Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerald Grimes.
Hi Gerald, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began as a professional photographer, where I spent 15-plus years in the industry. I started as a wedding photographer and transitioned into a school photographer. Over the years, I wanted more. My talents weren’t being used like I wanted, so I ventured into commercial photography, which entailed aerial and architectural design. I felt like I excelled in this arena and that opened an entirely new world for me. I was later commissioned by real estate development and interior design agencies to photograph their projects.
After that, I essentially felt like I hit the pinnacle in my career in the photography industry and started looking for new challenges. In that period, I started researching the textile industry, which includes commercial laundry. I invested in a couple of dry cleaners, which led me to build an industrial laundry plant here in Dallas. Subsequently, my first big contract was with the American Airlines Center Arena. And from there, it grew to other major clients and opportunities. This continued for the next 10 years – building and selling commercial laundry facilities.
During my stint in the commercial laundry industry, I also invested in other businesses, including information technology and financial services.
Currently, I’m the president and CEO of IDM Products. I started this business in 2018 and we’re a supply chain, procurement, manufacturing and distribution company. We primarily service B2B customers and distribute products and services in the areas of manufactured disinfectant wipes, janitorial sanitation, PPE, office supplies, maintenance repair and operations (MRO), construction, healthcare products and more. We also invested in a logistics company, which further helps us deliver products to our customers.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth ride by any stretch of the imagination! I’ve worked hard, been told “no” many times and endured the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur.
As you know, we’re big fans of IDM Products. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
IDM Products is a national supply chain, procurement, manufacturing, distribution and logistics company based in Dallas. We’re a distributor of everything from PPE, JanSan, MRO, office supplies, healthcare products and more. With an inventory of more than 100,000 products, we’re able to ship to 90 percent of the country in one to three business days or less.
We have our own exclusive brand of wipes – Easy Pro; ranging from industrial wipes, disinfectants and isopropyl alcohol wipes, as well as a new line of pet cleaning wipes.
There’s not necessarily anything particularly unique about our brand, rather, it’s more about the people. I’m most proud of the people around me. IDM Products would not be where it is if it weren’t for my team who help build on our success.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I don’t necessarily have any favorite books, apps or podcasts, but I’m constantly reading and researching any and everything that impacts IDM’s business, and how we service our clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: sales@idmproducts.com
- Website: www.idmproducts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idmproducts_/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/idmproducts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/idmproducts_
Image Credits
Tal Campbell
