Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chad Starkey, president, and co-owner of Healthier Horizons Vending, located in Chico, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer top-quality customer service and customizable vending and food service options to your break room, pantry, or facility.
Tell us about yourself
My father and I worked together in his yard care company back when I was 17 years old. He taught me about customer service, working with others, and dealing with customers. Now we operate our own company and have learned the value of being able to work for yourself and employing others to do a job. When we started our vending operation, we dedicated the business in memory of my father's passing in 2003. Our company has been operating since 2015.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishments as a business owner would be:
- Surviving COVID- 19.
- Employing folks on a regular basis during the pandemic.
- Serving our customers with dedication during the challenges of supply shortages.
- Being able to continue to grow our company from a smaller business to a mid-sized company.
- Being able to find the right folks to work for us.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is forming a relationship with someone and then dealing with employee termination. Building a business and customer base is not difficult when you offer a great service; the most challenging aspect will always be finding great people to help with getting the work done.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pay down your business debts as soon as you can, and only buy what you can pay for with cash.
- Create a service or product that is needed in the market.
- Create an emergency cash buffer for your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It's a real privilege to own a business and employ great people to work for you. I get up in the morning excited about my day and believe each day will be a great one. I'm so blessed to be able to have the opportunities that I have. I don't take it for granted that people are deciding to come and work for us or a particular customer wants to do business with us. We look for value in each and every situation and person.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://healthierhorizonsvending.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/servingpeoplejoy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-starkey-9008a831/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.