Job Responsibilities
I am responsible for site selection, construction oversight, and
operations for multiple Cold Stone Creamery ice cream stores.
So, I dabble in real estate, negotiate leases and contracts,
hire, develop and train managers, organize marketing
initiatives, press the flesh, and run monthly accounting
procedures.
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Job Requirements
MBA programs are marginally helpful for entrepreneurs.
Accounting, finance, and statistics are helpful but sinfully
boring. Marketing is intellectually stimulating, but nearly
useless. Strategy is absolutely critical for understanding the
big picture. Operations and IS classes are a complete waste of
time. I can only speak for the BU program; however, I question
the value of the MBA. My liberal arts education (English and
Economics) was more worthwhile for learning people skills, trust
in own intellect, and mojo.
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Uppers
I am my own boss. There are no politics, no ass-kissing and the only morons I
have to deal with are the ones I am responsible for...hence there are no morons
to deal with. I thrive on training people to succeed, offering the means for
success, the parameters, etc.
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Downers
There are many wonderful people out there to work with.
Unfortunately, some are just out there to screw you, and they
put on a great show. When coordinating large projects with many
parties (the construction of a store within a lifestyle center),
there are many people who screw up, shirk and can't take
responsibility for their failures.
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Lifestyle
I work all the time. I wear whatever I want, do whatever I want, work from
wherever and answer to myself.
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Compensation
My compensation is entirely tied to the success of my stores.
Currently, all compensation is tied up in the development of new
stores; but in several years, it will be substancial...250,000
and up.
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Advice to Jobseekers
If you are aggressive, fiercely independent, self-reliant, and
good with people, working for yourself might be the ticket.
This is not a job for the timid or near sighted...you must see
the big picture, take decisive action, and be willing to work
crazy hours for several years until the fruits of your labors
can be realized.
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