Local Professionals Share What Sets Their Businesses Apart
Whether it’s marketing initiatives, culture, or the products and services that make a company unique, one thing is certain: it takes dedication and a strategic approach to build a business that keeps customers and clients coming back. Here, we asked nine local professionals how their companies stand out in their industries amidst a competitive and ever-changing market. Read on for an inside look at what’s fueling success in our dynamic and thriving community.
The founder of Eyear Optical, Inc., Jim Crittenden, was innovative and truly a pioneer at getting our name, our superior products, and our story out to the public. Our criteria in marketing has been distinction, demographic, and reason. The consistent use of the color purple is our hallmark and we still use it for our brand recognition. We are a family-owned business and the culture of “family” creates an atmosphere that retains good employees and welcomes new customers while serving the previous four generations of Chattanooga-area families. We originated the 1-Hour Optical in Chattanooga, and we are the only company that still fabricates lenses in about an hour. Service, selection, quality, and care keep us at the forefront of the industry.
Standing out in the vascular care industry requires more than exceptional clinical expertise – it demands a relentless focus on relationships, education, and innovation. At the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, we prioritize genuine connections with patients and referring providers, ensuring that every interaction reflects our commitment to their well-being. By staying ahead of technological advancements, offering comprehensive services, and maintaining national accreditation, we demonstrate both excellence and trustworthiness. Additionally, we focus on community engagement and patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their vascular health. Our dedication to these principles sets us apart and defines our reputation as the region’s leading vascular care provider.
At MurMaid Mattress, we are committed to selling a better mattress at a better price by using higher-quality materials than most other national brands. This approach has always been important to us, as it reduces the number of quality issues that arise. Because we deal directly with customers – not through other retailers who sell our products – we ensure their concerns are addressed firsthand. In the past, I personally made house calls to address any issues with mattresses, which gave me invaluable insight into what needed to be improved to enhance quality. Additionally, MurMaid is deeply involved in the communities we serve through sponsorships and charitable initiatives. This involvement has kept us in the hearts and minds of those we serve. We strive to consistently deliver on our brand’s promise to provide value to our customers, and this dedication helps us stand out in a highly competitive industry.
In today’s competitive landscape, standing out in your industry requires a strong emphasis on company culture. Consumers, employees, and potential hires increasingly prioritize fair treatment, respect, and ethical practices from the organizations they engage with. By cultivating a robust and positive company culture, businesses can attract and retain top talent more effectively. Happy employees are more engaged and productive, leading to remarkable service and high-quality job performance. Customers who interact with your brand will undoubtedly notice your commitment to fostering an environment that values employee well-being and customer satisfaction. This dedication distinguishes your business and drives long-term success, as it builds trust and loyalty among employees and consumers. Ultimately, a strong company culture is the foundation for sustainable growth and positive impact in the industry.
It starts with leadership and company culture. From its founding, McKee Foods Corporation has been built upon the principles of honesty and treating others as you want to be treated. The company embraces the fact that it is a vital part of every community in which it operates and strives to make a positive impact. A company’s employees are critical. Employee interactions with members of their community and those we do business with are a very tangible expression of what the company stands for and how we operate. It builds the reputation of the company, aids in recruiting new employees, and strengthens business relationships. Brands are the lifeblood of a company. They are the primary means of how most people experience and interact with a company. Quality products, meeting a need, and bringing some happiness into a consumer’s life are key components of a successful brand. The Little Debbie brand is a great example – mention it to someone and they usually return a large smile thinking of their experiences with the brand and products.
Being part of an organization that spans tourism, education, and nonprofit sectors, I’ve found that brand clarity is one of the most effective ways to stand out. Clear, intentional messaging allows businesses to uniquely connect with their audiences, inviting them to see their place within the organization’s story. This connection transforms individuals from mere consumers into loyal advocates who champion the brand within their communities. Businesses can cultivate authentic connections that inspire advocacy and drive sustainable growth by honing and sharing a clear, compelling, cohesive narrative.
The first step to standing out is honing in on your product and service qualities. If you aren’t serving your customer in the best way possible, no amount of marketing can sustain business long term. Securing online reviews from customers is an additional key to this point. Brands with many positive reviews establish themselves as experts, magnifying themselves in potential customers’ eyes. Also, be sure to respond to reviews – even the negative ones. It shows you are willing to learn and grow.
It’s a simple concept that’s not easy to execute – whoever gets closest to the customer wins. No matter the industry, a customer-centric culture is the number one way to stand out. Of course, virtually every company claims to put customers first; but firms that actually build their operations, sales/marketing plan, and all other functions around customer needs will always come out ahead. At University Surgical Associates (USA), that means putting our patients first in everything we do – from convenient locations and user-friendly registration systems to surveying every new patient who walks through our doors. USA will celebrate 50 years of serving the Chattanooga region next year, and this longevity wouldn’t be possible without our surgeons – and all 200 team members – committed to living our mission: to enrich quality of life for our community through excellent surgical care and education.
I have found that effective leaders who stand out don’t shy away from seemingly impossible challenges. When you encounter obstacles, take whatever steps you can, and a path forward will reveal itself. During these times, remember the power of short bursts of focused effort – compartmentalize and “live in day-tight compartments.”