Green Client Interviews
Recently, my college intern, Becky Sanders, conducted interviews with two of our clients for one of her class projects. The goal of the interviews was to get a read on their thoughts on green business before working with me, during our work together and the results afterward. Below are the transcripts.
Client: Roger Segure-APR Investments. Roger runs a real estate investment company in Southern California. His company specializes in purchasing short sales or foreclosure properties, remodeling them and selling them at a profit.
What was your experience with green business practices?
“None! I was previously in tune with wanting solar, taking short showers and being green but didn’t really know anything about how to go about incorporating it into my business. I went to conference and met with company who was doing green sustainability (using Jim) And I was intrigued with the idea of turning into a green business. * No active business practice before Jim, just aware of environmental problems.”
Did you have any prior green business practices in place?
“None. Only my environmental conscience.”
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being most important) , how important was it for you to be a ‘green’ company?
“10, make more money greening up a home as well as do what is right for the environment.”
What benefits did you expect when you began working with Jim?
“I initially needed to feel things out. I expected to be told what to do and in what order.
I liked Jim from get go – after meeting him I thought that if Jim hit even 65 percent of what he was saying, that it was going to be exciting – seems to me hes right about everything he says.. Expected higher income for properties and was excited about branding myself as green.”
How many competitors did you have prior to beginning this project?
“Who knows – lots of competition, Lots of opportunity for flipping homes.”
What were the 2 biggest surprise positive outcomes you experienced while working with Jim?
“If you aligned yourself with people like Jim you learn about things such as discounts at home depot 15 to 20% less. PRICE. Before Jim I thought carpet was carpet – discovered what carpet was made of, found out about green options that I didn’t think about before or even know existed. Also surprised about all the advantages of making your home green, hidden benefits like getting a soundproofed home from blown insulation.
How has your perception of being a ‘green’ business changed?
“From the first moment I decided to do this I have become more convinced that it will not only work [financially] but that it’s a good thing to do.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1-not much, 10- total domination) how much of a competitive advantage do you believe you have by being a ‘green’ company?
“10+++ Have a hunch that it will make all the difference”
How many competitors do you have now?
“None in the area that are known of. – May be people doing it at much less extent, not to the extent I am that’s for sure..”
What do you believe the future holds in regards to sustainability in your industry?
“I feel really good about, I know I am making a move in right direction and that it will pay off.”
How far (if at all) do you feel you are ahead of the curve in terms of knowledge, skills and experience?
“I feel like I’m ahead of most in this field,I have found a niche in the business to hold on to. While I am learning more everyday the majority of the knowledge is from Jim. I like having notes on hand. I wants to be able to explain basics to general population, don’t expect to be an expert.”
Ryan Burk – CEO – In The Now Investments. Ryan, along with his wife, Shanan, run a wholesale real estate investment business that largely invests in Section 8 homes in Detroit. We began working together in August of 2009 and I became their Chief Green Officer in January 2010. Shanan and I successfully worked together to have her replace me as Chief Green Officer in May 2010.
What was your experience with green business practices prior to working with Jim?
“Zero, no experience, other than thinking it would be cool to go green, but I always thought it would be too much money.”
Did you have any prior green business practices in place?
“None”
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being most important), how important was it for you to be a ‘green’ company?
“8, Once I started I became aware of green as an option it became very important.”
What benefits did you expect when you began working with Jim?
“I expected to have happier clients and tenants. Expected more profits for business, and the opportunity to leave a legacy.”
What were the 2 biggest surprise positive outcomes you experienced while working with Jim?
“I wasn’t aware how responsive the general public would be to becoming green. It
allowed me to open up my database while giving me an entirely new types of clients. I was surprised at how much easier it is to brand yourself as a green company.”
How has your perception of being a ‘green’ business changed?
“I have revolutionized my entire business model, Jim has opened eyes to how perfect this time is to get into this field, how people not only want to go green but will eventually need to.”
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1-not much, 10- total domination) how much of a competitive advantage do you believe you have by being a ‘green’ company?
“10- I don’t have any competition I stand out, I have absolutely no competitors.”
What do you believe the future holds in regards to sustainability in your industry?
“The future holds huge things, within the next 5 years all houses need to have energy rating, people will need companies like mine, there will be a huge need.”
How far (if at all) do you feel you are ahead of the curve in terms of knowledge, skills and experience?
“Way ahead of the curve, with what we know and the qualifications we have been getting. We feel we are ahead far enough to really benefit from these green trends.”
