In 1985, after some 20 years working in the field, Cherry and his wife decided to launch Tri-State Insulation Co., Inc. Considering the circumstances surrounding the decision, the step to go it alone was a monumental one. "We had the prospect of possibly two customers and a grand total of $2,000 in the bank, which represented our financing," says Cherry. To make his business succeed, Cherry, like other successful small business operators, devoted practically all his time and energy to the fledgling enterprise. When the sun came up, Cherry was out bidding and figuring jobs. When it went down, he and one assistant would install the insulation. The only other employee was a secretary who answered the phones and kept the books. The hard work paid off. That first year the three-person operation brought in more than $300,000 in business.
Seven years later, Tri-State employs 40 people and has racked up sales of more than $3 million. Tri-State Insulation Co. is involved in contracting and sales in the commercial and industrial insulating field. It is also a distributor for the Owens-Corning Fiberglass line of insulation materials. While many in the construction industry have suffered during the recession, Cherry says Tri-State has had its slow periods, but overall it has "not experienced a true recession." The main obstacle lying in the path of Tri-State's continued growth is its ability to find the qualified tradesmen it needs to handle the jobs it gets, says Cherry. He says this is primarily due to the company's "competitive pricing, quality workmanship, outstanding service and a strong faith in the lord."
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