We recently connected with Cory Baker and have shared our conversation below.
Cory, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As the only one in the room, I have learned to become somewhat of a chameleon. My professional experiences have taught me how to blend in with various types of people, while continuing to be myself. During these situations I have learn to listen effectively and master the timing of when to speak or not. Also, being able to recognize the type of people I am in the room with, helps me, help us create a successful interaction.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions, we had for you?
Wayne and Cory Floor Care, my primary business that my father and I own and operate made huge strides since the last time I spoke to Voyage. In addition to the commercial contracts we have, we added 3 more commercial contracts to our portfolio in 2023. These contracts include general cleaning services, VCT stripping and waxing, carpet cleaning, and more. We now service businesses, restuarants, and churches in Winston-Salem, High Point, Charlotte, and other North Carolina cities daily, weekly, or monthly.
Aligning and leveraging myself and business affairs was a prioritized objective in 2023. Aligning with like minds and collaborating on ventures has helped me grasp working on a team and playing my role effectively. In 2022, I hosted the Hoop It Up 3×3 Tour in Winston-Salem, North Carolina practically alone, handling all of the event operation necessities. This past year in 2023, I collaborated with the Leon Frank Agency to host the Hoop It Up 3×3 Tour in Greensboro, North Carolina. I took on more of the Operations Manager role, which allowed me to see things from a different seat.
This year I was also able to work with Dequan Jones, a friend since middle school. Dukwon is the Owner and CEO of D Cap Grfx of America, Cap Lyfe clothing brand, and the UDooh App. This year Dukwon focused his efforts on curating hip hop’s first ever card game “Hip Hop Wins, The Card Battle”. This collaboration involved creative thinking, research, and some legal considerations. In this venture I was the Lead Strategist for development and early marketing.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I continue progressing personally and professionally the three most important qualities, skills, and or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful throughout my journey have been communication skills, mastering my niche, and flexibility.
Effective communication is tremendously important when it comes to conducting business and any day-to-day relationships. Maintaining up-front and honest communication, including giving and receiving constructive feedback is imperative to success.
Stripping and waxing VCT, is the first thing my father taught me. It took me some time to really understand the process, learn the chemicals, and how to evaluate a floor’s needs. As I understood the business more and became more comfortable handling the process, I was able to prioritize gaining leads, marketing, and advertising our services more effectively to commercial and residential properties.
Flexibility is another quality that has helped me continue to maneuver through the business world. Flexibility has allowed me to complete my degree, continue to coach high school basketball, and build our company portfolio. I have been able to explore multiple streams of income and interact with other business owners to continue expanding my businesses.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The main challenge I am currently facing is hiring dependable help. To resolve the issue, I have begun developing an internship program that we will offer beginning in 2024. We will offer the course to individuals ages 18-25 who want to learn more about floor care. We will offer paid hands-on training and allow them to intern on our biggest contract next summer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bakerbiz.online
- Instagram: @_bakerbiz
- Linkedin: Cory Baker
- Other: hiphopwins.com leonfrankagency.com
Image Credits
Lillian Banner
