Question: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Answer: Clearsolutions dermatology group is a patient-centered practice dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized skin care for individuals of all ages. Our team of highly skilled providers offers expertise in both medical and aesthetic dermatology. With state-of-the-art facilities in locations including 3 locations in NJ and one in DE, Clearsolutions combines advanced medical knowledge with individualized attention to help patients achieve health radiant skin. Our practice also emphasizes convenience, accessibility and patient education to ensure every individual feels informed and confident in their care.
Question: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Answer: I am a licensed and certified physician assistant in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. I received my undergraduate degree from Rutgers College in Exercise science and sports studies followed by by masters degree and physician assistant studies at the school of health related professions, Robert wood Johnson medical school. I enjoy working with all age groups and treat various dermatological conditions including, but not limited to, skin cancers, skin cancer screenings, acne, psoriasis, eczema, warts, rosacea, fungal rashes, pigmentation changes, conditions of the hair and nails. I have a strong surgical background enabling me to perform various procedures including biopsies and removal of non-cancerous and cancerous lesions. I have taught multiple surgical workshops. I have served as the president of the NJ society of physician assistants. I have lectured throughout the country. I have sat on numerous dermatological boards. I believe in a comprehensive approach to an individual’s skin care needs.
Question: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: After 26 years of experience I felt it was time to go out on my own. I have a strong desire to help people feel confident in their own skin. I have always been passionate about skincare and wanted to create effective solutions that truly make a difference for clients struggling with various skin concerns. Our healthcare system has become for profit. I wanted to take a step back and let patients know that you are not just a number. I wanted to provide an evironment where they feel heard, answer questions, and provide education.
Question: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Answer: Do not wait to go after your dreams. Before you know it, it will be to late. 2. Never give up. It is going to be hard, it is going to be stressful. At times you will want to throw in the towel and give up. It is worth it in the end.
Question: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer:
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication
- Perseverance
Question: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: 6-8 Hours
Question: To what do you most attribute your success?
Answer: From an early age through sports I learned never to give up regardless of what obstacles stood in my way. My wrestling coach told me “once you give up it becomes a habit!”
Question: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Answer: Marketing is very specific to the location and demographics of that location. Here are the marketing outlets we use in order from most successful to least: word of mouth, zocdoc, sending out a patient liaison, print advertising, google search
Question: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Answer: Everything has been self-funded. When a business needs money there is very little chance you will get funding from a bank. It is when you become successful and do not need the capital that they are willing to lend. Ironical
Question: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Answer: Know your craft, treat people as if they are your family members, become active in the community, be charitable. It is free to be nice.
Question: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Answer: Taking more of a managerial role having build a company of more than 20-30 offices.
Question: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Answer: Wawa and wegmans.
Question: How important have good employees been to your success?
Answer: Without good employees you will have no success. They are the backbone of your business.
Question: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Answer: As mentioned above I do not give up.
Question: What motivates you?
Answer: I have always been self-motivated and disciplined. If I had to pick one thing it would be my family.
Question: What are your ideals?
Answer: Family and faith. Treating people like I want to be treated. Exhibiting patience.
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Answer: I always consult my team members. I value their opinions
Question: How do you define success?
Answer: Happiness however you get there.
Question: How do you build a successful customer base?
Answer: Treat people well, provide good service, answer all questions, look at them as if they are your brother, sister, mother, father.
Question: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Answer: Being my own person. Having autonomy to make my own decisions and life plans.
Question: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Answer: Seeing my first patient in my own office.
Question: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Answer: Entrepreneurs are special people with unique personalities. They realize that they are always on the clock, are excited by business, enjoy building something, risk takers. Renaissance people. Employees tend to not want any of the headaches, know what they are going to be paid (stability), want their day to end when they go home. They can be hard workers but entrepreneurship is not for everyone.
Question: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Answer: Family. We all work together, share ideas, have open communication. I treat my organization like a relationship. There with be tough times but with good communication it will be successful.
Question: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Answer: Amazing
Question: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Answer: Gone into business earlier
Question: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Answer: Yes, made it better and more full filled
Question: How did you decide on the location for your business?
Answer: Look for undeserved areas and the demographics
Question: Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: I do not believe there is any one formula. I think it is different for each entrepreneur.
Question: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Answer: Jesus. Would love to pick his mind about the secrets of the universe.
Question: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Question: What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
Answer: The 5 am club
Question: What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Answer: I do not consider anything a mistake. I consider them learning experiences. They make you better as long as you learn from them.
Question: How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Answer: Do not think you can prevent them. We are all flawed. I will continue to make them.
Question: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Answer: Golf, exercise, snowboard, travel, boat, spend time with family and friends.
Question: What makes you happy?
Answer: Peace, family and friends.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: I think differently then most. I do not consider them sacrifices. They are paths to get you where you are supposed to be. It is how you manage them.
