Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sondra Carpenter, Founder of Carpenter Financial Services, located in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Carpenter Financial Services, located in Philadelphia, PA, is a brokerage firm that is affiliated with alternative lenders. We assist business owners in the cannabis space throughout the US to obtain funding for real estate-related projects and equipment.
Tell us about yourself
The company was started in 2017, not long after getting burned out on wholesaling real estate. It began as focusing on general business funding, then over time, we saw the need in the cannabis space, which became a niche. Motivation comes from the challenge of helping each entrepreneur get the financing they need to grow their business, even when banks and other traditional funding sources turn them down.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That's an interesting question. Each time I get a deal closed, I feel that's an accomplishment. But also, a couple of days ago, I got a call from a potential client. The really cool thing was how he found me. He asked me if I arranged cannabis financing and said he was referred to me by a realtor in Oklahoma. To be in Philadelphia, PA, and never meet my clients and associates, I found that amazing, and it encourages me to keep doing what I do.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the most difficult things that I find with being a business owner is marketing. It's an ongoing task of getting your name out to your target audience every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a business you are really passionate about that keeps you going when things get rough.
- Keep your day job as long as you can because the money coming in from the business will take longer than you expect.
- Be patient with yourself as well as the business. If you're serious, it will take some time to grow.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cannabiscrefinancing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannabiscrefinancing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFSCannabisCRE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cannabiscrefinancing/
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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