Ron Slone recounts trials, triumphs of firm's startup

by Christine Ballew-Gonzales

SBJ Contributing Writer

Slone Architecture is commemorating two decades of building design this summer, according to Ron Slone, president of the company. Formed in 1979, the company now has projects under way in five states simultaneously.

"Right now, we've got projects going in Mississippi, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri," Slone said.

But it was a rocky road to the company's current success, according to Slone. After he graduated from the University of Washington at Seattle, he settled in Springfield, where his parents also had moved.

"I took a summer job in Springfield, started my residency here, and never returned," he said.

The depressed state of the construction industry in the '70s meant that architectural firms weren't hiring, leaving Slone with just one option striking out and starting his own company. Those first months were scary, he said. "I used to lie awake at night, saying 'What am I doing?' But once you start your own business, you either follow through or give up."

Following through meant making the rounds of businesses all over the Ozarks, inquiring about their needs for architectural services.

"Those cold calls were tough," Slone said. "Sometimes people responded well, sometimes they looked at me like I was crazy."

What kept him going during those discouraging early days was, "Desperation, and the confidence that I knew what I was doing," he said.

But the uneasiness of those initial months didn't last long, Slone said. "Word of mouth and my perseverance paid off," he said. "Pretty soon I outgrew my dining room table and was able to move to an office."

The company continued to grow steadily, Slone said. Slone Architecture now has nine employees and is registered in nine states, specializing in commercial and industrial architecture. Current projects include Prime Inc.'s $8 million commons building in Springfield, the Primatara Thoroughbred Farm, and the Grandvista Resort in Tunica, Miss.

Slone Architecture also has multiple timeshare resort projects under way in Branson. The success of the company has surpassed Slone's highest expectations, he said.

"Springfield is a great place to start your own business," he said. "People in Springfield are so great at encouraging others and giving them a chance. I try to help other people out, too, to pay back the debt of gratitude I owe these people."

What will the next 20 years hold for Slone Architecture? Slone said he hopes that his children, Stephanie, Ryan and Brent, will be interested in working with the company. Stephanie is majoring in interior design ,and Ryan is pursuing a career in graphic arts. Brent attends high school in Springfield.

"We'll continue to grow along with the city," Slone said. "The quality of life, the central location, the lakes area ... also Springfield doesn't have the geographical boundaries of other areas. The suburbs are going to explode, and we're going to continue to grow."

[[In-content Ad]]