Posted Under: Entrepreneurship, Our Heroes

Today under the “Our Heroes” series, we are interviewing with Mary Gutowski-Hazzard, long-time sales representative turned entrepreneur behind Memories Wow! Mary made the change when she realized that corporate America had become too Big Brother-like for her and she took the opportunity to listen to her instincts and give her inner-entrepreneur a shot at success. Let’s hear how Mary broke free of the corporate mold…

DD: Who are you and what kind of corporate job were you at?

MG: My name is Mary Gutowski-Hazzard. I was a sales rep for an animal health company and also for a pharmaceutical company. I called on Veterinarians and various MD’s for 12 years.

DD: What made you leave the job? When did you realize that you want to be an entrepreneur & why?

MG: I always knew that I wanted to own my own business.  However, when corporate America became too big brother and top down driven, i.e.: the GPS tracking system in her company cars, various departments telling us what to say & how often to say it to our customers – I knew that I couldn’t fit in that mold anymore. It made me realize that it was time to listen to my own instincts and give the entrepreneur in ‘me’ a try.

DD: What did you do to break the corporate jail? How did you prepare yourself for the employee to entrepreneur transition?

MG: “I don’t know if you can really prepare for what you’re taking on – but, I did as much as I could.  I had a plan – rough as it was and I reviewed the finances with my husband and we both decided that it wouldn’t harm the family (financially) and I would give it a shot.  I’m not big on reading books, however my friend recommended “The E Myth, by Michael E. Gerber” and it’s really helped my entrepreneur thinking & planning.”

“The first year I felt like a failure – I had no idea how much was involved and how long it takes.  Especially, since much of my assistance was through bartering, I quickly realized my business was no one’s priority, except mine!  I also did not realize the psychology behind what I was going through – the loneliness and feeling lost.  I kept thinking, “I wish I had a mentor or a partner”. But, through it all, it made me realize that I really want this to work and I’m willing to risk so much to try it.  Now, after 2 years things are starting to take off and I’m more comfortable in my ‘entrepreneur’ skin.  Thank heavens!”

DD: What are your top 5 tips for employees who want to be entrepreneurs but are hung up on something?

MG: 1. Do/Plan as much as you can while collecting a pay check from someone else.  You’ll look back to think, “Boy, that was easy money!”

2. Find a good support system of other entrepreneurs who are further along in the process than you.  You’ll learn a lot from them and they will inspire your to keep going. Friends and spouses are great, but they usually don’t understand your day-to-day life.

3. Read The E- Myth

4. Research local government for resources to assist you.  There’s a lot out there, but it’s hard to find it when you’re busy trying to start/run a business.  So, look before your leap.  Ex: Women’s Business Development Center has been great for me. (Wbdc.org)

5. Plan the work and work the plan.  It can just be a piece of paper at your desk and it might change weekly, but it really helps to keep you focused.

DD: That’s Mary Gutowski-Hazzard everyone, founder of Memories Wow! Mary promotes taking advantage of the resources surrounding you, whether confiding in a mentor or becoming involved in local government resources. These channels can truly lead you in the right direction…remember, “Look before you leap”.

Success to all!