RUNNING HEAD: ENTRPRENEUR INTERVIEW 1

Local Entrepreneur Interview

Diana Householder

Siena Heights University

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Entrepreneur

The idea of an entrepreneur is most often of individuals who tend to take calculated risks

in order to succeed, whether this is in their own business or within a corporation. Therefore,

there is some presumption that we know what it means to be an entrepreneur. Through the stages

of innovation there is an understanding that some individuals are just more likely to take risks

than others so, does this mean that they have an inherent ability for entrepreneurship or does

everyone have capability to be an entrepreneur? It has been argued, Bird (1988) that the people

with the most talent become entrepreneurs because they have the skills and tools which are

essential in order to engage in creative activities. This might be so, but according to the facts this

is hard to believe as true. An individual who owns a small coffee shop with three employees

might be an entrepreneur, whereas the high paid executive whose coffee is served to him/her by

the coffee shop owner is someone elses employee. It is unlikely that the coffee shop owner has

more of an ability than the typical executive (Bird, 1988).

It is believed that one should have an unwavering belief in oneself and the business

and that these two aspects be essentially intertwined. Also, that an entrepreneur is someone who

works from the passion within, is highly motivated and has a strong will to survive which

intertwines with desire to succeed. The motivation and passion for what you do comes from

within oneself and as well as that sense of risk. Entrepreneurs embrace the risk over caution

because passion is more important than success. When you work from your passion within you

will find the will to keep going when the going gets tough (Kuratko, 2014).

Self-awareness management, sharing what we know and networking are important for the

success of the entrepreneur. According to Elenurm & Reino, (2013) entrepreneurs who are

innovative utilize knowledge sharing with researchers more often than other entrepreneurs who
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rely on friends and family members for advice. There are multiple leadership traits which are

important and useful in entrepreneurship, such as decisiveness, adaptability and the goal of rising

to the top. It is interesting to note that leadership factors have not changed much over time other

than being improved upon. Being a strong role model is a critical element in good leadership and

the realization that you are a reflection of your work. If more leaders walked their walk

organizations would benefit as a whole (Tice, 2007).

Entrepreneurs, according to Goolsbee, (2013) have unwavering belief in self and what

they do and understand that the goals for the business and the dreams for life need to be, if not

one and the same, then intertwined. Otherwise, its hard to find the will to keep going when the

going gets tough. The passion and the motivation must come forth from within the self, and there

must be an ability to embrace risk over a sense of caution. The Entrepreneurial spirit is often that

of passion being more important than success. A sense of ambiguity is also important for

entrepreneurs as they must be flexible and adaptable to their surroundings to deal with situations

in amicable ways (Goolsbee, 2013).

Entrepreneurs must be flexible to their surroundings and knowledgeable about their

situations. Therefore, being ambiguous implies a sense of openness to more than one

interpretation of situations or perceiving information in a neutral way in order to be able to see

the whole picture not just a fraction. Entrepreneurs have vision and in order to be successful,

must be able to see obstacles that might lie in their path, recognize the importance of passing

through the struggles and charge forward. They must stay focused on the vision through the

struggles. Facing great uncertainty, is a tolerance for ambiguity that sets an entrepreneur apart

from the rest of the world (Cardon, Wincent, Singh, & Drnovsek, 2009).
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Local Entrepreneurs Interview

In my locality, there are several entrepreneurs who I know personally and some who I

have only heard mention of. In searching out a local entrepreneur I had a difficult time deciding

who I would ask. I found that I desired to interview a creative entrepreneur as well as one who is

more business oriented to explore the differences in the answers to their interview questions.

I chose to interview two local entrepreneurs. One is local artist and author Donna Lee

Gauntlett and the other is, Robert Lohr, independent contractor/consultant in site acquisition,

zoning, and planning.

Donna Nelson Gauntlett

My first interview was with Donna Lee Gauntlett, a local artist and author who travels

with her aging parents from Florida to Watervliet for the summer months. Donna is a self-taught

artist who has also published two inspirational/motivational books, and is currently working on

book three. The following is the interview of Donna Lee Gauntlett local artist and self-published

author: Lee Gauntlett, D. (2017, July 23). [Personal interview].

Diana: Hi Donna, thank you for taking the time and allowing me to interview you. The first thing

that I would like to ask you is what is your idea of an entrepreneur?

Donna: An entrepreneur is a person who is an owner of a business they started, in hopes of

making their dreams come true. When their dreams do come true, they find both monetary and

personal success.

Diana: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial endeavor?

Donna: I was driven by sharing my new-found passion of creativity with others because I had

survived a serious illness and I knew that what I had learned could be shared with others to give

them hope. I knew my story and my art would inspire others who were havening similar
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struggles and I wanted to help by inspiring hope. At first, I was only selling my artwork when I

became inspired to begin art journaling which I would later publish as a book. I also created a

program called just drawing it out which helped others tap into their own creativity.

Diana: Tell me about your brand.

