From Bank Executive to Business Owner: Risking it All for a Happier Lifestyle With Jamie Harden
Jamie Harden is the CEO and President of Creative Sign Designs, a company specializing in the production of architectural design solutions by providing consultation, design, project management, fabrication, and installation services. Before his CEO tenure, Jamie held executive leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Bank of America and Vice President of Nations Bank/NCNB, where he achieved a Six Sigma Green Belt. Jamie is also actively involved in the community through YPO, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
In this episode…
If you’ve contemplated pivoting to entrepreneurship, acquiring an existing company is one venture to consider. An acquisition involves purchasing and molding a business to suit your business model and values. It’s an innovative, efficient, and cost-effective transaction because it doesn’t involve building from the ground up. Financing is easier, too, when a company has a proven track record, existing customers, and immediate cash flow.
Acquisitions have many benefits, but it’s not exempt from challenges. Jamie Harden,banker-turned-entrepreneur, quickly learned this after acquiring an architectural design firm. The company lacked service and product options and had limited customer reach, among other challenges. Instead of dwelling on the negative and panicking when profits were low, Jamie learned the art of leverage.
Join Kevin Hourigan for this episode of the Growth Fire Podcast, where he welcomes Jamie Harden, President and CEO of Creative Sign Designs, to discuss his business acquisition experience. Jamie shares criteria to consider before purchasing a business, the risks associated with buying a company, and the challenges to expect as a new business owner.