Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Turina, Owner of ErgoSmart Consultants, located in McKees Rocks, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
ErgoSmart is a small health and safety consulting firm specializing in the prevention of workplace musculoskeletal injuries. Our Certified Professional Ergonomists provide comprehensive employee injury prevention services, including assessments, training, and complete program development. Our ergonomists serve many of the world's largest and most successful companies, providing support both within the United States and around the world.
Tell us about yourself
I worked clinically for 14 years as a physical therapist. I loved what I did, but as the years went by, I started thinking about what more I could do to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and spare people from the associated pain and suffering. Through hard work and making some great connections in the industry, I learned that many companies were desperate to find help in reducing the costs associated with workmen's compensation claims. I started my first project with a large consumer healthcare product manufacturer, had success in reducing injuries and associated costs, and things really took off from there. I remain motivated every day now as I know my work helps to reduce pain and suffering while helping companies succeed.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with two of my larger global clients, I have been directly involved in three ergonomic projects that have been awarded the prestigious, internationally recognized Ergo Cup by the Insitute of Industrial and Systems Engineers at the annual Applied Ergonomics Conference. The award represents the pinnacle recognition of innovative ergonomic solutions that reduce employee injury risk and their associated costs to employers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Owning a business is challenging and not for everyone. There is a lot of acceptance of uncertainty and long hours of work required to build something of value. Far beyond a desire for financial reward, business owners must really have a passion for what they do in order to succeed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn your strengths, but more importantly, understand your weaknesses and work diligently to improve them. Build a success strategy highlighting your strengths and dedicate yourself to continuously improving yourself.
- Don't be afraid of failure. We learn so much more through failing. I attempted my first business venture when just a few years after completing my master's degree, and it failed. The lessons I learned through that experience paved the road for my success now.
- Never burn a bridge in the business world. While we may cross paths with people that we do not particularly like to work with well, treating them fairly and professionally can come back to help your business grow in the future.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ergosmart.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-turina-mpt-cpe-a0b07511/
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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