Jessica Karns joined A-Z Radon Services in 2011 as the Sales & Marketing Manager. A seasoned professional, she has acquired over 10 years of experience in the sales and marketing arena. In her current position, Jessica is responsible for designing and overseeing the strategic direction of the companies’ marketing plan including web site design, social media content and media relations.
In addition, Jessica is a state licensed radon testing professional. Jessica also holds a radon testing certification through the NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program.). She heads up the companies’ continuing education program for real estate professionals. As a state certified CEU instructor, she conducts ongoing training for real estate professionals about radon.
Jessica is a graduate of Kent State University in Kent Ohio. She sits on the Ohio Association of Radon Professionals Board of Directors where she continues to strengthen the industry standards by creating public policy and raising awareness for this critical issue.
How did you get started in this business?
Our business was actually started by my parents, so it has always been a family business. After college I went to work for General Electric and worked there for almost 10 years. The experience and knowledge I gained there as well as at my other jobs has been invaluable to me as a small business owner. After my daughter arrived, and my family was growing the business it was a great fit for me to help them.
How do you make money?
By providing a quality service and exceeding customers expectations.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Like all companies we have had our ups and downs.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No.
How did you get your first customer?
Family and friends.
What is one marketing strategy that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Web Advertising and hosting education classes for real estate professionals.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Finding what strategies should be used to move into untapped markets.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I am very self-driven. When I am focused on an idea or concept I become obsessed until I can lay it out in my head.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When we close a sale with a large customer.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am excited that our service area is growing rapidly.
Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?
I believe when we started doing more commercial projects and we were at a point to where we needed to create a separate company to handle and manage the number of commercial and multifamily radon projects.
What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped you grow your company?
I think like any company we have had our share of growing pains. When we made the leap of hiring employees we had to look at the business completely differently. We now took on a new role of supervisor and it was our job to ensure that our employees had all the tools necessary to be successful in their positions. This included creating a new employee handbook, training program, and work health and safety program for our employees.
What are some of the best marketing strategies that have worked for your business?
We have built a solid reputation amongst the community and real estate professionals and we are proud to say that over 80% of our business comes from referrals.
How have you leveraged the internet to grow your business?
The internet if our most valuable marketing tool. We have taken full advantage with a professionally designed web site, an aggressive social media presence, and a SEO management campaign to ensure that web browsers looking for radon in Ohio will see our name.
What is most rewarding about running your business?
I think the most satisfying thing is seeing an idea turn into a reality. It can be a simple change but when it effects the bottom line it makes a huge difference.