I guess you could say I was born to be a business owner as I’ve always been curious, outspoken, driven and eager to try new things.
Throughout my younger years, I experimented with many business ideas.
- Neighbourhood Lemonade Stand: Lots and lots of them over the years. I should have franchised.
- Tye-Dye Pouches: I received a bunch of small tye-dyed fabric pouches from a store my mom worked at. They were made out of leftover material from their pillowcases and sheets. I generated demand for them in my school and ended up selling them to students & teachers – to the point I needed an order form. The best part – I got them for free. One hundred percent profit margin!
- Tootsie Pops: A local store sold boxes of Tootsie Pops for $10. I bought a box and sold them for 50 cents each on the bus ride home. I sold out on the first bus ride, so I bought more boxes and generated a tidy profit.
- eBay: As a teen, I had a keen eye for sourcing discounted, in-demand products and selling them for profit on eBay. I managed it all – purchasing, listings, packaging, shipping, customer service. This was way before e-commerce became a commodity.
None of these became permanent, and I went off to school then got a “real job” in the corporate world, working with large & small companies across many sectors including hospitality, retail, agriculture, events and retirement.
Over the years I’ve consulted with many friends & family members, sharing my marketing advice. I’m continually told I should start my own business. They see the passion and dedication I have to my craft.
I’ve dabbled a bit here and there, never really focusing on it because I didn’t have the time. Being a husband, dad and dog parent while working a full-time gig doesn’t leave a lot of time (or energy) to start a business.
Fast forward to 2020. After spending almost a decade working in progressively senior marketing roles for both big and small companies, I got laid off.
At the time it was a complete nightmare – we had just purchased a new home, COVID-19 was continuing to rear its ugly head and the job market sucked. It was a total moment of panic, fear and uncertainty. But it was also an opportunity. I was no longer tied into anything, and I could do whatever I wanted.
The timing never felt right – until it did.
So here I am leaning into what has always been a dream of mine – officially starting my own marketing consulting business. A big leap into #soloprenureship.
Thanks for reading my story! I’m excited to use my diverse skillset to help businesses navigate this strange time. And if you want to chat, contact me!
Brad