ENTREPRENEUR PROFILE
Owner: Kim Alexander
Business Name: Grand Haven Farms
Industry Business: Arabian Horse Breeding & Stud Services
Education: BA in Management, Masters Degree Accounting/Mgt
Professional Background: Dean of Business Sciences – Isothermal Community College, Director of Systems & Services Earth-Tech, Director of Marketing Infra Structural Innovation
ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEW (Interview conducted by Scott Hutchins)
My interview with Kim Alexander was quite interesting. She has been involved with several entrepreneurial ventures that developed out of her horse breeding business. She started a photography business because of her main business of horse breeding. Because of her breeding business, she was photographing her horses and colts to sale on the business website. Then others horse breeders needed photographs for their businesses. This launched her photography business of horses which later she began a wedding photography business.
Ms. Alexander is a true entrepreneur at heart. She attributes her education and management experience as a vital part of her business success in her ventures. Do to several factors out of her control over the past couple of years, she now runs her breeding business on a part-time basis.
In every interview I conducted, I tried to ask some of the same questions to each business owner. I asked several questions relating to advice they could give to others and one question very specific; what do you think should be the top five issues that individuals should consider when starting their own business. My goal as the interviewer is to determine wanted a greater understanding of what one must consider and avoid when starting a business.
Ms. Alexander had the following response to the first question, “what advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business?” The second question, “what would be the top five issues or obstacles that should be considered when starting your own business?”
Response to question one:
1) Look at the feasibility of the business
2) Have a business and marketing plan
3) Understand cash flow
4) Learn everything possible
5) Talk with individuals doing the business you are considering.
Response to question two:
1) Must have business plan
2) Have enough money to last at least 6 months before getting paid
3) Develop relationships with suppliers, customers, etc.
4) Be honest and upfront with your business transactions
5) Be savvy with your resources
Ms Alexander had many great ideas on what to do and what not to do. She also explained that sometimes it is necessary to learn from your own mistakes. One theme that she pointed out was that you should have a desire or be passionate about what you are doing. Realize that long hours and hard work is required so make sure you would do this business as a hobby even if you were not paid.
Again, I looked at these interviews as an insightful learning experience of people who know what is required to start and run your own business. This entrepreneur had lots of meaningful information as to what is required to be a business owner.
Note: Copy of Interview Questions posted on our cohort site.
