07/30/2007
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Hunter Vereen of Riverside Uniform Rentals |
Riverside Uniform Rentals has been a family-owned and -operated business since 1962. There are three locations in the Southeast and Hunter Vereen has been running the Griffin operation since 2000. He believes in doing business with other independent business owners and focusing on the customer. We recently spoke with Vereen about his business and competing with the "bigger is better" motto.
Describe your business
We provide uniform rentals that include a complete line of industrial, corporate and flame-resistant uniforms as well as all types of floor mats, towels, mops and air fresheners. We also offer many paper products and hand soaps. Our newest division, First Aid, offers first-aid cabinets and supplies, safety products and safety training.
Essential business philosophy
We believe that if we offer our customers excellent products and honest service, they will continue to be customers for many years.
What business opportunities were there when you started, and what opportunities exist today?
Riverside Uniform Rentals was founded in 1961 and at that time the uniform market was primarily automotive and other "heavy soil" type of businesses. Today, our market has grown to include executive, corporate casual, and flame-resistant uniforms for such companies as Caterpillar, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Flowers Banking Company, National Beef and over 200 municipalities through out Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
What are your company's strengths and how do you capitalize on them?
As a family-owned, independent business with local managers, we are able to do what is best for our customers quickly.
What trends are shaping your industry?
Being able to offer our customers expanded services and product choices are important because although we are the largest independent uniform company in the Southeast, we are a small business and compete with four publicly traded national companies who continually promote "bigger is better."
Why do you like being a small-business owner?
It is very satisfying to have personal relationships with our customers and be a partner with them as their business grows.
What would people be surprised to learn about your industry?
That we can offer your employees the convenience of uniforms and greatly enhance your company image for less than what it costs to buy a couple of sodas per day.
Definition of success
Customer retention. Ninety-eight percent of our customers renew their agreements.
What legislation, either state or federal, is pending that could affect your business?
Immigration laws and health-care plans.
What is your No. 1 legislative concern at both the state and federal levels?
Immigration laws, because it affects our customers businesses as well our own.
How do you stay involved and active in the public-policy process?
I am new to the public-policy arena and hope to become more active with NFIB in the future.
How did you first learn about NFIB?
One of our marketing representatives met NFIB/Georgia Field Service Representative Bruce Hallman at a prospect they were both calling on. Bruce gave her some information and she passed it on to me.
Why did you join NFIB, and what are your expectations of NFIB?
We have the same concerns as any NFIB member and we feel that independent businesses should be able to do business with other independent businesses. Our expectations are to have a strong support partner and to be able to meet other independent business owners in our area
Quick facts
Riverside Uniform Rentals
Hunter Vereen, owner
Business owner since 2000, NFIB member since May 2007
41 Employees
- Important business lesson learned? Repeat and clarify with customers. I want to ensure I hear their needs correctly and make them 100 percent happy.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in professional sales and marketing from Kennesaw State University
- Family: Married with a 2 ½-year-old son and one on the way (due in August)
- Most recently book read: "My reading is dominated by my 2-year-old, so the last book I read was 'I am a Big Brother Now.'"
- Favorite vacation spot: "Anywhere coastal. I love to golf and fish."
