Find Out What Drives Entrepreneur Lawrence Lee

Master Chef Lawrence Lee

Lawrence Lee brings 15 years of industry experience in many areas of hospitality including restaurants, nightlife, culinary arts, and mixology.  He also attended the California Culinary Academy and is a native of San Francisco.  He has worked as a Chef/Bartender in many San Francisco hot spots such as Hukilau Bar & Grill and Lava Ultra Lounge, along with over 10 years of nightlife promotions under his belt.
I admire my good friend for his drive, motivation, charm, and passion, so I felt he's the perfect person to find out what it takes to start a successful business.  He has owned a few businesses here in San Francisco including Mercury Lounge, JumpinDumplin, HayaHon and now his new venture called Street Food Dojo.  

Aimee: What drove you to become an entrepreneur?

Lawrence: I have always been driven to run my own business.  I have always left companies at the highest position available due to the fact that I could no longer learn anything new.

Essentially, I realized that I was successful at making other people money, and wanted to try it out on myself.

Lawrence's first business Mercury Lounge

Aimee: How long have you had this dream before starting your own business?

Lawrence: Since, my sophomore year in high school, as soon as I got my work permit, even though minimum wage during that time was $2.75. I enjoyed the fact that I had a grasp of the economic cycle.  Also, I was able to provide things for myself that a lot of kids were not able to do at that time. 

Aimee: What are some elements and inspirations of your creative thought process in creating a business?

Lawrence: Here are a couple of cheesy mottos that one of my mentors growing up gave me.  These have stuck with me to this day and I tend to apply it to all aspects of my decision making regarding my businesses and still continues to work.

·    #1-“You can’t make Dollars if it doesn’t make sense (cents)”: Meaning it’s the little details (coins) that you must pay attention to in order for the big picture to become clearer. A lot of people tend to open businesses without a game plan or even a plan B. If you cover all your bases then the BIG picture (dollars) will follow.

·    #2-“Stop worrying about if you CAN accomplish something, and worry more about whether or not you SHOULD.” A lot of people nowadays tend to just follow others.  They see a business that is HOT that everyone else is getting into, frantically try to get involved, and do the same thing without thinking it all the way through.  Plus, they don’t take the time to research all the mistakes others are doing to possibly learn from them, which in turn causes them to make the same mistakes as they did.  

     "When it comes to running a business, you need to make TIME your friend and not your enemy."

Aimee: Were you always a risk taker?

Lawrence: I used to be, but I adapted the mottos above, used time and knowledge to my advantage, and learned to make small risks to yield big rewards.

http://www.jumpindumplin.com/

Aimee: What are the top three things you think about when you get out of bed?

Lawrence:

#1 REFLECT on what I learned the day before.

#2 MOTIVATE myself on the day ahead of me.

#3 REMIND myself that a lot of other people rely on me to be on my "A" game and get motivated.

Aimee: When do you feel most passionate about your work?

Lawrence: The fact that it is something that I created and nurtured from concept to creation, and that no matter what it is, the public has decided that it is of some use to society and has accepted it as a part of their lives.

Aimee: Describe if there was a time when you felt like you were on the wrong path.

Lawrence: Honestly I feel this way every day, which is why the 3 things I do every morning (above) are so important to keep me motivated. I am lucky to be a single healthy man that can afford to take the risks that I do, day in and day out.  I do not have children or major expenses to worry about.

Aimee: What personality characteristic enables you to become a successful entrepreneur?

Lawrence: I make it a point to listen and understand the needs of my customers/clients... not everyone has the same needs so you can't treat them the same. Everyone deserves a careful and conscious customer experience with you because at the end of the day, there is always someone else to do your job BETTER, FASTER, and CHEAPER.

Aimee: Where do seek motivation from friends, family, or a higher power? And how does it motivate you?

Lawrence: My mother raised me and my 5 brothers and sisters essentially alone, not speaking the language and working 3-4 odd jobs on a daily basis.  She never complained and always taught me to work hard at my job, but at the same time learn the person’s job next to me as well.  This way I am never behind and ready to take the job of the person above me.

