Tommy V
In this ongoing series I will be featuring a variety of successful people who have made career changes in 2009, despite the bad economy, to inspire those of you thinking of making that drastic change!
Tommy Venable was a Graphics/Web designer with 14+ years of experience. He now utilizes his graphic design skills in the designing of his website and marketing material as an entrepreneur and amateur chef with his new food business called Tommy V Foods. He just opened the business this past January. When Tommy is not busy with his business, he loves to cook, create new recipes and design beautiful sterling silver jewelry.
What made you desire a change from your previous career?
Tommy: I was a graphics/web designer for an email marketing company for 5 years. The first 3 years I thought I was going to be with the company for many, many years. On the fourth year, a board of directors was established and new management came in to run the company. Long story short, the new management didn't have much experience in the industry, fired the knowledge base of the company and drove the company into the ground. The company lost major clients which eventually led to the company’s demise. I was then let go back on October 31, 2008.
What career are you in now and what attracted you to it?
Tommy: I am in the food business now. I could not find anything in the graphics/web design field, even though I had 14+ years experience in the industry. I love to cook and thought of ways to capitalize on my skills and my passions for cooking. I am not a classically trained chef and did not have the time or money to go to culinary school. So I decided to start a line of freshly prepared salsa called TommyV's Salsa.
How did you prepare for your new career switch to gain experience and education?
Tommy: The power of the internet! I did a lot of research on how to get started in my chosen industry. I learned a lot from a website called Start Up Nation.
How did you get your first big break in your new career?
Tommy: My first break came when Smart Markets, Inc gave me a chance to be a vendor at their farmers' market. It was late in the year for submitting applications to well known farmers' markets but Smart Markets, Inc., a fairly new farmers' market gave me a shot. My second big break came when I was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams back on July 13, 2009. It was for a segment called Starting Over. It was about entrepreneurs starting successful businesses in today’s economy.
What are some of the positives and negatives about your new career?
Tommy: The positive is that I am my own boss. I create the path and direction my company should be taking. I am not relying on any management to call the shots. The negatives, well not so much a negative, but the knowledge of certain aspects of running your own business. Like taxes. Why does the government make it so difficult and confusing on how to file taxes for a business? Learning all the different facets of running your business can be a challenge but it is a great learning experience.
What would you say to others thinking of breaking into your new field?
Tommy: Research, research, research. Know a little something about your chosen field before you dive head first. Find people who are in a similar field and ask lots of questions. Get out of your comfort zone and be persistent. Set your goals and follow them. If an obstacle arises, figure out how to move over or through that obstacle and don't give up in doing so.
Comments
You go Tommy!
I really enjoyed this Q&A. Perhaps we should all make salsa when life throws lemons at you!
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