Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gentry Chidester, founder and CEO of Elite Closers, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Elite Closers is a sales coaching and recruiting agency. We deal with service-based businesses (Coaching/Consultants, Marketing agencies, Financial service companies, etc.), and we supply them with Remote closers and help individuals in the sales fields transition to remote closing.
Tell us about yourself
What got me started was I was working a terrible 9-5 job doing roofing and solar. I was recently married and had a son on the way. And I knew the life I wanted for them wouldn't happen if I kept doing what I was doing. And the same reason I started is the same reason I keep going each day; not wanting to let my wife and son down but not wanting to return to a life I know I shouldn't be in. A life where every day you wake up and wish you weren't there; I was there and NEVER want to be there again.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments has been helping others change their lives forever. I have also helped my brothers and I grow a multiple 8-figure online coaching business, assisting other business owners and entrepreneurs to find their freedom and passions.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The greatest joy of helping people change and win can be the most difficult for me when people refuse to let you help them or refuse to follow the plan you lay out for them. Trying to teach someone from experience and having them disregard it and not listen has been the most difficult part of my job for me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Realize not everything has to be perfect to get started. I started working with an old laptop and using my dresser for clothes as my desk.
- If you don't quit, you can't fail. I have been in rooms with 7-8-9 figure business owners and entrepreneurs. Every single one of them has had times they want to quit, but it's such a simple choice - either do or don't. Decide today that you refuse to quit. You can't fail if you don't quit.
- ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Some of my fondest memories are from when I first started. I was in such a hard position - my wife and I didn't have a bed. We were sleeping on the floor together. Then, we got an air mattress. Then, a bed. But my best stories and memories now come from my lowest points or hardest times.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eliteclosers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GentryChidesterFB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentrychidester/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gentry-chidester/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.