In addition to a genuine interest in business ownership, Howard was
looking to have more control over the work he was doing.
I've known Howard Deskin for many years; he is a friend and fellow neighborhood volleyball player. On the volleyball court, he'd occasionally ask my opinion about a particular business or kick around a business idea. I knew that he worked for Wachovia Securities and didn't want to move to St. Louis after their merger with. A.G. Edwards. Two summers ago when he started asking my opinion about some business ideas, I suggested that we have a more in-depth conversation-off the volleyball court.
Howard had started his career as a CPA for public accounting firms. He parlayed that experience by moving into the private sector as a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company. Due to a very long commute into New York City, Howard and his wife took the opportunity to relocate to Richmond and Howard began working for Wheat First Securities (Wachovia Securities and now Wells Fargo Securities). He started his 23 year career there as a financial analyst, but eventually migrated into business systems management.
In addition to a genuine interest in business ownership, Howard was looking to have more control over the work he was doing. He wanted to be able to put his own ideas to work for himself, and have the ability to directly help his customers; he preferred having tangible results. He also wanted to find something he could envision himself still doing when he's 90. And of course, like all business people, income potential was important to him.
After a thorough exploration process, Howard was surprised to find two very different businesses that both had the potential to help him reach his goals. Ultimately, Howard selected WSI-Web Business Advisors, LLC (We Simplify the Internet)-an internet consulting business that helps companies leverage the power of the internet to market their products and services and ultimately increase their revenue and profit.
After almost a year in business, here's what Howard has to say about business ownership today: "It has all the elements I expected, including very hard work. Every day presents a new learning opportunity, and I have met hundreds of new people through my clients and vast networking activities. We have over 40 clients, and wonderful strategic partnerships with marketing and branding firms, graphics design firms, information technology firms, and business consulting companies."
