Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Richard Contino, Principal of Captive Lease Advisors, located in Rye, NY, USA.

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

Our business is setting up customer financing programs for equipment manufacturers.

Tell us about yourself

I have started a number of businesses: an equipment leasing joint venture with EDS, a railcar leasing joint venture with a major Japanese leasing company, a small ticket leasing company with an international real estate investment group, an equipment leasing law practice (www.continopartners.com), Captive Lease Advisors and am also a Managing Director of Fairfield Capital Group (https://fairfieldcapital.net/).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Setting up the customer financing program strategy for Cisco Systems.

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

Not to let your emotions and the emotional agendas of others control your decisions.

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

Never seek/listen to the advice of someone who is not where you want to be. Do not overthink your instincts when you come up with the idea that you want to pursue. Just get started, understanding that what you start with is simply the beginning of a path that will often lead you to crossroads/different opportunities where you need to make choices to progress, even if not where you started.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you have the desire to be in your own business, go for it. Where you start may not be the success you end up with, but if you start, you can achieve success.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://captiveleaseadvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/captive-lease-advisors/


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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.