We were lucky to catch up with Steven Lafferty recently and have shared our conversation below.
Steven, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Throughout my life purpose was often something I struggled to find. I came to realize that I sought purposefulness in all the wrong places. Through trial and error, I found it begins with the thoughts that run through my head, and my very essence. The foundation of everything I create in the world begins with me. It is sometimes overwhelming to accept that what you experience in life is primarily a result of your perception and how you interact with the world as it is presented to you. Rakers is a great example of focusing thought with intention and commitment to bring forth something new into the junk market.
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?
Rakers Junk Removal continues to provide a superior customer experience. We value the relationships forged over the years with our customers and we work hard to meet their needs. What is most important about our brand is the goodwill it has generated throughout the community. To meet the demand, we’ve created a referral network with preferred junk service providers who share our values. The goal is to give our customers access to the best equipment and people to get the job done!
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?
When I meet competitors, I always find it funny how similar their path has been to mine. I can usually tell where they are on their journey through the junk business based on what they disclose about their structure. I’m often impressed by what they’ve devoted to their enterprise and how they’ve utilized different resources to provide services. There are many ways to approach the junk endeavor, but I must say I’m very happy with the stage Rakers has settled into at this point of our journey. Rakers has been some of the best years of my life to date. It has provided me with the flexibility to pursue other interests like travel, hiking, and family time. I would advise a new person looking to start a business to embrace players in the market as opportunities to grow, gain knowledge, and make friends. You’ll be amazed at the fraternity that awaits. As you meander down the junk boulevard, the connections will help accelerate your opportunities to grow. I believe humility, tenacity, and perseverance to be among the top traits of every entrepreneur.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Somewhere along the way, as I strived for success, my relationships got lost in translation. It wasn’t intentional. I was busy pursuing my life’s dreams. I had responsibilities and the distance between family made it difficult to plan get togethers. Until one day, life suddenly slowed down. It gave me a second to look around, allowing me to see how much time had passed, and I felt remorse. Rakers gave me back time with family and friends that I had lost to many corporate years. I’m grateful to have noticed the loop I was stuck in before it was too late. The most impactful thing my parents gave to me was the ability to think for myself and make mistakes. I made many blunders but grew exponentially as a person each time. I never gave up no matter how daunting the outlook. From now on, I intend to stop and smell the roses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rakersjunkremoval.com
Image Credits
Diane Alford & Megan Langan
