Week #10

This week we had to write up our paper about our interview on an entrepreneur.  I actually interviewed a few so I could get advice and help from many different people in different careers.  However, I wrote my paper on my interview of Dr. Jonathan Powell, DDS.  My bishop, longtime friend, neighbor, and of course my dentist.  He told me about when he attended BYU, he really enjoyed biological science courses and this helped him realize he wanted to go into dentistry.  His biggest advice was to make sure I fully understand the field I want to go into before trying to start a business.  There are so many hidden things that business owners do not speak about on a regular basis.  He has paid for coaching that has really helped him learn how to better run his business and be happy.
I think Dr. Powell is a great example of a successful entrepreneur.  Over the past 8 years, I have watched his clientele base grow constantly.  His office staff has grown over the years also.  He has started marketing more, or at least I have just noticed it more.  As the owner, he is responsible not only for the dentist procedures, but the growth of the business, the marketing, the finances, the insurance, the maintenance, and so much more.  Yet he says the benefits definitely outweigh the challenges.  He is able to see his talent and skill bring smiles and happiness to many who used to hide those smiles due to self-consciousness.  What a great thing to know that you are helping make a difference in someone else’s life.