Currently unemployed. PushHands, let me know if you have any jop opening. :redface:
How many Nsx owners here are business owners/entrepreneurs
- Thread starter WealthBuildR
- Start date
I own an employee benefits/Insurance brokerage and I have 6 employees. We sell Health, retirement, life, disability and dental plans. Started as a life insurance salesman with a national carrier and went independent about 15 years ago. Love what I do and could never work for someone else again. :biggrin:
Last five years I have been selling Honda Gold Wing motorcycle accessories
I spent 16 years prior to this as an MIS manager for some large law firms in downtown Houston, TX.
Sam
I spent 16 years prior to this as an MIS manager for some large law firms in downtown Houston, TX.
Sam
I am self employed and have been most of my adult life. I've had enough jobs to know that the only person I want to make rich is myself and my family.
I own a computer / electronics / software company and a couple of restaurant / bars. We have just moved into several new markets and we are selling our products throughout the world.
I had an uncle tell me at a very early age "I don't care whether you dig ditches or build bridges, just do it for yourself and not for someone else."
Great advice if you have what it takes.
I own a computer / electronics / software company and a couple of restaurant / bars. We have just moved into several new markets and we are selling our products throughout the world.
I had an uncle tell me at a very early age "I don't care whether you dig ditches or build bridges, just do it for yourself and not for someone else."
Great advice if you have what it takes.
smart uncle, important caveat.Carguy! said:
Very interesting thread. Secondary question: How many people do we have on Prime who would be interested in investing in new ventures with solid business plans? It seems there's still quite a bit of money on the sidelines due to the tepid state of the equity market.
i've hesitated to include myself in this category because i'm kinda in between.
i often work as a vp of sales for "emerging" software companies, then when they are acquired or IPO, i take a 6+ mo sabbatical to catch my breath/catch up on delayed projects, etc., then begin researching new horizons. over the past 5 years, i've shifted to an independent consulting basis (that in one case ended up as gm/vp sales role until profitability was restored and next-gen growth funding obtained).
(btw, my bride has been a consultant for a zillion years, so we're comfortable "on our own")
i often work as a vp of sales for "emerging" software companies, then when they are acquired or IPO, i take a 6+ mo sabbatical to catch my breath/catch up on delayed projects, etc., then begin researching new horizons. over the past 5 years, i've shifted to an independent consulting basis (that in one case ended up as gm/vp sales role until profitability was restored and next-gen growth funding obtained).
(btw, my bride has been a consultant for a zillion years, so we're comfortable "on our own")
is this your operation? i'm a 20 yr wing rider (on my 4th) and will take some time to look over your site. my current ride is a 95 annvy aspencade.SamBel said:Last five years I have been selling Honda Gold Wing motorcycle accessories
I spent 16 years prior to this as an MIS manager for some large law firms in downtown Houston, TX.
Sam
thx for the post, glad to see another winger.
hal
queenlives said:
Yep, all mine!
Sam
I work a part-time sales job, but do on-site security for a few clients and I'm starting to get into video production. If my band manages to take off, that'll be my primary source of income.
- Joined
- 4 May 2003
- Messages
- 341
Here's a question for all you guys that own you own businesses. How long did you work to pay for someone else's fancy car and nice houses before you decided to venture off on you own? It sounds almost cliché because I know so many friends that say this, but ultimately I'd love to run my own business. Some people have said to work for other people for a while, gain experience, expose yourself to possible business ideas while others say to go off on your own asap since the more experience you get, the better. I'm guessing there now straight answer for that.
What enabled you guys to go off on your own? Were you an apprentice to someone that knew the ropes of the market or industry? How did u make a name for yourself, attract clients, market yourself? Did you start off with a nice sum of money in the bank to back your project, investors or $10 in you back pocket?
What enabled you guys to go off on your own? Were you an apprentice to someone that knew the ropes of the market or industry? How did u make a name for yourself, attract clients, market yourself? Did you start off with a nice sum of money in the bank to back your project, investors or $10 in you back pocket?
dawggpie said:
I started my first business while I was in high school. I have had one job working for someone else (morgue attendant) and I did the job solely to gain financing for real-estate when I was 20 years old.
I did deliver pizzas for a while right after high school so I guess that is two jobs.
dawggpie said:
A deep desire to get up and go to bed on my schedule, this is not a joke this was a major motivator for me. I realized that being in the right place at the right time required not having planed times to be anywhere.
