Questions and answers:
1. What was the biggest obstacle you faced when trying to start your business?
We first took the idea from a company in New York and applied it to South Florida, and since that company was so successful we had close to no trouble convincing our "well-off" family members to lend us money to get started, which can be difficult for many businesses. So, thankfully that wasn't too difficult, but what was difficult was getting the word out and getting customers. After a few months I honestly thought we were done, but all of the sudden we got around September and what we now call our "busy season" and we took off.
2. As a man with no entrepreneurial experience and barely any money, what made you take such a huge leap and just go for it?
Well, I got tired of working for someone, I was a manager at a Winn-Dixie and I didn't make that great of a salary and I wanted something bigger. My brother told me about the possibility of opening this business and I was in from the second he told me.
3. What would you tell me and my fellow classmates about entrepreneurship?
I would tell you to not be afraid to go for it. I did it as a middle aged man with a family and with a lot more to lose than young college students. If I can do it, you bright kids can do it too, plus you all go to UF and there's brilliant minds all around you that I'm sure will be able to help you.
After conducting this interview I did feel more enthusiastic about the possibility of actually materializing my business idea and taking a big leap.
Hey Gabriel,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your interview. I'm glad that you didn't seem to have trouble with your interviews. With mine, since I didn't know him as personally as you knew your uncle, the first interview was nerve wrecking. But, the second interview did go a lot more smoothly with me. What I liked about your interview was that he started later because he was done with his other job. It's inspiring to know it's never too late to do something you want to do. Check out my blog here: http://feliciaent3003.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2.html
Hi Gabriel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Uncle's experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner. I especially liked the point that was made with regards to how much harder it is to take a leap of faith with a business once "life" has settled in. While it may seem a daunting task to get a business ready for success, it's important to remember that now is the absolute best time. It only gets harder as we get older!
I also have a similiar motive for attempting to go down an entrepreneurial career path. I think that being in charge of one's personal schedule and level of work commitment can lead to higher level of satisfaction when at work. I think I would have a hard time working under the shadow of a corporation for a long time.
Unfortunately I was not able to complete to this blog post, but please feel free to checkout my blog:
http://justslothin.blogspot.com/
Hi Gabriel,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post because it was filled with helpful advice. I really liked that this interview kept coming back to the idea of just taking the leap and starting your own business. I also think it is nice to hear from someone who did not have a ton of entrepreneurial experience because that's where the majority of students are dealing with when trying to start a new business.
I unfortunately did not get to do this blog but you can check out my other posts at http://ent3003gracewithers.blogspot.com
Hi Gabriel, I enjoyed reading your interview with your uncle. I think it is very brave to be an entrepreneur after having a family and a stable job. I believe that quitting a manager at WinnDixie and pursue own dream causes a risk and loss but it is great that he has a family supports his dream and succeed today.
ReplyDeleteYou can take a look at my blog here.
http://yukikokurashima.blogspot.com/2016/04/very-short-interview-part-2-week14.html
Hi Gabriel! I think it’s amazing that your uncle didn’t want to work for someone. That’s usually how it happens. Usually people have an idea and it’s that one day at work that makes them mad and they go for it. I totally agree with him saying just go for it. I’m 30 and I own a business and when you have REAL life adult bills it is a little bit harder to go for it.
ReplyDelete