I was born in Washingborough, Lincolnshire England and
immigrated to Canada in 1975. I graduated from High School in Port
Coquitlam in 1984 and continued on my post-secondary education at
Kwantlen College. As a young man my career choice was with the
police service which reinforced discipline and team play.
These attributes along with creativity and a lack of fear to act
have proven invaluable attributes to my success. I have two
wonderful boys, and three equally wonderful step-daughters, all of
whom amaze me with the gifts they really are each and every day.
They are always ready to bring me down to earth at any given time
with their playfulness and their honesty. I originally settled in
Maple Ridge when I purchased my first home at the age of
19.
Since that time I have moved around the country a few times with
business. I moved back to Maple Ridge in 2003 and have remained
here since, now along-side my best friend and partner Jennifer. I
very much look forward to sharing my lessons and successes with
others as they embark on a new and exciting career.
BTB - What’s the story behind LGI?
Greg Porter - LGI was born from my recognition
of a good opportunity and the ability to act. Several years ago,
after having worked very hard in the industry for other companies,
I saw an opportunity to service my clients with a product outside
the scope of my then employer. Very quickly I learned that I was
able out manoeuvre my competition by providing world class personal
service and focusing that service only on what I had to offer and
how it could benefit existing and prospective clients
BTB - What made you decide to
franchise?
GP - After years of developing and continually
perfecting a successful system of doing business within our
industry, I would consistently think about different ways to
potentially spread this system and grow the company. After having
studies various ways of growing corporately and comparing it to the
franchise system, the franchise system simply made more sense to
me. I believe that there is no one more motivated than the
individual small business owner to ensure the success of their
business. Now LGI people will have the ability to teach and learn a
way of doing business that I have worked hard to perfect. With
further input from current and future franchise operators, our
system will grow and become even better over time. The best part
about this is that everyone benefits and prospers.
BTB - Tell us a little about your
industry?
GP - The industrial and construction supply
industry is somewhat of an old world industry. There are many
players, both suppliers and competition that have been around for
many years. Our primary customers are manufacturers, utilities, and
commercial construction companies. The clients that we sell to are
quite diverse. Some of LGI’s customers manufacture products or
provide services that are for our local market while others may
provide a product for markets overseas. During certain economic
conditions and seasons some businesses may slow while others may
become busier, all of which provide a greater degree of stability
for LGI. LGI continues to thrive and gain considerable market share
every day by simply offering world class personal service and
in-depth knowledge of the products we sell. We are a solutions
oriented company which often allows us to offer something
substantially greater to clients and potential clients alike. We
have always focused on what we “can” accomplish rather than what we
cannot. Our “can do” attitude, combined with our desire for win/win
relationships, is a key component to our success. We assume nothing
in our industry and simply outperform our competition.
BTB - What have some of the challenges been in
growing your franchise?
GP - We have a great team growing our franchise
program. While it has been a lot of work getting things to this
point, I have to say that I am thoroughly impressed with the
dedication of the team and the results. I know that we have a great
product to offer and a great team to support our
franchisees.
BTB - Who has been your greatest
inspiration?
GP - Everyone I come across is inspiring to me
in some way or another. I think there is something to learn from
every transaction in life. In business I am thankful for the many
lessons along the way. When I was growing up, my parents ran
several small businesses and always worked very hard. In those days
we didn’t have computers and my parents would always be “doing the
books” at the dinner table. I learned that hard work did indeed pay
off. As a young adult I grew the corporate ladder quickly. I loved
what I did and worked hard all of the time. The number of hours I
worked were barely considered and I always had a lot of fun. As I
continued to grow and learned from the different companies I worked
for, I also learned the importance of family, both organizational
and personal. Ultimately this balance along with the ability to
recognize good opportunities lead to the birth of LGI.
BTB - What are some of the advantages in being
an LGI franchisee?
GP - LGI is one of the most progressive leading
suppliers in our industry. We are seen by our customers as a breath
of fresh air. At LGI we are not simply order takers but rather
solutions providers. LGI is known to work hard for their clients
building positive and honest relationships. Put simply, we have a
system that works, and the rewards are substantial for those
willing to invest the time and dedication to grow their business.
The franchise system is unique to our industry which provides
unparalleled opportunity. As our program grows so will our
recognition as true partners in the industry.
BTB - What “Gadgets” (Blackberry, IPhone, IPod,
etc.) can’t you live without?
GP - I truly appreciate what many of the newest
gadgets can do and the time they can save. However, I don’t allow
them to consume a great deal of my time. I still feel that direct
personal contact is the way to go.
BTB - What do you do in your spare
time?
GP - Most of my spare time is enjoyed with my
family and friends. Fortunately I have a wonderful partner in life
who, herself has a keen passion for and sense of business. Together
we enjoy spending time with our children and ensuring that they can
be the best that they can be.
BTB - What advice do you have for someone
looking to acquire a Franchise?
GP - First, look at how successful the business
has been to date and why. Second, look at the owner(s) motivation
for franchising. Before I decided to franchise LGI, I spoke to a
number of franchisees from differing market sectors, including
several friends that had bought franchises with varying degrees of
success. Those that were successful were well supported by the
franchisor along with a strong corporate business model. If I were
looking to buy a franchise, as with any business, I would want to
see a track record of success. The franchisor must have a long term
sustainable business plan, a complete understanding that the
franchisee’s success is their success, and the fortitude to make
things happen. I know that LGI has consistently proven this for the
past several years.
BTB - In your opinion, why do you think that
(LGI) would be a great opportunity for
someone?
GP -
- We have the proven track record of being highly successful in our market.
- The customers we service and products we sell are quite varied allowing us to be flexible through changing economic times.
- While financially rewarding, the job function itself of helping other businesses is equally rewarding.
- Being part of the LGI team will be a positive and rewarding experience. You will receive guidance along the way and recognition for your hard work.
- LGI has a great team of individuals ready to support and help ensure the success of each franchisee.
