We’ve got a real treat for today’s installment of Getting to Know OnTimeSupplies.com: the company’s CEO and owner Miles Young. Miles started the company with Sridhar Balasubramanian in 2004. Today, Miles tells us what the job of CEO entails, what it takes to run the business from his home in Atlanta, and reveals his favorite office supply.
How has your job changed since you started at OTS?
It has always been a little bit of everything, and as we have grown it has been more of working on strategic direction of our company. I will say that the key to our success is always thinking of our customer first and finding new ways to serve them. The thought of serving others and sincerely trying to help our customers is the core to everything I do. So whether I am helping a customer, selling them product or working on our website, I think of how this will help our customers first.
What does your current job entail?
Working on corporate direction. I devote a lot of my time looking at current technology and trends in the market. I will say that the internet has really excelled since smart phones have become so popular. In 2004, search was really one dimensional: you have a need, go to Google, look it up and buy. Now we have to consider geolocation, how a customer would like to buy (each vs. bulk orders), and having the best information to help the customer make a decision. There are more companies selling office supplies on the internet and it is not enough to just have a ton of products to sell. You need to deliver value to the customer, be unique, and anticipate what your customer will need in the future. It is a big challenge, but a ton of fun.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
That is easy. Serving our customers because they are the reason that we are in business. I like to be the first one to answer the phone and it is a huge reward for me when a customer calls back to thank us for our service. We are always looking for customer feedback on how we can service our customer better and I read every customer review that comes in.
What’s your favorite/handiest office supply?
I really like having a big note book at my side while I work. I have been using the big 200 sheet Genesis Notebook, and love keeping my notes here.
Do you have any tips for other people working from home?
Working from home takes a lot of discipline. When I was in the corporate world I use to think how easy it would be to work from home with all the comforts and no rush hour commute. What I found out was that you have to turn off the tv or radio, don’t spend time browsing the web, but sit down and focus on work. I would also say that you should consider taking little breaks as “rewards” during the day, and make a point to get outside once a day. On occasion I will work outside or on vacation with my laptop when I can, but the other thing to remember is to make sure you turn off your work and spend time with your loved ones.
Anything you wish to add?
I consider myself a very fortunate person. I am allowed the opportunity to do what I love, which is serving others. I take tremendous pride that our business helps our employees provide for their families, offers tons of flexibility, and we have tons of fun with what we do. I think that building a business with a great team is an amazing experience. I really think that the people who work for On Time Supplies enjoy serving others and think our company has tremendous opportunity for everyone..