A Quick Interview with Quincy
-What influenced you to start your own business?
“I wanted to start a versatile bag company that had the ability to adapt to the ever changing industry of flexible packaging. I was looking to offer customers a choice between refurbished, misprint, and even obsolete containers, as well as the standard new containers they were already employing in their business, whether it be sandbags or a 4000 lb. bulk bag. A misprint paper bag, a poly bag, or even a repurposed burlap or bulk bag, still have legitimate offerings and life within a broad range of multifarious industries. Offering options, conditions, and features of different bags to clients is important. I wanted businesses to know I was eager to work with them to get the best possible product implemented into their production chain. At the time I noticed not many companies around were doing this and decided to take advantage of a potentially important market that - at the time - no one else noticed. It took quite a while for other container companies to get wise to this too, but when they did, I knew that I would have to be a standard bearer for long-standing quality to maintain viability to current and potential customers.”
-Could you please give me a brief history of the company?
“In 1997 I decided to go out on my own to focus on the progression of a company that could service the needs of a variety of customers nationwide, with the service and customer care of a local establishment. I keyed in on the specific needs of some individuals as well as always being able to provide ample choices for companies with the more general requirements. I wanted to focus on fewer products – poly, bulk bags, and burlap – to assure that our selections were greater in quality of care, condition, and service to our customers than anyone else could provide.”
-What would you say are the three top skills needed to succeed at Quincy Bag?
“It may sound cliché, but: blood, sweat, and tears. There always was… to this day… work that needs to be invested by the effort one chooses to bring to the table, to become greater at what it is they do. Every day the work that is done, is done so tirelessly by my staff which takes discipline, commitment and, of course, gratitude.”
-You’ve been in the business for over 20 years. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
“Just know one thing, and that is you never know everything. I still learn something every day. The day you wake up thinking you have nothing else to learn is the day you become obsolete.”
-How do you build a successful customer base?
“Listen to your customers and be willing to adapt to their needs. Your handling and delivering of their needs in a timely manner will be what builds a strong and lasting relationship with them. Always keeping an open line of communication for customers to contact you at any time has also gives assurance to new customers.“
-What is your favorite part of being a business owner?
“I get to do something great every day, which is give back to my community. Whether it be through school programming, flood control, veteran’s needs, or even jobs, it’s great to be able to give and foster support of others around you. I’ve lived in Dubuque my whole life, it is such a beautiful place, with some of the hardest working people around, both deserve to thrive in the fullest sense of the word.”
-What are the key elements for starting and running a successful business?
“Sorry pal, but I’m not giving away the farm, nor the recipe for the beef.”
-Where do you see yourself in three years? How about ten?
“I’ve had 3 year spans where the company has doubled in production, inventory and staff. There is no time in the next 3, 5, or 10 years that I don’t see myself - or anyone on the QBC team for that matter - working at 110% to achieve the same results time and time again.”
-What do you like most about working in the Dubuque area?
“We let our customers take full advantage of our location. There are times when people need our product at a moment's notice. Being located in Dubuque allows us to get shipments out to customers in the Midwest in 1 to 2 business days and on the coasts in 2 to 3 business days. We pride ourselves on having a great turnaround time.”
-If you had advice for entrepreneurs starting out, what would it be?
“I would have to draw back on a few of the points that I already mentioned: be adaptive to your customer’s specific needs, listen to your customers, and deliver what you promise - when you promise it. We’re always said here at Quincy Bag Company: “We don’t aim to please, we aim to impress.” Having this frame of mind will set up young entrepreneurs for success, as well as allow them to roll with the punches. Also, remember to keep an open mind, because you’ll find that you can learn in places where you least expect it, and that will always foster the growth of a successful business. There is only one boss, and that’s the customer. He can fire everybody in the company, from the chairman down, simply by doing business with your competitor.”
- What qualities do you think a person needs most of all in order to be a successful employee at your company?
“Can I answer you with one word? Dedication... Other than that: hard work, honesty, and loyalty. All the information, skill, finesse, technique, and proficiency, will come with time no matter the position an employee holds at Quincy Bag Company. Dedication, honesty, hard work, and loyalty… these are the “above and beyond” qualities we look for before a great resume.”
