Q&A with Billy Guidry, Founder of Dome World

As our weather systems become more erratic and prone to natural disaster, the need for hurricane-proof housing has clearly emerged in the Southeastern US. Billy Guidry recognized a need and truly learned on the job. Read more about his inspirational business story in our interview below.

Billy, tell us a bit about your company, Dome World.

We manufacture and sell disaster-proof dome housing.

What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?

I saw an article on Yahoo.com about a dome that withstood Hurricane Ivan in Pensacola, Florida (editor’s note: another version of this same story can be found here on NBCNews).  Upon researching I discovered a Japanese company building affordable disaster-proof dome homes out of styrofoam. I was looking at various housing methods at the time, and scrapped all of that, went out to Orlando with a friend, learned and trained how to build them in 2008 and we have been working at it ever since.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Giving people a better way to live.  Think about Hurricane Katrina, I’m 45 minutes from New Orleans. I’ve got a house that can withstand that, and to me, that is amazing.

What are your keys to making yourself productive?

I just keep in mind, this could help lots of people, I have to do this.  That usually keeps me moving.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

I would like for this company to reach a worldwide audience.  I have distributor licenses for as little as $550 and interested people can buy a factory with training for $45,000.  Growth would be the goal.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

Don’t listen to anybody but yourself.   I’ve been told so many times by so many people that this is impossible.  I’ve seen it….I’ve built it….I’ve touched it.  It’s not impossible.   So, if i would have listened to those people, I wouldn’t be doing this.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

Don’t quit. There are a lot of people who want to see you fail.  If you believe in something with all your heart, you never stop.  Keep going.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

Spending time with my daughters, when I can.  Relaxing, catching up on sleep.  My last, I guess you can say vacation, was spent working, so sitting on a beach with my phone off for a day would be nice.

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

I read Entrepreneur Magazine a lot, books not so much.  I mainly keep up with friends/family on Facebook.  I go in and check out the competition, try to stay in touch with what they are doing.  I of course also update my own website,  www.dome.world