Launching and operating a business is no small feat. The task demands a tremendous amount of creativity, tenacity, and risk-tolerance. We call those who have what it takes an ‘entrepreneur.’ The serial entrepreneur is the rare individual who is willing and able to take on the challenge repeatedly. One idea after another, these individuals are ready to do what it takes to bring new projects to life.
Below we caught up with five successful serial entrepreneurs in Frederick — and asked them to share their unique insight on the fundamentals of building a successful business:
Mike Winder
Has launched seven unique downtown business concepts, including: Frederick Fudge & Ice Cream, Shab Row Tea Emporium, The Pasta Palette, The Cutting Board; The Cook's Kitchen; Good Juju; and Kenzie’s Creamery;
in addition to owning the Frederick Coffee Co. & Cafe
What Motivates you to Launch a New Business?
Opportunity — What seems to be popular, what are customers asking for, can we do it on a smaller scale.... I am not looking for large businesses. I like to operate small places that I can manage day-to-day with not a lot of management help. It also needs to be a business concept that can fit into a building I might be looking at, and I prefer to stay in Everedy Square/Shab Row for the most part. We find the building first, and then see what can we do with it.
Which business was the most challenging to launch and what have you learned from the experience?
Shab Row Tea Emporium. Our tea knowledge was limited, so we learned along the way. We knew customers at our coffee shop were asking for a better-quality tea, so we started down that path. We waited for the building next door to the coffee shop to become available because we knew we wanted to share customers and patio space. Then it was how do we do it big in a small space. We were able to devise a great display space to hold 320 loose leaf teas. Now — 11 years later — we continue to grow every year. What we learned was we can do a lot with a little and you need to just go for it.
What common themes do you see in the successful management of a business -- regardless of industry?
Ownership being present is number one. There’s no substitute for immediate feedback and an owner's passion for the business.
advice For the first-time entrepreneur:
It will cost you a lot more than you think, be ready to work every day, surround yourself with a great crew, and keep up with the times.
Darren Sheffield
Has launched eight business concepts, including: MIDAR Fashion, MIDAR Beauty Bar, MIDAR Entertainment, MIDAR Motors Preowned Vehicles, MIDAR International Recording Studio, 1st Exodus Construction, Hair Chef, and Free From Dirt;
with two more coming soon: MIDAR Cigars and ICE Lab Recording Studio.
What Motivates you to Launch a New Business?
I am motivated by businesses that help people. Specifically businesses that help people feel good or inspired. That’s why music is the basic foundation of MIDAR. No matter what your day brings or what cards life deals you music has that power to motivate you to keep going and enjoy life.
Which business was the most challenging to launch and what have you learned from the experience?
Definitely MIDAR Motors! I had no prior knowledge or experience about the auto industry. I long time friend gave me the opportunity and was mentoring me through the process. Unfortunately he passed from Covid shortly after we opened but I didn’t quit and we’re still rocking and rolling! I learned that as long as you’re in the game you can win. I also learned the importance of having a good business partner. It is good to have someone passionate and knowledgeable about the industry working beside you.
What common themes do you see in the successful management of a business -- regardless of industry?
Optimism and a great team. No matter what industry if you work hard, stay focused, positive and can build a team of supportive people you can’t lose.
advice For the first-time entrepreneur:
Don’t quit and build a team! You can’t do it alone. You may have to start it alone because it’s initially your vision but look for like minded supportive people to build with. Win as a team not as an individual!
Jamie Herdandez
Has launched J & V El Eden, Habanero Tacos Bar & Grill, a real estate portfolio of rental homes,
and coming soon: River and Bar Grill in downtown Frederick.
What Motivates you to Launch a New Business?
My first job was in 1996 at the China Garden. I started as a dishwasher. I took my role seriously and I ensured that the kitchen was always cleaned. In 2001, I opened my first restaurant in partnership with my brother Juver, Los Trios Restaurant. We started at Waverly and moved to the Golden Mile. We chose Frederick because of the community, and we wanted to create jobs for our family members.
I would like to keep opening more businesses in Frederick, since I first came to Frederick I fell in love with the city and the community. I want to help the community grow, give back and help create jobs and opportunities.
Which business was the most challenging to launch and what have you learned from the experience?
The restaurant business is very challenging. I opened El Eden in October 2016, then I opened a second location Habanero, which gave me additional exposure in different parts of the community. During the process I learned so much from applying for permits to getting the inspections but what I learned most was to be patient and to learn from my partners and embrace the growth of being a business owner.
The foundation of my success has been to always be courteous to my employees and value everyone in my team. This has been the key to my success in the past 7 years.
What common themes do you see in the successful management of a business -- regardless of industry?
Punctuality and lead by example. Be disciplined and keep learning from each other.
advice For the first-time entrepreneur:
Always persevere, be disciplined and lead by example. Also treat everyone with respect.
Jeff and Onna Keeney
The couple has launched South Side Tire & Auto and Southbound Western Wear & Boots. Both businesses are located on East Patrick Street.
What Motivates you to Launch a New Business?
Our motivation to launch a new business is simple: Jeff is quite the dreamer! They say that dreamers make the best business owners as you have to dream it in order to make it happen.
As most people do...we wanted to make a better living for our family and our employees all along serving our community with exceptional service. Giving back to the community is very important as without them, we would not be successful. Supporting our youth thru 4-H and our local farmers is important to us as they are the foundation of our business. With Southbound Western Wear and Boots, we wanted to give our community an "in person" presence. If you don't live in the mid-west, you cannot get any of the products we offer, and you have no choice but to purchase online. To be able to see, feel, touch, smell and try on the items in our store before making a purchase is SO beneficial with the added bonus of speaking to our trained staff members who make sure you have the best fit before purchasing. The in-person customer service is needed in our community.
Which business was the most challenging to launch and what have you learned from the experience?
Southbound Western Wear and Boots — With Southbound Western Wear & Boots, we had the business knowledge, but getting inventory to open a store was very challenging during COVID-19.
We have learned that when one door closes, go to the next one. And keep moving forward until that door opens. When one bank tells you no, reapply for that loan at another one. Sometime, sooner or later someone will believe in you and support you on what you have to offer. Just don't give up just because one person says no, go onto the next one and before you know it the ones you had your sight on in early stages, will come knocking at your door one day. Not everyone will take you seriously until they can see you succeed!
What common themes do you see in the successful management of a business -- regardless of industry?
The common theme to remain successful we have found, regardless of the industry, is to have a good team of employees. The job interview is very important...you need to pick your team members to have the head, heart & hands to do their job. Train them with the proper procedures and the culture you have set for the representation of your business. (much like Chick Fil-A: My Pleasure) Let them know they are important and respected but you cannot be their best friend. Be good to your employees and they will share your dream!
advice For the first-time entrepreneur:
The best advice we can give a first-time entrepreneur is to don't listen to others...there are a lot of people that do not want to see you succeed. They are family members and friends! When you tell them your dream most will say, "you don't want that, that's too much work" or "I know some guy that did that and he never made it" or "no one in our family has ever had their own business, why would you want to do that?" and even, "man, it won't work, the big stores offer so much more".
Hire the right staff, but remember that no one has the love for your business as you do. You have to keep the vision, remain driven! Eat, sleep and breathe every moment for your business. Don't be afraid to say no and don't have too much pride to ask for help, accept help when it is offered. Mostly remember that you cannot please everyone so don't beat yourself up. Get a good night's sleep and drink plenty of water!
Interested in starting a business in The City of Frederick?
Contact The City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov for resources and assistance throughout the start-up process.