Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bill Ryan, CEO of Transplant Life Foundation, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to supporting organ, eye, and tissue transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and patients awaiting transplants.
Tell us about yourself
There are currently over 100,000 individuals in the U.S. awaiting an organ for transplant. On average, approximately 20 people a day will die because an organ is unavailable for them. Only roughly half the population is willing to donate an organ; when they die, many organs end up not getting transplanted. I have been involved for over 40 years in the donation and transplantation industry and have seen many miracles of life-saving transplants.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Every day somewhere in America, a patient is receiving a life-saving transplant partly because of our work in supporting and promoting organ eye and tissue donation. In 2021 there were over 40,000 transplants conducted in the United States.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Funding for non-profits is always difficult; these last few years in the pre and post-COVID environment, it has been especially difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Build an honest and workable business plan and sell it to sponsors, investors, and anyone who will listen. Utilize the Internet to maximize exposure and be confident in your plan.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.transplantlifefoundation.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransplantLifeFoundation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transplantlifefoundation/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/transplantgames
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3yJeUSL
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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