As an employee, my biggest responsibility was building complex software, meeting deadlines, and occasionally fixing the office printer. As an entrepreneur, I’ve become the CEO, marketing department, IT support, and sometimes even the janitor. There’s no one else to call when things go wrong.

Lesson: You learn to wear many hats—and sometimes a hard hat, because the weight of responsibility can hit you like a ton of bricks.

In my employee days, structure was a given. Meetings were scheduled, tasks were assigned, and the end of the workday came with a sense of finality. As an entrepreneur, I quickly realized that without structure, my workday could turn into a 24/7 marathon.

Lesson: I now schedule my days like a military operation. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. (And yes, that includes lunch—because skipping it once was a mistake I won’t repeat.)

The Value of Networking and Selling Yourself

In a corporate job, your work often speaks for itself. As a business owner, as uncomfortable as it was, I had to learn how to speak for my work—and do it convincingly. Networking became a non-negotiable skill, and I now talk about Walter CRM like it’s my favorite child.

Lesson: Ask for help and learn from others who have been there and done that. I’ve pitched my business in coffee shops, at family gatherings, and once to someone at a car tinting shop. Turns out, everyone’s a potential client—if you’re bold enough to start the conversation.

Financial Management is Key

Nothing teaches you financial discipline faster than running a business. I used to think budgeting was about saving for vacations. Now, it’s about making sure the business survives and thrives.

Lesson: Budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow were skills I had to master quickly. I’ve become a master of stretching every dollar, which has also made me appreciate the value of free tools.

The Power of Passion and Persistence

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. There were moments when I questioned my sanity, but passion kept me going. Whether it was late-night brainstorming sessions or celebrating small victories, I learned that persistence pays off.

Lesson: Persistence, combined with a clear purpose, is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up too soon. When in doubt, remember why you started. And if that doesn’t work, take a break and eat something—hunger-induced panic is real.

Thinking Like a CEO, Not an Employee

The hardest shift wasn’t learning new skills—it was learning a new mindset. As an employee, I focused on solving technical problems. As a CEO, I had to think strategically about the big picture: growth, scalability, and long-term vision.

Lesson: I learned to prioritize tasks that align with my company’s long-term goals instead of getting bogged down by day-to-day operations. Being a CEO means working on the business, not just in the business. It also means Googling “how to think like a CEO” more times than I’d like to admit.

Conclusion: A Year of Growth

Reflecting on this past year, I realize how much I’ve grown—not just professionally, but personally. Being an entrepreneur has tested my resilience, broadened my perspective, and strengthened my faith in what’s possible with hard work and dedication. And I have discovered that sucess often lies just beyond your comfort zone.

But I didn’t do it alone. I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to my wife, Xavine, my partner and an entreprenuer herself, who has been my biggest supporter and advisor through this journey. A special shoutout to my brother, Gary, a small-business owner, who has shared invaluable advice (and a few laughs) along the way. And to my many friends who’ve offered insights, encouragement, and sometimes a much-needed reality check. Thank you! Your support and advice has made all the difference.

To those considering entrepreneurship, know this: it’s a journey full of surprises, late nights, and the occasional existential crisis. But if you stay passionate, persistent, and just a little caffeinated, you will realize that you're not just building a business; you are building yourself!