The path of the entrepreneur is known for taking twists and turns. But we’ve also found that it can start just about anywhere!
Here we tracked down the stories of four local business owners to learn about the unique career backgrounds that ultimately led them to ownership.
Crystal Williams-Palmer
AcADEMIC Manager & Home Mortgage Manager…
….TO priority Towing (Part-Owner), And Crash & Catharsis Rage Room (Owner)
I got my degree in English Literature with a concentration in Shakespearean Literature. (That doesn't get you into business, but it does get you to be great in that Jeopardy category.) I ended up working in corporate America after I graduated college for several large companies in leadership positions.
Why the switch?
These first jobs were jobs that paid the bills. I learned a lot about how to and how not to be an effective manager. My level of fulfillment was dipping very low.
The process of pivoting
In 2014, my husband Steve and I started Priority Towing, based in Woodbine Maryland. How does one go from having professional business meetings to learning the difference between a flatbed and wheel lift? It comes by a dinner conversation with my husband saying "I can't work for this guy anymore, I have to do something else" and my response "Why don't you start your own company?"
From there, Steve worked at building accounts and finding trucks and I learned the ins and outs of different motor clubs and towing billing. Over the years we increased our fleet from 1 truck to 12 trucks and 20 employees.
A second pivot
In 2021, I started to get antsy and looking for something else to do. With a friend's breakup, I brought out my favorite Rage Relief of hitting something. That something was a wall in my garage. Similar to the "Why don't you" conversation, Steve...not amused asked "There has got to be a better way to do that" and I responded "Well there are Rage Rooms..... " and the wheels started turning.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER-CHANGE or Business Ownership?
If you are wanting to do a big pivot with your career the best advice is prepare yourself for the worst and work for the best. Each time I changed my career path, I had a goal of how long to get the pivot to fully occur. I built enough financially to ensure I was safe, aka ramen ready and I had a backup in case things went pear shaped. The more I planned the easier it was to push forward with the career shift. It wasn't comfortable, but each time it was attainable.
My advice for starting a business is to talk to strangers. Reach out to people in the same field or similar fields, introduce yourself and explain your intent. Oftentimes business owners want to help and had someone in their past help them along their path. Reach out to your local government or local business groups and see what opportunities there are and free resources. You never know who can help you until you have that conversation that points you in the right track.
Dawn Burke
Lawyer …
… To MAssage THerapy (owner)
Prior to attending massage school and opening my own massage office, I practiced law for 16 years. I worked for the Office of the Public Defender in Maryland, had my own general practice office, and assisted in corporate merger work in D.C.
Why the switch?
On September 11, 2001, I was managing a project in Rossalyn, Virginia and working over 100 hours per week. When the plane flew into the Pentagon, I quickly realized how unhappy and exhausted I was.
Biggest challenge?
Not having a guaranteed income, and the feeling that massage therapy was not "equal to a law career" were the most challenging things for me to deal with when transitioning to entrepreneurship.
Most rewarding part of ownership?
Now I love being able to help whoever I want without time constraints.
How has your unique background helped you as a business owner?
My legal background has helped me understand my ethical duties and legal responsibilities AND work through Covid-19 requirements.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER-CHANGE or BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?
DO IT. Do what makes your soul sing. There are so many resources available to make your dream happen. GO FOR IT!!
Greg Brown
CORPORATE Management…
….to Owner of Brewers Alley & Monocacy Brewing
From 2004 – 2017, I spent time with Kellwood Company, Anheuser-Busch, Inc; Nestle, and TreeHouse Foods working in internal audit, finance, accounting, operations, general management, acquisitions, integrations, strategy, and project management.
I became a fulltime entrepreneur in 2017 and worked in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer opening 6 restaurants and acquiring / integrating a commercial foodservice equipment company.
Why the switch?
Opportunity to change and improve livelihoods with the ultimate intention of having a positive impact on employees, guests, community, and vendors. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow and blossom through hard work and an eagerness to continuously learn and challenge themselves.
Biggest challenge?
Walking away from my corporate paycheck while supporting a growing family (wife and 3 kids which are now 7, 5, and 3).
Most rewarding part of ownership?
Freedom, independence, a sense of accomplishment, and opportunities to meet new people and build relationships.
How has your unique background helped you as a business owner?
I like to say the only way to get experience is through experience. In your 20s, you think you have experience and know it all, as you work, learn, and grow yourself from your 20s to your 40s, you realize how much you have learned along the way and how little you knew when you thought you knew it all. I suspect I’ll think the same thing when I’m 60 and I look back on what I thought I knew when I was 40.
In a less philosophical view, I suppose auditing, acquiring/integrating, and running factories and businesses during my corporate stint has assisted my general understanding of the necessary corporate governance for a business to build upon. Lastly and at the end of the day, it’s all about people and relationships.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER-CHANGE or Business Ownership?
Be passionate and ready to grind. Realize and appreciate the amount of time and sacrifice required to build something sustainable and special. Always be there for your team, never stop learning, build and maintain relationships. Be okay and comfortable with the fact that it’s your job to make sure everyone is taken care of before you are.
Alex Marcado
Law Enforcement & Army …
… To Escape THIS (owner)
I have been a business owner since 1999. My 5th business, Escape This, has been open since 2017, and, before that, I used to be a police officer in Puerto Rico (8 years) and was a Sargent in the US Army (14 years).
Why the switch?
The flexibility, satisfaction, and my work ethic. I have a passion for creating new businesses and watching them grow.
Biggest challenge?
The insecurity, as an employee you have a reliable income, economic health care, retirement and many more securities, as a business owner your don't.
Most rewarding part of ownership?
The flexibility and success
How has your unique background helped you as a business owner?
I am very disciplined, organized, and responsible. Also, the leadership I learned while in the military.
ADVICE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER-CHANGE or BUSINESS OWNERSHIP?
I would tell them to find something they enjoy and research it. Find help on how to start your own business via a government agency or mentor. (online or at school) Create a very detailed and researched business plan.
Interested in starting the path to business ownership? Contact our department for resources and guidance along the way.