The Room Where It Happens

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Will Lucas, Founder of TolHouse, located in Toledo, OH, USA.

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

TolHouse is a private, Members-only social club that caters to the city-dwelling creative and entrepreneurial class. Our club features 5 bars, 5 lounges, a yoga studio, a cigar lounge, a theater, multiple conference rooms, full kitchen, a coffeehouse, and Toledo's first and only Jazz club in more than 10 years. The coffeehouse and Jazz club are open to the public.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a Toledo native, and I always knew I was going to work for myself. I grew up thinking that my efforts to make way for myself would put me in the music business, but I've always stayed aware of where opportunities were. I started my first company, Creadio, which is a full-service marketing technology and production agency, back in 2007, and today our portfolio includes not only Creadio but also a growing real estate footprint, TolHouse, an athletics promotions company, and a tech startup. I also serve as the Brand Manager for AfroTech, the largest Black tech digital footprint and conference in the world. I'm the host and producer of our podcast, Black Tech Green Money, which features stories and insights on wealth creation. It's available on all podcasting platforms.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I get the most joy as a business owner out of providing opportunities for people to live out things that bring them joy. I have the most incredible team, and we work hard to put them in positions to be successful and feel fulfilled.

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

One of the hardest things as a business owner to endure is there is often a lot of isolation, and the business is never not on your mind. It's real work to turn 'off' and just enjoy moments outside of work. At the end of the day, all issues fall on you. There is nobody else to call when it hits the fan.

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

Learn to delay gratification.
Reinvest the profits.
Find an idea big or impactful enough to work on that smart, driven people want to come alongside you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tolhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tolhouseclub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tolhouseclub/

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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