CEO Antonio Sustiel. Photo courtesy of Antonio Sustiel.
Antonio Sustiel, CEO of Flooring King, spoke about being an entrepreneur and influencer in the digital age.
The CEO discussed how he uses technology in his daily routine, his advice for candidates who want to become entrepreneurs, and shared his thoughts on AI (artificial intelligence) on the future of the coatings industry of soil.
Background on Antonio Sustiel
Throughout his career, Sustiel has completed home renovations for numerous celebrities such as Latina superstar Adamari Lopez, actor Carlos Ponce (“Couples Retreat”) and William Levy.
Sustiel has been featured on business programs such as CNBC’s “Blue Collar Millionaire” and “The American Dream Show” on Bloomberg TV, as well as “The New York Daily News,” among other media outlets.
The digital age
As an influencer and entrepreneur in the digital age, Sustiel said: “It’s fantastic because not only can we reach a wider audience, but we can also impact people’s lives by sharing our knowledge and our inspiration and we can promote interesting actions. products or services. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to build a personal brand or business; competition is fierce and it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded space.
“In order to retain your audience, you need to post quality content consistently and you need to engage with your audience. Additionally, managing the business side of being an influencer – such as negotiating brand partnerships or monetizing your online presence – can also be demanding,” he explained.
Use technology in your daily routine
Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, Sustiel said: “I use technology to communicate with my team, my customers and my suppliers. This includes email, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools.
“For productivity and to stay organized, I also use technology, including project management software; task management apps and calendar apps, all of which help me stay organized and manage my time effectively,” he said.
“Lastly, I use technology for marketing and promotion, including social media platforms, digital advertising tools, email marketing software and analytics,” he added.
Career defining moments
On his career highlights, he said, “I have learned many lessons during my career that have made me a better leader. For example, I learned to be a better manager, to delegate and not try to do everything myself.
“I also learned to be much more patient, not only with others, but also with myself. And I definitely learned the importance of completing tasks quickly and in a timely manner,” he said.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, Sustiel shared, “My future plans include teaching and guiding young entrepreneurs by sharing my experiences and lessons I have learned along the way. I am currently writing a book and, on a personal level, I enjoy traveling the world with my loved ones.
The best advice anyone ever gave him
On the best advice he was ever given, he revealed: “Outsmart everyone. There is no substitute for hard work. Also, never stop and trust your instincts.
Advice for young and aspiring entrepreneurs
For young people and aspiring entrepreneurs, he said, “Nothing is more important than being willing to work hard, be disciplined and consistent. Succeeding in entrepreneurship requires long hours and many sacrifices.
“Also, my advice to young and aspiring entrepreneurs is to make sure you learn from failure. Failure is part of being an entrepreneur – and of living. Accept failures as an opportunity to learn from them and use them to grow and improve; adapt your strategies and keep moving forward,” he explained.
AI on the future of the flooring industry
Sustiel explained how AI (artificial intelligence) can benefit the flooring industry. “I think the flooring industry can benefit greatly from AI. For example, AI can improve the customer experience by offering personalized recommendations based on the customer’s preferences and past purchases,” he said.
“AI chatbots can also provide quick customer support, answer questions and help with product selection. AI can also help flooring companies optimize their inventory management processes and predict demand; reduce overstocking or understocking and improve overall operational efficiency,” he explained.
“Yet there is no substitute for interpersonal human connection and the best thing about my job is connecting with customers, developing lasting friendships and ensuring they have a great customer experience,” he said. he explains.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Sustiel said: “I believe that success comes to those who help others succeed. It’s not just about you, but also about giving back and helping others climb.
“Success also means achieving desired goals and feeling satisfied in various aspects of life, whether it is your personal life or your professional life. For some people it means achieving financial stability or the respect of their peers and for others it is about personal growth and happiness,” he concluded.
To learn more about Antonio Sustiel, follow him on Instagram.
