Austin Freeman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Austin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up, say goodbye to my fiance, and go to the kitchen to pour myself a cold brew. I take that cold brew hop in my car and hit the veterans expressway to go to sweetwater community farm.
Once on the farm i either start loading up the work truck, or i check on the chickens. If im headed to a job, im double checking to make sure i have everything, cold drinks and all possible equiptment.
Once i get to the job site i ring the customers bell, usually around 9’oclock. I confirm the scope of work and the price, take a few “before” pictures, and get started on the work. I dont take a lunch break, only short breaks through the day for water or to answer a phone call. Im trying to get as much as i can before 3-4 oclock. If i get done early than expected illlook for other small things to make the customers experience better than expectations.
At the end of the job i double check everything. Put on the finishing touches and offer to do a walk around with the customer before check out.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Bailey Austins llc is a brand focused on curb appeal and funtionality. Right now we focus on screen and pool cage repair, pressure washing, gutter gaurds, and paver sealing.
We use the highest quality materials, and garuntee all our work, so if something isn’t satisfactory we will return and go over the options with the customer until we agree on something that will satisfy both parties.
For services we don’t offer like landscape lights, tree trimming, and new pool cage build we have trusted partners that we reach out and can refer with the same quality standards.
In the future we hope to grow and offer gutter repair, pool maintenaince services, and have even thought about pest and pet services.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with God, has truly been the best and healthiest relationship for self development.
I grew up as a christian, and was influenced by many different denomanations, but my views never changed and i saw the consistancy of all monothiestic faiths. I now am a muslim revert, and my views are still the same as i was a christian, but i dont allow myself as much lieniency. I was once told Islam is a life have to becoming the best man i can be, and i try to stay true to that and rwmind myself of that regularly. I invision the man i want to be remembered as, and with the strength of God try making the decisions that will get me to become that man.
I see myself as i feel most people see themselves, imperfect, insecure, and weak, and try to improve on my weakness head on without excuses and blaming others for my short comings. I try to follow the advice of stoic philosophers, and muslim prophets and try not to let my emotions and insecurities get the best of me, and tey to surround myself with people who can help me make up for those short comings.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Not to get too comfortable.
The person who thinks theyre the smartest is the peraon who stops learning
The person who thinks theyre the strongest stops lifting weights
Comfort can make you vulnerable, but the memories of the suffering you went through can help remind you that comfort can be very temporary and can go away in an instant. Most people had some level of comfort before they suffered, so remembring that hardship is always lurking in the ahadows or around the next corner is good motivation to keep yourself uncomfortable, and continue growing.
Growth comes from suffering and discomfort. The hardest decisions make up the person you are.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Their are too many competitors”
I reach out to my competitors and try to find companiea that do something better than me or that offer something i cant, and i tey to build a relationship with them were we can mutually send work to one another so our customers can benefit and get the best of each of our companies. Customer satisfaction is the key to longevity and im okay with passing off work if someone can meet my customers needs better than my own.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I feel like every young entrepenuer does this before the success, praise and success is a delayed indicator that your on the right track. You give your beat and do your best. And the praise comea later.
The personal satisfaction, the physical reward (like money), and praise from others, are 3 things that come with any job, you should only expect to get 2 out of 3 of these things, and you sont get to chose which 3. You do your best and be happy that you recieved 2/3rds. Expecting all 3 i think is greed and entitledment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Baileyaustins.com
- Instagram: @bapwandscreen
- Facebook: Bailey austins pressure washing and screen repair
