Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Salvatore Gencarelle, Founder of Helpers Mentoring Society, located in Custer, SD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Helpers Mentoring Society is a social enterprise that delivers educational programs internationally to teach the cultural practices of indigenous peoples. These practices promote systemic thinking as a way of bringing us back into balance with ourselves, other people, and nature. We teach pathways to deep nature connection, community building, and positive mental/emotional/spiritual/physical health.
Tell us about yourself
As the founder and current director of Helpers Mentoring Society, I had a Vision to create an international organization dedicated to supporting the revitalization of humanity’s relationship with nature, people, and spirituality - so that all life thrives. My training included dedication over three decades of apprenticeship with indigenous medicine and cultural keepers. I have designed a codified therapeutic method drawn from experiences and knowledge. I created the organization of Helpers Mentoring Society to deliver these teachings and experiences to people from all walks of life. My motivation is a Vision that I had as a young man to support the health and wellness of humanity in relation to nature which ensures the continuation of life. Helpers Mentoring Society is the manifestation of this Vision and my life’s purpose.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that I’ve designed a way using modern technology to teach over sixteen courses based on the methodology drawn from the wisdom of sustainable relationship to life and have been able to present these courses and seminars in 12 countries - to over 27 different cultures.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, one of the biggest hurdles that I had to overcome was recruiting people to fill tasks and responsibilities that were not part of my skill set. Finding qualified and skilled individuals was one aspect of the challenge – perhaps the easiest. Finding people who were also fully aligned with the Vision of the organization (as well as have the needed skillset) was more challenging. But, with patience and dedication, the right people were eventually recruited.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Embrace new technology that can support your organization and goals.
- Delegate roles and responsibilities to the right people.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment, and be willing to adapt as you go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.helpersmentoringsociety.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helpersmentor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpersmentoring/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HELPERSMENTOR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-gencarelle-94b7997/
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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