Donna: My brand is Donna Lee Gauntlett, Artist, Writer and Author.

Diana: What is your Niche?

Donna: My niche is inspirational and motivational self-help products, and hope in the form of art

work, books, gifts, and greeting cards.

Diana: How did you get financial resources to begin?

Donna: I borrowed money from my family to self-publish my books. I began to sell my art and

books on consignment and as I made sales I put the money back into purchasing art supplies.

Diana: What is your target market?

Donna: My target market is women ages all age groups but focusing more on 30 on up. Women

who are struggling of have experienced struggles and desire inspiration.

Diana: What inspired or motivated you to sell your artwork and publish your story?

Donna: As a child, I had been exposed to art expression and creativity through my mother who

loved to paint but I did not discover my own potential until I became very ill. While I struggled

with my illness, I began to pour my heart and soul into learning to draw and paint. I began art

journaling as I journeyed through healing my mind and body. Eventually I gained enough

confidence to call myself an artist. As my health improved I began sharing my art journaling on

social media and this resulted in a great amount of positive responses.

Diana: What were you selling first the artwork or the book?

Donna: I was selling my artwork before I published my book. What I did that really jumpstarted
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everything was when I decided to give myself a birthday gift one year. Every day for one month

I posed questions on Facebook and the person that answered the question first received a

piece of my artwork. Before I knew it, people were writing me and asking to buy my work and I

started developing this following of people.

Diana: How did family members influence your art expression and future motivation to publish a

book?

Donna: My grandmother was more of my cheerleader when it came to expressing myself and

encouraging me to follow my dreams. I hadn't learned how to draw yet, but she was so gentle

and encouraging and authentic that I have tried to carry on those characteristics in my own

work. She taught me more about living and reaching out to others and helping out those in need

or inspiring others, making people smile. It seems to set me on the path for creating inspirational

artwork and the teaching that I've done writing this book, giving others hope. My mom and

grandfather were artists, my two sisters are artists and my brother is an inventor. I assume that is

where those skills came in.

Diana: Did you have a business plan?

Donna: I did have a business plan for selling my art work. When I published my first two books I

rewrote the business plan to incorporate marketing myself as the brand.

Diana: What is your vision for the future?

Donna: Within the next few years I plan to reach a much larger audience, as I would like to see

my products in the Cracker Barrel chains and boutique shops throughout the country. Currently I

am working on my third book, I also have a childrens book in the works and am working on

creating a teaching kit that can be franchised. I also plan to promote my brand by engaging in

more public speaking events.

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Diana: What are some of the biggest risks or hurdles you have encountered?

Donna: The biggest risks that I faced were rejection, failing and losing the money that I had

invested to start the business. I also had to overcome my own personal fears of failure and

rejection. I had to learn that if a person doesnt care for my style, or brand that it was

not a personal attack on me. Another challenge that I faced was trying to focus on building the

business while taking care of my aging parents. It is also difficult to convince others of my

business plan which makes it difficult to obtain startup capital.

Diana: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?

Donna: What I recommend to new entrepreneurs is to develop an email to help you market your

brand. Marketing is the key to a successful business. Also developing a following on social

media platforms to raise awareness of your brand.

Diana: What was the worst advice that you received?

Donna: The worst advice that I received was actually from a family member. I had asked how I

should market my art and the reply was that my work is similar to what a Walmart customer

would buy so, target those people.

Diana: Going forward what is the most important lesson that you have learned through being an

entrepreneur?

Donna: It doesn't matter how great your product is, if people do not know you're out there they

will never buy your product. It's all about marketing, marketing, marketing.

Diana: Thank you Donna I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Donna: You are welcome.

Robert Lohr

The next interview was with Robert Lohr, Independent Contractor/Consultant In Site
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Acquisition, Zoning, and Planning. Robert has just started a new entrepreneur venture in which

he is marketing his skills in communication and administrative services. Robert graduated from

Western Michigan University with a degree in journalism. He has worked in various

communication fields such as writer for the Herald Palladium Newspaper, and as the

administrative writer for zoning and planning in a local municipality. The following is the

interview with Robert Lohr:

Lohr, R. (2017, July 21). [E-mail interview].

Diana: Hi Robert can you tell me a little bit about your business?

Robert: Hi Diana, I am an Independent Contractor/Consultant in Site Acquisition, Zoning, and

Planning. This business was created in response to requests to fill a void in local governmental

assistance dealing with ordinance and zoning matters. The business was created 1year ago

and is currently just myself working out of my home. I plan to remain at this location until the

need arises where further staff may be needed.

Diana: What is the Industry/Niche background for your business?

Robert: Advisement and procedural guidance in all aspects of municipal zoning, ordinance

administration and local oversight. My background is 23 years of Zoning and ordinance

administration with ICC certifications in property maintenance, zoning inspection with a State of

Michigan Zoning Administrators Certification from Michigan State University's Land Policy

Institute. Small to medium sized municipalities that do not have the resources to employ staff to

deal with zoning issues in a statutorily correct manner.

