CityView Magazine

36 | April • 2014 bad," said Pat. Another factor in their fiy years of success in a com- petitive, niche market is their standing customer base. "We've been blessed with some long-time, loyal customers — both commercial and residential," maintained Pat, "A number have been with us for over ten years, and some for over 25 years." By choice they do not work in the military sector, simply because those contractors fluctuate and the Howells prefer maintaining the relationships they've established with cli- ents in town- many of whom have standing orders. ough the family has owned the company for 48 years, this March marked 50 years that it's been in business. To celebrate 50 years, the staff planned to visit each customer and say "thank you." "e reason we're successful is that we're honest, do qual- ity service, work hard and are always available. Most of our customers have our cell phone numbers and know they can call us day or night. It's great to work with people who trust you so much they don't even ask what you're charging them, but just know they can count on getting great service." Quality Concrete was recognized for their efforts in 1990 when Methodist University awarded them the American Business Ethics Award for service to customers, employees and the community. In addition to their dedication to the business, the How- ells also give back to their hometown. Gene is on the advi- sory boards of the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society as well as Communicare. Pat serves on the boards of the Methodist University Foundation and ReStore. e couple also supports and regularly contributes to Fayetteville Ur- ban Ministry. Pat and Gene have two "wonderful" kids who helped out with the business growing up. Nonetheless, Pat acknowl- edged she isn't sure who will be running the show in the future. "We're ready to retire," she laughed, adding, "but I don't see that happening in the foreseeable future." "We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for our employees or our customers," said Pat, "We love being a hometown, family company." CV "The reason we're successful is that we're honest, do quality service, work hard and are always available. Most of our customers have our cell phone numbers and know they can call us day or night. It's great to work with people who trust you so much they don't even ask what you're charging them, but just know they can count on getting great service." – Gene Howell

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