Mr. Anthony Roberts founded his company, Roberts Executive Services, LLC in the fall of 2010 shortly after completing our Developing the Business Plan course.  His enterprise is a service-based company that has three separate divisions: Snow Removal, Power Washing, and Security.  His company is located on the far east side of Columbus, and Anthony is quick to point out that he’s willing to travel to any part of Central Ohio to provide quality service with a smile.  He currently employs two people and hopes to increase that number by 2013.

Even as a young adult, Anthony always wanted to own and operate his own business.  He spent his early adult years in the military, which didn’t make entrepreneurship a viable choice.  In addition, he was actively involved with parenting and realized his role as provider trumped his aspirations of starting a business.  As time passed and his children grew up and left home, Anthony realized he could finally be a little more daring and afford to take more risks.  Two other motivators he cites for turning his dream into reality were the rising unemployment rate and the increasing number of misplaced workers losing jobs due to outsourcing.

Having been in business for just over a year, Anthony has achieved significant results for such a young start up.  He made over $13K in 3.5 months during the 2010-2011 snow season.  He saw his company’s power washing division grow as a result of doing a job pro bono.  This writer calls that type of growth an excellent example of reaping a good harvest for good seeds sown.  Additionally, he incorporated his commission and experience as a police officer with the State of Ohio into his business resulting in his company’s security division.  Now he protects and serves private entities as well as our community at large.

On a personal level, I asked Anthony for his favorite quote and he came back with one of my favorites, “When life deals you lemons, then make some lemonade.”  This writer agrees with his philosophy and as our graduate in this month’s spotlight, we wish him much increase in 2012 and beyond.  For more information on Roberts Executive Services, LLC or to arrange for the company’s services, please call (614) 638-0798.

The innovative founder and CEO of Sophisticated Systems, Inc., Dwight Smith, spoke at the INCREASE Community Business Network (ICBN) February luncheon at TechColumbus.  Smith led an interactive discussion on leadership, the impact of human engagement in achieving organizational success, and the importance of finances.  For those who were not able to attend, here’s a recap on what was shared.

"Don’t expect to be an expert at everything," said Smith.  As the Greek philosopher Socrates proved and Smith maintained, trying to be an expert at everything is not only unrealistic but impossible.  Smith said, “Business owners should surround themselves with experts and can engage their workforce by trusting those experts to execute the tasks delegated.”  In short, organization leaders should engage their employees by listening, learning, and then letting go. 

Entrepreneurs should never overlook the importance of the organization’s financial health.   Business owners need to set goals and then measure their performance in reaching those goals.  It is also important for entrepreneurs to know their company’s gross margin, especially when seeking funding.   
Smith closed with a 5-point plan that can be applied to everyday life as well as to any entrepreneurial venture:

1.      Think It Through
2.      Create a Plan
3.      Execute the Plan
4.      Invest in Others
5.      Invest in Yourself

For more business tips and advice, be sure to attend the INCREASE CDC Community Business Network luncheons.  Visit www.increasecdc.org for times and locations.