Consultant Profile: Brian Gilmer 

Area Center: Greenville

Title: Business Consultant

Start Date: August 9, 2023

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC network?

ANSWER: I worked in banking and consumer finance after completing my B.A. in Finance in 1990. Here, I met successful entrepreneurs and was drawn to being an entrepreneur myself. In 1994 and for the next 27 years, I owned my own business in real estate and property management. To continue improving myself, I earned an M.B.A. from Clemson in 2015. In 2021, I sold my business. I knew I wanted to give back to my community and help other entrepreneurs, and the SC Business Development Centers has provided me with that opportunity.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant?

ANSWER: Being an entrepreneur is hard. I made mistakes. It was a group of friends and mentors that helped me through those periods when I might have failed. The SC SBDC fills that same need by providing consulting services and education programs to help entrepreneurs avoid making mistakes so they can grow and be successful.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer aspiring business owners?

ANSWER: When you need help and advice, find successful people who have been where you are in your journey as an entrepreneur.

QUESTION: Do you have a particular area of interest/expertise that you offer clients?

ANSWER: My area of interest is business planning and finding opportunities within that process.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment?

ANSWER: The people at the SC SBDC are genuinely engaged in helping entrepreneurs with one unifying purpose—helping entrepreneurs achieve their desired success.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC?

ANSWER: Seeing clients prepared for success today and achieving that success for themselves and their families, based on the preparation and assistance from the SC SBDC.

QUESTION: Why is the SBDC an important resource for small business owners in South Carolina?

ANSWER: The SC SBDC is an excellent business resource since it provides a personal contact and partners with different agencies to provide assistance.  If we don't have the answers... we can find who does.

QUESTION: What quote/saying/maxim expresses your philosophy toward work and/or life?

ANSWER: A mentor once told me that when you look back on your decisions, the important thing is not winning or losing. The important thing is what did you learn.

QUESTION: What keeps you busy when you’re not at work?  What is your hobby and/or passion?

ANSWER: Cooking for my family and being able to share that time together is where I get the most enjoyment in life. Fitness has always been my challenge outside of work. Like life in general, the challenge in fitness will change, but the perseverance required will never change.

QUESTION: What else would you like for people to know about you?

ANSWER: I have had some success in my career, but that does not matter. The greatest value that I can offer to clients is what I have learned from my failures in business.