Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsay Wanserski, Co-Owner and Operations Director of National Dental Academy, located in Wausau, WI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I co-own a chain of dental assisting schools in Wisconsin. We train Dental Assistants utilizing a State Approved Accelerated Program where classes are held on Saturdays! Our customers are those looking to change careers but who are not able to commit to a full-time school schedule. There is a huge shortage of Dental Assistants right now, so this is an excellent field to get into!
Tell us about yourself
I entered the Dental field in 2010 and worked under a Doctor who was a serial entrepreneur. As we got to know each other more, I was really drawn to his outside projects, and as he trusted me more, he let me in to help him. I have an amazing business partner who was also 'along for the ride' of entrepreneurship, so we purchased the assisting school from him in 2016. What motivates me every day is my love of my job; I very strongly believe that we have an amazing product. My family also motivates me in so many ways, I lost my husband in 2021 to a brain tumor, and I am blessed to have two amazing children, 2 and 5, who rely on me. I want to show them what a strong, positive mom they have.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The 2020 pandemic was the biggest challenge I have ever faced in my career. I gave birth to our daughter just days before the pandemic hit. The world locked down, and my classes were in full swing. I was forced to work with my partner (remotely) to turn our classes hybrid virtually overnight while recovering from birthing a child, navigating a pandemic, and having my other child home from daycare while my husband faced the busiest month of his career as his clients were buying up everything feeling a scarcity mentality. We did it; I am not saying it was easy, but it honestly was one of the best challenges I have ever faced in my career. I learned so much.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Balancing all the things. As working mothers, we fill so many different roles for so many different people. Being able to be present with my kids, working through my grief, and keeping the business afloat has been an incredible challenge that I continue to take one day at a time. Working for yourself, you don't ever really "clock off"; you instead take a break and then go right back to it. We are working to grow the business this year, and I look forward to having the ability to hire more people to help with these day-to-day tasks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be unapologetically passionate about what you choose to start, run and grow.
- Realize sometimes, in entrepreneurship, done is better than perfect.
- Be selective about who you let on your team, give them all the tools to be successful, and develop systems that make training easier.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://nationaldentalacademy.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationaldentalacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationaldentalacademy/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Yq4TF1
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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