National Small Business Week Spotlight: RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD

Hector Ray (’01) and Greg West (’01) own and operate RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD, a seamless “design-build” construction company  based out of North Carolina.

Why did you decide to become a small business owner?

Owning our own business is the best way to put all of our ideas and vision into action. It comes with risk but also with great reward. Every day is exciting and you never know who might be on the other end of that next call or email!

How did your Campbell degree prepare you to start your own business?

We were classmates in the MBA program at the Lundy Fetterman School of Business and graduated in 2001. Our MBA degree gave us the academic background across many functional areas and we were able to couple that with our practical experience as general contractors and merge that into RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD in 2016. It has been a great success and we haven’t looked back!

What is your favorite part of owning your own business?

The favorite part of owning our own business is the satisfaction that comes from directly helping other business owners with their space needs. Our motto is: Building Great Spaces and that is what we enjoy doing every day, helping other business owners make their business more successful.

Why is it important for people to shop local and shop small?

The reasons are many but mainly because local business owners invest in our communities. Our customer service is better because we know we are going to see our customers at the grocery store or church. Lastly, most new jobs are provided by local business and as we grow, we are excited that we keep hiring our neighbors.

What advice do you have for alumni and students who are interested in starting their own business?

Write a solid business plan, get lots of advice and stick with it. No one will believe in it as much as you do until you make it. Trust yourself and be willing to put in the work.

Orange Owned connects Campbell alumni with businesses owned and operated by fellow alumni. Visit our web page to learn more about Orange Owned, find local businesses near you, or register your business.