Aimee: What tactics do you use in order to market your business?

Lawrence: Always find your target market and where you think they will be in 3-5 months and make sure you are there. A lot of businesses tend to find what’s HOT at the moment and immediately place all their focus on it.  They are unaware that trends change so often that what they found to be the HOT thing, most likely is on its way out. You always have to make room for the next big thing. For Example, fashion and technology is always evolving. They both take a lot risk, but if you just keep copying what somebody else already did you will never be the next big thing and you will be the thing that already was. 

Aimee: What helps you stay focused when you are dealing with constant stream of employees, clients, emails, and phone calls?

Lawrence: I remind myself that the barrage is due to the fact that there is a demand to what I am offering, that what I’m doing may be the NEXT BIG THING, and do whatever it takes to stay driven and focused.

http://hayahon.com/pop-up-info/

Aimee: What tools do you use in order to keep you on top of things and stay organized?

Lawrence: I hate technology as much as I know that it is essential nowadays, but I’m old school and tend to hand write everything and manually keep files. This allows me to retain this information in my brain knowing that I wrote it, read it, filed it, and dealt with it myself.  It’s not rocket science, but it works for me.

Aimee: What types of contacts are most important when starting a new business?

Lawrence: Your vendor/employee relationships.  These people are essential to running and maintaining your business.  They are the life blood of your product and an important support system for when things are going tough.

Aimee: Whom do you go to when you want to, or are starting, a new business?

Lawrence: The city, permits, licenses, taxes, etc. This is the part of the starting a new business that you don't want to cut corners because it will bite you later.  Always do good by the city and the city will be your best friend. 

Aimee: Who helped you establish your business?

Lawrence: My partners, I am blessed to work with a group of guys that have the same passion that I do and look forward to growing our business together. It’s always important to have this support group.

Aimee: Who is your support network?

Lawrence: My partners, and friends and family of course. These are the ones that were with you in the beginning and have supported you through thick and thin. It’s only natural to gravitate towards them in your time of need.

Lawrence's newest venture-Street Food Dojo
 He's still deciding which logo to go with, which one do you like?

A Serial Entrepreneur: Craig Parks

I decided to interview my friend Craig Parks for my entrepreneurship class. He is what they call a "serial entrepreneur" who has his hands in many businesses. He is a driven individual who enjoys when a business works. Here are some questions I asked him..

What are your businesses you have started?

Commercial Audio Visual Company (California)

Wedding/Event rentals (Maui)

Used car business (Maui)

Food distribution (Australia)

Camping equipment manufacturer (Australia)

Motorcycle rental (Maui)

What is your current role in each business?

US companies: Founder and advisor for 15+ years

Australian companies: Mentor

Maui companies: More involved than others, but still just a mentor.

Have you always been passionate about your business?

I am not passionate about any particular business, but I'm passionate about business in general. I am passionate about making something work.

How many hours a week would you work regularly?

I would work anywhere from 70-100+ hours a week. Every living moment you are working on it or talking about it. You don't look at it like a normal job.

What are your core values in running your business?

#1 Looking after employees

#2 Having a good product or service

#3 Making the customer happy

#4 Punctuality

Do you have a support network? If so, who?

No, I am the support network.

Was there a time when you felt like you were on the wrong path? Describe.

I once had a telemarketing company and car alarm business. The products weren't good so I wasn't satisfied in selling them. It wasn’t an interesting job and the clientele was much different than say the audio visual business.

What are the most effective emotions when dealing with problems?

The least amount of emotion the better, only solving the problem in front of you and finding the solution for it.

What are some moral values you consider important as an entrepreneur?

Respecting people, doing a good job, and picking the right people for the job or task.

Have you taken risks with a new product or business idea?

All the time. I enjoy the rush. I once expanded a business too quickly and went broke. I learned from it though to help me be successful in my future businesses.

Are you competitive by nature?

