Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elizabeth Scarano, CEO of LaunchPM, located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.

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

Founded in 2012, LaunchPM delivers results-driven solutions in planning and project management for commercial construction projects. We are proud to collaborate with clients that serve as trailblazers in their respective fields. LaunchPM creates workable, realistic, and cost-effective strategies by translating the best-in-class practices from many industries into a comprehensive plan and applying these practices to the specific projects they manage.

LaunchPM works with clients in various industries, including healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, business services, and nonprofits. We help our clients realize their objectives through strategic project management solutions from planning through completion. Our project management services range from tenant improvement construction to ground-up builds.

Tell us about yourself

I've spent 30 years building a career in the construction industry. Before founding LaunchPM, I led client and project development teams for several national construction firms. I was responsible for projects valued at more than $3 billion.

My first industry job was with a structural engineering firm. I was hired to computerize billing during my nine-year tenure there. I was promoted to VP of Operations. During that time, I was raising three young children and needed flexibility. This prompted a decision to leave my job as VP and start EJS Associates, a staffing firm for construction companies.

In 2003, I returned to corporate life in business development and project management for leading construction firms until going back out on my own in 2012. I focus on strategy, business development, and managing clients' goals and expectations.

Securing new clients and taking projects to completion is fulfilling but developing my staff and building strong vendor and client relationships are most rewarding. I also believe "actions speak louder than words," and it's vital "to do what you tell you you're going to do." This philosophy drives me personally and professionally.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the overall success of the company and the people I work with. LaunchPM has a proven track record in successful project management solutions, demonstrated through our 30 and 40 percent year-over-year growth. In the last few years, I introduced an employee profit share program to express appreciation to my team and reward their hard work and contribution to the company's success.

I've also made an effort to encourage both personal and professional development. As a team, we are adopting the Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS) to help utilize tools and principles that will help us work smarter and more effectively. I also encourage team members in their development and have provided members the opportunity to earn their PMP certification. I am incredibly proud of our business growth, my team, and all we've accomplished.

In 2019 LaunchPM was recognized as a winner in the Best of Small Business Awards and ranked in the SB 100. was also awarded by the Phoenix Business Journal as an Outstanding Women in Business honoree in 2021.

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

Balancing it all is one of the hardest things. It is easy to work 24/7 when you have your own business. But it is so important to take personal time to relax and refuel. Taking time to exercise regularly, spending time with family and friends, and taking a vacation is always challenging. Still, it's essential to do it for yourself and your business.

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

Here are three tips or strategies I've utilized and recommend to anyone looking to start or trying to grow a business:

  1. Position yourself as an expert in your field — know the industry and keep a pulse on trends. I read a lot get involved in industry organizations and your community where possible. You never know what doors it may open.
  2. Build your network — it's not enough to attend networking events and become an active industry/business community member to become known as a trusted leader.
  3. Seek opportunities to share your knowledge — I teach at Arizona State University as a visiting speaker and adjunct for the school of real estate development. I've been involved in the Forbes Council of experts, providing content/answers to industry questions. I've also contributed articles to other business publications to help educate readers on industry trends. Taking the initiative and connecting with others are powerful tools.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://launch-pm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaunchPM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launch_pm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-pm/

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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