I started at age 19 with an arcade game route. I started from the desire to eventually open a free standing arcade and because I had to pay additional taxes to the state of California, despite claiming zero and working three jobs and going to college. Took 3 years to turn a profit, and 4 years to figure out how to do it right. In the end, I was making 3k a month, cash, working 4 hours a week, and held a full time job as an engineer/supervisor. Sold it and put the money in the bank and used this as a down payment for a nice plot of land to build a dream home.I have also owned a pool hall, where I lost a ton of money. Ran a swimming pool cleaning route for a year also.Currently I own 4 hair salons, and am scouting locations for numbers 5 and 6. I just completed law school, and may start a law firm on the side. My degree is in engineering, and now law, and my love will always be working in a factory, but that probably will not happen again. Despite the fact I made where I worked a ton of money,I make a lousy employee. I have a big mouth.As for starting your own business, save a lot, and do not expect to draw a check for a long time. I currently make 300 a week. (after 4 years) Hourly this works out to well below minimum wage. I also am leveraged to the hilt to keep expanding. But I know when things turn around, and they always do, I will be in a good position. I spent most of my time building the business while maintaining a full time job. This is the only way to do it. I m against having partners, as one will always screw the other one (they both will, just a matter of time). If you want a partner, get married, or a dog. You ll learn more from doing than from school. They will teach theories and all that stuff, and stress the importance of a business plan (which I hate), but when it comes down to it, to get a loan requires the money to pay it back if your business fails. Everything else is a waste. Business is about relationships, reputation, determination, implementation. I work out of Starbucks (I hate coffee by the way) and make some contacts there. Business is not about an idea. Everyone has an idea, the trick is actually doing something with it.Best of luck to you.
I am an Independent Consultant. I started my business to supplement my income a couple of years ago. A few months into it I realized the income potential and the wonderful opportunity of never having to work for someone else ever again. At the time I was a bank manager with a Psychology degree. I started my business for a $100 and it took me about 8 months to turn profit. It has now become my passion. I love what I do, not only for the great money, but for the great people that I work with
