So, for this interview I picked my boss. My boss started a company back in the early 1990's that primarily did consulting and figured out IT problems for other companies. in the late 1990's my Boss Jerome decided he wanted to start a company that would sell to people, rather than just strictly businesses. It makes a little more sense to sell to a 6 billion populated market than only a few million. So he gathered resaources and capital and teamed up with 2 other men and started a company named USBID. They sold electrical components that go on aircraft, and a variety of other parts. After a few years Jerome decided to start a second business that focused on the hardware aspect of procurement service. Nearly 11 years later the second company is by far larger than the USBID, and is growing every year. So to recap Jerome has started multiple business, several different ways, and has been running the show for nearly 20 years.
Here are the three questions I decided to ask and Jerome's responses.
When you ventured out with your partner what were you expecting?
Jerome: Well to be honest we were not 100% sure. The market is always changing, but at the time the U.S.A government was growing and parts were in demand all over the world. Ya know we live ina country that makes amazing products that are demanded all over the world, because no one can make them like we do. So our focus was to sell quality parts to people globally and over time expand. The initial goal was to be one of those firms that opens up and turns into a Gazelle. My partner and I wanted to have a revenue of 100 million dollars and offer an IPO and then retire. Well, we both learned quickly that we did not want to do that and over the past 20 years I have enjoyed my time, and I continue everyday to work hard to see that this company grows into something better."
What would you tell entrepenuers today that you were not told when you were starting your business journey?
"Well that's a tricky question because the world is so different today than it was in the 1990's. When I was first starting out the internet was still new and people had not figured it out yet. Now the internet is everything. Just look at the work you do Stephen, everything you do is somehow related to a computer. When I graduated college computers weren't even a thing. So, I guess what I would tell new entrepenuers in any field is to learn how to use a computer, get comfortable with it, and go from there."
Do you have any other work related tips to help out the new entrepenuers in the field?
"Yes, do not get so caught up in the work that you forget about what is really important. You know it is one feeling to work for months with no good leads, and then out of no where you land a mega deal and you feel like a million bucks. Don't let it all go to your head. You wont know it but you ll treat people differently and act like you're all high and mighty. Remember what it feels like when yhour starting out and keep that feeling in mind. Don't get "mind fat" and think you ll never go thin because that is what I see happen all the time. Get a good group of friends, or colleagues what ever have you and do your best to maintain that group and make it better. Be courteous and work diligently and you'll go far!
My reflection: This was an interesting interview. I thought it would be more about making profits, and how to invest money kinda. Sorta like tips on what to do when you make it big, but the whole interview was more about a mindset I think. I learned a few things that I will apply to my life, but for the most part I was just interested in how the responses helped me think more clearly when I ponder about entrepreneurship. Be humble and staying humble I think is the key.
Steve Clegg
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