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Job Title: President/Owner Of Small Business
Type of Company: My company does hazmat surveys for residential and commercial properties. We also monitor air quality on projects where hazardous materials, like asbestos, are being removed.
Education: Northern Illinois University
Previous Experience: I worked as a project monitor for a general contracting company and followed this up with a job at an industrial hygiene firm.
Job Tasks: I am currently responsible for all aspects of running my company. I hire, supervise, train and, when necessary, dismiss employees. I also write proposals for projects, conduct walk-throughs for subcontractors, perform inspections and surveys, prepare work schedules and invoices, and write reports for finished projects.
A typical day for me is never typical: it changes every day! It usually starts out with answering emails and returning telephone calls. Then I have to make sure that each of my employees is at his assigned task for the day. I have to review all work that is turned in to me for accuracy and generate the corresponding reports for those projects. I may have to attend one or more meetings on any given day, so travel time can take up a part of my day. In the meantime while all of these things are going on, I have to field phone calls from real estate agents, homeowners and contractors - all of whom either have questions or need to schedule work with my company. From time to time I also have to take refresher courses for the different licenses I hold.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is being my own boss, and my success is measured, finally, by how much work I put into my job. Also, if I need to schedule time off, I can do it when I want to or need to.
The worst part of my job is scheduling multiple jobs and making sure I have the employees to cover those jobs. If someone calls to cancel a job, it can create havoc with my scheduling. Also, because I own my own company most people think I sit around and count the money rolling in. They have no idea how hard I have to work to be successful.
Job Tips:
1.) Realize that owning your own business entails a lot hard of work and long hours.
2.) Work for a small business that is similar to the one you would like to run someday. You can learn a lot that way, especially if it is really something you want to do.
3.) Make sure you have a very good support staff, such as your office manager.
4.) Learn how to delegate tasks effectively and keep in mind that you cannot do everything!
Additional Thoughts: Don't be afraid to pursue your goals and dreams!
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