Garry Gochenaur didn’t find success overnight in business, but confidence and a caring community are at least two of the reasons he attributes to establishing Marianna Truss and Marianna Metal Roofing.
Speaking to a large crowd at the First Friday Power Breakfast, which is sponsored monthly by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Gochenaur recalled the influences of his early years in Pennsylvania, and later his experiences at college in Montana.
At home, he was under the nurturing of a family that supported him in his formative years. He also was in a community that was supportive.
Upon arriving in Montana to attend college, Gochenaur met his future wife. They intended to settle in Montana and enjoy that state’s rich natural setting. But the type of work he needed was not abundant there at the time.
Nonetheless, his wife had family in Marianna. They moved here, never intending to stay, and he found work in Blountstown. When the work played out there, he saw an opportunity to start his own business in Jackson County, with the help of several established residents in the community.
Marianna Truss was started in 1985, but the early years of business were lean.
“At one time when I started we had $75 in sales. My wife fortunately worked and fed our family,” Gochenaur said.
Gochenaur said other problems arose as he worked to establish and build his business. But a couple of important developments were taking place in his favor.
“My wife and I rededicated our lives to Christ,” Gochenaur said. “I also had confidence and I had a gift. I have a God-given gift to picture three-dimensional things. I understand what is necessary to keep your house from caving in.”
Gochenaur also met Joey Woodruff, who had absolutely no experience in the truss business.
“But I knew he would treat our customers well, and that’s what I wanted,” Gochenaur said.
Gochenaur also hired another person out of college who has grown in the business and taken over many of his duties so that he can concentrate more on building business, particularly in the newer Marianna Metal Roof division he has established.
“I’ve learned a lot from other people,” Gochenaur said. “I also know that doing business in a smaller community that your product and service must be high quality. I am as concerned about the profitability of my customers as I am my own.”
Gochenaur also said that in his experience Jackson County has enjoyed slow but steady growth, which has allowed him to build a stronger business operation.
“It’s also important to relate to your employees. If you’re not for your employees, they’re not going to support you,” Gochenaur said. “We’ve had some times when we left some positions open, but in 23 years we’ve had no layoffs.”
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement