Julio C Escamilla of JCE SEO Web Design & Internet Marketing.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Julio Escamilla I am 47 years of age. I am a family man first with ambitions to rule the world : ) My wife and I own a Web Design & Internet Marketing Agency in San Antonio.
I love to travel and am a sneaker enthusiast (I own 400 + pairs). I do what I love and I love what I do! Our agency has been around since 2008 and we have 150 + clients in San Antonio and throughout the US.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
I think most people go into business chasing the money. 90% of folks fail to have business plans and fail to realize that anything worth building takes time.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
The biggest thing I would tell myself would be “Know the value of your service”. Starting off the need to get business in the door we tended to underprice ourselves just to get business in the books.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
My approach to business. We focus on understanding our clients and do everything in our power to bring them success. My clients invest in me and I invest in them.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
The biggest asset to my agency has been establishing processes. This has allowed to work efficiently and effectively.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
I dropped out of college and started selling copiers and was pretty darn good at it. After 7 years I wanted a change and was hired by Thompson Reuters as a client development consultant.
I focused on the legal market and provided website and internet marketing services to law firms.
I spent 5 years with them and then 2008 came and I was suddenly let go.
My $125k salary disappeared. I learned that day that I never wanted the rug to be pulled from under my feet.
So instead of starting at another company, I decided to start my own agency. The best thing that ever happened for me.
Where do you see your business in five years?
My son is 17 and I see him coming into the business and growing the EMPIRE. We have been selected to be featured on the Worlds Greatest TV show. They are going to feature us as the Worlds Greatest SEO agency in the world : )
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
The biggest problem that growth brings is finding quality employees. Unfortunately my wife and myself cannot be cloned.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
Success means different things to different people. For me it is quality of life and the ability to have time to do the things that I enjoy. Traveling with the family.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Our website is our greatest sales person. We average around 25-40 inquiries per month. We try and match up with the businesses that understand the services we provide and how we can help them achieve their online goals.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Know the ins and out of your business. No business can survive without marketing. If your business is not being found then that means that they are finding competitors. Train your employees to understand the vision of your business.
The greatest lesson I learned is that no one will ever love your baby as much as you do. So understand that your employees will never be as dedicated as you are, but if treated right they will do great work 9-5.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
I hope for continued health and success. There is no going backwards. Thank you for the interview and also with you guys continued success.
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