Interview an Entrepreneur
“An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew hoping he’ll quickly learn how to chew it.” (Roy Ash)
Thirty-two years ago, Steve Celar embarked on the journey of starting up his first business. After many years of struggle and hard work, his business has expanded into different areas other than what he had originally intended, all of those businesses are centered on cars but mainly, Hot Rods.
Steve is the founder and sole-proprietor of Kalamity Kars, and Kalamity Krash Repair. In 1978 when Steve founded Kalamity Krash Repair, Helena had little to offer for minor bodywork repair shops. There were approximately 7 or 8 competing shops in town. When first starting off, Steve did not necessarily think of himself as an entrepreneur, however, his entrepreneurial instincts have been what have grown and shaped his businesses over the years. Steve started his first business out in a 30 by 60 foot shop that was only 1800 square feet. He operated his shop with the most basic tools; including a homemade dent booth and framing system.
The first question I asked Steve was, “Did you have a business plan when you started, and what was the effect?” His answer to me was, “No.” Steve proceeded to explain to me that looking back; having had a business plan would have been a much better route that he should have taken. And if he had the chance to do it again, he would have most definitely had a business plan instead. A business plan plays the most significant role in the startup of a new venture. A business plan should always include; an executive summary, or “snapshot” of your business, the business’s mission statement, company description, S.W.O.T. analysis, marketing strategy, and financial analysis.
My second question to Steve was, “How did you pay to start your first business?” Steve explained to me that he paid out-of-pocket with some money he had saved, and also having good credit, he had several small loans, but no large business loans. Steve
Thirty-two years ago, Steve Celar embarked on the journey of starting up his first business. After many years of struggle and hard work, his business has expanded into different areas other than what he had originally intended, all of those businesses are centered on cars but mainly, Hot Rods.
Steve is the founder and sole-proprietor of Kalamity Kars, and Kalamity Krash Repair. In 1978 when Steve founded Kalamity Krash Repair, Helena had little to offer for minor bodywork repair shops. There were approximately 7 or 8 competing shops in town. When first starting off, Steve did not necessarily think of himself as an entrepreneur, however, his entrepreneurial instincts have been what have grown and shaped his businesses over the years. Steve started his first business out in a 30 by 60 foot shop that was only 1800 square feet. He operated his shop with the most basic tools; including a homemade dent booth and framing system.
The first question I asked Steve was, “Did you have a business plan when you started, and what was the effect?” His answer to me was, “No.” Steve proceeded to explain to me that looking back; having had a business plan would have been a much better route that he should have taken. And if he had the chance to do it again, he would have most definitely had a business plan instead. A business plan plays the most significant role in the startup of a new venture. A business plan should always include; an executive summary, or “snapshot” of your business, the business’s mission statement, company description, S.W.O.T. analysis, marketing strategy, and financial analysis.
My second question to Steve was, “How did you pay to start your first business?” Steve explained to me that he paid out-of-pocket with some money he had saved, and also having good credit, he had several small loans, but no large business loans. Steve