Area Center: Aiken Title: Business Consultant Start Date: March 22, 2017

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC? ANSWER: After finishing my MBA straight out of college, I started my own motion picture company, Hoover Studios, LLC. This led to my current employment as an adjunct professor at USC Aiken. This in turn led to my hiring by SBDC.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: I have personally experienced the process of starting a business from scratch. Therefore, I wanted to assist clients and prevent them from making my mistakes. I was able to accomplish my dream, and it was time I helped someone create his or her dream.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring business owner? ANSWER: "Overestimate your costs and underestimate your sales."

QUESTION: What particular area of interest/expertise do you offer your clients? ANSWER: Start-up assistance, business loan package preparation, and cash flow management

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? ANSWER: Knowing that I helped someone's dreams become reality.

QUESTION: Why is the SC SBDC an important resource for business owners in South Carolina? ANSWER: It's a free and quality resource. Every business needs some sort of "sounding board." We offer that 3rd party perspective.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC? ANSWER: I'm often asked, “what do you do?” To answer that question, I make a quantitative impact on the business world. I can show aggregate metrics supporting my impact. More importantly, it’s nice to ride to a business location of my client and see the fruits of their labor on display.

QUESTION: What quote best expresses your approach toward work/life? ANSWER: “Assume nothing and expect everything.” Honestly, at my funeral, I want people to say I actually made an impact and directly helped them. Therefore, I try to live up to that philosophy each day that I go to work.

QUESTION: What is your approach toward counseling? ANSWER: “The buck stops with you.” I listen and offer my professional opinion, but I don’t pressure the client. The final decision needs to be owned by the client, for better or worse (hopefully for their betterment).

QUESTION: What keeps you busy when you’re not at work? ANSWER: I teach at least five courses at the University per semester. Naturally, this keeps me busy when I’m not consulting.