All American Do it Center’s focus on rental is a key differentiator from the competition, Buswell said, as well as the commercial construction business he operates. “Those things set us apart. We consider ourselves a convenience store—that’s not a derogatory word—we’re convenient so people don’t have to drive an hour to the big boxes.”
Buswell said of his 35 years in business in western Wisconsin, “It’s been a continual effort and philosophy of getting up earlier and going home late.”
“We work hard, pay off debt, retire debt and get in a better financial position. There’s no secret to that, no brilliant strategy,” he said. “Just a slow progression of saving your money, paying off debt and hiring good people.”
Two of those good people are Buswell’s sons, Jacob and Matthew. Jacob is the manager at the Richland Center store, and Matthew runs the family’s construction business.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be able to work with my family in the business. I’m lucky to have the opportunity to do that.”
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2016 – SALES OF $10-$50 MILLION
All American Do it CenterHeadquarters: Richland Center, Wisconsin |