No I was a self learner. If there was something I did not know how to do I would hire someone that did and observe and help them until I learned what they knew.dawggpie said:
By never missing a deadline and by always being available whenever someone needed me...anytime including Christmas morning, Sundays, 3am.dawggpie said:
Started off with no moneydawggpie said:
If you wait for the right conditions to start anything in life chances are the project will never get started.
I think there are a bunch of different answers on that one.
For example:
Got downsized at large Co., so went out on my own.
Saw an untapped market while working elsewhere, so went out on my own.
Hated hours/boss/co. (or all of the above) so went out on my own.
Started something as a hobby, which grew into a business. (this is usually something you enjoy, like cars stereos, but can also be something you stumbled on that you saw potential to make a few extra bucks and it turned out to be profitable enough to make it your only job).
I could not work with all the Assholes at my job (you may actually BE the asshole, but from your viewpoint, they were the problem :biggrin: ) so I went out on my own.
This is just a sampling of what you will hear.
In many cases I think there is a necessity is the mother of invention mentality. That is, losing your job, or some event (birth of a child, etc.) can be a trigger for this.
I will say this to all the would be "self-employed" among you. Owning your own business is a great thing and gives you a big sense of pride, along with feeling you control your own destiny. That said, there are risks (sometimes significant ones) both financially and emotionally, and if you are married, you want to make sure your spouse is fully behind you, as I have seen many people's relationships end over the stresses of trying to grow a business. Also be prepared for long hours, so if you are not truly the workaholic type, this could be a problem for you, since the first 5 years tend to be the ones you have to burn the midnight oil on.
I started my first business with about 30K I had saved up over a few years of 90 hour work weeks. This allowed me to buy a run down store and then I slowly built it up, putting all proceeds back into it, while I worked my old job (so it was 100 hour weeks for a while!). This eventually turned into 6 locations. The other business a friend and I started with about 5K (and it was almost as more of a hobby or let's see if this goes anywhere kind of business) and it took a few years to get going, but I bought out the friend's share last year and it has been doing well.
All in all, I feel very blessed in this aspect of my life, along with my friends and family. Not sure why I deserve this, but I will just chalk it up to the Grace of God.
This country is not carried on the backs of the Walmarts and GE's, but on the small business owner, so if you think you have what it takes, join us!!
For example:
Got downsized at large Co., so went out on my own.
Saw an untapped market while working elsewhere, so went out on my own.
Hated hours/boss/co. (or all of the above) so went out on my own.
Started something as a hobby, which grew into a business. (this is usually something you enjoy, like cars stereos, but can also be something you stumbled on that you saw potential to make a few extra bucks and it turned out to be profitable enough to make it your only job).
I could not work with all the Assholes at my job (you may actually BE the asshole, but from your viewpoint, they were the problem :biggrin: ) so I went out on my own.
This is just a sampling of what you will hear.
In many cases I think there is a necessity is the mother of invention mentality. That is, losing your job, or some event (birth of a child, etc.) can be a trigger for this.
I will say this to all the would be "self-employed" among you. Owning your own business is a great thing and gives you a big sense of pride, along with feeling you control your own destiny. That said, there are risks (sometimes significant ones) both financially and emotionally, and if you are married, you want to make sure your spouse is fully behind you, as I have seen many people's relationships end over the stresses of trying to grow a business. Also be prepared for long hours, so if you are not truly the workaholic type, this could be a problem for you, since the first 5 years tend to be the ones you have to burn the midnight oil on.
I started my first business with about 30K I had saved up over a few years of 90 hour work weeks. This allowed me to buy a run down store and then I slowly built it up, putting all proceeds back into it, while I worked my old job (so it was 100 hour weeks for a while!). This eventually turned into 6 locations. The other business a friend and I started with about 5K (and it was almost as more of a hobby or let's see if this goes anywhere kind of business) and it took a few years to get going, but I bought out the friend's share last year and it has been doing well.
All in all, I feel very blessed in this aspect of my life, along with my friends and family. Not sure why I deserve this, but I will just chalk it up to the Grace of God.
This country is not carried on the backs of the Walmarts and GE's, but on the small business owner, so if you think you have what it takes, join us!!