Yes, in some things. I was once more competitive than I am now, but have calmed down a bit. I avoid competitive arguments with people.

How prepared are you to fail?

I'm fine with it because I am now better at avoiding failure. I also haven't invested in too many businesses recently because it is just too much work. 

Tell me about a situation where you failed in one of your businesses.

Audio business in New Zealand grew too fast therefore it failed. We didn't understand that cash flow is different than profitability. I have also failed with a model agency, real estate business, and gym. We failed because the wrong people were hired for the positions and they didn't attack with the same vigor I did.

By: Jessica Williams

Here Comes Entrepreneur Johleena!

My name is Chelsea Tran and I chose Johleena Tolentino as an entrepreneur to interview because she is one of my friends in The Art Institute of California-San Francisco. She is the most driven and motivated person I've ever met and she is always trying to build up her career.  She inspired me to work harder and she always gives me some encouraging advices that helped me deal with my work life and my school life.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself and your business? What do you do? How do you do it? Why do you do it and who do you do it for?

Johleena: I've always been a business person. I've been a part of different businesses but currently, as a side gig, I'm part of a start up company called Trumaker, which is a built-to-fit men's apparel clothing company. This company has a great concept. Basically, I set up appointments with a client either at their home or office, show them different fabrics they can choose from, measure them and go over little details such as: what type of cuffs, collars, placket no placket, etc. Everything is built to fit and customized to their body type. The reason I love this company is not only does it have to do with mens fashion but it turns into personal styling. You build the relationship and rapport with them and they begin to trust your style and decisions. I enjoy giving people fashion advice and building a wardrobe for them.

Since you became an entrepreneur, what have been your most outstanding accomplishments in the context of business?

Johleena: Time management is one of the accomplishments I can say I have learned and not necessarily mastered but definitely have gotten down. Time management helps me stay discipline with being in school full time, working full time and being a young entrepreneur. I've always progressed with my sales skills and communications skills. I was always able to reach my sales goals and build client relations. Building sales also helps me network with other successful business people.

Where there any key incidents or life changing events that inspired your decision to become an entrepreneur?

Johleena:  I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur ever since I was a kid. My family helped inspire me a lot. And my uncle, brother and older cousin were my inspiration because as I was growing up, I was watching them being businessmen. They were always driven and motivated by money, which inspired me to feel motivated too.

Is there a time when you had to take responsibility for mistakes?

Johleena: There are always consequences. When I was learning about life insurance, I was my own manager. I had to play a huge role and take ownership of my business. What I had to do was to tell people what their funeral imprint was and dealing with real life situations. I had to deal with the crucial process and seriousness that come with that situation. I would make human mistakes and would have to fix that. It wasn’t as easy as what others thought it was.

Are you the type of person to always blame yourself for mistakes and successes?

Johleena: Yes, life is full of choices. You have to make a lot of choices as a person; you have to be accountable for your actions.

What would you say is your key driving force when you first started out in your business?

Johleena: My family is always first in line and they have always been my driving force to be a better person, peer, and entrepreneur.

Was there ever a time when you felt really lazy and didn’t feel like doing anything?

 Johleena: Absolutely. I think that everyone has their days where they don't want to do anything but RELAX! When you work hard, I believe that you owe it to yourself to have some R&R and treat yourself to a mani/pedi, shopping, facial & a massage. Or just a day to rest and chill out because when you have that day to yourself it makes me push harder to go for what I want.

Would you call yourself a person who likes to keep control over all aspects of your business? If yes, why is that so?

Johleena: Yes, since I was a kid I've always been somewhat of a leader - with my set of friends, cousins etc. At every job I've had, I've been fortunate to be placed in management and that entails a lot of leadership skills and taking control of your business/store. When I was in life insurance and being an independent contractor, you had to take control over your business. Not only did leadership come naturally but in my eyes, who’s better to control your own business but yourself?

What is your personal life mission as an entrepreneur? That is; what contributions do you want to make with your life or what would you like to be remembered for as an entrepreneur through the businesses you create when you die?

