– Young entrepreneurial couple says

STARTING a business was no uphill task for Kortel and Dawn Hiles as they simply thought about the skills they already possessed and the tools that they already had on hand. Granted, things started slowly, but the couple was convinced that there was potential for growth in the field and hence decided to stick with it.

It was roughly two years ago that Kortel and Dawn started Atlantic Fix, a cleaning and maintenance business that sees the likes of lawn-mowing and property maintenance, power washing, AC repairs, among other services.

Although the couple had never been into business before, it wasn’t hard to determine what type of industry would be most suitable. They made it simple for themselves by choosing something that they already had certain advantages to.

Being new parents, the main goal in deciding to start a business was to have more control over their time. “Due to the fact that we wanted to give our child the amount of attention he needs…we thought about the idea of managing our own business. Since I already had some tools and qualifications as an Air Condition Technician, a property-maintenance service seemed ideal,” Kortel told the Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago.

Apart from having the skills and tools needed for the job, Kortel and Dawn also realised that many businesses did actually need for cleaning and maintenance services. “Seeing that need kind of pushed us more to get started,” Kortel recalled.

Dawn also has the benefit of some Canada-based training, which she said comes in very handy and helps her conduct her work in a thorough and organised manner. She shared: “The custom is to shift everything around before you get to cleaning. But you start from the ceiling; then to the back of the room, work your way out and then continue in three waves, being dusting and vacuuming, wiping and mopping, and then packing back the things.”

At first, the couple did feel some degree of anxiety and nervousness, especially as things started slowly. “But as we got the word out, it did pick up in time and we slowly progressed. We know there is potential for growth and we believe in starting small and building as we go along, so that we can eventually take on larger projects,” Kortel said.
The couple would regularly recruit independent contractors to assist with their work, and Dawn believes that this group of workers helps to set the business apart. “Our group of part-time workers is dedicated to giving their best, even if it means giving a little more time. When we leave a job, we leave it in good taste; the client should want to call us again,” she offered.
The couple also tries to have a good relationship with clients, so that they can be comfortable enough to express themselves and what it is that they really want out of the job.
Says Kortel: “Sometimes we have to go above and beyond to please our clients and we are willing to do so, because we care about them. We tell clients all the time that our prices are not set in stone, so we work with their circumstances.”

As for some advice he’d like to offer to those thinking of setting up a business, Kortel says: “Try to find and fill a need. Don’t be afraid. Sometimes others may give you a vibe or a negative feedback, saying that you won’t be able to succeed, but take the step and be bold. Even when you face setbacks, be persistent and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

He is especially grateful for the support that his wife provides and enjoys every moment working along with her on their projects. “When Dawn is not there on important projects, you feel as if you’re missing an important piece. She has certain strengths that only she has and that are needed for large projects. One time we did a project and she wasn’t there and in my mind, I knew that she had to be there, so I called her and told her to come immediately. As soon as she came, it was like a 360 turn around on that project.”

Meanwhile, some of the other services that Atlantic Fix offers in the line of domestic and commercial cleaning are window-cleaning, office-cleaning, carpet-cleaning, terrazzo-cleaning, and refrigeration services.

Kortel and Dawn usually use their social media platforms to get in touch with persons who may be interested in their services.