week, he cites the majority of his work to be carpet cleaning jobs.

“We’ve cleaned everything.” said Hurst. “From Baylor students’ apartments to the rugs in the Bill Daniel Student Center at Baylor University, we’ve done it all.”

As his morning is beginning to start, the calls from customers start coming in. Hurst is busy answering phones and setting appointments for later in the week. He handles everything in a kind and professional manner. “Restoration really is a year round business,” says Hurst with a smile.