Why I Launched My Business in the Robins Region (and You Can, Too!)

Learn from a local why you should consider doing business in thriving Middle Georgia.

By Lindsey Hyde on July 13, 2023

Nathan Lambrecht

Welcoming and tight-knit yet flourishing with big-city amenities, the Robins Region of Georgia is a one-of-a-kind area that people love to call home. Plus, thanks to its excellent job opportunities, residents don’t have to travel outside their community to find a successful career.

While the region is home to several great employers, it also provides the right atmosphere and resources for those looking to start their own business. 

One of them is Hiran Patel, who founded Blaze Smoke Shop, a Warner Robins business that sells tobacco, vape, CBD and hookah products. He opened his first location in the region in 2020 and his second in 2022. He moved to Warner Robins with his family when he was in the second grade and has remained here for the last 18 years.

Why did you think the region would be a good place to open a business?
Warner Robins has always done well with businesses, especially since the military base is here. If you open a business in a town where you serve the same 3,000 people all the time, there’s kind of a ceiling.

With Warner Robins, it’s military, so people are coming in, people are leaving. Your clientele is constantly evolving, which leads to new sales and new customers. I feel like Warner Robins is a great place for small businesses.

In what ways was the community supportive when you opened your shop?
Definitely [through] referrals. A lot of people know each other in this town. People are very open to sharing your business on Facebook, giving you a good review, letting other people know about you.

What local resources did you utilize when opening your Warner Robins business?
The Robins Regional Chamber. That alone is a great resource for meeting fellow entrepreneurs  and  attending networking events.

How has your business grown since you opened in 2020?
Clientele has grown. I’m still seeing monthly, year-after-year growth. Obviously, I was able to put together money for a second location. That one is slowly growing, as well. I have plans to open a third and fourth location in the next year or two.

What’s one piece of advice you would give other entrepreneurs trying to open a business?
I think my biggest thing is staff. If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of you. I’m nothing without my people, and that’s the biggest part of my success. If it weren’t for my staff, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do or have grown into what I’ve become. The biggest key is finding those people who will help you and have those similar visions and missions.