Part II of my Conversation with Carolyn Howell - Winner of the 2007 Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award

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This is the second part of my conversation with Carolyn Howell, Vice President of
Fun Company Picnics & Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park, who won the 2007 Loudoun Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award.

Ronan:
So how do you think the Loudon Chamber of Commerce has helped your business?

Carolyn:
They have – they are already doing it. They know the businesses. The businesses know them. And I never thought you could pick up the phone and ask them questions and get answers. You can.

They promote you. Even your name is in their guide. People have called me because they looked in something or my name was on a list they saw. I just didn’t know a chamber of commerce did that. Truthfully, prior to being in this business, I never thought – when I thought of chamber of commerce, I thought of Andy of Mayberry.

I never thought that a county with this much money and these demographics would have a chamber of commerce that could be of any value. I just thought we were far too sophisticated.

Ronan:
So what is it that led you to win the Loudoun chamber’s small business award?

Carolyn:
I think our reputation got around that we really want to do a good job. That it really is personal service. That you’re going to talk to somebody that’s interested. I don’t want anybody to have any bad experiences. I can’t change that if they did, but I can make an attempt to correct a perception they have.

And I think that the reputation that we have is because we do a lot for charities. We work with critical care, fragile care, and the mentally or physically challenged students in Loudon County. Helping is a really big deal to me. I feel we’re in a position where we can do some good.

We are just a little guy. We are just a little golf range. I sometimes pull up to my office in the winter and I think, “How do we even stay in business?” But we can do something. When I can offer a group of students who are physically challenged come and pay putt putt and then have a pizza party, that makes being in business very worthwhile.

Ronan:
Yes. I can see how worthwhile that would be. This business means a lot to you. And you’re putting a lot of time and effort into it.

Carolyn:
Truthfully, I need a paycheck. The owner needs a return. But it has turned into so much more than that. I think our reputation is positive and that people have come here and have had good experiences.

Ronan:
I suspect that it’s not just down to the small business itself, but the people within the business. Excellent customer service and customers leaving with a very good impression is critical for the success of a small business.

Carolyn:
I think that if you’re a small business - I don’t care if it’s a chimney cleaning, window washing, car detailing. I don’t care what it is. Do the best job you can. Be known for being a credible company with credible people behind it. Treat people well and it will get noticed.

We live in a world that is so impersonal, but if your business can somehow have that personal touch then that is really a good thing. We are all still humans even though we touch machinery.

And that’s what makes things go round. If we just approach it from that standpoint. “What does this person really want? What am I able to deliver?”

Ronan:
So what do you think are the five most important traits a small business owner must have?

Carolyn:
First of all I think you have to really be honest. I think honesty and integrity. You also need to be intuitive. Try and determine what people need. Just be willing to go out of your way. Treat your customers as if they were your family. Work hard at your business and it will work hard for you.

Ronan:
So do you think Loudon County is a good county to do business in?

Carolyn:
Yes. People are moving here because they want the schools. They love the landscape. Loudon County is so vast and so beautiful.

You can drive from cosmopolitan all the way out to Middleburg and far beyond and it’s gorgeous. It is truly therapeutic for me when I drive around. This is where I now relax. I used to go into DC and get a nice hotel but now I relax in Loudon County. You know, they had that little ad I saw one time when we first came out here. It says – “Just west of all the congestion, you can catch your breath.”

I think that this is a perfect place to try and grow something.

Ronan:
I think that’s a very nice way to finish our conversation. I completely agree with you. My wife and I have often discussed moving to North Carolina, which is where she is from. But you know, the longer we stay here the less pull she feels. We really enjoy it. We live in western Loudon County and we really enjoy wine. So we love to go to Breaux and Doukenie, and many others.

Carolyn:
Have you been to Bluemont? There is a new winery and it just opened. They are the same people who own Great Country Farms. I believe it’s called Elevation 651 and it’s. It has the most incredible view from the balcony. I could sit there and just lose myself.

Ronan:
It’s hard to lose yourself on Route 28.

Thank you Carolyn, I really enjoyed our conversation. Thanks for your time, which I know is precious.