Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business solutions but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrey Olinov, Founder & CEO of Curated Soft, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Curated Soft is a Vancouver-based software development agency working exclusively with tech startups. We bring top development talent to projects in Canada and US, ranging from mobile apps to web-based platforms.
Tell us about yourself
Andrey is a serial entrepreneur passionate about customer service, win-win solutions, and small businesses. Starting his entrepreneurial journey in Saskatoon, SK, by building a managed services IT company from a single person to a team of about 20 people, ultimately exiting from the business to move to Vancouver and start Curated Soft. Participating in startup projects from early stages is something that Andrey loves doing - not only is he helping his clients to build a top-notch platform that they have envisioned, but he is also helping to apply his business experience to help them work on the business at the same time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment is building a business and an environment that is supportive of personal growth and development for all involved. Many people that Andrey hired over the years progressed in their careers immensely and, in some cases, found their true passion.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is isolation. Although not obvious sometimes (especially when surrounded by a team or clients), the life of the business owner can be very lonely. It's hard to make true friends with your employees (if not impossible).
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Because of the isolation (mentioned in the previous question), I would say the first and foremost is to build a tribe - your spouse, your friends, your partners, and your vendors.
- Be frugal with finances, especially if it is an outside investment.
- Always keep the end goal in mind and have a system in place - if you think you will eventually exit from the business or not, it is helpful to find a system that helps you get to your goals.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://curatedsoft.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreyolinov/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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