Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josh Sear, Founder and CEO of Empower, located in McLean, VA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Empower provides rideshare drivers with the software, services, and support that they need to build, run and grow their own businesses.

Tell us about yourself

I used to use Uber and Lyft a lot, and after speaking with hundreds of drivers and hearing how they felt unheard, I realized that if we could flip Uber and Lyft's business model on its head and make the driver our customer and the rider the driver's customer, we would have a software services company that could be better for everyone. And that's what we've done. By enabling drivers to set their own rates, get 100% of the fare and compete with Uber and Lyft, drivers make more and are treated like the valued customers they are. At the same time, riders save more and feel better knowing that drivers are getting 100% of the fare. We're super excited about what we're building and truly believe that TOGETHER WE CAN EMPOWER!

Enabling drivers to build and run their own businesses and earn sustainable living motivates me. I also enjoy working with all the passionate, smart, and hard-working people on our team.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Launching and growing Empower through the pandemic.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Balancing the needs of the business and the needs of the team members building it.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Important decisions need to be well thought out, and you need to get advice from other people. But, at the end of the day, you need to go with what you think is best because if you don't have a firm conviction in your strategy, you probably are not going to execute it very well.

Work with people who share your values. Be kind when doing so, but as soon as you know someone is not a good fit for your company’s culture, make a change. Do not delay.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To support Empower, you can do the following:

  • Book rides using Empower if you are in DC, NYC, Winston-Salem, or Greensboro.
  • Follow us on social media; you can find the links below!
  • Refer your friends to Empower – you'll get ride credit!
  • Refer Uber/Lyft drivers to Empower! You’ll get even more ride credit!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://driveempower.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rideempower/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ride_empower/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ride_empower
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rideempower/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcPV0CyYTSWMTNHvpXlDqbA

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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