Building Trust and Community: Insights from Rick Watkins, Executive Director of Trust Acadiana
08/23/24 • 43 min
What if you could transform your local business with the power of trust and community? Join us as we sit down with Rick Watkins, a seasoned board member of the Better Business Bureau and the executive director behind Trust Acadiana. From his early days in Morgan City to his entrepreneurial journey through Florida’s restaurant scene, and finally returning to opening a restaurant in Lafayette, Rick shares his unique insights into the restaurant industry, especially navigating the complexities of operating in an industrial area. Learn about the strategic decisions that made his ventures successful and the lessons he gathered along the way.
Rick's story doesn't end with the restaurant business; it evolves into something even more impactful. Discover how he transitioned into establishing Trust Acadiana, a thriving barter network that began in 2010 with just 22 members and has grown to over 515 local businesses. Rick sheds light on the importance of community trust, referrals, and the lessons learned from working with a dynamic nine-member rotating board of directors. You'll hear about the rebranding journey to Moxie and why managing this internal currency is crucial for the network's success.
In our final segment, we explore the broader themes of continuous personal and professional development. Rick emphasizes the benefits of engaging with business organizations like the Better Business Bureau and how diverse viewpoints on a board can foster meaningful growth. We also dive into the significance of social media in modern business, generational shifts in work ethic, and the importance of valuing employees. Tune in for a treasure trove of advice on maintaining integrity, trust, and growth in any business endeavor.
To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana
This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.
What if you could transform your local business with the power of trust and community? Join us as we sit down with Rick Watkins, a seasoned board member of the Better Business Bureau and the executive director behind Trust Acadiana. From his early days in Morgan City to his entrepreneurial journey through Florida’s restaurant scene, and finally returning to opening a restaurant in Lafayette, Rick shares his unique insights into the restaurant industry, especially navigating the complexities of operating in an industrial area. Learn about the strategic decisions that made his ventures successful and the lessons he gathered along the way.
Rick's story doesn't end with the restaurant business; it evolves into something even more impactful. Discover how he transitioned into establishing Trust Acadiana, a thriving barter network that began in 2010 with just 22 members and has grown to over 515 local businesses. Rick sheds light on the importance of community trust, referrals, and the lessons learned from working with a dynamic nine-member rotating board of directors. You'll hear about the rebranding journey to Moxie and why managing this internal currency is crucial for the network's success.
In our final segment, we explore the broader themes of continuous personal and professional development. Rick emphasizes the benefits of engaging with business organizations like the Better Business Bureau and how diverse viewpoints on a board can foster meaningful growth. We also dive into the significance of social media in modern business, generational shifts in work ethic, and the importance of valuing employees. Tune in for a treasure trove of advice on maintaining integrity, trust, and growth in any business endeavor.
To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana
This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.
Previous Episode
Redefining Accessibility: Transformative Home Renovations with Steve Courville
Imagine transforming your home into a sanctuary of comfort and safety tailored for the elderly and disabled. Join us as we welcome Steve Courville, the mastermind behind Accessibility by Design, who shares his remarkable journey from architecture student to a leading expert in home accessibility renovations. Steve pulls back the curtain on essential modifications like widening doorways, removing carpets, and installing grab bars, all aimed at making homes safer and more accessible. With his wife’s initial foray into the durable medical equipment industry setting the stage, Steve's passion for customization shines through as he recounts how each project is uniquely tailored to meet the homeowner's specific needs.
Steve’s story is not just about bricks and mortar; it's a tale of transformation and specialization. From his days of fixing and selling medical equipment for over 15 years to completing his degree with a newfound discipline from the National Guard, Steve has honed a unique skill set for designing accessible living spaces. He opens up about the innovative solutions and challenges faced, such as reorganizing tiny spaces and relocating plumbing fixtures. Serving the Acadiana area, Steve distinguishes his business from general contractors by focusing on accessibility, delivering over 3,000 projects that enhance the quality of life for those in need.
Our discussion also delves into the business side of home renovations, shedding light on the challenges of marketing, hiring reliable employees, and maintaining ethical business practices. We explore the importance of written contracts, the risks posed by unlicensed contractors, and the delicate balance between work and personal life, highlighted by Steve's memorable vacation to Norway. Tune in to gain invaluable insights from Steve Courville on creating safer, more comfortable living spaces while navigating the complexities of running a specialized business.
Learn more about Accessibility by Design by visiting their website!
To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana
This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.
Next Episode
Crafting Exceptional Outdoor Experiences: The Journey and Insights of Reggie Beaudoin, Owner of Bask Pools + Outdoors
Ever wonder what it takes to run a successful pool business? Join us on the Buzz on Better Business Podcast as we chat with Reggie Beaudoin, the mastermind behind Bask Pools and Outdoors, to uncover his journey from growing up in a family pool business to owning his own since 2001. Reggie gives us an insider’s look at the comprehensive services his company offers, from design to maintenance and renovation, all while navigating the unique challenges posed by the Gulf Coast climate. His insights into the meticulous process of custom pool design reveal how creativity and engineering come together to create stunning outdoor spaces.
Exceptional customer service is at the heart of any thriving business, and Reggie shares how Bask Pools ensures every client has a positive experience. We discuss the importance of consistency and adaptability in meeting customer needs and the critical role of communication in our fast-paced world. Reggie opens up about handling both praise and complaints, and how he empowers his team to maintain a culture of quality service. Learn practical tips from our guest on how to retain customers and foster a dedicated workforce that thrives on exceptional service.
Navigating the regulatory landscape in the pool industry can be daunting, but Reggie breaks down the certification and licensing requirements in Louisiana, shedding light on the enforcement challenges in the residential sector. We also touch on the practical differences between chlorine and saltwater pools, offering maintenance tips for both. Reggie shares the rewards and hurdles of running a business, from managing employees to balancing personal life. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs emphasizes the importance of passion, dedication, and building strong client relationships. Don’t miss this episode packed with expert advice and inspiring stories from a seasoned pool industry professional!
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To learn more about BASK Pools + Outdoors, visit their website by clicking here.
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To learn more about BBB Serving Acadiana, visit our website:
🔗 https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-acadiana
This podcast is an AcadianaCasts production and part of the AcadianaCasts Network. Go to acadianacasts.com for more South Louisiana sourced content.
The Buzz On Better Business - Building Trust and Community: Insights from Rick Watkins, Executive Director of Trust Acadiana
Transcript
I hear folks my age talk about , you know , young people that don't work or they don't do . You know
Speaker 1they don't have the work ethic that we had and this , that and the other . Well , that could be said for any generation .
Speaker 1More often than not , I see young people that are working two an
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