We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Avina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Growing up, I always wanted to have Christmas lights on my parent’s house and a nice christmas tree. However, my parents were not in the financial position to decorate. As an adult and living on my own, I started to install Christmas lights on my house, and the amount of lights and decorations grew each year. Friends and neighbors would come by to admire my display and ask for tips or help with their displays. It was then when I said to myself, “Why not install lights for others to make some extra money?”. Little did I know this idea would grow into a successful business. I was lucky to find a wife who loves Christmas as much as I do and supported my dream of installing professional custom cut Christmas lights for others. After 10 years of teaching public school, I took the plunge and started Lonestar Christmas Lights. I am fortunate to do something that brings joy to others. I love seeing the smiles that my displays bring my clients after seeing the finish product.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lonestar Christmas Lights has the goal to always provide you with a high-quality Christmas lights display that exceeds your expectations. I pride myself with excellent customer service, certified professional installer, insured business, and 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. As a growing company, marketing is a big part of our success year after year. At the beginning of our journey, door knocking and many no’s from homeowners was normal. The acquisition of new clients in year 2 came from, door hangers, referrals, Nextdoor app, Facebook, and yard signs.

Growing this business was difficult, learning that my service is not a perfect fit for everyone who calls for a quote was tough. I’ve learned that creating a business is easy, however growing year after year takes dedication, time, and perseverance. My only competition is myself and the revenue from the previous year.

Everyone should know that at Lonestar Christmas Lights is not just guys hanging lights but an installation company that treats every job with the professionalism and dedication needed to make your display look great.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start at Don Goyo’s panaderia for Mexican sweet bread. Then stop at Dutch’s for a double torture.
Make my way to Cooper’s bbq in the Stockyards and see the Fort Worth Herd every day 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you’re in Fort Worth during Christmas season, swing by Sundance Square downtown to see the big christmas tree.
End the night at Wild Acre Restaurant & Beer Garden for a cold beer and let the kids run around in their playground and open space.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My success comes thanks to the faith and support of my wife. She is not a risk taker when it comes to job security but gave me the benefit of the doubt. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur but scare of failure. However, my work ethic and hustler mentality is what drives me to grow this business every year and prove that her faith and support has paid off. A big part of my success is owed to Jesse and Christopher Smith. I met Jesse at the local Christmas light supplier store. I mentioned to him that I would like to learn more about the business. Without hesitation, he offered me a training mentorship to install Christmas lights professionally. Both Jesse and Chris shared their knowledge, pricing, and organizations to receive professional training. Rather than seeing me as the competition, we collaborate together and are one call away.

Instagram: @lonestarchristmaslights

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonestarchristmas

Other: Email: lonestarchristmaslights@yahoo.com

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