Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caleb Grose, Owner of Altered Concepts Group, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Altered Concepts Group is a restaurant consulting and optimization firm. We focus on making restaurant operations successful and simple to execute. Our customers range from national chains, grocers, and food manufacturers, all the way to single restaurant owner-operators. If there's an opportunity, we create a customized solution. We build plans to improve everything that your product touches.
Tell us about yourself
My professional experience has been unique, to say the least. I have worked for national chains, single restaurant owners, and everything in between. I've had the honor of working with some of the industry's most brilliant minds, just soaking up their thought process and confidence in decision-making.
I knew I had the ability to impact the restaurant industry, but I was uncertain how that would play out. Well, the pandemic presented a perfect opportunity to do just that. There was a complete void of expertise for several months. Every expert began guessing at what the next success story would look like via the pandemic.
Watching restaurants of all sizes struggle with an ever-changing environment, I decided to create Altered Concepts Group. We created a plan that helped restaurants not just survive but thrive during difficult times. People weren't thinking about beating last year's numbers but simply keeping the doors open. We offered a way to do both quickly. The fact that we were able to help so many with immediate incremental revenue, cost reductions, and a sense of hope is why I chose this path.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As simple as this answer may be.... repeat business. It takes a lot to acquire new customers, but to have them come back is an entirely different challenge. They have to perceive, understand, and realize the value of your product. Creating repeat business provides validation. An event that automatically creates trust and organic marketing. Long story short, repeat business painted a picture of my business's health.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
When you take the leap to start your own business, there is an inevitable emotion that nearly everyone experiences. It's called Imposter Syndrome, a feeling of personal incompetence that persists despite your education, experience, and accomplishments. Finding a way to validate my expertise was challenging; it required business. Once things start rolling, that "voice" tends to quiet down.
I would say the other piece is understanding the fact that selling a product or service is accompanied by a lot of "no's" and unread emails. If you're not used to that, get ready. Both imposter syndrome and constant rejection are a part of the game.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Think of a large successful corporation. Every department that they have perfected is most likely required for your business as well. That should not scare you, as there are always outsourcing options, but it's important to know that there are many hidden facets to a successful business.
- 99.99% of the time, there isn't a magic light switch that makes your business a success. It's a lot of grinding, marketing, and long days. That being said, it's very rewarding.
- SEO is critical to surviving in a tech-savvy world. I highly suggest taking a course on SEO and what makes businesses stand out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.alteredconceptsgroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alteredconceptsgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alteredconceptsgroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altered-concepts-group/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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