03/08/2007
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Volunteer Case and Container Manager Danny Worley showcases a popular product line with water jet-cut custom foam interior for the perfect fit and protection. After being downsized, Worley and his wife, Gina, opened their own business in 1991 and have never looked back. |
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NFIB member Danny Worley, right, and his dedicated staff in Oak Ridge have more than 75 years' experience in the custom-shipping business. Worley rejoined NFIB earlier this year because he wanted "to be a part of an organization of like people so that our voice is stronger." |
After many years of dedicated service to his employer, Danny Worley found himself being downsized. Not sure of his next move, he received a call from a large client who encouraged him to start his own enterprise. At the time, Danny's wife, Gina, who had worked in the same industry, was a full-time mother. Together, they knew they had the collective knowledge to run a successful company, but they needed equipment. With their own confidence and their large client's commitment to do business with them, Gina and Danny took a giant leap of faith and embarked on a venture that has been growing steadily ever since.
NFIB spoke recently to Danny Worley, who manages the business with owner and wife, Gina.
Describe your business
"Volunteer Case & Container is a woman-owned small business open since 1991. Gina handles the bookkeeping and makes sure all orders meet strict quality standards while I manage the daily operation. We manufacture a wide range of shipping, carrying, military and plastic cases, crates and containers; and we're dedicated to protecting and securing your most valuable assets. We custom-build containers and crates to fit any shape or size. If your product is too large to be delivered to our warehouse, we'll come to you and build the crate onsite, meeting all custom standards for international shipments. No two customers are alike."
Existing and future business opportunities
"That single client believed in who we were and what we could achieve. Without them, we may not have experienced the same level of success as quickly. We recognize there are numerous opportunities for us to grow. However, we must be good stewards to our current customer base by growing at a pace that does not exceed our limitations. Lack of personnel and quality issues would be devastating, since we have built our business around certain standards. We must seize the opportunities cautiously."
Company strengths
"Number 1 is customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers, even if it will cost the company money on the front end. When we deliver their precious equipment with success, they will be our customers for life. Building and maintaining our customers' trust is imperative to our reputation and overall success. Number 2 is experience. Besides my wife and myself, our employees have over 75 years of experience. We have taken on new projects successfully. We recognize the standard in shipping and we exceed our customers' expectations. Number 3 is location to customers. Many of our clients are suppliers in the auto industry. We are accessible to the plants located in Tennessee, but we are very close to the entire Southeast region where the growth in auto industry has expanded."
Changes in your industry
"Product changes do not happen very often. We expect the majority of the innovations to focus on the materials, since weight is a key element to the overall aspect of shipping."
Upcoming legislation
"I have not been following politics as closely as I once did. My wish is that they just stay out of my business so I can run my business."
NFIB experience and expectations
"I used to be an NFIB member in the early '90s. I am intrigued by the advocacy of NFIB. I want to be a part of an organization of like people so that our voice is stronger."
Hobbies
"I am a huge sports fan -- all sports!"
Danny Worley, manager
Volunteer Case & Container LLC, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
In business since 1991; NFIB member since January 2007.
Number of employees: 10
