Introduction and Overview
In the early 2000s, a friend and I started a website design and development company called Infinity Publication in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. Despite lacking experience in starting a business, we both had the skills to design and develop websites. Leveraging my connections in Kamloops, we secured our first customers. During this time, many people still used dial-up internet services, so I learned how to optimize pictures and create fast-loading websites. Our partnership managed to generate some revenue, but our success was short-lived. My employer discovered my entrepreneurial activities and amended my employment contract to include designing and developing websites and marketing materials for the company. This prevented me from marketing our business and caused potential clients to expect my services for free due to my employment obligations. As this was my first career right out of high school, I didn’t want to lose my job, even though I later realized I was being underpaid. Our business slowly declined, leading to the dissolution of our partnership. Since we were just starting out, there were minimal assets to divide, except for a few hundred dollars in our business account.
Even though I was still working for the same employer, one of my colleagues suggested that I should start my own business. This was because my employment contract had changed and starting a business would help supplement my income. I heeded the advice and started an e-based business named Skemcis Business Services, which offered website development services. I established the business in the latter part of 2013 and used Google’s Pay Per Click to promote it and secure some clients. I guess I should mention that “Skemcis” is the Secwepemc word for Grizzly Bear in my native language.
The main vision and mission of Skemcis Business Services was to assist small and medium-sized businesses with affordable website design and development. I noticed that many entrepreneurs were being taken advantage of by web developers who charged exorbitant prices and held their websites captive, preventing them from making updates without hefty fees. This frustrated me, especially since I had previously worked as a Business Development Advisor, helping small businesses secure loan funds through my employer. I made sure not to have any overlap between my clients from my employer and the clients of my new business.
Throughout the transition from Infinity Publications to Skemcis Business Services, I continued to develop websites for the company, staying updated with industry trends and advancements. Eventually, my role shifted entirely to business development, which gave me the opportunity to start my own entrepreneurial venture. Unfortunately, I had to close down my business after operating it for a while because my computer broke down, and I couldn’t afford to replace it at the time. This was particularly challenging as I was the sole provider for my household.
In 2016, I left my job at a financial institution and started a small business doing drop shipping through Amazon, the name of this business was Dstres Life. I learned about drop shipping by watching YouTube videos I found through X (formerly Twitter). The videos made it seem easy, so I decided to give it a try. I invested approximately $10,000 to get everything I needed to start and tried to learn as much as I could about successfully drop shipping. It was enjoyable to explore various stores, purchase items, and mark them up based on their selling price on Amazon. I exclusively sold through Amazon Fulfillment Canada. I did this for approximately two years, but I never came close to earning the revenues that those I watched on YouTube boasted about. However, I gave it a good go.
I have experience in drop shipping for my business and providing professional services in various areas, including Credit and Collections, Business Portfolio Reviews, Loan Management, Financial Management, Business Development, Human Resource Management, and Administrative Support. These services allowed me to assist businesses in the Thompson area. I had set up my home office with all the necessary equipment for remote operation. You can find more information on this topic in my previous blog post about remote and hybrid work. Having my workstation was a blessing in disguise, as my office was fully equipped at the start of the pandemic, and I was fully ready to work as I was prepared for this unprecedented event. I operated Dstres Life until the latter part of 2018. I then decided to take the Real Estate Licensing Course and the Diploma Program for Urban Land Economics at UBC Sauder School of Business. Just prior to finishing this role, I was offered a position at Scotia Wealth Management in White Rock, BC. After leaving Scotia Wealth Management, I took on a brief contract with All Nations Trust Company in Kamloops, BC, and then moved on to a new role as Small Business Advisor for Scotiabank in Abbotsford, BC.
Recently, I’ve been working as the Finance and Operations Coordinator for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and assisting my wife’s business, GreenJade Interiors, as the Director of Operations. My experience as a certified business counsellor has been valuable in supporting her business and helping numerous small and medium-sized businesses over the past twenty-plus years.
