Area Center: Sumter Title: Business Consultant Start Date: January 10, 2022

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC? ANSWER: My career background was in the office products distribution industry as a Director for Staples. We held contracts in the healthcare industry to distribute office products, janitorial products, office furniture, technology products as well as printed products. Our contracts ranged in sales from 30 million to 250 million dollars per year. Our team managed the contract process as well as training and sales leadership of our field personnel. At a more personal level, I am a certified grant writer and part-time personal tax preparer familiar with both Taxslayer and TaxAct software products.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: I wanted to utilize my business skills, including my degree in accounting and my MBA.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring business owner? ANSWER: An aspiring business owner should recognize the level of commitment required, both in time focused on operating the business and additional hours required to manage finances, marketing and sales. Successful small business owners always take the time to reflect on the long-term health of their business and develop multi-year strategic plans.

QUESTION: What area of interest/expertise do you offer your clients? ANSWER: General business and strategic selling background, personal taxation, accounting and social media marketing.

QUESTION: Since becoming an SC SBDC consultant, what is your greatest accomplishment? ANSWER: I have revived the SC SBDC’s relationships with stakeholders in Sumter and Clarendon counties.

QUESTION: Why is the SC SBDC an important resource for business owners in South Carolina? ANSWER: We offer assistance on a broad range of topics that apply to business owners, such as licensing, planning, finance, insurance, legal and sales/marketing.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC? ANSWER: When clients acknowledge that our consulting services are rewarding for their small business.

QUESTION: What quote/saying/maxim expresses your philosophy toward work and/or life? ANSWER: Aspire to Inspire.

QUESTION: Describe your approach to counseling. ANSWER: EPEC to EPIC. E for experience, P for passion, E for equity and C for credit. These categories can lead to EPIC, the monumental moment of becoming a business owner.

QUESTION: What keeps you busy when you're not at work? What is your hobby and/or passion? ANSWER: Church work, golf, cooking, and yard work.

QUESTION: Provide any additional information that will enhance your final Consultant Profile: ANSWER: My educational background, successful career in consultative selling and sales profitability, as well as experience in grant funding and personal taxation will serve me well in being able to share with our clients the road to a profitable small business.