Alumni Sean wins business grant through entrepreneurship competition

Sean is a self-starter and entrepreneur who completed Personal and Professional Development Training with us in Kansas City this January. This summer he won a business grant through Determination, Inc. as part of their Rise Up, Get Started entrepreneurship competition.

We recently talked with him about his business, future goals, and advice he would give to other entrepreneurs. 

Sean (right) receiving his Personal and Professional Development Training Certificate from Training Manager, Marc (left)

You’re a business owner in the KC area. What’s your business and what was the process like getting it started?

My business is JEFE, LLC. I do property maintenance on houses, which includes landscaping, tree pruning, yard cutting and snow removal, leaf removal, things of that nature – and beautification of the properties. 

When we got to know you and your entrepreneurial spirit, we encouraged you to also connect with the nonprofit Determination, Inc. How have they helped as you’ve grown your business?

They helped me to get my business things in order. They give me some insight on what to do as far as being a business owner – for the paperwork, how the banks will look at you if you need a loan, how to target your customer base – they helped me a whole lot. And even, you know, with the grant. 

What are your goals for your company and yourself as you keep moving forward?

My goals for myself is to grow my company better than it already is. It’s just a passion of mine. I’m just going to keep on doing this because this is what I like to do. I have a passion for it, and I believe in practice makes perfect. 

It’s like a relationship. If you don’t put any time into your business, you’ll never have no business. You have to put in time, just like a relationship on a consistent basis and try to keep steady and never get discouraged.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

I believe that most everyone should be spiritual. I mean that’s just me, I apologize if I offended anybody, but without a spiritual backing, nothing can happen in these days and times. 

The second part of it is – you have to be determined. You have to know what you want and don’t be afraid to get out there and do what it takes. Stick to the plan, even if it takes longer than normal. Sometimes it does take longer than  normal, but you gotta keep on striving and striving. Like I said before, practice makes perfect. 

What’s it been like working with your Life Transformation Coach?

He’s the best, you know what I’m saying? He’s the best – keeps me on my toes. Keeps me connected with people. If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t have won that grant. I mean, he’s got a lot of resources. Life coaches are very important. 

If you use them, work them to the best of your ability. Just because you complete Connections to Success, stay in touch, stay connected, you know what I mean. It can help you…It really helped me. 

Full interview edited for brevity and clarity

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