Business Consultant, Arkansas State University ASBTDC
Q: How would you describe your approach to consulting?
A: I like to give entrepreneurs a chance to explain what their vision is. From there, I go through the business plan, whether they need one or not, and have them answer those questions. I want to make sure that they have thought about every aspect of their business and to understand what they haven’t thought about.
Q: What do you wish everybody knew about starting a business?
A: It’s easier to start a business than to stay in business. New competition and changing economic conditions are tough to deal with. COVID-19 is a great example.
Q: How do you think owning a business has or hasn’t changed in the last few years? What changes, if any, do you anticipate in the next five years?
A: It has gotten tougher to start, run, and grow a business. The ones who work at it and keep ahead of changes are the ones that survive.
Q: Who is an entrepreneur you admire?
A: Mark Cuban. He gets it. He makes good decisions based upon facts and market research.
Q: What types of projects do you enjoy most?
A: The ones that are most likely to make it. I hate to tell people why they shouldn’t start a business but will in a heartbeat if they are getting ready to make a major financial mistake.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
The state staff that make up the ASBTDC. These people are dedicated to their jobs and working with small business owners.
Q: If you were going to own a business, what type of business would you want?
A: A consulting business. Not much inventory or overhead. You get paid for what you know. Not as much risk as most businesses.
I looked at going into business twice. Too much risk for me. People who do start a business are risk takers. I try to work with them to identify all the risks and how to know about them and how to deal with them.
Q: How long have you been with ASBTDC?
A: Over 10 years. Previously, I spent several years in banking. This was a good transition from banking and loaning money.
