Business owner puts the customer first
Minority business owner Wesley Johnson of Portland on the porch of one of the local homes he beautifully remodeled.
Born and raised in Portland, Wesley Johnson has been in business as Remodeling by Wesley for 15 years.
“Working for yourself, owning your own business, brings freedom,” says Johnson, explaining one of the benefits of being your own boss.
A state-certified company qualifying as a Minority, Woman, or Emerging Small Business, Remodeling by Wesley’s specialty is renovation and repair to single-family homes and duplexes.
Johnson got his start in the remodeling business when he joined a small family contracting business. Among lessons learned, Johnson says, “Always try to do what’s right. Never engage in anything that makes you say to yourself, ‘I hope no one ever finds out.’ This is a good standard for anybody.”
Johnson continues, “I put relationships first. Don’t focus on going after money, go after relationships. I go the extra mile to maintain relationships.”
Johnson is a frequent partner with the Portland housing developer Proud Ground.
His relationship with the nonprofit began in 2010 when Project Manager Steve Whitson asked Wesley to bid on some home renovation projects.
Whitson values his organization’s partnership with Johnson, saying, “Wesley does what he says he will do; he is careful, professional, and experienced. I respect his work and the effort he puts into our homes.”
“Working with Proud Ground to help folks get into a quality home, and to do it in a way that makes sure they can really afford it—it’s very motivating for me,” said Johnson, describing one of the benefits of working with the nonprofit. “It’s been a real pleasure working with Proud Ground.”
Johnson reflects about his business, “I found the thing I really like to do and I am best at.”
For more information about Remodeling by Wesley, visit the website remodelingbywesley.com. For more information about Proud Ground, visit proudground.org.