Johleena: I want to be able to help people in anything in life whether it business, my fashion career and even on a personal level. I want to be remembered as that person who always had the right words to say at the given time. I want to be remembered for my good work ethics, my hustler mentality, and my love for God and my family. "Work hard, play hard" is always a motto I go by. Another saying is, "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." I believe that with anything in life whether is personal or business oriented -- you can achieve anything in life if your put hard work into it. 

How do you identify business opportunities and what metrics do you use to measure their viability?

Johleena: I believe business opportunities are everywhere. If it’s something I'm interested in I would take the risk and work to my ability to succeed. If I don't, I know I tired and that's what counts.

Have you ever felt like you will give up any time?

Johleena: Honestly, especially in life insurance, yes. I think that as an entrepreneur you will give up mentally more than a million times but personally speaking that makes me push harder. I believe that you have failed in order to succeed in life. If you've never experienced failure how would you know the true definition of success?

What is your take on the general notion that entrepreneurs should build a business around what they naturally love to do?

Johleena: I absolutely agree 110%. I believe that if you love what you’re doing, you will only succeed 10 fold because you love it! I don't think anyone should not wake up not loving what they are doing in life. If you find your craft in what you love, go for it and share that with the world! You're the expert in what you love and believe in!

Are you a person who always goes with your gut feeling?

Johleena: Yes, I always go with my gut feeling. I think that I have a good judgment when it boils down to "gut feelings."

Was there ever a time where you thought that you had too many ideas going on and you wanted to prioritize them?

Johleena: Yes! Always. I feel like my mind is constantly racing with ideas and dreams that I want to obtain. It's funny because my brother and I are constantly coming up with great business plans and concepts that maybe up and coming.

Are you the type to always think of new ideas and act on them?

Johleena: Yes, ideas, concepts and goals are constantly popping up in my mind! I'm also a realist, so if it’s an idea that I know I can achieve and work towards, I will work hard achieving it.  I must say that if I have my mind set on it I will do anything to obtain that!

Paulo Calle- Entrepreneur

Paulo Calle

Paulo Calle

Who is Paulo Calle?

Many Entrepreneurs are "Slept On" as is said in street lingo. Mister Paulo Calle is a clear example of one of the many talented foreign youths that has been able to successfully undergo several large life transitions and ultimately rise victoriously. This Bolivia native currently resides in Los Angeles, California where he recently has launched a new line of streetwear. Quite a large step, wouldn't you say? 

But this is not the first time Paulo undergoes this step. Back in 2010, with a group of friends that he met at The Art Institute of California- San Francisco, Paulo was one of the founders of The FREEDMINDS, a streetwear brand which rose through the ranks and obtained recognition through various Rap artist endorsements. Their company's mindset, "Build Pyramids" enabled them to expand rapidly. Paulo since then has "Dropped" his new line RARE PANTHER. After working as the marketing director for Freedminds, he felt it was time to independently begin his own brand. As of October 15th he has accomplished his goal and is currently selling on HYPEBEAST.com.

Our Interview:

So many accomplishments have been met by Paulo, and thus I wanted to know more about the man behind the name. What he thought of himself, his Entrepreneur background, and what the future held in store for him. On October 27, Paulo and I were able to finally talk, and thus I was able to take a sneak peak into this mans life...

After long hours of conversation I was able to narrow the list of characteristics that have allowed this man to be so successful. Yes everyone, I have found the keys to success and they are as followed: Drive, Passion, Creativity, Determination, Positivity, Charisma, Empathy, Focus, Philosophy, and Succession Planning. 

Paulo has had a drive to better himself from a young age. He claims that being from another country gave him a different outlook on life, the type that makes one ambitious and passionate. He was always determined to succeed and it was his focus that allowed him to accomplish so much. I was told in the interview, "You must remain positive through all the different ups and downs that you face" something to keep in mind whenever starting a new business. All and all I felt as if this interview really allowed for me to better understand Paulo and understand that with the right set of characteristics one can accomplish whatever one desires.