Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ron Aube, owner of Healthy LifeStyle Enterprises Inc., located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

We install and service micro-markets in office buildings and provide healthy food and snack options at work. Our micro-markets are free-standing, self-service shops that offer packaged fresh foods in a safe setting. We aim at recreating the "home feel" for workers returning to their workplace following challenging times driven by the pandemic. Our markets have widespread adoption in open workplaces, often replacing manual cafeterias as an increasing number of employees prefer pre-packaged food solutions as opposed to full-service cafeterias and self-serve buffets. We provide an unattended, in-office retail store with self-checkout technology and a cashless payment option. Employees easily walk up to the market, grab the products they want and enjoy a diverse range of meals, snacks, and beverages 24/7. Markets feature cashless payment options along with no touch capabilities, "mobile wallet," or even using a fingerprint. With the importance of employee engagement at an all-time high, companies focus on perks, free snacks, and promotions using micro-markets as a pivot in their strategies.

Tell us about yourself

I was traveling the world for a major corporation and conducted business in over 60 countries. I got tired of it and wanted to see my daughter grow, so I left corporate America to go solo and local instead of global. I saw a need to develop the healthy snack market, and the emergence of Grab'n'Go (micro-market) caught my attention. I thought adding a "healthy" dimension to the concept of self-service markets would help satisfy an underserved sub-market. We partnered with local chefs and offered delicious healthy meals to our customers along with a wide range of snacks and beverages, traditional or healthy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Overcoming and surviving COVID has been difficult for us. Several of our competitors have abandoned operations or downsized to a point where customer service suffers. We pride ourselves on being a local and dedicated service provider. Customer is first, always. And it shows in our execution; people notice, and they recommend us. We're growing again, even in terrible times for our industry. That's an accomplishment.

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

Things are never as bad as they seem, and things are never as good as they seem. I try to have a level-headed attitude with business. Don't get overly excited about the "big deal" coming up, and conversely, don't be so hard on yourself in the small setbacks. Condition your mind for persistence; success favors those who stay the course.

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

  1. Keep that fire burning inside. Never let it go. Don't listen to the naysayers; you have a goal, be obsessed with it.
  2. Avoid procrastination - do what you must do now. Don't wait. Develop a continuous sense of urgency about everything that relates to your business.
  3. Be realistic. Success doesn't come overnight. Set goals that are achievable. Typically if you think something will take three months to achieve, count on six months. It has nothing to do with talent or lack of effort. It's life in the entrepreneurial world! Build a super huge pipeline of prospects, always work on your prospects - it's your weapon against disappointments and setbacks. When you experience a setback, you'll be proud of the excellent pipeline you have; it'll give you hope for better days.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Take time to rest. Owning your business is 24/7, but the right work-life balance is important.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hlevending.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLEvending
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthylifeatl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthylifestyleatlanta/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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