We recently connected with Anthony Collins and have shared our conversation below.

Anthony, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I believe that showing appreciation to our customers is of utmost importance. Building strong relationships with our customers is essential for the long-term success of our business. There are several ways we can demonstrate our appreciation, but one that stands out as particularly impactful is personalized gestures.

One of the best things I’ve seen and personally done to show customer appreciation is organizing a customer appreciation event. This event would be exclusively dedicated to our valued customers, where we invite them to join us for an evening of entertainment, networking, and recognition. It provides an opportunity for us to personally thank each customer for their loyalty, support, and trust in our company.

Another way to show appreciation is to provide exceptional customer service consistently. By training our customer service team to go above and beyond in meeting customer needs, we can demonstrate that their satisfaction is our top priority. This includes responding promptly to inquiries, addressing concerns or issues with empathy and efficiency, and always striving to exceed their expectations.

Furthermore, I would implement a customer loyalty program that rewards our most loyal and frequent customers. This program could offer exclusive perks, such as early access to new products or services, priority customer support, or special discounts and promotions. Regularly communicating with customers to inform them about new offerings and seeking their feedback also shows that we value their opinions and involvement in shaping our business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Allow me to introduce myself and share the incredible journey that led me to where I am today. My name is Anthony, and my path as an entrepreneur has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of success.

It all began in September 2019 when I took over a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. Little did I know that just a few months later, the world would be turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. But even before the pandemic struck, my personal life was filled with hardship as my beloved father battled cancer. Watching him bedridden and eventually losing him was an incredibly challenging experience that tested my strength and resolve.

As the pandemic swept across the globe, Puerto Rico, where my business was located, faced some of the strictest restrictions in the United States. Just like countless other businesses, we were forced to shut down, and the future seemed uncertain. I was faced with a pivotal decision: either close the doors permanently or take on a significant amount of debt. Choosing the latter option, I made the difficult choice to shoulder a burden of $110,000 in debt, determined to keep the business afloat and pave the way for a brighter future.

With an indomitable spirit, we embarked on the arduous journey of rebuilding our store after a year of closure. But just as we were finding our footing again, another obstacle emerged. Urgent roof repairs forced us to relocate, and in a rush to find a new space, we settled for a smaller location that lacked air conditioning. It was far from ideal, but it proved to be a pivotal moment in saving the business from further turmoil.

For the next six months, we persevered, making the best of our constrained circumstances. And then, a glimmer of hope emerged. The original location became available once again, and we made the bold decision to rebuild it for the second time in just over a year. The process was filled with challenges and required unwavering determination, but we were determined to reclaim what was rightfully ours. We carried the costs of the original location throughout this time, enduring the financial strain, and finally, we set out to rebuild it once again.

With the help and unwavering support of my college friends, we stabilized and rebuilt the business in 2021. Our hard work and perseverance paid off as we not only doubled our revenue but also aggressively paid down our debt, inching closer to financial freedom with each passing day.

In 2022, fueled by our renewed momentum and the dedication of our team, we achieved remarkable growth. We more than doubled our revenue once again and continued our aggressive debt repayment strategy. Now, in 2023, we stand on the precipice of even greater success. With two locations open as of December 2022, we are on track to double our revenue once more. And most importantly, this year, we will make our final debt payment, emerging triumphant and debt-free.

The journey has been challenging, but it has also been a testament to the power of perseverance and a resilient spirit. Through the darkest times, we refused to give up, and now we stand as a testament to what can be achieved through unwavering determination, hard work, and the support of an incredible team.

I am incredibly proud of how far we have come, and I am excited about the bright future that lies ahead.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To manage a team and maintain high morale, focus on effective communication, clear expectations, and recognition of efforts. Foster a supportive environment that encourages teamwork and empowers individuals through delegated responsibilities. Provide growth opportunities and promote work-life balance. Lead by example, exhibiting the qualities and values you expect from your team. Regularly assess morale and make adjustments as needed.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My general advice for those who are starting to build their social media presence is, building a social media presence takes time, consistency, and patience. Focus on providing value, building relationships, and engaging with your audience. Stay true to your brand and be authentic in your interactions. Remember that building a strong social media presence is an ongoing process, so be persistent and adapt as you learn and grow.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.don-collins.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doncollinspr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonCollinsPR
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doncollins/
• Twitter: @CollinsCigarPR