Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Kroes, CEO of Because International, located in Nampa, ID, USA.

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

We began with a simple idea to create a shoe that "grows" with a child's foot so that children all over the world impacted by poverty always have a pair of shoes that fit properly. In addition to distributing hundreds of thousands of pairs to kids in over 100 countries, we're partnering with dozens of entrepreneurs yearly through our Because Accelerator program. These entrepreneurs have ideas for innovative, life-changing products and businesses that are creating jobs in areas most impacted by poverty.

Tell us about yourself

After working for over seven years at a local tech startup, I felt like it was time to make a change. I've been lifelong best friends with a guy named Kenton who, after living and working at an orphanage in Kenya, came up with the idea for The Shoe That Grows. He told me about his idea and started our nonprofit, Because International in 2009. It took us over six years to make the idea a reality. After our first design and story went viral in 2015, I quit my job. I became the first full-time employee of Because International.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is convincing an incredible team of people to join us and take a chance on what we're doing. We're a close-knit team of 15 people who care deeply for one another and are building something meaningful. What more could you ask for?

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

Uncertainty can be difficult, especially when decisions' uncertainty can impact those you care deeply for.

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

Understand your motivation for why you are doing what you are doing by defining what success looks like and what it will take to make it happen. Next, start, even if that means quickly starting small and experiencing small failures. Finally, spend as much time as you can understanding the problem, talking to customers, and iterating your solution.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Prioritize relationships. A successful business is all about creating and managing successful relationships with all stakeholders. That includes prioritizing relationships with your employees and team. They are not a means to an end; rather, the teams you build and the bonds you create are a means in and of themselves.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://becauseinternational.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BecauseInternational/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becauseinternational/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkroes/

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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