Robert White is the owner of RWW & Associates, a Boston-based remodeling company launched in 2020. Previously, Robert worked over a decade in the restoration and waterproofing, both in the commercial and industrial sectors. However, he credits his versatility and strong work ethic to his early years as an adolescent working with his grandfather and uncle, doing framing and electrical work. Most recently, Robert's interests brought him back to the electrical field, earning half his credits towards a license before Covid-19 hit. Shortly thereafter, Robert launched RWW & Associates.

Q & A with Robert White

Robert, why did you start RWW & Associates?

When the pandemic started, I didn’t want to go backwards. I couldn’t afford another two years working towards my electrical license. It was the right time. I felt as though I was well rounded, and as far as the Associates part is concerned, I had associates that could do every other trade – from ironwork to roofing, plumbing, electrical, so anything a person might need, I’d be able to put together a crew.

When bidding on a contract, what do you say to prospective customers who are considering a competitor that is more specialized?

When you hire RWW & Associates, in addition to the work done by specialized tradesmen, in other words my associates in each trade, you will also be getting the customer service that a well-rounded contractor brings - coordinated services as the need arises and expert finishing touches that make all the difference. For example, say you need someone to do work on a bathroom. A talented tile setter might do the most impressive tile work and have the photos to show, but is he going to do the same with the drywall around the tiles, have the expertise to sand the joints and paint? Or make sure that all the fixtures align and the vanity is installed properly? That’s where a good contractor comes in and brings everything together seamlessly as one coherent product that the customer’s happy with.

What brings you the most satisfaction about your job as a contractor?

Looking at a job that took time and effort and knowing it was done right. Seeing my customer happy with the finished product, knowing that I didn’t skip a step – that’s what brings me satisfaction.

How has your life experience made you the kind of boss you are today?

Whether it’s being taken advantage of by a boss when I was an employee or being taken advantage of by a customer, I don’t want any of those types of scenarios so I feel as though if I’m fair with everyone, I will earn their respect. So I treat my employees the same. Financially, if I do better on something, I have no problem giving them a bonus. Or if they work a little slower, but they do a tip top job, I’m happy with that. I picked that up from my uncle. He was like that in the trade – he’d rather teach someone the right way, to take a little more time. So I’d rather the person take their time to do it the right way so that the end result is something I’m happy with. And if I’m happy with it, I promise you that the customer will be happy with it.

Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life?

My grandfather is an Irish immigrant who came here and worked hard his entire life, sometimes two full-time jobs and a part-time job all at the same time. At 10- 12 years old, he had me climbing around on a pump jack scaffolding, painting the side of the house. Sure I complained – what 10 year-old wants to paint? But looking back now, those moments were awesome. Those were life experiences that helped me. Whether I wanted to learn it or not, he was teaching me the right way to do things, to pay attention to the details. If you have nothing to do, sweep the floor, stay busy and always do what you’re doing to the best of your ability.

What advice would you give someone starting their own contracting business?

Number 1, never do a job sight unseen, meaning don’t give someone an estimate over the phone and don’t give someone an estimate based on their description of the work. You have to go and really look into the job yourself. And number 2, if you say you’re going to do something and you commit to it, be a man of your word whether you like it or not, or if it costs you more money or if it doesn’t, you have to be honest and have some integrity and do what you say you’re going to do. That’s where it helps to lay out the scope of work and job description. Leaving things vague allows for too many openings for disagreements. Disagreements are not really how you want to be approaching a job. You want to be on the same page as the customer.

When you're not running around from one project to another, what do you like to do on a day off?

I like to spend time with my nephew. I promised him I’d take him to Canobie Lake amusement park. October is Screeemfest!