Our “Behind the Scenes” series continues with an interview from one of the three Square Cow owners, Wayne Lombard.
What did you do before starting Square Cow Moovers with Wade and Derek?
WL: Before Square Cow I owned a mortgage company in Birmingham.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
WL: I was really into cowboy shows on TV when I was a kid and probably wanted to grow up working on a ranch with horses, cattle, etc. As I grew older and got into sports more it probably changed to wanting to be a pro baseball player.
What are your responsibilities as one the three business owners of Square Cow?
WL: My main responsibility is to oversee all of the finances—payroll, accounts payable, equipment purchasing, etc. Part of this role is to balance out how much we can put back into the company to continue growing and how much we can distribute to the owners as salaries and profit distribution.
How did the three of you decide who would take on what role in the company?
WL: I think it boiled down to our personalities, our likes, dislikes and gifting (or talents). We knew we had three major divisions in the company: marketing and advertising, operations and accounting / finances. It evolved from there…we all took on the role we were most comfortable with and so far, so good!
What do you admire most about the other owners, Derek and Wade?
WL: Derek’s patience…it’s uncanny. He has to deal with me, Wade and my daughter Lindsey. Wow…I don’t know how he does it sometimes! His job here is probably the hardest in dealing with operations, he seems to have the ability to not worry when things are going crazy.
Wade—his drive to make Square Cow the best moving company in the country. He works hard on finding out what other successful companies are doing and brings to the table what we can emulate or improve on. He has a good sense of where we should spend our advertising dollars.
I think the thing I admire most about both of them is the way they love their families and take care of my grandkids!
What is the best part about being in business with your family?
WL: Probably the trust factor, we don’t have to worry about each other’s honesty, work ethic, etc.
What are some of the challenges of owning a company with your family?
WL: One is leaving work at work and not letting it bleed over into family time. Secondly it is difficult for all us to vacation the same week. Last year was the first time we were able to do that and we’re doing it again in August. We kind of hold our breath hoping we don’t get “that phone call” asking us to solve some issue.
What is a day in your life like? Can you describe it?
WL: Since we’ve added an accounting assistant it’s a lot calmer. Now, I come in around 8:00 am and start working. With eight branches I rarely have a time when there’s not something pressing to do. I still do all of the accounts payables, reconciliations, truck maintenance (they send me estimates on repairs and I approve / disapprove them), government compliance issues and I stay involved in the overall management of the company. All of our roles bleed over into the other roles from time to time, so we all have our hands in the running of Square Cow.
What motivates you?
WL: Success—wanting to succeed in everything I do and be considered one of the best. I believe that we have been given a mandate from God to grow this company into a nationwide company. My hope is not that we would be monetarily blessed, but that we would be able to bless countless others.
When are you happiest?
WL: I’m probably happiest when I’m with all 21 members of our family: vacations, birthdays, celebrations, holidays, etc. Knowing that we are making a contribution and helping to change the quality of life for people, including current and future employees also makes me happy.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
WL: The Bible has been my greatest inspiration, not only in my personal life, but in my business. We see very successful people in the Bible, like Abraham. Abraham was not selfish; he was a giver and God blessed him above everyone else of his generation. God even told him that He would bless him so that he could be a blessing. This inspires me.
What is the funniest movie you have ever seen?
WL: Funniest movie? Unlike my wife, I kind of like “slapstick” comedy. Maybe an old Steve Martin or Jim Carrey movie.
What is the best book you have ever read?
WL: Of course, the Bible. Other than that I’ve read books about faith and prosperity that have influenced me, The Laws of Prosperity is one.
What was the best piece of advice you ever got? The worst?
WL: Probably the best advice was to be careful about going into debt. From a personal level, I think the only debt that is justified is maybe a mortgage on your house. Buy something when you have the money to pay for it. We as a company are very reluctant to go into debt and if we do, we try to pay it off as soon as possible. Worst advice: I’ve made some pretty bad investments based on some bad financial advice or putting my trust in someone I shouldn’t have.
To what do you most attribute your success?
WL: I attribute any and all success I’ve ever had to God’s grace. I’m not smart enough to accomplish a lot, but I know the One who is and I’ve received what He has provided.
Original Source: https://squarecowmovers.com/behind-scenes-wayne-lombard/