Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nicholas Fiorucci, owner of Charm City Screen Print, located in Glen Arm, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Charm City Screen Print is a custom t-shirt company. We provide Screen Printed and embroidered apparel for businesses, schools, events, etc.
Tell us about yourself
I started in the business 25 years ago, working for my brother. He needed help cleaning and making screens, so I was happy to assist. As time went on, I decided it was best to give it a shot on my own. Now fifteen years later, I'm happy to say it was the right choice for me. I go to work every day, laugh, have fun, and work with a great group of people, and we print some of the best shirts around!
For me, staying motivated is easy. I enjoy what I do, and I'm always looking to improve our process. I'm a firm believer that there is always room for improvement in everything we do. My goal is to deliver the best t-shirts possible to our customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We have a few national brands that we do work for, along with some international bands. It's exciting working with groups that have been around your entire life and are now your partner in print. Also, I like to believe we've created a fun work environment for our employees. Sure, we have our busy season, and things can get stressful, but for the most part, our team is tight-knit, and everyone takes a lot of pride in what they do. Finding the right people didn't happen overnight. It's a long drive to get to where we are when it comes to hiring a group of people that work well together.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is handing off responsibilities. I'm trying to wear as few hats in the company as possible, but it's hard for me to let go. However, I find when I do finally hand off some of my responsibilities to my staff, it relieves stress and frees me up to do more important tasks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Top tips for people starting out:
- Don't give up. It'll be challenging. Starting a business is a lot like having a child. The business will need you 24/7.
- Hire employees when necessary. You can't do everything all of the time.
- Cross-train employees. It's important that employees know how to do many different tasks at your business. When people are sick or absent, it's easy to move people around and fill in gaps.
- Don't give up. As long as you pursue it and you have a product people are interested in, you'll succeed. Just don't give up.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://charmcityscreenprint.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmcityscreenprint
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CHARMCITYSP/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharmCityPrint
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charm-city-screen-print/
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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