In order to find the source of entrepreneurial motivation, which I refer to as the “It Factor” in my article published on Ezine (http://ezinearticles.com/?Some-Food-for-Thought:-The-It-Factor&id=6600358), I interviewed several successful entrepreneurs from all walks of business. Each person was unique, but all impressed with their unwavering drive and desire to strike their own path. Here are the men and women who inspired me through their words.
Mohammed Hussein is the owner of Ummah Couture Muslim clothing, www.ummahcouture.com, an online retailer dedicated to providing a one stop shop for Middle Eastern clothes and accessories. He is also the founder of several up and coming startups to include www.fromlocal.com, an online forum for small local retailers to sell their products to the masses, and www.pledgedeals.com, a website dedicated to supporting local broadcasting stations through the sale of large group deals, an idea similar to the Groupon concept. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Mr. Hussein. Interview with Mohammed Hussein
Ray Wiley is the owner and founder of Hot Head burritos (hotheadburritos.com/). Over the course of his entrepreneurial career he has owned several chain based restaurants to include franchised Subway locations. Inspired by the growing “Burrito” concept, he broke ground with his own unique concept in 2007. With success nearly overnight, by late 2009 he opened his first franchised location, and to date has achieved the growth of 24 locations. With plans to double operations every two years, Hot Head is hot on the trail of Chipotle and Qdoba. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Mr. Wiley. Interview with Ray Wiley
Donald Douglas, serial entrepreneur, is currently part owner and regional VP for Fortune Business Solutions (www.fortune-hr.com). Since his mid-20’s, he has owned and operated franchise locations of Gorin’s Ice Cream, Gyro Wrap, Discovery Point, Waffle House…the list goes on. He was also co-founder American Lube Fast (www.lubefast.com), the largest privately owned and operated oil change and preventative maintenance company in the United States. In a forced to sell position, he lost this business due to internal theft and fraud from his business partner. With his highs and lows, lessons learned, and recovery in the face of adversity, Donald offers a unique perspective on the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Mr. Douglas. Interview with Donald Douglas
Dr. Kimberly Miller, D.C., became a chiropractor after a successful career as a dancer with the New York City Rockettes and subsequently as a Stock Broker/Financial Analyst. She discovered chiropractic and massage after a devastating car wreck that left her immobilized with pain. Realizing she did not want to live a life relying on pain medication she began to investigate the benefits of natural healing, an investigation that ultimately led to her engaging in coursework and becoming a licensed chiropractic practitioner. Dr. Miller is founder and owner of Miller Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center (www.millerfamilywellnesscenter.com), and founder and owner of the Georgia Massage Institute (www.gamassageinstitute.com), a licensed massage therapy school. She also teaches continuing education seminars throughout the state of Georgia. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Dr. Miller. Interview with Kimberly Miller
Dr. Mark Benner, D.D.S., is a Dentist practicing in Barrow county Georgia. He has been the owner of 4 different dental practices dating back to his first shop set up in 1987. Being a successful entrepreneur with nearly 25 years of experience, Dr. Benner has a long grown perspective on the importance of partnerships and the need to follow the “Golden Rule” of business. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Dr. Benner. Interview with Mark Benner
Rex G. ( I don’t believe this to be his real name), a former Green Beret and scuba instructor, is now the sole owner of a company that specializes in handling Medicaid and Disability claims for an unsaid number of hospitals (mdrinc.com). My connections that brought me to him were shaky at best, and his willingness to take on the interview with me was only solidified by his knowledge of my current military service. Rex has a mystique and personality that is best compared with billionaire and famed aviator Howard Hughes. A very private and eccentric individual, the most interesting part of my experience with Rex was not the interview itself, but the dialogue and conversation that took place outside and in between, all of which was asked not to be put on record. The brevity of this interview does not speak to the experience that I had with him, one that I will never forget. Please follow this link for the interview conducted with Rex. Interview with Rex G
