Recent Positively West Virginia guest, Mike Roberts, described his journey from contracting to starting his own business with his cofounder, Kevin. Together, Mike and Kevin built their business from the ground up to provide quality prevention and safety services to pipeline projects all over West Virginia.
Roberts Corrosion Services is a one-stop-shop for safety, prevention and quality control of pipeline projects. The main goal of Roberts Corrosion Services is to help keep pipelines strong, safe and efficient for their clients.
Mike and Kevin began considering this business in 2010 when they realized that corrosion services were costly and nonexistent locally. The two initially joked about the company, but over time were drawn to the idea of starting something that offered affordable, high-quality services to the people they worked with locally.
Starting Roberts Corrosion Services was not a smooth sail to victory. Mike and Kevin had trouble getting loans, finding space, and keeping capital. It wasn’t until they both decided to ask their parents for financial assistance that they were able to stabilize their operation and begin to grow.
Now their business is thriving with 25 employees and clients all over the tri-state area. Their team has an office, a lab, and expertise in corrosion, safety and design. Mike attributes their success mainly to those who gave them advice and helped them form a solid business plan. He also said that growing “smart” is vital to your success. He said, “We have to be smart about the jobs we take; you can grow yourself into bankruptcy.”
Mike’s most significant concern lies in the health, safety and happiness of his team. He constantly reminds himself to take the time to research how to be a great leader. Mike said, “It’s not about “Mike Roberts” it’s about our company.” Mike described the atmosphere of their company as open and said that he involves the team in decisions as often as he can.
If you’re looking to start your own business, Mike says that constant learning, giving back and reaching out are priorities for success.
You can listen to the whole podcast here: https://positivelywv.com/podcast/episode-167-mike-roberts-roberts-corrosion-services/
PWV QUICK BITS | MIKE ROBERTS
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- PIECE OF ADVICE: “Be smart about the jobs you take,” advised Mike Roberts