Spring Break
Summer's as cool as Pop's
Joi Gilliam/Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/10/07 Section: Business
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Richardson beamed with excitement as he described the rapid growth of Pop's. "It's going to explode!" He said. "I can't explain it."
Originally from DC, Richardson began his career in home improvement working as a handyman at Brookland Manor Apartments in 1998. Seeking greater opportunities to hone his skills, the DC native left Brookland Manor for the Odyssey, the District's premier luxury cruise ship.
Eighteen months later, Richardson jumped ship for new challenges eventually landing at Master's Heating and Air Conditioning in 2004. Richardson earned his apprenticeship certificate in heating and air conditioning while working at Master's, which allowed him to branch out and explore other options in the industry.
"I grew a lot at Master's," Richardson said. He enrolled in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America apprenticeship program at Montgomery College. Enrolling in this program put Richardson on the fast track to success and would catapult him to the next level in his career.
Recognizing that the key to success in home improvement was certification and realizing that he would never be truly happy working for someone else, Richardson knew that it was time to start his own business. "I got tired of working a 9 to 5," he said.
The weekly grind of working full time, going to school at night, and supplying the rapidly growing demand for his services soon took a toll on his family life. His youngest son's grades started slipping; some homework assignments never made it home.
"Taking care of three young boys and a newborn is extremely hard. I knew that my wife and children needed me at home more." Richardson said.
Sacrificing his short-term goals for the long-term stability of his family, the father of four not only left Montgomery College behind, but he also resigned from Master's.
"Many of my co-workers were sad to see me go," Richardson said, "But they were also happy because they knew that I was making the best decision for me and my family."
Richardson credits his wife and mother for encouraging him to stay the course even when times get rough. "My mother and my wife have supported me 100%." Richardson said. "And you need that type of support to make it in life."
Richardson quickly learned that the time he spent at MHAC hadn't been wasted. The DC native's professionalism and efficient service had impressed many of the clients he visited for Master's. Some of them even asked him to perform additional work not offered by the company.
"When I did service calls for Master's the customers would ask if I knew someone who could do other handyman work and that's how I was able to get customers," he said.
Working with the owner of Parkair, Richardson has also been able to earn credit hours that will eventually enable him to take the contractor's license exam. With the new license, Richardson knows that the sky's the limit for Pop's.
For other self-starters with dreams of owning a business, Richardson offered the same words of wisdom that his wife and mother share with him from time to time.
"Stay focused, be truthful and be patient. And do it for the love. That's the best advice I can give anyone."
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