When the Pine Falls Paper Mill shut down, it sent shockwaves through our community. My dad, like many others, suddenly found himself out of work. But instead of succumbing to despair, he teamed up with my uncle, and together, they started a construction company to make ends meet. Both were skilled carpenters, and they threw themselves into the business—doing everything from the books and scheduling jobs to the hard, hands-on work of building.

But the demands of entrepreneurship are relentless. My dad and uncle were great at what they did, but the pressures of managing a business became overwhelming. Without the right tools or guidance, they struggled to balance the day-to-day operations with the long-term vision necessary to sustain and grow their company. After a few years, they had no choice but to close the business. My dad had to return to a gruelling day job, a path far from the rewarding future he had once hoped for.

I often think back to those days and wonder how different things could have been if I knew then what I know now. I could have helped them focus on their ideal customers, build a strong and reputable brand, and create a consistent sales funnel. They could have directed their limited time and resources more effectively, and perhaps, they would have reached a point where the business could thrive on its own, allowing my dad to step back and enjoy the fruits of his hard work.

This story is all too familiar, and it’s the driving force behind why I do what I do today. I focus on helping contractors and small business owners avoid the same fate that befell my dad and so many others. My goal is to empower business owners to navigate the complexities of marketing and entrepreneurship so they can build sustainable, thriving businesses that don’t just survive—but succeed.