#EntrepreneurLife #BusinessOwnership #SuccessStories
Hey everyone! š Iām really curious about the kinds of businesses you all own. š¢ What inspired you to dive into entrepreneurship? How did your journey begin, and what does your business look like today? š ļø Letās share our experiencesāI’m sure weāll have a diverse range of stories!
For those of you dreaming of becoming entrepreneurs, hereās a little reminder: you donāt need to invent the next big tech gadget to find success. š” Many people carve out successful paths in traditional industries! Here are a few examples:
- š§ Construction materials
- š” Real estate
- š§¼ House cleaning services
- š¾ Pet supplies
Sometimes it’s all about smart marketing, efficiency, and solid business skills to make it work, no matter what youāre selling.
A bit about me: Iām in my fifth year as an electrical contractor. šŖ While I’m not exactly rolling in cash, Iām earning a comfortable six-figure income, and it has made a huge difference in my life. Starting my business came out of necessity when I was laid off during COVID. I started picking up side jobs at first, and even after the job market improved, I realized I was doing well enough to keep going on my own. It’s a challenging field, but so rewarding! š Iām even considering starting another business soonājust weighing a couple of ideas at the moment.
Now Iād love to hear from you! š¤ What businesses do you own, and what advice do you have for those just starting out? Letās encourage each other with our stories. Drop them in the comments! š
I own an SEO agency. I actually got my degree in Creative Writing but fell in love with marketing while working as a freelance copywriter. I worked at agencies, did corporate for a while, and then started my own agency in 2020.
Early on I had just a few clients and just focused on doing good work with high transparency. Things can fluctuate year to year but it’s become a solid business and I enjoy it greatly.
Question for u. Every time I talk with contractors in construction they always say they are fully booked most of the year no need new leads.
I know is because 1 project can take long time. Waiting permits. Materials etc
How about electrical?
I agree that you don’t necessarily have to build a better mouse trap. If you want to excel as a small business, your biggest advantage is understanding what business you’re actually in.
You’re in the marketing business. Your service just happens to be your deliverable.
Most small business owners are terrible marketers. And the agencies they hire are worthless.
If you learn some simple marketing fundamentals, it’s quite easy to swoop in and take over any market you want.
Amusement (Claw Machines)
Custom car fabrication shop. Started building cars and trucks because I enjoy cool stuff but was too broke to pay people to do it. Got good at it started my own shop. Been about 9 years Iām 38, and absolutely hate it. Itās too specialized and difficult to find skilled employees. These are toys we work on so convincing our clients to pay their bills is a nightmare. Aftermarket parts are junk and never fit (more labor to fix). Thereās a laundry list of other things ,but you get the picture.
I buy and sell mid range-high end sports cards
1- a bricks set company
We get all sorts of die cast sent to us and they have requests
2 – a cmbs/rmbs hedge fund
Two friends started this with me from high school
3 – precision fermentation
Make the process of synthetic milk faster.
4 – financial consultancy
Help out government and regulations
5 – I own a large % of debt of firms i hate.
Wholesale, flip houses, own rentals
Event marketing focusing on experiential and pop-ups.
A medical practice, I’m a physician
Food service and real estate.
Stay Strong Jiu Jitsu and Fitness
Anyone in need of bookkeeping, accounting, tax work at reasonable prices
I own a software house. As a recent college graduate, I found that a service-based business was easier to start since it doesn’t require significant upfront capital. Our company specializes in creating websites, apps, and custom software for clients.
Speaking from the perspective of the tech industry, I agree with your point about not needing revolutionary technology to become a successful entrepreneur. However, I do believe that we still have to adapt to the latest technology trends to prevent being left out and outplayed by competitors.
I’m a general contractor and started my business in 2020 out of necessity due to COVID as well. 4 years later, on track to hit $1m revenue this year and have 7 full time guys as well as a few part timers. Business is netting about 25% after paying myself a salary. Pretty much all of that profit has been going straight back into the business for tools, equipment, property investments, marketing, and building out my system to prep for more scaling.
It has been brutally difficult to get to this stage and cost me many 16hr days and 90+hr weeks over the last few years but it has finally started to shift to a different gear where I can focus to make the bigger decisions and less of the day to day stuff.
Loving every minute of it. Many Challenges, difficulties, set back, wins, losses, etc. the key for me has been to have crystal clear goals to push for.
My company helps small businesses get access to $20k-$50m
We partner with banks, private lenders, hedge funds, family offices, etc. to help business owners get funding.
I started out in a completely different business and learned how hard it was to get money for a company.
After getting access to business credit myself, I realized it would be a good idea to help other business owners do the same.
I own a house painting business and also a digital marketing business!
[Founder Folks](http://www.founderfolks.com) – Discover how people like you, started their business. I wanted a place for people to read case studies of businesses for free as every bit of readable content these days hides behind a paywall. Yet podcasts and videos are typically free. The initial look of it was very different. As I got closer to launch, I wanted to simplify it. So I created a design that is just that, simple. Hoping it inspires those looking at starting their own thing.