Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff Geraci, Founder of Mission Critical FPI, located in Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business revolves around providing financial planning services, primarily catering to the military, ex-military personnel, and small business owners. Having had the privilege to serve in the army myself and having grown up in a military family, I deeply understand the unique financial circumstances and challenges faced by those in service and their families. My services range from retirement planning to wealth management, with an emphasis on long-term financial stability. Additionally, my work with small business owners allows me to apply the financial discipline and strategic planning skills I learned in the military to help businesses thrive.
Tell us about yourself
I spent my formative years traveling the globe in a military family. Eventually, I also served in the army overseas, which allowed me to understand firsthand the financial challenges military families face. This experience ignited my passion for financial planning, especially for military members who often have to juggle work duties with raising a family while also planning for a secure future. Now, with over 30 years of experience in the field, I work with a diverse range of clients, from the military to civilians and small business owners. The most satisfying aspect of my job is knowing that I am helping shape the financial trajectories of people's lives, enabling them to reach their goals, be it buying a dream home, taking an epic vacation, or securing that comfortable retirement they deserve.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the positive impact I've made in my clients' lives by providing them with financial security and peace of mind. The trust that my clients place in me to handle their financial planning is an honor I take very seriously. In addition to this, I am extremely proud of the strong and dedicated team I've built over the years and how we've supported our clients in navigating through unexpected financial emergencies.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In my business, you often need to be a jack of all trades. This includes not just being a financial planner but also an office manager, marketer, accountant, people manager, HR person, and sales trainer. Balancing all these roles and managing time efficiently to maximize results can be quite a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Firstly, understanding your target market and identifying your competitive advantage is key. This knowledge will guide your strategies and decisions. Secondly, be prepared to work harder than you ever have. Success doesn't come easily, but with hard work, determination, and resilience, it is attainable. Lastly, learn to see rejection as an opportunity to grow and improve. In business, you'll face many rejections, but each one is a learning opportunity. Don't be discouraged; use it to propel you forward.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://missioncriticalfpi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionCriticalFPI
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgeraci/
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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