Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Todd Richardson, CEO of In Motion Brands, located in Brantford, ON, Canada.

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

In Motion Brands (IMB) is a business focused on unlocking value by way of forming strategic partnerships with those we serve. It is through these strategic partnerships we work closely to create value within a business that requires additional resources but may not have the scale or internal expertise.

Having spent the majority of my career in the Automotive Industry, IMB was built to support independent businesses in the automotive space. As we continue to create value for our partners, they have, in turn, been quick to introduce other business owners as partners. This has led us to expand into other sectors, such as finance, construction, manufacturing, personal fitness, and more.

Tell us about yourself

What first got me started was the idea of being a part of building and leading something truly remarkable. The vision that we could address major gaps in the market and know we could work collaboratively with those who we partner with to help them thrive. Growing business is a passion.

What motivates me every day now is the ability to continue to help those who made my personal dreams come true but also the new partners we choose to do business with across North America and other Global markets soon. When we are able to help our partners’ businesses grow, it is so rewarding and super fun.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment is the team by far. Everyone shows up committed to bringing transparency, expertise, passion, and high standards to drive business performance for all stakeholders. There are times we get to breathe with balance, and other times we are drinking out of a fire hose, but everyone is in. We have an amazing balance of skill sets and personalities, which make it a fun team to dig in with.

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

The hardest thing for me as a business owner is the pressure I constantly put on myself, which can leak over onto others. I have a perpetual challenge within myself to take things from good to great. I don’t want our business, or any business we partner with, to be “good.” I want us to set the bar. I expect it. As such, it adds a lot of pressure to be continually developing strategies for how we get our partners ahead or how we keep them ahead of their competition.

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

If you want to “Go Solo,” yes, pun intended, the top three things I would provide as tips would be:

  1. Self Awareness - Have 110% clarity on your individual strengths and your passions. When you are crystal clear on what you are really, really good at and can leverage doing that with something you really, really love, it is an explosive combination.
  2. Build a Super Strong Community – It will be critical to surround yourself with others who can complement your strengths, not mirror them. You won’t need another you. You’ll need people who can step where you are not strong, both internally and externally.
  3. Go Pro – If you want to perform at the highest level with arts, sports, or anything else, you have to be prepared to go all in, especially as a start-up. Be prepared and committed to live, eat, and breathe what you are setting out to do. According to my wife, you can’t do it 24/7/365, but when you are doing what you love, you sure do want to!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://inmotionbrands.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069199862347
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-motion-brands/

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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