Recently, Rodney Wiltshire (ex-president of the Troy Council and owner of a small business) was interviewed.
Tell us about yourself.
Rodney Wiltshire is my name. I am a former Troy City Council president, a long-serving public servant, the owner of a small, thriving business, and a committed family man. I manage my operations and day-to-day business affairs, which consume a lot of my energy and time.
I am an entrepreneur and a proud member of my local community. My business is strong and I am committed to helping people.
What are your strengths? What is your unique value as a professional?
My main expertise is in solar energy, customer service and business management. My skills in all three areas combine to ensure that each customer receives the best possible service, products, experience, and product. My local business is thriving. I work closely with customers to find, design, implement, and maintain the best solution for their unique needs. My value proposition is a service experience that can be provided from start to finish that no one else in the industry can offer. This will leave a lasting impression on customers and create a lasting impression that will result in word-of mouth referrals, repeat business, savings, and long-term savings.
What is a typical day like for you? How can you be productive and efficient on an ongoing basis?
I get up in the morning, plan my day and follow a schedule to accomplish my short- and longer-term goals. I plan and schedule every task ahead of time, whether it is employee strategy meetings, service planning, product improvement, customer calls or vendor relationship management.
I make sure to leave time every day and every week for the unexpected. This allows me to take on new challenges and find solutions without interrupting my day. I can stay consistent and productive no matter the challenges our team faces.
What has it been about your industry that has kept you interested and motivated to keep working in it?
It is a great industry to work in and I am surrounded by people who share my passions for solar and excellent customer service. This field is a promising one with high growth potential. It’s populated by people who believe in it and are invested in its future. It is what keeps me motivated and inspired to continue to work every day, to be able to get up every morning and work with others towards a common goal.
What professional achievement or success story is your most proud? What is your most notable achievement?
It is a great honor to have helped build this business and have been able to see it grow and flourish every day. It’s a great feeling to take pride in being able to work in a dynamic, high-growth business and manage an organization that I helped to build. Being part of a small, successful business is one of my greatest achievements.
As a public servant, I am proud. While it was a challenging role, I also had the opportunity to meet, talk with, learn from, as well as serve citizens from all over the city. I don’t take public service lightly. To have the chance to serve in such a position and be a part of something greater than myself was incredible.
What was your experience with overcoming a particular obstacle or challenge?
As a small business owner, I found it difficult to get started on building the foundation and secure your company’s position and mark. It’s one thing to have an idea, but it’s quite another to build the foundation that will allow your idea to become a reality. It was a blessing to have great people supporting me every step of the process. Despite my strength and inner resilience, I could not have overcome the initial hurdles without support.
What are the essential skills required to succeed in your chosen field?
I would say determination and flexibility/adaptability. You will face moments of adversity regardless of what industry or business you are in. It is important to be able to handle crises when they occur (and they will), and resist the urge to quit. Regardless of what seems like the worst, determination can keep you focused and give you a boost that will keep you moving forward.
It is important to be flexible. Small businesses and startups face many challenges. They need to be able to adapt to new thinking and find new solutions. It may seem counterintuitive but it is important to allow yourself to change directions and pivot as needed.
Are there any projects in the works that you are excited about?
Over the course of running your business, projects will often arise. Although I won’t reveal what we are currently working on or planning, I will tell you that exciting new opportunities are on the horizon and I cannot wait to get started.
What advice would your younger self give you?
Do not be afraid to fail and do not let failure stop you from moving on.
