According to entrepreneur magazine, small businesses account for 60-80 percent of all jobs. Owner, Christine Speedy, has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which extends to her entire immediate family. Thanks to loyal customers, CEOgolfshop has thrived in it’s niche market targeting a corporate customers and a wealthy demographic that buys luxury sportswear and custom gifts.
CEOgolfshop was an accidental business for Christine. Always thinking of new ideas, Christine approached a friend in the golf industry with the concept. When he declined interest to invest in the idea, the ecommerce business was added to her existing marketing company, Schantz Inc., which was already selling services and trade show displays to Marketing VP’s and Directors, prime buyers of custom corporate apparel and gifts. As CEOgolfshop revenues grew, Christine eventually closed the ‘hourly billing’ business of Schantz , to focus on the ecommerce business.
According to Forbes Magazine, 1 in 2 people work for a small business, and only 33% make it 10 years, CEOgolfshop’s milestone. “All three brothers and I have been self employed for more than decade, ” says Christine. “My father, paternal grandfather, paternal grandmother, and other relatives created successful businesses. Reflecting on the past, my brother Greg, owner of Schantz Home Improvement in Atlanta, GA., and I figured that over 100 people probably became millionaires because of opportunities created by our parents and grandparents.” CEOgolfshop has hired everyone from college student interns to older adults needing a new opportunity after economic changes, providing a developmental springboard for new careers.
A single mother, Christine went into business to maximize time flexibility for raising two kids, one now a freshman at the University of Florida, and the other headed to college in the fall. “I’m thankful to all my loyal customers not only for making a difference in my life, but for empowering me to teach my children and others about running a small business. Equally important, I’m thankful to my manufacturers and suppliers who created opportunities by allowing me to sell their products. Their niche products were absolutely critical to acquiring customers.”
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