Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Steve Porter, Owner of TronicsFix LLC., located in Milton-Freewater, OR, USA
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is essentially a media company. We create what I call "repair entertainment" videos in which I try to repair an electronic device, usually one that has an interesting story behind it, and distribute those videos on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, etc. My customers are brands who want to advertise on our videos, as well as brands who advertise on the platforms we upload videos to.
Tell us about yourself
I was a stay-at-home dad while operating a game console repair business and randomly decided to make a video of one of the repairs I often did (even though I had no idea how to film, edit, etc.). That video actually got some views despite how bad I was at filming and editing. From there, I would upload videos when I had time (which was not that often since I ran a busy repair shop), and my channel slowly started to grow.
Eventually, I was at a point where I was too busy running my repair shop and making videos, and I had to choose one or the other. Since I saw a lot more opportunities for growth on YouTube, I chose to shut down the repair business and focus on just making YouTube videos. My channel kept growing at a good pace, and my wife was able to quit her job and come work with me. With her help, we've expanded to uploading on Facebook and growing our audience there, which has increased business income significantly.
I'm motivated because I love business, and I'm also motivated by emails, comments, and messages I receive from viewers who have started to learn how to repair their own devices from my videos.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would probably be finding the balance between business and my personal life. I've been able to grow the business while not losing sight of the importance of spending quality time with my family.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's difficult to stay focused on the most important parts of the business, especially after you start seeing some success. As you grow, there are more and more opportunities, and it's really hard not to take all of them. I've found, however, that it's important to stay focused on what's already working while still saving some resources to explore some side projects as well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Patience. Almost anything good takes time. I had a hard time building businesses earlier in my life because I hadn't yet learned patience.
- Focus. It's so easy for people to just move from idea to idea quickly and forget to stick with what's working or what shows promise. I've been able to build my business because I've stayed focused on what's working.
- Fun. It's important for me to enjoy most of what I do. I don't think everything can be enjoyable all the time, but I've found that my life is so much better when I look forward to going to work. I look at building my business as a fun project.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TronicsFix
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tronicsfix/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TronicsFix
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tronicsfix
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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