Diana: Why you?

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Robert: I have an extensive background in zoning and ordinance administration and procedures

coupled with a professional and cooperative approach when dealing with public officials,

developers and residents. Diana: Why did you choose this type of service?

Robert: My services are being offered to local governments that experience intermittent

challenges with developments or projects that require zoning or building expertise and that can

not afford to retain staff or afford the services of consulting or engineering firms.

Diana: Did you have a business plan?

Robert: Yes, to grow the business with a planned expansion of possibly 2+ employees and

maintain the highest reputation possible.

Diana: What is your vision for the future?

Robert: To keep the operation at a level that is manageable yet sustainable.

Diana: What resources did you require to begin and maintain the business?

Robert: The resources required were money, time, collaboration, etc.

Nothing in the way of substantial resources were required. The only initial capital outlay was for

a computer, file cabinets and a library of state statutes.

Diana: In your opinion what are the biggest risks?

Robert: The biggest risk is ill advising a municipality that would ultimately lead to legal

jeopardy to them and myself.

Diana: What obstacles or hurdles have you encountered?

Robert: Convincing local officials that most zoning processes and statutorily required procedures

did not require high cost consulting firms to accomplish.

Diana: Have you encountered any surprises?

Robert: Since my business is relatively new I have not yet experienced anything that I would
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consider a surprise.

Diana: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?

Robert: Be professional! When you take yourself seriously and project an aura of confidence,

others will take you seriously, as well.

Diana: What is the worst advice that you received?

Robert: I really was never given - or sought - any advice when upstarting this company. I just

offered services that I was confident I could do well and correctly.

Diana: Thank you Robert for taking the time to allow me to interview you.

Robert: My pleasure.

Conclusion

Donna proved to me that when it comes to cultivating passion that she has the heart of

the entrepreneurial spirit. With her deep interest and energy which makes it possible for her to hit

the high points in performance. Donna shows so much passion in her work so that she has the

ability to achieve her goals in a smooth manner. Donna also provides an example of entrepreneur

ambiguity. She is willing to accept failures, continues to take risks and paints a compelling

vision as she charges ahead to create order out of chaos one step at a time (Cardon, et al, 2009).

In the interview with Robert Lohr, he displayed the three levels of competencies which

are the skills necessary for an entrepreneur to venture into an enterprise, organize, and manage

the enterprise. These competencies are personal, interpersonal, and business competencies.

Robert proved he had the competencies of knowledge, the skills and the experience in order to

establish his entrepreneurial venture. Roberts interpersonal skills such as good communication,

the glue that binds all of the skills together will rocket him forward in his goals. Robert can use
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his effective interpersonal competencies in his communicating and building rapport in order to

push his business forward (Pratts, & Agulles, 2009).

Through these two interviews I was able to find both differences and similarities in the

entrepreneurs. I am able to see more clearly into the heart, mind and soul of the entrepreneur as

they shared with me their personal passions. What I learned from the interviews is that both

entrepreneurs had similar characteristics in their passion for what they do. They also exhibited

unwavering belief in self, in their business and that these two aspects are intertwined. Also,

confirming the multiple leadership traits which are important and useful in entrepreneurship,

such as decisiveness, adaptability and the goals of success. Going forward I plan to incorporate

the knowledge that I gained from these interviews into my future endeavors as I take the leap and

cultivate the dreams and aspirations of my future.

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References

Bird, B. (1988). Implementing Entrepreneurial Ideas: The Case for Intention. The Academy of

Management Review, 13(3), 442-453. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/258091

Cardon, M., Wincent, J., Singh, J., & Drnovsek, M. (2009). The Nature and Experience of

Entrepreneurial Passion. The Academy of Management Review, 34(3), 511-532. Retrieved

from http://www.jstor.org/stable/27760017

Elenurm, T., & Reino, A. (2013). Knowledge sharing challenges in developing early-stage

entrepreneurship. Retrieved from

https://search.proquest.com/docview/1860698065?accountid=28644

Goolsbee, C. D. (2013). Entrepreneurial traits and entrepreneurial success (Order No.

1540182). Available from ProQuest Business Collection. (1416366831). Retrieved from

https://search.proquest.com/docview/1416366831?accountid=28644

Kuratko, D. F. (2014). Entrepreneurship: Theory, process, practice. Mason, OH: South-Western

Cengage Learning.

Prats, J. and Agulles, R. (2009). Competencies every entrepreneur should develop: Beyond

business instinct. IESE Insight, 2(1), 50-57. Retrieved from

https://sienaheights.instructure.com/courses/1038/pages/week-2-mind-set-in-individuals-

readings?module_item_id=55099

Tice, C. (2007). Building the 21st century leader. Entrepreneur, 64-69. Retrieved from

https://sienaheights.instructure.com/courses/1038/pages/week-1-introduction-

readings?module_item_id=55096