[This is Part II of two blog posts]
[James Epp will be participating in a “Q & A / Interview” on the topic of “No Short Cuts To Success” with Rick Goossen at the Entrepreneurial Leaders Conference, Vancouver, November 30th, 2016. Here is an overview of James’ story.]
So, what are the lessons for other entrepreneurs? First, James has built a devoted team, from management and staff. He cares about his extended team and treats them well—they clearly want to work for him. There are many long-term employees. He often walks the premises and chats with everyone, from sales people to those in the service department. Often when asked how he managed to build such a large and diverse company, James clearly states that God has blessed him over the years with many great managers and employees. James has successfully invested in the human infrastructure as a platform for growth.
Second, great mentors can be very helpful. The company started with James’ father, Erdman, who mentored James for a long time before he took over. James credits the role of father who laid the foundation for the values of the company to this day. His father wanted to build a business through strong ethics and customer satisfaction. He counts the success of the company to his father’s mantra: “Never satisfied until good is better and better is best.”
Third, have very clear company values and keep reinforcing them—and reflect them to all the staff. The company is rooted in core values regarding employees, customers, integrity, respect, workplace, teamwork, recreation, innovation, community, social action and biblical principles. These values are founded in James’ faith. They are displayed in all the offices—and employees are expected to act accordingly.
Fourth, think long-term. A successful and large organization is put together piece by piece over an extended period of time. As his dad stressed, the key to handling success is investing back into the business and the community.
Fifth, know your customer very well. James is an RV’er himself, using his own product. Even through difficult economic times, James recognized that the company would only continue to grow by listening to customers and learning how to best serve their needs. Entrepreneurs, from Steve Jobs to Thomas Edison, only succeed with an almost obsessive desire to please their customer.
Sixth, never get complacent - keep innovating and improving instead. James has a frenetic energy that helps him stay on the cutting edge in terms of serving customers, doing well by them, and keep getting better. The market keeps changing and James knows that the company can’t rest or it will be eclipsed by others.
In conclusion, the story of James Epp serves up an inspirational tale for aspiring entrepreneurs. Find what you love, especially something you know very well. Then dedicate yourself to serving customers, understanding them in detail, anticipating their needs and aspiring to deliver a superior service. Then, keep reinvesting in the company to keep expanding the expertise and services. Stay focused in a single direction for a long period of time. There’s a good chance you’ll succeed—over time, maybe decades later. The entrepreneurial experience of James Epp underscores the truism that there are no short cuts to success.
