JACK

M E N ' S C U L T U R E 45 with local businesses from all different industries. This gave me a huge insight into all facets of how a business needs to operate to be successful. I always believed one day I would run my own business. What challenges did/do you face? There is a big misconception that small business owners have plenty of time, plenty of money and are stress free. This could not be further from the truth. Every day brings challenges for any small business owner. Challenges are what push me and my business to be better every day. Ever since I was young, I have been attracted to things that challenge me. Once I achieved that challenge, I would start looking for a new one. I guess you could say my DNA is now built around constantly challenging myself. What skills were you able to use from your business banking background? Any tips? My time in business banking opened me up to a world that most people miss. Every business owner is living their dream. However not everyone has the right “character” to operate a small business. For example, a mechanic might be amazing at fixing cars however this is only one side of the small business. They also need to be able to manage banking, accounts, debtors and creditors, staff, admin, advertising, stock, complaints, suppliers etc. All these things and more are also important for any small business to be successful. I quickly learnt in business banking that “character” was a massive driver for success in small business. The bank provided me with the skills to manage these things once I was ready to step into my own business. My #1 tip for anyone looking to become a small business owner and one of my favourite quotes is…. “if you're scared to fail, you don’t deserve to be successful”. A lot of people have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or starting their own business… but they never do. Always finding reasons to hold them back. Do your research, listen to everyone, plan your success, execute when the time is right. What’s next for you and Social Grounds? I have just recently opened the doors on a second “Social Grounds” café. Replicating a very similar but small version of the already successful Social Grounds café. Thus, allowing more customers to enjoy “the finest coffee in all the lands”. My time in business banking opened me up to a world that most people miss. Every business owner is living their dream. However not everyone has the right “character” to operate a small business.