Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Troy Friedlander, CEO of IT Entertainment, located in Palm Harbor, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
ITE acts as an owner’s representative in the planning stages of larger renovations with significant technology upgrades over both IT and AV spaces. We specialize in customer-facing solutions that drive revenue with Sports/Entertainment venues as well as Hospitality and Retail.
We do this by implementing messaging and content solutions utilizing vibrant indoor/outdoor displays and LED units from top manufacturers. All solutions are customizable and unique to each client based on goals, location, time, campaign, or event.
Tell us about yourself
At a young age was lucky enough to get involved in IT sales. As my client base grew over the years, it allotted me time to focus on the sports vertical. After working with a few organizations’ IT departments across different Pro Sports leagues, I saw where AV and IT would be on the same side of the table conversation in the future. Noticing a gap in how departments were siloed from each other gave me the opportunity to bring all parties together and help custom design, project manage, and work directly with manufacturers to focus on improving all aspects of Teams; this includes staff and players while enhancing the fan experience.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In five years, we have been able to consult with teams from NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, MiLB, ACHL, and NEHL, as well as Entertainment Venues Nationwide. The biggest accomplishment of ITE is being able to do what I love and help clients accomplish their goals while meeting budgeted timelines and exceeding expectations.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trust. Some of the misses were self-inflected, and some, unfortunately, were people that saw an opportunity to take advantage. This comes with being a first-time business owner and learning the hard way. Some of the misses were almost detrimental to the success of ITE. You must always trust yourself above all else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have a goal and plan with specific timelines to accomplish at a bare minimum, and give yourself appropriate time to evaluate.
- If it was easy, everyone would do it. No one is perfect, and no matter how brilliant the plan looks and seems, there will be setbacks and speed bumps that test you.
- Surround yourself with successful people and ask questions. These counterparts are people that you trust, will listen, and give you honest feedback, good or bad……very important.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://itentertainment.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyfriedlander/
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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