Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Professor Pete Alexander, Co-Owner of Office Plants by Everything Grows, located in Danville, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

At Office Plants by Everything Grows, we help organizations reduce stress and improve productivity through the methodical design and placement of lush living plants in work environments. Our customers are commercial property office managers, facility managers, and the like.

Tell us about yourself

I purchased the business in 2005 after working for the second company in a row that got acquired by its competitor. Today, what motivates me is making a positive difference in the lives of others, and bringing nature indoors for our customers is a great way to make a positive difference.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Bringing on a business partner who complimented my skills in 2008. Our partnership has allowed our company to continue to grow through the great recession of 2008 and survive the COVID business challenges that started in 2020.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Setting proper boundaries on your time in order to provide the best support to your employees and customers.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find a compatible business partner.
  2. Be willing to work in all aspects of the business to fully understand what works and doesn't.
  3. Make sure to identify your top 5 values as it relates to your career. I learned to do this using a 10-minute activity.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If anyone has a business in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are happy to provide free interior landscaping design consultations.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://officeplants.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officeplantsbyeg
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InteriorPlants
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LhvnlN

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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