Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Querry.
Hi Spencer, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey in the epoxy and concrete coatings industry while pursuing a business degree in college. It was during a labor job for the utility tunnels running under the Murray IHC that I was first introduced to the fascinating world of concrete treatments. As I learned more about the products used in the tunnels, I became increasingly interested in the possibilities of the industry.
After completing my degree, I realized that the traditional job options available to me were not as appealing as the prospect of creating a visible and tangible impact through concrete coatings. I have always had a passion for using my hands and traveling, which is why I decided to delve into the concrete coatings world with the intention of eventually starting my own business. Looking back, I sometimes think that college showed me more of what I didn’t want to pursue than what I did, but I still found value in that experience. The political aspect and corporate hierarchy in big companies did not appeal to me; I wanted to be valued and make a difference.
My favorite class in college was a lecture series featuring entrepreneurs who shared their stories of how and why they started their own businesses, which greatly influenced my decision to pursue entrepreneurship in the concrete coatings industry. Over the past nine years, I have worked for two different businesses and now run my own. I had the privilege of having a great mentor in my second boss, who taught me the value of mentorship for young entrepreneurs. I believe that entrepreneurs working together can create significant value in the industry, which is something that I continue to advocate for as my business grows.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle for me has always been the fear of failure. Wanting to know everything and how to do it perfectly beforehand. Running a super well-functioning business and producing great finished products. I’ve always been a hard worker and am used to just putting my head down and pushing through. For me, I really want to produce the best job every time. If I’m going to put my name on it I want to make sure no one can say anything bad about it. I’m definitely my hardest critic and often notice things that might bother me that others would never even notice. So Just take that leap of faith at the beginning and continue to take them.
I suppose just getting out of my comfort zone. It’s definitely not been easy. I’ve had some long nights and weekends. At the beginning of starting to venture out, I would go work for the company that employed me and then do jobs for friends or family. One time I worked 42 hours without stopping for anything but food, finally went to bed and woke up about 6 hours later, and returned to work. This is once again the result of not taking that leap of faith and being hesitant to go out on my own full-time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in concrete and deck coatings. Everything from penetrating sealers to waterproof membranes to epoxies and other resin-based products. Most of what we do is still residential. Pool decks, garages, basements, sidewalks, porches, driveways, you name it, we can coat it. One of my favorite products is metallic epoxy. It mimics marble so you can get a whole floor to look like one big piece of marble.
I have the goal to start moving towards more commercial jobs. Things like warehouses, parking garages, and airplane hangars. We really try to focus on educating our customers about the products we are using and how they work. They like to understand the process. I have found the better and more clearly we can explain to our customers about the process the more they trust us and what we do.
We are pretty versatile with the products we offer. Many epoxy companies in the market nowadays can only provide one type of system. They usually hire a few people who can be trained to perform a specific 7-step process, and that’s all. However, with the extensive range of coatings we offer, there are numerous variables that come into play. These variables are not easily explained or recognized unless one has gone through the misfortune of experiencing them before.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I think mentors and associating with others that know more than you are good practices. I enjoy podcasts on financial literacy. Whether it be about real estate or other tools like retirement funds or life insurance. I like how they focus on how you can do everything yourself and it is always easier when you work with other professionals.
As my company continues to grow I know this is vital. I think that having a healthy work-life balance is important for longevity. It becomes impossible to do every single task a business needs and to do it well. That kind of knowledge has been a great asset to me and my future goals. I don’t want to be the guy that gets burned out or ends up being an angry micromanager.
Pricing:
- Epoxy products vary a lot!
- Base pricing starts at $4 per sq ft and top-end stuff can go to $20+ per sq ft
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.801epoxy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/801epoxy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/801-EPOXY-Decks-Floors/100083167906859/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@801epoxy?_t=8bMtciB6IBv&_r=1