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DocL said:
Ditto, but more and more the insurance companies are becoming my employers.
After working for IBM 9yrs, I can tell you it is most difficult getting rich working for corporate...I own Diamond Roofing Company and Timberidge Investments, a realestate investment company. My first year on my own, I made three times what I made working for corporate!!! I would rather die than ever work for the man (corporate) again!!!! :biggrin: :biggrin:
If the plan is solid...I would.
Arshad said:
I am in the real estate finance business. I help people get into their first home, or dream home. I help people restructure their debt to save the maximum amount of money each month at the same time repairing their credit and placing them in a better financial situation. I also help people pull equity out of their home, to fund business ventures and investments.
In regard to the earlier question on what prompts an individual to start their own business has to do with control and independence. Entrepreneurs hate being pushed around and told what to do. They react negatively towards someone telling them how much they can make a month, when they have to go to work, when they can leave, how much time they can spend with their family, ect. They also want to live in comfort with the fact that all their efforts directly reward them, not their boss. Building a business is not for everyone, it takes burning passion, courage, and willingness to fail your way to success. But if you got what it takes, It is truly the wealthiest game in the world.
In regard to the earlier question on what prompts an individual to start their own business has to do with control and independence. Entrepreneurs hate being pushed around and told what to do. They react negatively towards someone telling them how much they can make a month, when they have to go to work, when they can leave, how much time they can spend with their family, ect. They also want to live in comfort with the fact that all their efforts directly reward them, not their boss. Building a business is not for everyone, it takes burning passion, courage, and willingness to fail your way to success. But if you got what it takes, It is truly the wealthiest game in the world.
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WealthBuildR said:
well said
Any Flooring guys here? I need your help
Ski_Banker
Suspended
I buy and sell businesses as a professional investor - leveraged buyouts of middle market companies, $5-50MM in ebitda and under $500MM revenue, for a private equity fund. I certainly admire those that can take the giant leap of faith to strike out on there own. Everyone has good ideas from time to time, but few people are willing to take the risk necessary to capitalize on them. I'm also amazed at how many people on this thread are associated with real estate.
donwon said:
I am employed by this man.. I run the midwest division, exclusivity at all mini mart, BP, and Shell Gas stations....
Life is good.
In terms of my start in business:
I started before I graduated college. I've worked hard since I was 17 but no real professional jobs. But I used to play "pretend business" when I was in 5th grade. Play money was one of my favorite toys and I've been a computer/modem/multimedia nut since I was 12 years old. I had side businesses during summers where I had real clients since I was 15. I started a computer biz to work my way through college and I've supported myself entirely since I was just under 18 years old. Business news is one of my favorite things to read. It's pretty much a hobby for me. I guess I was really built for this.
After years of insane work hours, stress, and trial and error - the business in the past few years has brought fantastic rewards for me. Of course, we are always working towards greater things but I absolutely cannot complain with how we've done.
I think the hardest thing for any new business is getting over that hump where you are basically a slave to the business to where you can step back and work on the business rather than in it. Unless you have the financial means and experience, that's a hard transition to make.
To Ski Banker:
We are transitioning the business as most of our new business is the development of our own innovative mobile, interactive, and online game apps developed in partnership with major recognized brands.
Maybe our paths will cross in a two years. :biggrin:
-J
I started before I graduated college. I've worked hard since I was 17 but no real professional jobs. But I used to play "pretend business" when I was in 5th grade. Play money was one of my favorite toys and I've been a computer/modem/multimedia nut since I was 12 years old. I had side businesses during summers where I had real clients since I was 15. I started a computer biz to work my way through college and I've supported myself entirely since I was just under 18 years old. Business news is one of my favorite things to read. It's pretty much a hobby for me. I guess I was really built for this.
After years of insane work hours, stress, and trial and error - the business in the past few years has brought fantastic rewards for me. Of course, we are always working towards greater things but I absolutely cannot complain with how we've done.
I think the hardest thing for any new business is getting over that hump where you are basically a slave to the business to where you can step back and work on the business rather than in it. Unless you have the financial means and experience, that's a hard transition to make.
To Ski Banker:
We are transitioning the business as most of our new business is the development of our own innovative mobile, interactive, and online game apps developed in partnership with major recognized brands.
Maybe our paths will cross in a two years. :biggrin:
-J
