Synergy is spotlighting some of our new Synergy members to help you get to know them a little bit better. We asked each new member some questions so we could learn more about them and their business. Check out below to read all about Stacey Richards and Scott Wegerer (Five Star Mechanical).
1. What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
Stacey: When I was a freshmen in high school, I was helping my dad install an air-conditioner in a car and we were talking about career paths. He said “If you don’t think college is for you, you need to get into a trade; and air conditioning will never go away”. During my senior year, a rep came into our shop class to recruit for a trade school. I realized at that time that I really wasn’t going to pursue a college degree and decided to take my dad’s advice and chase the heating and AC business.
Scott: HVAC seemed like a necessary trade that would be important during any economic condition. Great job stability, and it is needed in every town in every state.
2. What do you love most about what you do?
Stacey: Serving others. It has always brought me great fulfillment to be able to help our customers when they were in a time of need.
Scott: Being able to help solve customer’s problems. That sense of satisfaction that you relieved some stress from their day.
3. Who inspires you?
Stacey: Too many to mention but my parents for starters. There are several local business and church leaders that I admire as well. Lastly, but not less inspiring, my wife and kids.
Scott: People that are great at what they do, but are still very humble to all.
4. What is your favorite thing about the area you live in?
Stacey: Small town feel with metro amenities. And for the most part, the people are genuinely good people.
Scott: Growing up in, and now living in an agricultural community is fantastic. People look after each other and are very giving to families in need.
5. What is your most prized possession and why?
Stacey: Wife and kids. We were not able to have as many kids as we would have liked, but we feel blessed to have (2) wonderful kids and have a great relationship with them. They are grown now but will still travel with us and love to spend time with the extended families on both sides.
Scott: My wedding ring. It is what connects me to my wife, and our awesome children we are blessed with.
6. What charity or cause are you most passionate about?
Stacey: Practically anything with kids or animals. I am really strong in my faith too, and pretty passionate about sharing that relationship!
Scott: Helping those with developmental disabilities has become a focus of mine. One of our children is disabled, and as he grows, I see more than ever that they need a little help, and a lot of encouragement.
7. What is the best thing you got from your parents?
Stacey: Work ethic and love of family. They ended up getting divorced and that’s when I could see the value of never giving up, and to keep showing up. You don’t lose until you quit. Neither one of them ever quit.
Scott: The sense to think your way through obstacles, and that there may be a better way to do something, other than the way everyone else is doing it.
8. What have you learned as a business leader since the COVID pandemic?
Stacey: hat our government is a bunch of idiots…….
…….and that we have a team that is willing to cautiously continue plowing even when we are a little unsure of the risk, as long as we have a thought out plan. It also opened my eyes to the reality that your business could literally be shut down in a matter of days and if we are not financially stable, it will be doomed.
Scott: Business as we know it can change crazy fast. Never assume that a profitable time in business will always be there. I find myself regularly watching for possible setbacks more that before the pandemic.
