Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natasha Cultraro, Owner of Investor's Choice Property Management, Inc., located in Carrying Place, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a real estate investor supplying homes to families in Durham, Clarington, and Peterborough regions in Ontario. I also provide immaculately clean and beautiful short-term vacation rentals to vacationers in Uvita Beach, Costa Rica.
Lastly, I own Investor's Choice Property Management, a residential long-term property management company serving Durham and Clarington regions. We provide high-quality tenant placement and ongoing property management to landlords who take pride in their properties and want to free up their time and energy.
Tell us about yourself
I started this business because I was very unhappy working as an employee in the corporate world. I craved freedom and autonomy. This was especially important to me because I had a young daughter that I wanted to be available for. Once I established the business, I was able to drive my daughter to and from school every day, go to all her class trips and school functions, and spend my evenings with her and my husband.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Freeing up my time and having a flexible workweek is the most valuable thing for me. I work an average of 3 hours per week, which gives me time to focus on my family, health, and other interests. My biggest accomplishment is the team I have put together and developed that allows me to do that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Building the business in the start-up stage takes incredible dedication and intuitive decision-making. That was very hard, but disappointing clients was one of the hardest things. It was a tough lesson to learn that I can not support and serve all clients to their satisfaction. Now, we only serve clients that have similar values to us.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get into a network and LISTEN to what the people need. Don't sell them what you want; listen to them first, and create the service or product they are asking for.
- Continue to educate yourself - I tell everyone I built my business with YouTube!
- Network again.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://icpmpros.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.cultraro.3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natashacultraro/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-cultraro/
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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