Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Teddy Petrou, Founder of Dunder Data, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide comprehensive Python data science courses online and in person. My primary customers are people who are looking to use the knowledge gained from my courses to enter the field of data analysis/science or expand their skillset at their current position.
Tell us about yourself
I worked as a data scientist at a large oil and gas company and was provided several weeks of training on various technologies. I thought the training was poor and could be improved. I had taught math in high school previously and knew strategies to engage students. I founded the Houston Data Science meetup group to present data science tutorials to the community in Houston, Texas.
Once I had enough material, I started teaching longer classes over the weekend and eventually weeklong boot camps. I then started Dunder Data to continue teaching courses. These courses grew into books, of which I've written a total of five thus far. I really enjoy finding the most effective ways of using the Python data science ecosystem and presenting it as a tutorial with detailed text and video explanations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been teaching professionals deep in their a career new skills. I've taught Microsoft, NASA, and US government employees.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult challenge for me is gaining visibility. You can have an extremely high-quality product, but if no one knows about it, then it might as well not exist.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You need to be self-motivated and disciplined to be productive with your time without someone else telling you what needs to be done.
- You must have the plan to gain traction. It's best to be financially secure before starting.
- If possible, stay in your current role, save money, and test your business in your spare time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dunderdata.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dunderdata
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunderdata/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tedpetrou
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedpetrou/
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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