Cleaning up with Houston area businesses
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In 1976, Charles Dawson graduated from Texas A&M University in Bryan Texas A&M University in Bryan College Station with a major in
Education and a minor in Business. He then moved back to the Houston area. Once he was
back home, he started doing research into chemical and janitorial supplies. He already had
experience in chemicals; he just did a little more legwork to become more familiar about
the chemical and janitorial business.
For six months, he studied what it would take to open this kind of business and concluded
that this is what he wanted to do with his life. In October 1977, he opened Dawson
Chemicals and Janitorial Supplies Company, located at 6010 Irvington at the 610 Loop. The
business began to grow, so in 1982, he opened his second location, U.S. Metro Chemicals,
4308 Kelley St.
“It was so interesting that U.S. Metro Chemicals caught on so well, and accumulated a
lot of customers, we decided to open another location which is the City Wide Chemical and
Janitorial Supply,” said Charles. The third store, at 3521 Jensen Dr, opened in 1992.
“This is how my wife of 28 years, Diana and I got started. It took a lot of hard
work, a lot of sacrifice, and a lot of discipline. I started this business from scratch. I
didn’t have $100,000. I had to use my own money. The first loan I did inquire was
back in 1982 after I been in business about five to six years. I had to do my own legwork
and that’s why I’m so proud of these businesses today. I’m so proud of what
we have accomplished because they are doing well,” he continued.
The Dawson companies sell different kinds of supplies for homes and businesses. Items
include trashcans, waxes, commercial roach sprays, toilet paper and much more. In addition
to janitorial supplies, the companies repair buffers, vacuum shampooers and other
machines. They also offer the same day free delivery. Ninety percent of his sales is
business to business and the other ten percent is from walk-ins. “The Lord has helped
us. We have been in business for 25 years and that’s an accomplishment for itself. I
believe if you treat your customers right then they will be loyal to you. I get calls from
people telling me that my employees are friendly and are willing to help to them. I tell
my employees that no matter what, the customer is always right and to always have a smile
on your face.”
Charles being the six child out of 10 grew up in a low middle-class income neighborhood
with his parents Ira and Sallie Mae Dawson in northeast Houston. His father worked in
insurance for many years and his mother was a homemaker and a beautician. He attended H.E.
Hilliard Elementary School and graduated from Elmore High School.
“I have always been asked why name your companies different names? I do this because
I want each one to survive on its own. If something happens to one business, it won’t
bring the others down by having the same name,” he said. The Dawsons have four
children, Omar Dawson, Trina Mouton, Deondra Dawson and Sharanda Dawson. They have managed
to keep the business in the family by having Trina who is an attorney do legal work for
the company and by having Omar working there part-time. The Dawsons are truly successful
business people.
The stores are open Monday through Friday from 8p.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to
3 p.m.
Call 713/227-4808 for more information. |
