Ken Rusk is a blue-collar construction business entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful endeavors over the last thirty years. For the first many years of his young working life, he dug ditches for a basement repair company in northern Ohio. Over the years, he dug his way to a good life, one shovel of dirt at a time, and is now teaching others to do the same. Rusk has extensive experience in hiring, training, and developing first-time job seekers, particularly those without college degrees. He lives in Toledo, Ohio, where he runs Rusk Industries, Inc., which specializes in various forms of construction.
Please tell us a little bit about your company – what is Rusk Industries all about?
My company is called Rusk Industries and we are involved in various forms of construction. There are 4 separate entities involved, but our main effort is in the foundation repair and replacement sector. You might say that we are glorified ditch diggers, and we are very proud of that fact, lol. Today we now build office buildings, develop residential property, and are involved in fire retardant chemicals as well.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I started at 15 while in high school for a company that bordered my high school property. Began in the labor department of the foundation business and then grew within the company. Eventually was tasked with traveling the country opening new offices for the parent company. Then started my own firm at 24, grew the business from 6 to 200 employees, and still operate that today.
What was the biggest problem you encountered with your business and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I had while growing my company was to ‘sell’ the job to those whom I needed to join the team. Our job is a tough, dirty, physically demanding one that requires an enormous amount of effort. So, we had to create an attractive, amazing culture, one that was supportive, involved, caring, motivating, rewarding and focused on the personal lives and goals of those who chose to work with us.
What were the top mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
It wasn’t so much of a mistake as it was something, I’d wished I had started sooner. I realized early on that the power of someone believing that they can get what they want for themselves with and through your organization, and therefore build the life that they want, as they see it … was much more effectual than I had ever imagined. Hence the focus of my energies was placed squarely on them, their lives, and their goals.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
It’s all about the customer experience. We try to present ourselves as a contemporary company that is keenly aware of what our customers go through with not only our services but when hiring contractors in general. We take what can sometimes be a draining experience and create a fun, energetic atmosphere right from the first call, and we follow through with that energy until the very end. From amazing customer communication, to lively, music-filled environments, to cooking meals for our customers onsite. We take a rather mundane service and make it 5-star memorable.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
I start each day wondering what my team, my customers and my own family wants and needs. Then I simply document that in some interesting way and go try to make it happen.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
- Traction
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, -Stephen R. Covey
- Blue Collar Cash, and pretty much anything that Spencer Johnson has written.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
It is easy for most to say something like, “do what you’re passionate about and the money will follow,” which is true… however, figure out a way to combine what you are passionate about with something that not many others are currently doing or are willing to do… and now you’re on to something.
Example: Digging ditches was not exactly tops on my list as a career. But I enjoyed the development of my team and their individual futures, so I came to the conclusion that I could combine the two and found a very lucrative enterprise with services that many needed, and at the same time, I could enjoy building the team of players I have today. Respect the law of Supply and Demand and have fun with it. Believe me, it will never fail you.
What is your favorite quote?
To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected
How can we get in touch with you?
You can find me on my website kenrusk.com Instagram and Twitter
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