Area Center: Winthrop Title: Business Consultant Start Date: June 18, 2018

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC network? ANSWER: My work history revolves around management and sales. Starting at age fifteen in North Myrtle Beach as a Putt-Putt manager to starting and owning a nationwide retail services business, my life has always been in the retail and sales world. In 2007, I started a retail services company with an old business acquaintance I have known since the late 80's. With one client to start the 2008 year, we worked and managed the business on a daily basis. We built the company each year using sound and timely planning to achieve the goals we set. In less than four years we had grown the business from operating in our homes into an office/warehouse doing over five million in annual sales. Our client base continued to grow and we reached the eight million sales plateau. After almost ten years of working and building the company, I decided it was time to devote more time to my family and my personal interests. I sold my shares of the company with a goal of wanting to help other small business owners in the future. QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: After taking some time off for my family, I wanted to get back to work with the public. I searched and looked at a few job opportunities for some time before I saw an advertisement for an SBDC Business Consultant. I researched the SBDC and found that this was a great fit for what I wanted to do. QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer aspiring business owners? ANSWER: Research- you have to know your industry and competitors inside and out. QUESTION: Do you have a particular area of interest/expertise that you offer clients? ANSWER: Planning. One of the biggest items most people don't have is a written plan of events/items to complete. Having a list of milestones/items to complete with date, person/department, and notes is crucial to success.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? ANSWER: Seeing the beaming smile and sincere thank you from one of my clients when she showed me her sales numbers. Her statement that she would not be where she was without the help we provided. That was a great day.

QUESTION: Why is the SBDC an important resource for small business owners in South Carolina? ANSWER: There are so many things the SBDC does to help the small business owner. Most of what we offer is free or extremely low cost. Take advantage of those offerings which might help impact their business in one way or another.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC? ANSWER: When you help that client succeed in their business and the joy they have in their emotions. QUESTION: What is your approach toward client counseling? ANSWER: Being prepared. I want to understand their business idea as much as they do. QUESTION: What hobby or activities keep you busy when you’re not assisting clients? ANSWER: Enjoy golf and traveling the world.