During our recent interview with Ray Sands Glass President David Burns, we got the chance to learn a bit about the business that he has owned and managed since 1983, as well as the difficulty of keeping up with the constant barrage of business regulations from New York State.

Can you tell us the steps you took to acquire the background and skills necessary to run this type of business?

David Burns: I spent one year with the owner of Ray Sands Glass in 1983, after I purchased it, and he trained me on how to operate and manage Ray Sands Glass.

Do you have a business plan? If so, have you followed that plan, or had to change course over time?

David Burns: Yes I did have a business plan, but sadly business changes all the time and you need to be flexible in business to achieve success.

Have there ever been times you wanted to give up?

David Burns: Of course, that’s normal when running your own business. “The moment you’re about to quit is the moment right before the miracle happens…” You have to keep pushing forward.

What is the most frustrating part of running your own company?

David Burns: Government. It’s a day-to-day challenge, keeping up on all the rules to operate a business in New York State.

Can you describe your best day ever as a business over?

David Burns: It was helping an elderly woman that had no money and we did the work for free. Two weeks later, she brought in two dozen cookies that she baked from her free flour from the government.

How about the worst day?

David Burns: When Tommy, one of our employees, passed away from cancer.

How has technology and the internet changed how you conduct your business?

David Burns: Immensely, we have completely changed our website to be more user-friendly and information orientated. Advertising has changed from print to the Internet. We depend on technology every day and the minute our computers go down we cannot do our work; we are dependent on technology.

Finally, how do you market your business?

David Burns: We have a multimedia approach: Internet, social media, TV, radio, referrals, newsletter, website, some print, and our road signs.

Ray Sands Glass has been in business since 1946, proudly serving its customers in the cities of Rochester and Canandaigua, NY. To contact Ray Sands Glass or learn more about the services the company provides, visit online at www.RaySandsGlass.com or call 585.889.2876. To see more, read this. Learn more. More information like this.