Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Karatimus, Founder of Usonian Systems from Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
We help coffee companies establish themselves and support their growth. We accomplish this with our bespoke approach to sourcing the right equipment, providing technical service, in addition to our consulting services. Our customers range from home hobby roasters all of the ways up to large multi-national publicly traded companies.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I have been working within the food and service business for most of my professional life. My initial reason for starting this company was to enable people to grow into roles and opportunities that did not exist at the time. When I started, it became evident there was an opportunity to help small coffee businesses with their equipment sourcing, consulting, and technical service. As I was in my customer's shoes previously, I knew how to focus on their business while accomplishing their goals & needs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are quite a few memorable moments. I get to travel quite a lot, which have been some extended personal highlights, however as accomplishments go, opening locations in more than one country to create a multinational corporation that can help more people, more locally. My upcoming business trip to Ecuador does score pretty high on my list as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
When you open a location in another country and navigate all of the rules, laws, tax requirements, and labor market, it causes sleepless nights.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I like this question; I wish more people would ask it. When someone tells me they're envious and that they would like to start a business, the first thing I say is to, as Nike says, Do It.
My tips would be: Research and work in the industry - way more than you think you need to. I see a lot of customers enter the industry without any background in it, and they struggle. Don't wait for the right time. There is never a right time to quit your job, upend your life, and make the insane leap of faith that is business ownership.
You can position yourself to start on the right foot, but that leap is challenging. So tough that it should help you succeed. Ryan Serhant, in one of his books, mentions the motivation of having your back against a wall. I can tell you, and it helps to succeed when there is nowhere to go.
Finally, ask questions, seek advice, always learn. You will never be an expert - even if others call you one. You can never forget, and if you don't think so, you haven't learned enough yet. It would help if you were always willing to find new ways to do the same old things, new business opportunities, marketing strategies, ways to 'wow' your customers and team. Always grow, as the other option is less pleasant.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Do something you love that brings you more joy than sorrow. Change the world, even if your product makes people smile.
Where can people find you?
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.