Very Short Interview - Part 2

When reviewing the interview that I conducted in the first part of the semester, it was a good reminder of what great advice I had received. Being able to have written this information down and look back on it is something I am glad to have done. The advice I received about entrepreneurship still stands true if not more true because of the insight and wisdom I have gained in this course. If someone is able to talk you out of pursuing starting your own business then that is a definite red flag and is something you should really think about. I think that the characteristics that Mr. Hudson mentioned also ring more true because of the knowledge I have gained throughout the semester in the lessons of perseverance and humility. 

What is a typical day like for you?

     Most days for me start at 6:00 AM, but fortunately I work from home so I don’t have to commute to work. My companies are based on a mobile design since it is a service entity so there is not a brick and mortar location. I spend a majority of my day talking on the phone or working on the computer, but some days I am traveling all over the state of Florida and doing inspections. The day typically ends around 7:00 or 8:00 at night but I am able to do personal things throughout the day because of my flexible schedule. 

 What types of tasks do you spend most of your time doing?

     If I were to break it down into percentages then I would say I spend about 50% of time looking at and dealing with various government compliances. This includes licenses and permits, building codes and so much more. I probably spend about 20% of my time doing accounting tasks, primarily payables and receivables. Another 10% I spend on managing my staff and employees. Another 10% of my time I spend on business growth, this is mostly sales and marketing stuff. And then the last 10% is mostly miscellaneous tasks that differ day to day. 

What aspect of your job has been most satisfying?

     The most satisfying thing about owning my own businesses would have to be the freedom I have. Being able to be there for my children is the most important. I can honestly say I have never missed a first (word/baseball game/award etc.) for either of my kids. The freedom also allows me to volunteer in my church easily as well. The most unsatisfying thing would have to be the fact that I can never escape it. I have to be present all the time. I don’t get to clock out like a normal 8-5er. Even when I am on vacation I have to be available for anything. The other hard aspect has to be the responsibility. I have a responsibility to my family and to the families of my employees and if I fail then many other things will fail too. My family could lose their house, my kids college funds could disappear and lots of other things.

Again I would have to say the answers that I received were very insightful and there was clearly a lot of thought put into them which I greatly appreciate. Knowing how a normal day goes for an entrepreneur and hearing some of the pros and cons of the job are great tips I can utilize as I look towards the future of owning my own business. The answers I received three months ago were helpful in beginning the course and these answers are also helpful as we look to end the course. Interviewing in this class was difficult in the beginning but has become much easier as the class has progressed and for that I am grateful.