Consultant Profile: Jim Wetzel

Consultant Profile: Jim Wetzel Area Center: North Charleston Title: Business Consultant Start Date: July 16, 2018

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC network? ANSWER: I worked for more than 40 years in the Healthcare Capital Equipment and Medical Device industry, serving in executive-level positions such as Vice President Sales and Marketing and Vice President Global Marketing. At the director level I was responsible for strategic resources, market development, sales and product management.

I worked for four German companies and started two business units in the U.S. for them. I also have been involved in two startup business ventures.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: I enjoy helping entrepreneurs start their own businesses and giving them the benefit of my experience.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer aspiring business owners? ANSWER: Be prepared to do proper business planning, including financial and business plan "mapping" for your business. I also share with them one of my favorite quotes from Alice in Wonderland: "If you don't know where you're going, then any road will get you there."

QUESTION: Do you have a particular area of interest/expertise that you offer clients? ANSWER: Marketing and sales; medical devices.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? ANSWER: Seeing clients take such pleasure and joy in realizing their dreams.

QUESTION: Why is the SBDC an important resource for small business owners in South Carolina? ANSWER: We’re like an oasis of knowledge and support for those entrepreneurs looking to start a business.

QUESTION: What quote best expresses your philosophy toward work/life? ANSWER: I subscribe to the “Six Ps”: Proper Planning Prevents P_ss Poor Performance.

QUESTION: What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a consultant? How did you overcome it? ANSWER: I have worked with several people who do not own a computer or are not computer literate; however, they have good ideas and the desire/motivation to achieve their goals. I work with them as they write their business plans by hand and I format them into Word documents to help them become “bank ready.”

QUESTION: What is your approach toward client counseling? ANSWER: I tell my clients: “consider me your coach, mentor and biggest cheerleader.”

QUESTION: What keeps you busy when you’re not a work? ANSWER: I enjoy golf and watching all types of wildlife.