Five years ago, when Samet opened its 6th regional office here in Wilmington, we saw tremendous opportunity in a thriving coastal market - along with the inherent challenge of building relationships and proving our capabilities and culture.  
 
As we celebrate this milestone, we have learned a few invaluable lessons that any business leader can apply in our area to heighten their chances of success:  
 
Lesson 1: The Right People Are Everything    
 
We were slow and deliberate about finding and retaining talented individuals from all walks of life who brought their whole selves to work and genuinely cared for each other and our mission. The most profound lesson we've learned is that exceptional people make the impossible possible. It’s a very simple equation.  
 
Takeaway for leaders: Guard your hiring standards fiercely. It's better to wait for the right person than to fill a role quickly with someone who doesn't align with your culture and values. Once you find great people, invest heavily in training, empowering, and trusting them. With the right people on board, it’s time to set the tone - which leads us to Lesson 2. 
 
Lesson 2: Complete Commitment 
 
Unwavering dedication that goes far beyond the typical effort level is mandatory. Our early days in business meant working and networking harder than we thought possible, including weekends and holidays – Christmas, New Year's, Easter, July 4th, and Thanksgiving Day. While this kind of commitment isn't sustainable long-term, it's often necessary during the critical establishment phase.  
 
Takeaway for leaders: Your commitment level must exceed all ingrained expectations or societal norms. This dedication signals to potential customers, competitors, and your growing team that you're serious and that there is no other option but success. To focus on the right target, see Lesson 3. 
 
Lesson 3: Know The Market and Differentiate Boldly  
 
Understanding local market dynamics and positioning yourself differently is crucial. We studied our market intensively, learned from other successful Samet offices, and weren't afraid to think and operate in ways others had not. How can we help our customers save time and money, maximize value, and actually create jobs during a build? How do we consistently deliver quality? How do we do it all safely? What is our culture exactly and is it the best it can be? Bring in help from other offices, if needed, in the form of proven expertise to help the team grow and succeed. 
 
Takeaway for leaders: Spend significant time understanding not only our region’s needs, but its culture, relationships, and unwritten rules. Then find ways to respectfully challenge them while delivering superior value. Use all of the tools at your disposal – not just the local ones in front of you. Be humble but be bold, as people are watching – which leads to (the final) lesson. 
 
Lesson 4: Localism Exists 
 
We all know that anyone new to our area must first pay their dues and that the ties of established and proven entities that do good work are nearly immovable objects.  Fortunately, our team all lived here when we started the office – some of us for decades so we’re as “local” as any other construction company in Wilmington. We bring the same love for the Cape Fear region, quality subcontractor and supplier relationships, code expertise, community engagement, and commitment to keeping dollars and jobs right here at home. We bring a broader view and a can-do attitude, leveraging  Samet’s 64 years of expertise.
 
Takeaway for leaders: Do not be concerned with entrenched competition. Recognize your strengths and seek opportunities that align with your areas of expertise. Lean on your people for clarity and direction. Welcome all opportunities with a smile and overdeliver. Immerse yourself in local and regional organizations with genuine care, building solid connections and relationships along the way. We are one big community, and we'll see each other in the grocery store; you don’t want it to be awkward. 
 
The Results?  
 
The joy of watching this vision come together has been a reward beyond anything we could have imagined. Most importantly, we've established Samet as a trusted builder and client ally in Southeastern North Carolina while contributing meaningful projects and philanthropic efforts towards the communities in which we live, play, worship, and serve.  
Anything is possible. All you need are the right people, an unwavering commitment to your customer, solid market knowledge, and the courage to prove and stand up for yourself and your people when it matters most. Deliver on your commitments and provide new levels of care and service to all customers, internal and external.  
 
Always take the high road. Think big. Don’t give up.