Jawad said the award also inspired him to network and get to know other people in the same industry. He claims it was just the kick in the pants he needed. “I was pretty motivated by it.
We were in cruise control before. Things were working and business was good, but I kind of got bored,” he continued. “Attempting to get in the Top 50 kind of sprung the excitement and got me interested in meeting other business owners. Just being able to feed off those guys and be inspired, and hopeful- ly inspire back, has been another thing I’ve really enjoyed this year.” Jawad was excited to attend
the 2013 KnowledgeFest for the first time in five years, and said he thrived on the camaraderie and networking with vendors and other business owners. He also enjoyed the training opportunities there. For the first time, he made friends at the conference. “Yesterday I talked on the phone with one guy for an hour. We give each other advice and motivate one another. I never had that until this year. I’m reaching out more for the first time,” he said. Although many people have complimented his people skills over the years, Jawad said he has just started considering how to
“Tat’s one of the things I’ve been most proud of — that I’ve been able to grow my business without marketing … and we continue to grow.”
-Omar Jawad, co-owner of Sound Depot and Performance
“bottle up” those skills and teach them to other people. “I’m interested in training, but I
have no idea how to go about that right now — maybe a partnership with someone else. I just want to be able to help people at any point that I can,” he added.
Taking Care of Business As Jawad and his team work to- ward buying their current location and planning a major remodel, he said they are evaluating sales on a deeper level and looking for new ways to increase profitability while streamlining efficiency for customers. Jawad proudly stated that store sales have continued to grow by 10 percent each year. Currently Sound Depot and Performance makes more than $1 million in sales annually. “I think it’s because of how we
take care of our customers, and that’s why I’ll never change that,” he remarked.
»
SOUND DEPOT AND PERFORMANCE INC. FAST FACTS
FEATURED STORE
To sell high-end product, the store’s goal is to create an entic- ing showroom that presents product in the best visual form possible.
Sound Depot and Performance Inc., 1931 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32609. A traditional retail store that features three install bays and a large showroom, along with three additional bays for woodshop and window tint on an adjacent property. Approximately 3,200 square feet, with an additional space of 1,200. Established in 1998, at this location since 2007.
EMPLOYEES
Omar Jawad, Owner/General Manager
Brian Hunt, Owner/Fabricator/ Install Inventory Manger Danny Powel, Key Salesman Chris Kelly, Salesman Trent Riehle, Technician Shedrick Anderson, Technician Bobby Robinson, Technician
Dewane Bollers, Install Bay/ Technology Manager
Jeff Davis, Window Film Technician
Lucy Sapp, Office Manager
TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 10
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