While quantities may have differed, it is fair to say that everyone started out with equipment, knowledge and people. An excellent reputation in the market place is not achieved by having the resources to afford a quarter to half page advertisement in the Yellow Pages. It is not quite that simple, yet it is not difficult or complicated. It certainly should not be a function of time, money, or equipment.
Reputation is the result of satisfied customers.
Everyone can purchase the same lumber, bricks, concrete, wiring, or tree for resale, the same truck to deliver it to the job site, people to build it, and charge about the same for the work, perhaps more, perhaps less. By developing a reputation. They determine what they do best and the market wants their services. They end up being able to make more sales with fewer salespeople, and produce more with fewer people and less equipment. They have less office staff and paperwork.