Entrepreneur Resources Your source for small business information
In this Small Business Spotlight, we turn our attention to Paul Mera, founder of Fine Design Kitchens, Inc. He shares his lessons on the road to entrepreneurship.
Name: Paul Mera
Age: 37
Business: Fine Design Kitchens Inc.
Type of Business: Kitchen remodeler
Years in Business: 10
Address & Phone: 35 Nixon Rd, Bolton, ON L7E 1K1 | Phone: 416-668-1625.
Email: info(at)finedesignkitchens.ca or fill out the contact form here.
What does your company do?
Fine Design Kitchens Inc. is a Toronto kitchen remodeler company that specializes in custom kitchen designs, cabinetry, kitchen remodeling, replacing, and re-facing. We also create custom wall units and closets to thoroughly tailor your home.
Fine Design Kitchens can also help to select & purchase other items for the project such as:
- Appliances
- Lighting
- Flooring
- Tile
- Plumbing (sinks, faucets)
- Countertops
What made you want to be an entrepreneur?
I wanted to become an entrepreneur because I knew that with hard work, the possibilities were unlimited. I also didn’t want to live the 9-5 lifestyle.
Why did you choose your business?
I chose this business because my father was in the cabinet business and growing up – I was exposed to a lot of the work. This exposure developed into a passion and a desire to start a cabinetry business of my own.
What prepared you for entrepreneurship?
I believe that being exposed to the industry allowed me to acquire the knowledge needed to consider this path.
Having a positive attitude and a good work ethic combined with my background in computer-aided design allowed me to take the leap forward to start my own business.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far has been being able to settle in my new location and watch the business slowly grow.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur is being able to create something from scratch and watch the satisfaction that the final product brings to the clients.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?
A couple of challenges that I have faced being an entrepreneur have been being able to find the right people for your team and having to sacrifice family time due to the number of hours that have to be put into the business.
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?
The one thing I wish I had done differently is that I would have started the business sooner.
How can others get started in this business?
I would say the first thing you have to do to get started in this business is to immerse yourself with as much education and knowledge about the business/industry as possible.
Also, get in contact with suppliers/wholesalers to see where you can get the best deals for your materials to keep your initial costs at a minimum.
Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs?
The advice that I would give to future entrepreneurs would be to take action. Once you start, try to surround yourself with a good team.
You also have to remember that you must be prepared to put in a lot of hours.
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