Parker County Today : What do you do in your day-today ? Albert Trujillo : I ’ ve always felt that an owner needs to set an example for employees , so I make it a point to be at work and perform my duties to make sure the company runs at its peak performance . Employees will follow a leader only when a leader is present . Setting an example for the employees to emulate is vital in order for us to be successful .
PCT : How did you get into this business ? AT : In 1978 , at the age of 17 , I was asked by a good friend of mine if I wanted to help unload some pool tables . I was eager to work and I said , “ Yes .” We started at 7 a . m . and ended our day at 6:30 p . m . To my dismay , little did I know we were about to unload 25 one-piece slate pool tables , so this was backbreaking work , but I managed . At the end of the day , we received our check in the amount of $ 15 ( after taxes ). I said to myself , I wouldn ’ t do this again . Two days later , I was told the owner wanted me to come in to help in the store . Reluctantly , I said I would be there . I was hired part-time for the summer drilling bowling balls , working on pool cues , mopping restrooms , vacuuming the showrooms and other duties . By the time I was 18 and had graduated high school , Lloyd Miles ( then owner ) asked if I wanted to work full-time at $ 180 week . Without delay , I said , “ Yes .” In 1991 , three of the current employees purchased the business , one was bought out and the other , Ernest Lazo , remains as vice president .
PCT : What is your backup job if you weren ’ t in this business ? AT : I had no backup job to consider , a high school diploma and no college degree , so it was sink or swim .
PCT : What is your favorite thing about your job ? AT : Being able to deal directly with my customers ; I ’ ve been blessed to have met so many people — some that
I ’ ve known since they were 6 years old to now being married with kids of their own .
PCT : What have you learned in pursuing your field ? AT : Treat customers with respect and , most importantly , be honest .
PCT : What advice can you give others who may want to follow in your footsteps ? AT : Don ’ t be afraid of fulfilling your dreams ; if you don ’ t , you ’ ll never know until you try it . I ’ m not going to sugarcoat this subject , it doesn ’ t come easy , so be prepared to get your hands dirty and work along with the 100-percent dedication needed to achieve your goals .
PCT : What is the best piece of advice you can give to customers ? AT : In the retail industry , it ’ s becoming more competitive for mom-and-pop stores to compete with online buying . We hear of some bad online buying experiences when it comes to certain items we sell . For example , a customer will order bar stools online for their kitchen because they are a good price and they had a perfect look . However , when they arrive they ’ re not as comfortable or the finish looks different from the picture online . Now the consumer needs to dismantle the bar stools , box them and ship them . When you come into the store , you can sit and get the actual feel , see the actual product ’ s finish and fabric of the stool and get a competitive price , and take it home that day , in most cases .
PCT : What is the most interesting thing you have seen in your field ? AT : In 2013 , we were recognized as the largest Brunswick dealer in the entire worldwide Brunswick dealer network , as a single store dealer . We were awarded a $ 40,000 pool table , and it sold !
AUGUST 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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