Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gabe Hoover, Founder of You By Design, LLC, located in Columbus, OH, USA.

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

Business leaders hire me to build a culture of real success because most know their teams are unmotivated, disengaged, and even worse, job hunting on company time. So, I help transform teams from complacent to creative, disjointed to unified, and average to extraordinary. Bottom line, put the brakes on your revolving door in order to save money, time, and energy!

Tell us about yourself

As a 23-year Educator, I've seen firsthand the kinds of changes that are possible with focused, intentional actions surrounding the culture of a group of people. Those changes are possible for any business. It doesn't usually take a lot more, but it does take more than some leaders are naturally inclined to do. I've worked with people of all ages, and I have found that everyone feels more connected with those who take a genuine interest in who they are and what they dream of accomplishing. If you can say you know that about your team, you're on the right track, but that is only part of the way.

The culture has to be one that allows individuals to utilize their genius to innovate the company. With that comes letting go of control, the possibility of failure or setbacks, and possible disagreements. As a leader, we get to set the culture that encourages each individual in the organization to know that their work is pivotal to the successful completion of the company's mission. With that culture in mind, you can start to put the genius of your team to work. How exciting is that!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To date, I'm most proud of the accomplishments of my clients through their time working with me have built lives they have been dreaming of. Every client is different, but some have built businesses they dreamed of, and some have established and/or reengaged relationships they are proud of. ALL have developed beliefs and habits that unveiled the ability to create the life they were dreaming of. By far and away, I'm most proud of those I've helped to help themselves.

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

The hardest thing that all new business owners will face is the area of time when you realize the dream may not happen as fast as you thought it would. I faced that realization, and I can say that I'm hitting full stride again. Helping my clients to achieve the goals we set out to achieve together is where my focus is. I know that my dreams will come true in time.

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

  1. Don't wait to be perfect or your product to be perfect. Get out and be authentic that you are trying something new. People are willing to support and help you adjust ... as long as you are authentic.
  2. There are lessons to learn...and there are people who have already learned them that you can hire to help you. Or you can do it alone and learn the lessons yourself. The first way costs you money; the second way costs you time and money (and maybe your dream if you quit). Find someone who has what you need, and pay them for their expertise.
  3. Keep improving yourself. Every successful person I have encountered has a habit of reading books to help themselves, hiring Mentors to help themselves, and creating (updating) systems to help themselves.
  4. I know you asked for 3, but this is big: Take care of your physical body. Eat for fuel. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Get plenty of sleep. Move your body every day (and resistance train a few days a week).

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabe.hoover.18/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-hoover/

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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