The Paying Field: Kyle Tabor on Entrepreneurship
By Arkansas NEXT on Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Kyle Tabor
Job: Owner/Founder of Blue Sail Coffee
Age: 25
Hometown: Vilonia
Degree: Marketing, University of Central Arkansas
Why did you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I decided to be an entrepreneur when I realized that an entrepreneur had, potentially, more of an ability to influence peoples live (in a good way!) than an employee of a company did.
How did you get started?
I started with the belief that coffee can add value to a community, if done well. I started by formatting a business plan, telling everyone I knew, and making risky decisions. I convinced a friend to buy me an espresso machine. I got the biggest credit card I could, I quit my job, and I opened up shop with the change in my pocket in downtown Conway. Luckily it worked out. Now I have 13 wonderful employees, about to have 28. And a thriving roasting department.
What is a typical day at your job like?
A typical day for me can look like anything. One day I can be taking photos for an entrepreneur magazine, the next I can be making coffee, and the next I can be a plumber or a janitor. I have to ready for anything. However, most of my days look like me making dozens, if not hundreds, of decisions, most of which deal with thousands of dollars. In the past few months, I’ve been consumed by hundreds of hours of planning for my new store and food truck opening this September!
Why do you love entrepreneurship?
I love the risk, challenge, growth, and achievements that comes along with it.
Your advice to high schoolers as they prepare to start college?
Do not waste your time or money if you know entrepreneurship is truly in your heart. Seek mentorship from a professional and use your money to follow your dreams. However, college can be an extremely valuable experience for the entrepreneur, too. It can also be the most fun experience of your entire life, too; It can get you a degree that provides safety and security one day.
Jobs in Entrepreneurship
People who start their own businesses make some really important contributions to the overall economy. The Small Business Administration reports that entrepreneurs employ half of the country’s non-government workforce. That’s a big deal!
The major: Business, Marketing
The workload: Seventy percent of small businesses are owned and operated by one person. That means long days (and nights).
The paycheck: The sky’s the limit! Because you’re in it for yourself, the pay can vary widely. However, be prepared to invest a lot of your profits into growing your own business, which can put a dent in your earnings at first.
