David Wilson is the owner of East Industries in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The company started out as a pallet recycling business but has systematically evolved into a specialized pallet manufacturer that offers custom pallets and new and recycled pallets. It also offers custom pallet recycling services. East Industries has regional and national customer accounts.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What is the best piece of business advice that you have ever received?
Wilson: Patience. Patience with yourself, patience with your employees. Have patience with your customers and respect will develop from this attitude and long-term relationships will grow.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What do you think your company will look like 5-10 years from now?
Wilson: I believe we will double in size depending on external variables.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: How do you decide whether or not to try a new idea in your company?
Wilson: We evaluate, implement and measure the results. We modify if necessary, to meet our expectations. If it is not functional, practical, or profitable, we’ll eliminate the program or equipment and find a better solution.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What is one of the hardest business decisions you have ever made?
Wilson: Terminating a management-level employee.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What is one of the most important business decisions you have ever made?
Wilson: Going into business for myself without a working knowledge of the pallet business and making it last successfully for 40 years.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What is the most important thing you do each day?
Wilson: As has been said, showing up is 80% of the job. Every day I speak with managers and resolve issues and implement opportunities.
PALLET ENTERPRISE: What performance indicators do you track to measure how your company is doing?
Wilson: Weekly sales and production output, monthly profit and loss, and inventory control.
