Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lawrence Appell, Franchise Owner of J&L Travel Services dba Cruise Planners, located in Boca Raton, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a retired executive and serial entrepreneur who bought a Cruise Planners franchise to keep me busy in retirement. In our business, we design luxury land and sea vacations for our high-end clients, who tend to be former business associates and friends. Most of our clients use us to explore vacation ideas and options. They trust us to do the complicated, detailed, and often time-consuming tasks required to complete a vacation plan.
Tell us about yourself
All of my 40 years of business experience was about service. Designing service protocols, implementing them, and then measuring and managing the performance as perceived by the client and the bottom line. It is in my blood, and while I no longer want/need to manage large enterprises, I need the adrenaline rush of acquiring new clients and delivering great service. I guess I am not quite ready for the proverbial rocking chair.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I owned a few Jamba Juices in LA in the '90s. On day one of the first store opening, I positioned myself at the exit and listened to comments as customers left and took their first tastes. Their satisfaction was exhilarating to me. Financial success followed customer satisfaction. Today, when clients have a great, non-stressful vacation where all the parts are coordinated and worked well, I am pleased.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Details, details, details, and no one to delegate to.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You need to know your skills, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Is there a defined market for your product or service?
- You need a plan that will be your benchmark to assess how you are doing once the business shifts from the dream to reality.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.planyourvacationswithus.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.appell.3/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryappell/
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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