Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Check, CEO of Linkage Design, located in Royal Oak, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Linkage employs high-end design resources focus on transportation design using digital tools. We have offices in Detroit, California, and London. Our customers are Ford Design, Volvo Truck, Google Waymo, Hyundai/Genesis/Kia, GM Design, VW Audi, Fisker, Nikola, Nuro, Magna, and others.
Tell us about yourself
I have over 25 years of experience in strategic selling with a design & engineering background. I have always been involved with companies on the cutting edge of technology. I find this exciting and rewarding when a successful solution is implemented and I have a happy customer. Since 1998, I have been responsible for worldwide field sales and marketing organizations charged with the goal of providing solutions for the digital content creation industry segment. Extensive experience in international pursuits.
My specialties are:
- Closing large, strategic software deals.
- Strong customer relationships nurtured over the years.
- Extensive technical knowledge of digital content creation solutions.
- Solid employee management skills.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Grew our business by over 25% per year for the last 12 years by caring for our customers & caring for our employees…simple.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, it was trying to maintain positive cash flow early in our company history as payroll, healthcare costs, etc., are ongoing and relentless. Make sure you have a good cash reserve, access to a LOC, and that you try to keep your overhead low.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Use your network of business contacts to grow your business...word-of-mouth is the best (and sometimes worse) form of marketing.
- Work to secure a Line-of-Credit (LOC) as soon as you can. Once your business starts to take off, you'll need it. There are so many more LOC options now versus when I started 12 years ago. Private LOC providers like Kabbage, LendingTree, etc., are good sources, much better than traditional banks.
- Make sure you always do the right thing for your employees and customers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.linkage-d.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mac.linkage/photos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkagedesign/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikecheck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-check-43b4274/
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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