| A Cue From Quinton |
 |
 |
 |
 By Andrea D. CopelandQuinton Harrell was born with a natural aptitude for business. As a lad in Suffolk, Virginia, he sold large bags of pecans for $5 to his neighbors to earn money for candy. As a teenager in Maryland, he scanned The Washington Post classifieds for free animals, which he’d get and sell as a pet to those in the neighborhood, at times making as much as $50 each! "That was a lot of money then," he recalled. By the time he reached his mid-twenties, Quinton was an established, successful businessman. After moving to Charlottesville in 1994, he opened a street vending business selling urban clothing made by nationally known designers. Three years later he opened Charlottesville Players on West Main Street, and another located in Fashion Square Mall soon followed. Like many entrepreneurs he learned business by trial and error, but his biggest challenge came from the very people he served for so many years – his customers. Some felt they were paying too much and began to question the authenticity of his merchandise. “When I wouldn’t sell the clothes at cheaper prices, they began to accuse me of not selling ‘the real thing’.” He knew his products were real, but he was upset over having his integrity questioned, so he sought a solution to quickly remedy the negative effect this had on his business. While traveling the country for new designs, an idea struck him that changed everything. He began to have photos taken of himself standing beside the actual designers and later would hang the photos on the store walls. It wasn't long before the walls were filled with the evidence, proving once and for all the quality of his apparel. Quinton went on to operate Charlottesville Players for twelve years. Later in life Quinton’s “way of thinking” and vision for the business began to change. In 2007 he had a conversation with his friend (and current business partner), Ty Cooper, about opening an eco-friendly dry cleaning business. “It just made sense,” he said. EcoDry Cleaners opened for business in May of 2008, and unlike Charlottesville Players, it affords him the opportunity to serve a greater population while helping the environment. Judging from the multiple racks behind the counter full of clothing ready for pick up, going green proved to be a smart business move. When asked what advice he has for the up-and-coming entrepreneurs, Quinton says, “Make sure you have a business plan. It’s the foundation to being successful. Also, know why you want to make it. If it’s just for monetary gain you won’t make it. Rather, strive to be an agent of change in your family and community." 
|
