Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Caldwell, Co-Founder of Family Firm Resources, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Only 1 in 3 family-owned businesses will survive for more than two generations. While market conditions and outside factors cause many of the failures and closures, many do not succeed due to internal disputes, disagreements, and outright conflict.
For 30 years, my clients, business family members, and non-related business partners have come to me for guidance and support as they work to deal with these destructive issues and to find better ways of collaborating.
Tell us about yourself
My father started his textile business just as WWII ended. I had no intention of working with him, but when his right-hand man retired, he asked me if I wanted to leave banking and come back to work with him. I really didn't want to work with him, but I knew I'd regret it if I didn't.
For the next 15 years, our relationship grew and improved, and I began to lead the company until the industry moved largely offshore. Many of my peers and contemporaries, also from family businesses, also struggled with their relationships, but dad and I had learned to work together productively, and I knew others could as well.
With every client, my focus is on helping each individual involved deal with the serious and destructive issues often present when family, business, and money are involved and to find productive ways to help create success where so many fail.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing the impact our work together has had on hundreds of businesses and owners. Their words often express their gratitude that they had someone to help them work through seemingly insurmountable problems and emerge with stronger relationships and greater success than they had thought possible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Marketing services while delivering them. Client work can be consuming, leaving little time to do an adequate job of marketing my business. Finding that balance is difficult but rewarding.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be Prepared! It's not always smooth sailing, but those who are successful are prepared to do what it takes and to obtain the necessary support along the way.
- Be Patient! It takes lots of time and lots of energy to do all that's required.
- Be Persistent! As Benjamin Disraeli said, "Success is a product of unremitting attention to purpose."
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Working for others was antithetical to my nature. The only viable alternative I found was to create work for myself. Finding ways to help keep me centered and calm has been crucial to my ability to keep going for all these years.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://familyfirmresources.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-caldwell-1241131/
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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