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Explain your business in 100 words or less. The Duran Group is a golf sales and marketing firm that raises sales revenue, increases product distribution and produces growth in golf market share. We develop sales and marketing plans for clients and assist them in executing these plans. When did you start your business? I started moonlighting in 1991, but it became a full-time business in 1993. How many employees do you have? We have 18 employees and 75 independent sales representatives. How did you raise the money to start your business? I didn't have to raise money, I did it the entrepreneurial way by using credit cards to pay bills at the launch stage. Why did you choose the golf business? I started reading motivational and self-development books at an early age, and I came across this statement: "If you combine passion with a way of earning a living, you will never work a day in your life." I've been in the golf business for 32 years, so I haven't worked for a long time. What's been the key to your success? Specialization, hard work and a positive attitude. What are some of the pitfalls of being in business for yourself? Keeping a balanced life in a growth stage of business. I don't have regular work hours, so sometimes I get out of balance. What are some of the advantages? I can maneuver my work schedule around my kids' school activities and recreation. I coach baseball and football teams, and it's one of the more rewarding parts of my life. What advice do you have for someone wanting to go into business? Combine passion and a talent to develop a niche. Develop expertise and specialization to become the best in your niche. Grow horizontally and vertically in your niche without losing focus on your core business. I'm writing a book on this subject right now. What's the best business advice you've ever received? Stay lean and mean at an early stage of a business. Stay lean with staff and fixed expenses. Get mean in pursuing your market proactively. How did you become interested in the game? My father used to invite me to play as a child when someone in his foursome would cancel. When I was 13, I started beating them and taking their money, so I didn't get invited as often. What's your personal motto on the golf course? Hit it hard and far, and then go try to find it. What's the most influential book you've ever read? "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. It was written in 1929 and is still one of the greatest. Times may change, but people haven't. If you could have one PGA Tour pro represent your company, who would it be and why? Tiger Woods. He grew up in my neighborhood and I saw his rise from a young child. He still holds the course record at my home course, La Mirada, shooting 61 when he was 14 years old. n The Duran Group is headquartered in Buena Park. The company can be reached at (800) 299-8744 or by visiting www.durangroup.com. |
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