Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Pegine Echevarria, Founder of Team Pegine Inc., located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.

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

We provide leadership development for leaders of industries with large numbers of women and women in leadership in business. Keynote speaking, coaching, online courses, memberships, and masterminds.

Tell us about yourself

I've often been the only woman and Hispanic in leadership in the C-suite and operations. I became fascinated with how organizations helped or hindered women from moving up rank and how women helped or hindered themselves. My business (for over several decades) and life's purpose is to make a difference for women leaders and companies who value them. I want them to know they are "Called to Lead: To Be Powerful. Be You." And to embody inner strength to "Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Paid Well." The results drive me: Increased productivity, profits, and engaged leaders who drive success. LOVE IT!! I've worked with 15% of the Fortune 100, all branches of the military, and organizations worldwide; they all had positive results after working with my company.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are a few:

  1. I was awarded a multi-million contract to train 20,000 officers from all branches/allies in Cultural Negotiation/Leadership.
  2. The Department of Defense Awards: CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) Award of OUTSTANDING for contracts over 1 Million Dollars.
  3. I testified before congressional members on women in business and Latinas in Business.

AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS

  • In 2022 and 2020, The Business Journal named my company one of the "Largest Minority Owned Businesses in Northeast Florida."
  • Minority Business Entrepreneur Magazine and Macy's awarded me one of three "Women Business Entrepreneurs Who Rock."
  • The Business Journal of North Florida named me the "#3 Fastest Growing Privately Owned Company in North Florida."
  • The Small Business Administration awarded me the following:
     - The Women in Business Advocate of the Year, Small Business Minority Advocate Award, and Small Business Women of the Year in North Florida.

AWARDS FOR WORK IN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

- The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) called me "One of 100 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity and Inclusion."

- 5 Years in a Row: Named one of five experts on the Diversity Expertise Panel for SHRM.

AWARDS FOR SPEAKING

- Hispanic Business Magazine named me "One of The Top 5 Motivational Speakers in the Country of Hispanic Descent."

- Latina Magazine featured me as "The Top Latina Speaker on Business."
Clorox hired me to be their ambassador for Latinas in Business. I traveled the country, was interviewed on Spanish-language TV, and presented to groups around the country.

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

Persistent focus mixed with continued desire. Running and leading a business is not for the faint of heart. You can't do it alone; however, as a leader, you must know where you are going and why you are doing this business and never give up. You have to enthusiastically share your desire and love for your team so that your team supports you in the good and bad times.

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

  1. Get clear about what problem you solve and for whom. Ask yourself whether they will pay for the solution.
  2. Don't expect to get rich quickly. You have to learn about money, how to ask for it, spend it and save it. It would be best if you prepared for bad times (it is inevitable), so don't go crazy during the good times. Always think, is this good for the business? Will this improve our business?
  3. Keep your health, family, and spouse ahead of the business. Take care of yourself and your family first - you can lose everything you worked so hard for when you lose sight of the essential parts of your life: your health, sanity, and loved ones.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.teampegine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeginePower
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PeginePower/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeginePower
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Pegine/

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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