Caston Binger is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a fast-growing renovation company that specializes in residential and commercial improvement services. Operating out of New York State, he works closely with clients along the east coast to help create spaces that match their style, vision, and budget.
Caston Binger began his passion and pursuit in 2006 with a mission to help homeowners transform their average living space into a welcoming dream space. Today, he offers a wide variety of remodeling solutions for clients both small and large. With over 15 years of renovation improvement experience, Caston Binger provides top-quality workmanship, reliability, and personalized one-on-one attention from start to finish.
What is Caston Binger Home Renovations all about?
At Caston Binger Home Renovations, we carry out all aspects of the home improvement process. We also specialize in and offer commercial improvement services. No matter what your style may be, we will design and complete your remodel according to your exact specifications. Whether you need a fresh coat of paint in your living room or an addition to your commercial office, you can depend on us for extraordinary results at an affordable rate.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I became a homeowner in my early 20’s. Like most first-time homebuyers, there were several repairs and updates I wanted to make the moment I received my keys to my home. After receiving countless expensive quotes from home improvement contractors, I decided to take on the renovations myself.
As I completed several of my own home DIY projects, I discovered my passion for the home transformation process. One project led to the next. I completed a tile job for a relative, then built a deck for my neighbor. Word of mouth traveled quickly and before I knew it, I had grown to a larger renovation company with several clients and multiple contracts.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
- There are several skill sets that are essential to becoming a successful entrepreneur. One skill that I believe is crucial to one’s success is the ability to navigate, engage and connect with customers through social media. Currently, most people use some form of social media. It’s an effective way to reach customers. Therefore these platforms should represent a key part of any business’s marketing strategy. Not only will you need to understand each platform, you’ll also need to be aware of the best strategies for getting your startup and personal brand noticed on each one.
- The second skill needed to succeed as an entrepreneur goes hand in hand with the first skill and that’s the ability to connect with other entrepreneurs. As you navigate your industry as a new entrepreneur, you’ll need valuable advice and support to make it through the challenges and barriers. Improve your odds of success by finding entrepreneur friends or a mentor who will be able to understand your struggles and give you much-needed insight.
- The last skill that I believe is needed to be a successful entrepreneur is just as vital as the ones mentioned above, if not more. One must have passion. I believe that half-hearted attempts to do anything will not yield successful outcomes. Therefore, an entrepreneur needs to be passionate about their work and about achieving their goals.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
Entrepreneurship is about making mistakes and I’ve had quite a few along the way in the renovation business – I just tried to improve myself and my business after each one.
- One of my earliest mistakes at the start of my business was doing renovation jobs for family and friends at a discounted price. Giving everyone a deal. Though I was helping others, I was also undervaluing myself and losing money for my services at the same time.
- Another mistake that occurred at the start of my business was overworking myself physically. In the early days of the company, I was still working a full-time job. I’d start my mornings as early as 4 am at my day job. After I clocked out, I would drive directly to the renovation property and work there until 11 PM. Once home, I’d make a late dinner and settle in. By the time I got in bed, it was usually well after midnight. I was exhausted and I would have to be up to start all over again in a few hours.
- Another mistake I feel I made in the early days of my business was not properly preparing and training my renovation team members for the jobs I hired them to perform. Successful contractors create role expectations for their team and there was a time when I didn’t provide that to my crew. Some of the guys were sanding hardwood floors with little to no experience or training. Seeing my crew miss the mark because of a lack of direction was a clear reflection on me as a leader. This motivated me to be more accountable and supportive to everyone. It also allowed me to empower my crew to do their best work. As a result, they began to produce better work and feeling more accomplished. I felt accomplished, and the team’s energy improved.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
- Canva is one online tool that helps me be more productive. Canva is an online graphic design platform that has many functions. It allows users to create media content such as logos, posters, flyers and presentations. I use it primarily to create sleek and professional looking digital ads, flyers, and newsletters that I distribute and share with clients on a weekly basis.
- Google calendar is another resourceful tool I use while managing my company. I’m able to organize and prioritize upcoming events. Google calendar also allows me to schedule meetings with clients and make it to appointments in a timely fashion. I’d be lost without it. It’s color-coded and each different calendar has a different scheduled reminder- I get a notification ten minutes before calls and a week before birthdays. It helps me manage all my personal and professional commitments.
- I use Later.com to schedule all of my social media posts in advance. Even though I work on work sites, I still have to have an online presence. I like Later.com because it allows me to not have to be on my phone all the time, it helps me to batch create content, and I don’t have to think about it once it’s been scheduled. So, that part of my business is pretty automated now. Which is great because I’m extremely busy and need to use my limited time wisely.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
There are a lot of things I do to be more productive, such as eating right, sleep at least 10 hours a night, and exercise every day. But one habit that really sets me apart is my morning gratitude list.
It may seem unlikely, but this simple routine has helped turn my company around. People who regularly think about what they’re grateful for have higher levels of optimism and lower levels of anxiety in their lives. As an entrepreneur, anything that promotes positive emotions will help you thrive!
I would say being grateful each day for everything I have is a big part of my company’s success. It helps me appreciate what I have worked hard to achieve – both personally and professionally.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
If I only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, I would spend it all on the tools and equipment needed to perform my job well. For instance, someone interested in pursuing photography should have an adequate camera, tripod, and lens. Likewise, a barber should purchase hair clippers and various trimmers to accommodate his or her diverse clientele. $1000 should be spent and invested in the tools and instruments that will allow one to achieve their goals as an entrepreneur.
What is your favorite quote?
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
— Nora Roberts
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
Since entrepreneurship has its challenges and demands, I would make the following three suggestions to any new entrepreneur.
One, make sure that you create time for self-care and your personal health. Two, avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle, and finally, ensure you have a mentor to help guide you on your journey.
Who should we interview next and why?
Another entrepreneur I would recommend interviewing is Katrina Lopes. She is the owner of KL Management which is a music management company. Her artists have toured with internationally renowned acts Backstreet Boys, Selena Gomez, opened for acts NAO, John Legend, Nas, SWV, and have performed alongside Sir Elton John. Together with her clients, Katrina Lopes has garnered numerous accolades including MMVA Video of the Year, Socan #1 Award, Socan Pop Song of the Year, as well as numerous platinum and gold certified singles. And most recently, she was named an honouree on the global “Alternative Power 100 Music List 2020”.
What is your definition of success?
The definition of success is subjective and it’s meaning could vary from person to person. For instance, person “A” might view success as earning a high salary or obtaining a leadership position within a company, while person “B” may associate true success with homeownership and marriage.
Regardless of one’s perspective, I truly believe that success is defined by one’s overall happiness. I believe that those who are happy and in a positive emotional state are successful. I feel like happier people are more satisfied with their jobs, their relationships, and in life.
How can readers get in touch with you?
Anyone interested in connecting with me can reach me through my business website at www.castonbinger.com or Linkedin,
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