Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justin Esgar, CEO of Virtua Computers, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Virtua Computers are the masters at Apple-based businesses. We help solve business IT problems, avoid technical issues, and offer proactive support. Beyond that, we offer training with, MyMacMentor, our online training company, and Apple hardware repair and help with our Missouri-based hardware department - Gravity.

We want to offer all levels of support to users using Apple products. Anywhere from a 50-person office handling the coolest graphic design down to your mom's iPad and training her how to FaceTime properly.

Tell us about yourself

I started as an entrepreneur very early on. From selling origami pencil holders, which my friend made in 5th grade, to be the number 1 candy seller for my high school FBLA group, owning and running a business was in my DNA. That, coupled with my love of technology, made sense for me to start Virtua Computers eventually. I love helping and watching other companies flourish. Using my skills in technology and business has allowed me to wake up every day and see how my team's impact on these companies has allowed them to do just that.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment is not only surviving the pandemic but thriving in it. During the last two years, we have acquired three other companies. These companies have all allowed Virtua to grow and enhance its offerings. It's from these acquisitions we have been able to offer MyMacMentor, our training division, and Gravity, our hardware repair division. I have seen friends and colleagues close up shop over the last two years, and I'm happy to say we haven't been close to doing that. Our ability to thrive has a lot to do with how we structured the business before the pandemic and leveraged our skills, clients, and flexibility to move with the times.

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is dealing with the ups and downs. Everyone wants to be a winner. Everyone wants to do well ALL THE TIME. But the reality is that's not true. It is being able to grit through all the bad times. Getting that practice is. Working on yourself and the business when things need to improve. That's the hardest thing.

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

  1. Know your area of expertise inside and out. Then learn more about it.
  2. Don't fall for insta-preneurs. Those people on Instagram flashing money, cars, and houses. They aren't real.
  3. Understand it's not all unicorns and rainbows. Read my hardest thing to be a business owner section. Learn how to grit through the bad stuff. Learn who you can rely on for help, advice, or just to vent to. Learn to eat dirt. Learn to survive on less. Learn that it won't be a great day every day - but there will be a tomorrow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.virtuacomputers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtuacomputers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuacomputers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinesgar/

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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