My Entrepreneurship Story

I have had close ties to entrepreneurship for most of my life. Starting with my Grandfather who opened his own business in Ocala, Florida when I was young. He began a janitorial business and ran it for many years until my uncle took over about two years ago. My closest experience with entrepreneurship, however, was most certainly with my parents. Both my parents were working their own, respective jobs until my father lost his during the financial crisis in 2008. He was in the equipment rental industry and with no one looking to build anything new, there was little demand for his services.

Fast forward to 2010 and my dad finally decided to pursue his dream of owning his own restaurant. By the beginning of the school year in 2010, my parents officially owned a restaurant in Ocala, Florida. About two years after, my mom quit her job and started working with my dad full time at the restaurant. I am happy to say that to this day, they are still going strong and expanding every chance they get. They started with a small, 30 seat, 5-10 staff restaurant and now employ over 35 people and have over tripled the size of the restaurant. If you are ever in Ocala, check out Brooklyn's Backyard. You won't regret it.

Now for why I have chosen to enroll in this class. As you can tell, business and entrepreneurship run through my blood. I have always had the drive to do things for myself and lead any chance I get. I like the idea of owning my own business and being able to run things how I want to. There isn't much more to it! Entrepreneurship, in my eyes, shows strength and the drive to succeed. Running a business isn't easy, and those that do it have to be determined, disciplined, and intelligent. I hope that one day I can be in the same position as my parents.

Interior shot of Brooklyn's Backyard