Being able to stand out in business can be a difficult task these days, especially in the e-commerce world. It becomes even more challenging when you add social media and technology to the mix. Although there is more competition today than ever before, it doesn’t mean that aspiring entrepreneurs should ignore their dreams of starting a business.
Take the example of Steve Voudouris, president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Turn 5. According to Steve, there is one simple key to starting and growing a successful business.
Steve is an entrepreneur who began his first company, Xoxide Inc., at the age of 17, along with his brother Andrew and a friend from high school. Xoxide provided a streamlined online shopping experience for customers looking for computer accessories. The company quickly outgrew Steve’s basement, and he attributes that growth to Xoxide always putting the customers’ needs first.
With those lessons learned, Steve shifted his focus to another one of his interests: the automotive aftermarket, the industry that deals with the manufacturing, remanufacturing, distribution, and retailing of vehicle parts and accessories. It also includes the installation of parts, chemicals, equipment, and additional accessories. He always had a passion for Ford Mustangs, particularly a 2001 V6 Mustang, and it was while he was modifying this car that he realized how inadequate the online shopping experience was for Mustang enthusiasts. He noticed there was a huge part of the automotive aftermarket missing—and he wanted to be the one to fix it.
In 2004 Steve launched AmericanMuscle, an online store and a large community of Mustang enthusiasts that contains helpful videos and installation guides for modifying these cars. The site also focuses on customer reviews from fellow Mustang fans, so one can be confident they are getting the best parts for their vehicle.
Steve Voudouris, President & CEO, Turn 5
By 2009 Steve and Andrew were nationally recognized with the Small Business Young Entrepreneurs Award. As AmericanMuscle continued to see exponential growth, Steve chose to sell the Xoxide website and evolve the company into another venture, Turn 5, Inc. Turn 5 has received accolades from top critics, including Entrepreneur’s “Hot 500 Award,” Inc.’s “Top 100 Retail Companies,” and Bizrate.com’s “Platinum Award for Customer Service Excellence.”
Turn 5 became the operating company for AmericanMuscle and ExtremeTerrain, both award-winning online retailers that offer accessories, body kits, exterior and interior parts, restoration systems, and engines, to name a few. These companies focus on providing the highest-quality of customer service and aftermarket products for Mustangs, F-150s, and Jeep Wranglers.
All Turn 5 employees are avid car enthusiasts themselves, so their knowledge and passion is evident in each client interaction. When speaking with customers, the employees share their own experiences and are able to help them create a vehicle that is as unique as they are.
Starting a company in the tech industry can be an intimidating move that leaves even the most self-assured entrepreneur slightly hesitant. Success comes from creating an innovative idea and being dedicated to that vision. It also comes from being loyal to customers and those that benefit from this innovation. Following this path was the key to Steve Voudouris’ success, and the valuable lesson that we can all learn from his example is the importance of providing a customer experience that is as high-quality as your product.
Photo courtesy of Turn 5, Inc.
