Consultant Profile Matt Dean

Consultant Profile: Matt Dean 

Area Center: Clemson

Title: Area Manager & Business Consultant

Start Date: July 1, 2022

QUESTION: WHAT WAS YOUR CAREER TRACK PRIOR TO JOINING THE SC SBDC?

ANSWER: As a fifth-generation entrepreneur, I was raised to appreciate the passion it takes to operate a successful small business. I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by entrepreneurs and have had real-life entrepreneurial experience. Before accepting the Greenwood Area Manager and Business Consultant position, my professional experience included more than 20 years in customer service, including manufacturing, retail and warehouse sales, building construction, hardware, and 17 years in higher education.

I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals and helping small businesses with the complex navigation

required for success.

QUESTION: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME AN SC SBDC CONSULTANT?

ANSWER: I have a long history of serving my community through my volunteer commitments to the Laurens Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Laurens County. I even served on the Advisory Board for the Greenwood Area SBDC! I was drawn to these organizations because I am passionate about supporting my community. When I saw that I could continue to feed my passion for service to my community as a career by joining forces with the SBDC, I couldn't wait to begin. I know my MBA and strong motivation to help others will be a win-win for our community of small businesses and the community's economic development.

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD OFFER AN ASPIRING BUSINESS OWNER?

ANSWER: If you don't understand something ask. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation re-evaluate, most of the time your business acumen is accurate. Lastly, budget... being financially responsible is a huge part of business and life.

QUESTION: WHAT AREA OF INTEREST/EXPERTISE DO YOU OFFER YOUR CLIENTS?

ANSWER: Connecting people. Having a strong network is key in any business and my unique connections throughout the GLEAMS Market can be a great asset.

QUESTION: SINCE BECOMING AN SC SBDC CONSULTANT, WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

ANSWER: Being willing to step out of the box. After being in the same field for 17 years it was a huge change for me and my family to come to SBDC. This has allowed me to help others grow and step out with a variety of business ideas. I'm glad I made the switch to join the SBDC family and help other families across the Greenwood area.

QUESTION: WHY IS THE SC SBDC AN IMPORTANT RESOURCE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA?

ANSWER: The SC SBDC should be on every small business owner's short-list regarding access to high-quality, free business resources. SBDC offers, at no cost, confidential business consultation to help start and grow any for-profit small business in South Carolina, a wide variety of free or low-cost business skills- training opportunities, and access to resources designed to help start and grow your small business.

QUESTION: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING FOR THE SC SBDC?

ANSWER: The variety of people, ideas and projects. Each day is different and we are always learning.

QUESTION: WHAT QUOTE/SAYING/MAXIM EXPRESSES YOUR PHILOSOPHY TOWARD WORK AND/OR LIFE?

ANSWER: Parable of the Talents - We should use the talents/resources/gifts that we are given. - Matthew 25:14-30

QUESTION: DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO COUNSELING.

ANSWER: We all have something to learn and I am always willing to help clients make informed decisions.

Clients should feel comfortable enough to know that there are no dumb questions.