Connecting Dreams To Reality

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff DeGarmo, Founder & Business Coach of J DeGarmo, LLC, located in Tulsa, OK, USA.

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

Primarily, I provide business coaching services in the entrepreneurial space. As a franchise coach, I act as an educator and advocate, helping aspiring entrepreneurs find franchise opportunities that align with their goals and passions. As a business coach, I help small businesses learn how to scale and optimize their operations with an eye for a future exit. As a business broker, I help business owners determine the value of their business and market it to potential buyers.

Also, I practice what I preach. Currently, I am a multi-unit franchise owner of StretchLab, which is a one-on-one assisted stretching service provider that straddles the fitness and healthcare space. I have 2 locations open, and I am in the process of opening a third. I'm putting the people and processes in place for a planned exit in 3 to 5 years.

Tell us about yourself

My WHY is serving and inspiring others to elevate themselves to achieve limitless personal and professional success. That is what drives me to do what I do each day. My current coaching business was a follow-up to an Aerospace Engineering degree, eight years as a Naval Flight Officer, and starting, operating, and selling a 16-year-old advertising agency. After exiting my advertising business, I decided to use my experience to help others find time and financial freedom through entrepreneurial paths.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The surface-level answer is selling my 16-year-old advertising agency that was started from scratch to a public company. However, the biggest accomplishment was creating a business that provided a great culture for our employees and allowed them to provide for their families. Keeping that responsibility as the highest priority is one of the core values that led to the successful growth of the agency and my eventual exit from the business.

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

Finding a balance among family, friends, and work. Intertwined in all that I do is a passion for health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition - teaching others how to achieve their goals while leading a healthy and balanced life. Ultimately, the goal is to create operational efficiencies and processes and hire the right team to allow a business to run successfully without dependency on the owner. This will lead to financial success, but more importantly, it will create the time and freedom necessary to focus on family, friends, and yourself.

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

Find something you are passionate about - something that you can get excited about doing every day.
Determine your WHY for your business. Establish your mission, vision, and core values from the start. Use those to guide your decisions about the type of clients and vendors you choose and the employees that you hire.
Determination is key. You are going to have hard times amidst successful times. Learn from your failures and difficulties so that you can make adjustments to your business model to get back on track.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jdegarmo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdegarmo

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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