From Corporate Ladder to Entrepreneurial Freedom

You might be curious about my journey, and frankly, it's been an interesting one! I began my career as a consultant with Arthur Andersen, then spent a decade at IBM, followed by another ten years at leading tech companies like Polycom and Plantronics. My corporate life saw me build a successful career primarily in finance and marketing, with an MBA from Duke University (hence the "Duke" in Duke of Profit!). While fulfilling, I eventually grew tired of the relentless corporate pace.

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The Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship

That's when I made the leap into entrepreneurship. It's a longer story for another time, but suffice it to say, my business partner and I now own five successful car washes and a service company that supports other small businesses, primarily in the car wash industry. This venture into entrepreneurship has been incredibly fulfilling, offering a different kind of challenge and reward.

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Car Washes and SaaS / Recurring Revenue: More Connected Than You Think

So, what does car washing have to do with SaaS? More than you'd imagine! A car wash is a perfect microcosm of marketing and pricing strategy. It's not about inventing a new wheel, but about making an existing idea uniquely yours. Think about the myriad of options you're presented with at a car wash, or the rise of monthly subscription models (Car Wash as a Service, anyone?). These are all direct applications of the pricing and marketing principles I now consult on.

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Coaching Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Beyond consulting, I'm passionate about helping others who, like me, dream of entrepreneurship but haven't yet taken the leap. Many are held back by fear of failure or a lack of confidence in certain skill sets. I want to show them it's achievable, even with a seemingly "unsexy" business idea. I'm currently pursuing ICF certification as a coach, aiming to guide individuals through their entrepreneurial journey, not just provide answers, but empower them to find their own solutions.

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Why I Do What I Do

You might wonder why I continue to consult and coach when I've found entrepreneurial success. The truth is, I'm selective about the projects I take on, and I genuinely enjoy it. I thrive on solving problems, learning new things, and most importantly, helping people achieve tangible results. It's incredibly fulfilling to contribute to someone else's success.

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And lastly, as a child of the '80s, I can't help but channel a little bit of the A-Team. "If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire... the Duke of Profit." I strive to be easy to find, and like the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together" – especially when it comes together for your success.

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Best,

Erik