Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with James Golden, Founder of Pavement Management Group, located in Heath, OH, USA.

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

Pavement Management Group serves the local government and civil engineering industry by providing innovative, data-driven solutions for improving and optimizing public roadway networks.

Tell us about yourself

I started business, consulting, and entrepreneurship at 19, working as an intrapreneur for a startup engineering firm. What started out as a part-time job has turned into a 24-year career and passion for helping municipalities across the US to save taxpayer dollars, maximize their annual budget and increase the conditions of their roadways.

When I'm not advocating for roadway preservation, I enjoy helping others in the constant pursuit of becoming the best version of themselves through my"Good to Goalden" podcasting and personal and group coaching initiative.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is creating a business model and service that adds value. It positively impacts not just our clients but the industry as well.

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

The hardest thing from personal experience is coming to grips with the fact that you need to hire for where you want to go, not where you are. Without a clear vision that puts the right people in the right seats, the business lacks an opportunity for true growth and scale.

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

  1. Starting a Business - The biggest challenge I see in those looking to start yet haven't is a lack of action and focus. Identify your unique skill set, who can benefit from it, and how it solves the problem, and take action!
  2. Running a Business - The best thing you can do is to "systematize" your business. This combines actual systems, real people, and specific tasks to create your deliverable. Replicating your product/service offering in a consistent, predictable manner is key to running your business.
  3. Grow your Business - Growing your business requires a complete Operating System for the business that outlines and communicates the vision while putting the right people and leadership in place to execute. I highly recommend implementing the Entrepreneur Operating System from Geno Wickman. You can start on this by simply reading his book, Traction.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I strongly recommend identifying and defining your mission, the more specific, the better. Establish core values aligning with your mission and vision, and then operate against your mission and your core values daily. This will serve as your GPS along the success journey!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pavementmanagementgroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesGolden3rd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesgoalden/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesgoalden
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesgolden3rd/

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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