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By KATIE GRASSO
Courier-Post Staff
PENNSAUKEN--Firas Emachah left Venezuela for America to pursue building a business based on the principles he grew up with -- where the customer comes first.
After years of working in sales and not liking that -- there was "always a lie involved" in selling -- he began Dream House Windows along with his brother, Lorenzo, and decided to follow his way of selling.
"Starting the business was draining -- staying up late, working weekends," said Firas, 32. "But when you do the right thing, you get the right thing."
Their company has grown tremendously since its beginning in 2002. Sales grew from half a million dollars in their first year to $7.5 million in 2005, and with 45 employees, they are seeking a new facility since they are growing out of their Browning Road complex.
And about 20 percent of their business caters to the Spanish-speaking population of the state, southeastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and Maryland. "(Spanish-speaking customers) feel comfortable with us because we speak the language."
But the brothers did not see overnight success without any stumbling blocks. Lorenzo, 25, admits he had to learn how American business worked. Studying to be a computer engineer in Venezuela, he dropped his studies to come to America and work with his brother. He learned English quickly through courses at Camden County College, watching television and listening to others speak. Firas, who lives in Shamong, said he once became dejected only to be encouraged by an 87-year-old woman named Pauline Kosuga who never let him give up. His relationship to her? Firas was her window salesman.
Today, Firas and Lorenzo still face similar challenges to when they started -- getting their name out and making sure their customers are satisfied -- but they know their business model can take them to the next level -- even a future franchise.
"I'm motivated and I have the drive," said Lorenzo, now a Medford resident. "While I'm here I'm going to make the best of it and not stop learning."
Reach Katie Grasso at (856) 486-2478 or kgrasso@courierpostonline.com
DREAM HOUSE WINDOWS
Address: 7905 Browning Road, Suite 218, Pennsauken
Phone: (866) 235-7499 (toll free)
Web site: www.dreamhousewindows.com |
Dream House Windows Siding and Doors is a leading manufacturer of top quality windows and doors, and provides professional installation, service and warranties - all under one roof! Their windows carry a lifetime guarantee, which is 100 percent unconditional on every part, labor, glass, seal and service installation. Dream House Windows Siding and Doors produces an Earthwise window that has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.