
Tell me a little about how the idea for founding the company came about.
We became aware that the developmental disabilities community was being underserved along with the people who serve them. They were not getting the service we thought they should get.
What was your most important dream associated with starting the company?
The most important dream in
2005 was to have the freedom as a small business owner to follow my instincts
and build something from nothing. I loved the creativity involved in being a
small business owner.
What challenges do you remember facing during your first year in business?
When we started, Brian and I
shared a cell phone and a van. We were competing against companies that were
established, so we were struggling. I was dealing with the learning curve of
starting a business and getting to know the needs of our customers. We took the
orders and did the deliveries - we were doing it all. We wore every hat there
was. We felt like we were taking care of just the urgent things - constantly.
What did you do to overcome your challenges?
We had to be persistent over
time. We had to innovate the next service and then the next. One thing at a
time because we needed to and wanted to. And we had to keep a positive
attitude.
What do you think were the most important changes that happened in the early years of PMF?
Finding and communicating
the message of the company was the first thing to really impact our growth. We
want to make life easier for people who serve.
What are the most important changes you have noticed within the last couple of years?
The biggest one is our focus
as a team on each other - to really build an environment in which everybody is
contributing and has skin in the game. We have honed in on something really
special, and what we are able to accomplish together is bigger than what we can
even dream about.
What do you think are the most important things that have NOT changed about the company?
The human element. All of us
have relationships with customers. Our customer relationships are really the
cornerstone of our business.
Is there anything else you would like to share about the company goals, culture, or direction?
The greatest thing about
free enterprise is that it makes people better. The competition in the market
always makes you stronger and makes you strive to always improve. Over the past
15 years, we have learned to crawl and then walk - and now, we're about to get
our driver's permit! In my mind, I feel like we are just getting started.
Onward and upward. We have a front-row seat to see what God will do through a
group of people who are unified and who trust one another.
What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?
What I enjoy most is
encouraging and helping our team grow as leaders and as people. To be a part of
that is really, really cool. Back in 2005, we were just focused on paying the
light bill! And I love telling the story of our company.
What's the coolest thing you are working on right now?
I am currently making
commercials for the company and trying to develop our social media piece.
That's fun!
Okay, now for even more fun—learning a little about your personal life! Where did you grow up?
Montgomery, AL.
Tell me a little about your family.
My dad was a college
basketball coach. My mom was a music teacher in her early career and then ran
the church daycare until she retired. I have 2 brothers and a sister - I am the oldest. My wife
Christie and I have been married for 28 years. We have three daughters - Allie
(20), Emma (19), and Lucy (17). For a long time, we did not think we would be able to have children! Being the dad of three daughters has made me
the best version of myself possible.
We have also had a lot of
pet family members over the years: 3 dogs, 9 cats, 5 horses, 3 hermit crabs, 8
fish, and a hamster. (We are down to 1 cat, 1 horse, and 3 dogs, now.)
What's your favorite family tradition?
Going to our family reunion every summer in St. Simons Island, GA. It started with just siblings, but it has grown a lot with extended family.
We had 104 people there this year.
What's your favorite movie of all time?
I can't narrow it down to just one. Here's my top three: Shawshank Redemption, A Few Good Men, The Empire Strikes Back.
What song have you listened to more than once this week?
Lonely Night in Georgia by JOHNNYSWIM.
If you could leave one thought with our customers, what would that be?
You need to be ordering from
our company. We're going to give you the service you deserve.
Contact Clint: cchapman@choosepmf.com