ENTREPRENEUR

Business Overview #1

Name of Business: Mikes Bikes

Nature of Business: Buying and selling motorsport vehicles.

Operational Period: Started in 2005 and I continue looking for opportunities to resell.

Location: Gander, NL

Key Responsibilities:

• Sourcing motorsport vehicles out of season.

• Assessing the condition and value of each vehicle.

• Strategically timing the sale of vehicles to maximize profit (selling in spring

when prices are higher).

Achievements and Milestones

• Successfully capitalized on seasonal price variations to generate profit. On

• average profit per vehicle was $500-$1500.

Skills Developed:

• Market analysis to understand pricing trends.

• Negotiation skills with buyers and sellers.

Solutions and Learnings:

• Developed a keen insight into the seasonal dynamics of the motorsport vehicle market.

• Enhanced ability to manage business risks and make informed decisions.

Business Overview #2

Name of Business: The Neon Factory

Nature of Business: Designing and selling custom neon signs through an e-commerce platform.

Operational Period: 2013 to 2016

Location: Operated online, with production in China and sales primarily in North America

Role and Responsibilities:

Title: Founder and operator

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborating with producers in China to create custom neon sign designs.

• Managing the e-commerce platform and overseeing all aspects of online sales.

• Developed innovative packaging and shipping methods to reduce costs and damage during transit.

Achievements and Milestones:

• Successfully established a robust online presence for custom neon signs.

• Innovated a new packaging method that significantly reduced shipping damages.

• Achieved annual gross sales of approximately $80,000 by the third year.

Skills Developed:

• International supply chain management.

• E-commerce and digital marketing strategies.

• Problem-solving skills particularly in logistics and product quality assurance.

Challenges Faced:

• High incidence of product damage during initial shipping attempts.

• Increasing competition from other producers in China, affecting market share and profitability.

Solutions and Learnings:

• Developed and implemented a specialized packaging technique that minimized transit damage.

• Gained valuable insights into managing international business operations and navigating competitive markets.

Conclusion

• Business Closure: Due to intensifying competition and market saturation. Dissolved the business in 2016.

Business Overview #3

Name of Business: Pet Appeal Grooming Salon

Nature of Business: Providing comprehensive pet services and selling pet supplies.

Operational Period: Started approximately 22 years ago, still in operation.

Location: Gander, NL

Role and Responsibilities

Title: Co-Founder.

Key Responsibilities:

• Involved in the initial concept, business planning, and setup.

• Oversaw strategic direction and growth initiatives in the early years.

• Locate product suppliers and generated marketing plans.

Achievements and Milestones

• Sustained success and growth over two decades.

• Won multiple "Business of the Year" awards, recognizing excellence in service and community contribution.

Skills Developed:

• Long-term business planning and sustainability.

• Customer relationship management and community engagement.

• Leadership in developing and maintaining a successful family-run business.

Status

• Currently managed by my wife, ensuring the business continues to thrive and adapt to new market conditions.

• Ongoing Success: The business continues to operate strongly, with an established reputation in the pet services industry.

Business Overview #4

Name of Business: Mason Technologies

Nature of Business: Specialized IT services including consultation, hardware installations, site surveys, and troubleshooting, especially in remote locations.

Operational Period: Since 2018

Location: Services provided regionally/nationally,

Key Responsibilities:

• Crafting and executing business strategies tailored to various sectors, including fast food, retail, natural resources, and other SMBs (Small and Medium-sized Businesses).

• Overseeing the creation and delivery of IT solutions that address unique industry challenges, particularly in remote or challenging environments.

• Ensure high-quality service delivery that meets diverse client needs.

Achievements and Milestones

• Recognized for delivering reliable and effective IT solutions across various sectors.

• Adapted IT service offerings to the specific needs of industries operating in physically and technically challenging environments.

Skills Developed:

• Industry-specific IT consulting and solution development.

• Crisis management and problem-solving in high-stakes environments.

• Strategic partnerships and network building with key industry players.

Challenges and Solutions

• Customizing IT solutions to fit the specific operational needs and constraints of the customer.

• Ensuring reliable IT service delivery in remote and challenging locations.

Solutions Implemented:

• Developed bespoke IT frameworks for each industry to enhance operational resilience and efficiency.

• Innovated on-site and remote support strategies to ensure continuous service availability.