#79: Bi State Home Improvement Corp. Create competition, drive to be the best--that's what this company is all about.
By Steve Cooper
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Company: Bi State HomeImprovement Corp., remodeling/home improvement services
Founders: Michael Lamb, 35, KenLamb, 38, Kirk Amerine, 35, and Gary Maulden, 26
Began: December 2000 2001Sales: $1.4 million
Why did you start thisbusiness?
Michael Lamb: To offer better service than what I'veseen in the industry from other companies--to do things the rightway. Also, because I promised my brother [I would] (he quit agovernment job and moved across the country for this).
What business philosophy do you liveby?
Lamb: Always do what's right, all the time. Live up to,and by your principles. Never compromise. And always strive to beyour best. 'Success in life isn't measured by who or whatyou are, rather by who and what you are compared to and what youcould have become.'
Who is your business rolemodel?
Lamb: Bob Knight, head coach for Texas Tech's collegebasketball program. College basketball is big business, that is,ticket sales, TV contracts, merchandise sales, etc. The media hascreated Bobby Knight as an icon in college basketball. Love him orhate him, he is always the same. He is intensely passionate aboutthe game, his players, their success and winning.
I've been told many times that my attitude and demeanor arevery similar to Coach Knight's. I'm intense, passionateabout my business and drive my people to be their best. Perfectionis not an option; it's a requirement. Sometimes, I can be a bitof an ass, but it's because I care. I also always have toremember to be the hardest worker here. If you want the most fromyour people, they have to see that you're willing to give themost. First one here, last to leave--willing to do any job thatthey do and strive to be better at it than them. Createcompetition, drive to be the best--that's what I've foundbusiness is all about.
