We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominic Bianco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dominic , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
Well this is the best topic that is close to my situation. See I worked originally for my father. He had a small sharpening service. I started very young age of just 9 years old. At that time I couldn’t even reach the wheels so my dad built me a box to stand on. I quickly learned and soon I was taking apart scissors, repairing clippers and hairdryers. Learning the trade was extensive. I had 3 masters to learn from. Soon I would graduate high school. At that time I was experimenting in a couple things. Electronics. I would make small amplifiers for my guitars. I started making my own guitars, and of course my dads business. Well my dad said I should go back to school and learn all about electronics. So he paid and sent me to Devry institute for electronics. I did ok in school but found the math very hard. And the more I went to school the busier my fathers business was getting. Soon he would call me and say I need help here. So I would go help him then later on at night try to study. On the weekends I would call on salons to make some money. After 2 years of devry I dropped out. I was already making 40-50k with my dad. And a tecknition for electronics would pay at that time 28k. Shortly after that I started to develop new items for the nail business and spearheaded a process called airbrushing for finger nails putting a nice design on nails. We went into getting our own instruments made for us with our name on them. Then shortly after we started manufacturing. At this time we were 4. My dad myself and 2 brothers. 5 years ago my wife received an offer to work at Georgetown University. The offer was too good to refuse. Unfortunately my brothers did not understand. My dad had passed away years ago and sorry to say he was not here to help keep us together. I tried and had a great plan but my brothers were influenced by my mother. I lost my entire business. Moving to Virginia I picked out a nice home with lots of property. Figuring at that time I would build a workshop for me to continue working my business. But my brothers sent me a layers letter wanting to buy me out. Well that never happened and soon 2 years later I built my workshop. I had to start all over again. Getting suppliers, clients, website, marketing, stock, and so much more. My business is thriving now again despite everything that was done by my family. It’s unfortunate that we will never speak or be family again. We worked together for over 40 years. Now they have to deal with me only as a competitor, and believe me in business I’m very aggressive. My goal is to take back my entire business and do even better than the 3 together could ever do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I was born in Brooklyn NY. We were not poor but not really wealthy. Well maybe we were poor. My dad would pick toys from the garbage, fix them up and I would have toys. We lived with my grandparents. My grandfather was a musician/accountant. He played many instruments but focus on mandolin and violin. He taught me some cods on the guitar and we would perform at knights of Columbus functions for free. I believe this is where I get my drive from although it was triggered later on in life and my work ethic really came out. What I truly love about my business is everyday I can be doing something different. Today is tweezers tomorrow shipping, Wednesday Laser engraving, Thursday making nail cutters for podiatrists. I’ve even incorporated some of my woodworking skills making charcuterie boards, knife blocks and pizza peels. As a Gemini I find myself curios to new ways to improve my craft. I’m never satisfied with mediocre quality. I try to make the best instruments I can and sell them at a price anyone can afford. There are lots of things I can do. God blessed me with incredible hands. I have built 2 homes, did all the electric, pluming, cabinets, tile work, painting, finish carpentry, I can fix cars, boats, some electronic items ( lol ). I love boating, fishing Golf, and I perform singing and playing the guitar as a solo act now. But I did do it professionally when I was out of high school and later performed with my child hood friend Marty as a sax and guitar combo. We played all over NY & NJ. Clients still call me and txt me. When are you coming back? They ask. But still I go back to my roots. The craft my father taught me. It was supposed to be the plan B. Plan A was to be a musician. I still love to perform and all the other things I do but making something from steel is in my blood.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Interesting. I haven’t thought about this for a very long time. There are many skills. People skills let’s say. I learnt this going into salons even as a child I learnt this from my dad. He could talk to anyone. This helps because that’s how you network. Today I sold a company for a friend. Because I knew a company that needed a good name to angel themselves into the beauty business. In business you have to be willing to help people. The clients you have today you need to try to keep and hopefully as friend / clients they keep you as a supplier for the duration of your career. I guess my main area of knowledge is knowing when to make the right move. Selling a home at the right time. Timing is everything. Purchasing a home and the location. I’m again blessed with this. But truth be told Realestate always forgives. I rely on my gut feeling, maybe messages from my dad. Who knows. Best advice to anyone starting out you always have to try to do the best you can. And do the right thing. It could take you months or years to get a great client. It only take 3 seconds to loos that client.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for clients that want to start their own business. I started doing private label instruments years ago and have helped many people become successful. Starting a business with only 20k and turning it into $250k per year income is easy if you have the drive, knowledge, and a great product. I love to develop new items. Right now I’m working on a new design nose hair scissor for my line. But I’m also helping develop new designs on multiple items for several companies. Ultimately I will be the one making and finishing their product. So they trust me and my experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: Biancoinstruments.com
- Facebook: Bianco Instruments
- Linkedin: Dominic Bianco
- Youtube: Bianco Instruments and Dominic Bianco
