In the world of home services, where reliability and trust are paramount, Chris and Kristin Ruffo have distinguished themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Corpus Christi. As the owners of CSR Electric, the Ruffos have led the company from a single truck operation to a thriving business with a strong presence in the Coastal Bend area. Their journey is a testament to the power of word-of-mouth marketing, community engagement, and the ability to overcome the challenges that come with scaling a business in a competitive industry.
The Growth of CSR Electric
Kristin and her husband Chris started CSR Electric with just one truck and a small team, determined to provide high-quality electrical services to their community. “We started with one truck—my husband and a helper—and now we’re at five trucks, including my husband,” Kristin recalls. The growth of CSR Electric over the past six years has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the highly competitive nature of the electrical services industry.
The company’s expansion was fueled primarily by word-of-mouth referrals and strategic use of local social media platforms. “Facebook was essential,” Kristin explains. “We have a neighborhood page, and it just took off from there. We tried traditional advertising, but it was expensive and didn’t yield much. Our reputation and the quality of our work were what really drove our growth.”
Chris reiterated CSR Electric’s dedication to organic growth by highlighting their community efforts and connections. By building and maintaining trust in the community, word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers have been a vital component of CSR Electric’s success.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting a Business
Like many entrepreneurs, The Ruffos faced significant challenges when they decided to start their own company. One of the biggest hurdles was overcoming the fear and uncertainty that comes with leaving the security of a steady job. “It was the fear of actually jumping in and doing it ourselves,” Kristin says.
Despite these fears, Kristin and Chris decided to take the plunge. Their confidence in Chris’s skills as a Master Electrician and their commitment to doing things the right way ultimately paid off. “Chris is a perfectionist; he does things the right way. That’s how we built our name—by being honest and doing things correctly.”
Scaling the Business: From One Truck to Five
As CSR Electric began to grow, the challenges shifted from starting the business to scaling it. The jump from one truck to five required not only financial investment but also finding and training the right people. One of the company’s early successes was hiring Robert, who started as an apprentice and quickly worked his way up to become a key member of the team.
“It was just investing in a truck and putting him in it,” Kristin explains. “The business grew from there—meeting new contractors, taking on new jobs, and adding more journeymen to the team.”
Chris also outlines their dedication to intentional hiring and maintaining a positive work environment. “We run a company that takes care of its employees. We have a space where the guys feel secure and enjoy working”.
The Ruffos attribute much of their success to having faith in themselves and their team’s ability to deliver high-quality work. Kristin states, “If you have complete faith in yourself and you can get past the fear, you’ll do great. You’ve got to be great, you’ve got to do the right thing, work with the city, and never take shortcuts.”
Embracing the Community and the Challenges of Running a Small Business
CSR Electric’s success is deeply rooted in the Corpus Christi community. Kristin and Chris have built their business by staying connected with their neighbors and ensuring that their work meets the highest standards. However, running a small business is not without its challenges. Kristin manages all the office work, including scheduling and customer communications, while Chris handles estimates and bids. Despite the demands of the job, they have remained committed to keeping things simple and effective.
The Power of Persistence and Community
The Ruffo’s journey with CSR Electric is a powerful example of how perseverance, community engagement, and a commitment to quality can drive success in a competitive industry. By staying true to their values and focusing on delivering exceptional service, Kristin and Chris have built a business that is not only successful but also an integral part of the Corpus Christi community.
As they look to the future, the Ruffos are poised to continue their growth, leveraging their reputation and the strong foundation they’ve built to take CSR Electric to new heights. In an industry where trust and reliability are paramount, CSR Electric stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when you combine skill, integrity, and a deep connection to the community you serve.
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