Business Profile: Rent Spin

Most of his adult life Don Wilson, from Chicago Heights, has helped others.

He is a volunteer coach for baseball and flag football. He is also a volunteer administrative pastor for the Chicago Heights Church of the Nazarene.  

But his passion lies in helping people get their finances in order, so Wilson began a Website called Rent Spin, a business aimed at assisting people in finding a place to live.. 

Patch: How long have you been in business?  

We've been in business five years.

What made you want to start a local business?

 I've been in the real estate business for awhile. I began with ERA LaGib, a former downtown Park Forest real estate company. That business closed and I was left with the option of going to work for another company or launching my own.

Well, let's say I love a challenge.

What are your specialties?

While we do offer all the traditional services of a real estate company, we have carved out a niche in the rental market. I anticipated the higher demand for rental homes some time ago, so I set out to serve these consumers specifically.

How are you different from other real estate companies?  

Over the past five years, we have invested our resources into building a large database of rental conscious consumers. We literally have hundreds of clients in our database so this allows us to market properties more effectively.

If you are a property owner and you need someone to rent your home, we have an extensive pool of clients that we can market to instantly, for faster results. Traditional MLS marketing is effective, but it can sometimes work slower than the property owners need.

We are also a one stop shop for our clients needs. Not only can we assist consumers with their real estate needs, we can also assist them with their insurance needs as well. By providing renter's insurance, home owner's insurance and life insurance products. Our clients have fewer calls to make and fewer businesses to engage. This has been a real time-saver for our clients. In addition, our clients and realtors are able to build stronger relationships.

Since so many people are out of work, we have added a resources page to our website that provides links to various job opportunities in and around the community. We have resume assistance as well. 

What advice would you give to others wanting to start their own business?   

Develop a good business plan and never stop learning. Most importantly, you have to have a passion for what you are doing or you won't last long.

The best advice I can give is you need to clearly understand why you are going into business. If you are not clear on why, then don't start the business until you are. Knowing why you have started the business will get you through the rough periods. 

What are your favorite local places to shop and eat?  

A favorite place to eat is Nancy's Pizza. To shop, I try and make it a habit of supporting most of the local business's. 

Final comments.

I conduct financial workshops for churches and non-profits only taking an honorarium. If you are interested please contact me. 

I am fortunate to have an understanding and supportive wife. It would be impossible to make it this far without her. I am also very grateful to Big Al, Deb, Susan and Mike, my mentors in this business. Thanks to my clients who support us year after year. 

To view his website go to RentSpin.com or contact Mr. Wilson at mrdon_wilson@prodigy.net.