Brandon Wright
I started my business in 1999 with no plan, no direction, and no ability to run a business.  I used my last paycheck to buy supplies and then looked for financing to buy equipment.  The business grew to have employees, a larger shop, more vehicles, more customers and more services. If it sounded like we could do it, we added it to the list.  Then reality hit — I wasn’t making any money even though my company had a reputation for great service.

The next day I went to a business coach and I started my transformation from a business technician to a business owner. Since then, I have started up multiple companies, brought together great people who are passionate about service, and together we have performed outstanding service experiences for thousands of people. 

Today we have four companies.  Ultra Clean Cleaning and Restoration performs cleaning services for carpet and upholstery. Idaho Fire & Flood Emergency Response Team serves people whose homes or businesses have been affected by flood, fire or some sort of trauma.  Home Pro Fire & Water Renovators is a construction company that builds and restores homes and facilities following trauma.  Ultra Flooring provides customers an outlet where they can pick out replacement carpet, cabinets, paint and/or flooring. 

With these companies in mind, we started to look for distinctive, non-traditional ways to market our brands in order to separate ourselves from others.  We decided to bring together people who were looking to do business and cook for them.  Not your everyday food, but unique smoked pulled pork, ribs, brisket, tri-tip and our famous smoked baked potato. We found that everyone loves a good barbeque and it was then the Ultra Clean Smoke Out was born.

It was our goal to create an event that would bring together people who wanted to network and cultivate relationships.  We have heard from many attendees that they have met new contacts, expanded their brand and even closed deals from people they met through our Ultra Clean Smoke Out event.  Just as we have served valley customers, we are now serving our business community by hosting an event that positively promotes economic stimulus between small businesses. 

Out of the success of the Ultra Clean Smoke Out, a new idea was born.  In collaboration with Josh Grant, member of Meridian’s economic excellence team, we have gathered a great group of business leaders and developed Meridian Business Day.  This event was the first in Meridian to combine networking, educational seminars and local restaurants. Through Meridian Business Day and Ultra Clean Smoke Out, people are looking to do business a different way. 

As the economy changes we need to change the way we do business. We are not a perfect company with perfect people but we are motivated to succeed and live by a set of core values that we follow each and every day.  By surrounding ourselves with great people and working together we can all succeed.