Lessons Learned
I’ve started my own business multiple times and learned many lessons along the way. In my opinion, it never gets easier, and as time progresses, things change, especially technology. Watching other entrepreneurs start their own businesses over the years has helped me stay on top of the changes. I believe that knowledge is power, so I always take time to learn new things. I recently took two courses at UBC Sauder School of Business, and I’ve also completed investment courses through the Canadian Securities Institute. Additionally, I completed the Human Resources Management Certificate course through Simon Fraser University. I’m planning to take the Project Management Certificate program through SFU in the near future, which will definitely add to my skill set.
One of the most important lessons I learned when starting a business is to always be prepared for the unexpected, such as taxes and unforeseen events. I have witnessed many entrepreneurs over the years suffer because they did not know about the taxes they have to pay as a business owner, including having to calculate deductions and remit them to the Canadian Government. I have seen this time and time again, where a business owner would come frantically to me, seeking if they could borrow money to pay their unpaid taxes or remittances, not to mention the potential lawsuits from their employees who will soon find out that their deductions were not paid. Many of these businesses had their accounts frozen and super liens placed on all their assets due to the fact that they owed the Government. I had my hands tied and would be unable to assist them with their financial dilemma.
One important lesson I’ve learned is the value of reading a wide variety of books and listening to audiobooks on different topics. I have delved into sales and prospecting, negotiating skills, accounting textbooks, communication skills, investing, and personal growth, just to name a few. Another important thing is to always keep up with writing. I have taken several courses over the years and always kept up with my grammar and spelling, which is critical when working as an entrepreneur. It is important to know how to get your point across in your writing, especially how to keep discussions concise and right to the point.
How have I grown
My journey as an entrepreneur has been filled with both challenges and invaluable lessons that have significantly contributed to my growth, both personally and professionally. Each venture taught me something new, and these experiences have been the building blocks of my career.
1. Adaptability and Resilience: Starting and managing multiple businesses has taught me the importance of being adaptable and resilient. Each failure or setback has taught me to pivot, adapt my strategies, and persevere even when the odds were against me. For instance, transitioning from a web design business to drop shipping and then into financial services required me to continually learn and adapt to new industries and technologies.
2. Lifelong Learning: My commitment to continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my growth. Completing multiple certifications and courses, such as those at UBC Sauder School of Business and Simon Fraser University, and staying updated with industry trends and advancements, have helped me develop a robust skill set. This dedication to learning has allowed me to stay competitive and offer valuable insights to my clients.
3. Networking and Relationship Building: Working with a diverse range of professionals, including bankers, lawyers, accountants, economic development workers, and HR professionals, has enriched my understanding of various business facets. Building strong relationships with these professionals, as well as Indigenous leaders and community members, has been instrumental in my career. These connections have provided me with support, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.
4. Community and Cultural Understanding: My heritage and interactions with Indigenous leaders, such as Chiefs, Counselors, and Elders, have deepened my understanding of the cultural and social dynamics within Indigenous communities. This knowledge has not only enriched my personal life but also enhanced my professional capabilities, especially in roles that involve working closely with Indigenous communities.
5. Writing and Communication Skills: Keeping up with writing and improving my grammar and spelling has been crucial. Effective communication, both written and verbal, is essential in any business, and my ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely has been a significant asset.
6. Financial Acumen: My experiences with financial management, from understanding the importance of taxes to navigating the financial intricacies of running a business, have sharpened my financial acumen. This knowledge has been vital in advising other entrepreneurs and managing my own ventures effectively.
Conclusion
Looking back on my journey as an entrepreneur, I am grateful for the experiences and lessons I’ve learned along the way. Every business I’ve started, whether it succeeded or failed, has contributed to my growth and shaped me into the professional I am today. The knowledge and skills I have gained have not only helped me navigate the complexities of running a business but have also enabled me to assist others in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
As I continue to support my wife’s business, GreenJade Interiors, and work on building my own business, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. My commitment to continuous learning, adaptability, and building strong relationships will undoubtedly guide me in future ventures. I look forward to leveraging my experiences to make a positive impact and to continue growing as an entrepreneur and business professional.