Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rich Hollander, Managing Partner of Axcelora, located in Fort Worth, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are here to speed up the B2B selling process. We do this through a large group of veteran retail and restaurant executives with great connections.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the retail business and supporting the retail business for more than 50 years. I have always loved interacting with retail consumers on the sales floor. I got additional joy by helping other people become successful in the retail world. As I have matured, I have learned the greatest joy is watching others use what you have taught to bring themselves and their companies success. I have been told that I really understand all aspects of retail.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have built Axcelora into the largest peer-to-peer introductory business in America. We have done this from scratch with no investment, just sweat equity. To see the business grow and prosper and to see our clients and our Partners have success is very rewarding.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Time management. As you start your business, there is lots of time because there are few customers yet. As your business grows, your time demands change because you have more customers. You have to have the discipline to continue communicating with the people who were there when you started your business. They will respect your loyalty and consideration and will tell their friends. As they say in Texas: "Dance with the one that brung ya!"

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a plan but realize the plan is just that. As situations change, have the flexibility to change the plan.
  2. Listen to people you trust. This is vitally important while you are creating your culture. And culture always beats strategy.
  3. Embrace working hard. Wear it as a badge of success. Having said that, make sure you are there for all of the important milestones in your family's life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We have one rule here at Axcelora. I call it the Pollyanna rule. Everyone has to be nice. That does not mean you have to let people bulldoze you, but if you have a different opinion, share it nicely.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.axcelora.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-hollander-5b4376/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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