Shifting Gears: My Transition from Finance to Running a Classic Car Shop

In 2008, I traded the corporate world and my suit for the more hands-on life of jeans and a T-shirt. It was a big shift, especially with the recession shaking things up. I was working at JP Morgan Chase at the time, navigating the chaotic markets, but it was the classic car market that really caught my attention. Things were looking up there, and after a moment straight out of a movie when my 1969 Black/Black Mustang Mach1 rolled off a trailer and into my life, I knew I had to dive deeper into that world. I was struck with the idea of starting my own shop after running into trouble finding someone to customize my new prize. I figured, with my background growing up around cars, how tough could it be?

Well, it was tough. Really tough. But also, incredibly rewarding. Launching a classic car restoration business was a steep learning curve, far surpassing anything I learned from an MBA.  Beyond the financial aspects, I was plunged into managing employees, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring our passionate clients were more than just satisfied. This venture into entrepreneurship reinforced the essence of hard work, the significance of building trust, and the art of managing both triumphs and trials.

Now, as part of CME Consulting, I leverage those lessons to guide other entrepreneurs through the complexities of starting and running their businesses. It's a role that allows me to share the insights gained from the exhilarating moments of success and the resilience-building challenges of setbacks. I’ve seen it all, the buzz of introducing our business to the community to the tough calls we had to make to stay afloat.

For anyone out there thinking of embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey, my message is this: Persevere. The tough times are not just obstacles; they're invaluable lessons. The victories are memorable, but overcoming the challenges? That's where the real growth happens. One of my mentors always said, “You have to go through the mud to get to the other side.” - Sandra McGlothlin. She couldn’t have been more right. Chasing your passion might be daunting, but it’s one of the most fulfilling paths you can take.

So, to all the aspiring entrepreneurs, take the leap. The journey might be tough, but it’s those challenges that pave the way to truly rewarding experiences. How hard could it be? There’s only one way to find out, and it’s by taking that first step.