New Venture Lab: Equipping Christian Entrepreneurs

Land Surveyer Quits Job and Launches Company with His Family

This profile features the Rob Rugloski family and Landmark Surveying, the new land surveying business they recently launched.

Name:

Rob Rugloski

Family Description:

The "Rugclan" is a family of nine: four boys (ages 17, 15, 5, 1) and three girls (ages 12, 10, 9).  We have lived in the Hill Country of Texas (just north of San Antonio) for two and one half years, having moved here from central Arizona.  We are seeking to grow in our love for God, love for one another, and to learn how to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs.

Business Name:

Landmark Surveying

Business Description:

All types of land surveying in all of the Hill Country:  title, construction, topographic, ranch boundary, subdivision.

Location:

Boerne, Texas

Formal education/training:

• 2 years in Civil Engineering at Arizona State University
• B.A. in Cross Cultural Studies at Arizona College of the Bible
• M.Div. in Theology at The Master's Seminary

Prior work experience:

• Pastor (1.5 years)
• Water well technician (2 years)
• Land surveying (7 years)

Forming the Idea:

I was able to capitalize on my surveying experience to become a registered land surveyor and establish a family-based company.  As the business grows, we desire to sub-contract projects to other Father-son teams who need to earn extra income or may want to pursue a more family-friendly vocation.

How you got started:

My boys and I started providing a surveying-related service to subdivision developers where we cleared property sidelines of lots to assist realtors in showing and selling the lots.

What was it like in the beginning:

We are only six weeks old at this time and thus, we are still in "the beginning."  We were able to acquire most of the necessary equipment over the past year as we did side jobs through "LineCutters."  We are in the process of purchasing the last large piece of equipment - a GPS system - by utilizing the equity in our home. 

What stage the business is at now:

We are now in the field approximately two days a week and marketing the business the other three days each week.  We continue to receive a trickle of referrals each week, just enough to cover our financial needs.  We trust that the Lord will grant a steady flow of clients, sufficient to require contracting work out to Father-son teams.

The biggest challenge you’ve faced:

1. Sensing the burden of everything resting on my shoulders: marketing, field equipment, office equipment, accounting, surveying, training, drafting, marketing, etc.
2. Setting limits regarding due diligence in marketing the company; knowing when I've done my share and knowing when to leave it in the Lord's hands to provide the clients.  The balance between due diligence in growing the business and recognizing "unless the Lord builds the [business], they labor in vain who try to build."
3. Balance between training my sons to run the survey business and allowing them time to complete their academic requirements to be licensed as a land surveyor.

Key steps that made the difference:

Seeing a potential opportunity and then taking a few low-risk steps (registering DBA name, opening a checking account, purchasing liability insurance, acquiring basic equipment) to be ready to respond to an actual job contract.

Lessons Learned:

1. Expertise in a field is needed to provide a genuine service and be able to complete jobs in a professional manner when the Lord sends them your way.
2. Hire an accountant to set up everything near the beginning of the business.  The cost of having your books in order is well worth it.
3. Try to establish professional contacts/clients who may need your services before you strike out on your own.  Each additional contact you have in place at the beginning of the business is invaluable.

The best advice you received:

Hire an accountant for a day or two to set up all the books and establish the procedures for proposals, invoices, and taxes.  This was great advice I received early on, however, my company was so small and slow at the time that I decided to work out the details as I went along -- BAD MOVE!!  Now I'm paying the price -- time and money -- and see the wisdom in being prepared for the influx of work BEFORE it comes in.

What your work and family life was like before:

My work life consisted of 50 hours a week dedicated to producing profits for a boss who managed his company just above the level of chaos, gave no recognition to extra efforts to make company more productive, and gave advances to employees based upon their relation to himself or to a friend.  Family life was nicely ordered, but very limited in the amount of time available.

What your work and family life is like now:

Now, at the start-up phase of our company, everyday is an unknown in many respects.  However, there are some things which are now part of our new routine:  Breakfast/Scripture reading with the family in the morning; spending the day with one or both of my older boys; if not in the field, lunch with the family; running errands with some of the younger children; and many extra hugs from my new secretary (wife)!!