Missouri State Rep. and NFIB member finds business success through customer relationships.
Allen Andrews, Republican state representative in Missouri, is also the co-owner of the Wool Shop, an agriculture-related manufacturing business in Worth County. The family business, which Andrews’ mother started in their basement, manufactures lambswool cleaning products serving a variety of industries and specialty retailers across the country. We asked him a few questions about owning a small business in Missouri.
What makes Missouri a good place to run a business?
Our business is in rural Missouri. We have a strong work ethic and character values you just don’t find everywhere. We are surrounded with honest, trustworthy, loyal people who take pride in their work. Also, Missouri is located in the heart of America. This gives us a central shipping point to both coasts.
What advice might you offer to other small business owners?
Surround yourself with great people—great employees and great customers. Treat your employees and customers like family because in the end a successful company is the result of great relationships.
What’s the most satisfying part of owning the business?
I would say the most satisfying part is the relationships that you build through your employees and your customers. We’ve been in business for 30 years, and we have customers and employees who are just like family, and that’s one of the most satisfying things I’ve seen.
To what do you attribute your success?
We’ve got some top-notch employees who’ve helped us achieve the longevity of the business. Without our employees’ hard work ethic and loyalty to the business, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish what we’ve accomplished. Encompassing that would be the fact that our family truly believes that we have been blessed with this business, and to be able to use that ability at times to help others.
How do you remain competitive against national chains?
We really try to hold down our overhead costs and try to pass that savings along to our customers to maintain competitive price-wise, and remain affordable in the market place. We are located in the middle of U.S., literally on the small acreage where my brother Jeff and I, grew up. We’re still here. He’s a part owner of the business. It’s relationship selling that has given us a competitive edge. Customers are loyal to our business because they’re not doing business with a stranger.
