Q: . 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.
A: The Connectivity Center is all about helping people and businesses protect their digital world. We provide external computer security solutions that are simple, reliable, and effective. We’re based in Alvin, Texas, and for now, we run everything out of one office, but as we grow, we hope to expand into new locations and reach more customers.
Q: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A: We’re Wayne and Shamara Bruce. Wayne has a background in entrepreneurship, and he’s also an air traffic controller. I, Shamara, am a Doctoral-prepared Registered Nurse. Together, we jumped into this venture, bought an existing business, and have worked to scale it, develop new security solutions, and continue building long-term partnerships with distributors and customers.
Q: What inspired you to start a new business venture or make significant changes in an existing business? How did the idea for your business come about?
A: When the opportunity to acquire this business came along, it just felt right. We realized we could take what we already knew from past experience and improve the business, make it more valuable for our customers, and create something meaningful together.
Q: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A:
- Focus on solving a real problem for your customers.
- Don’t underestimate persistence. Things won’t always go smoothly but stick with it.
- Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths and share your vision.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: You need to think strategically, be adaptable when problems arise, and be able to lead and manage people effectively.
Q: How many hours do you work a day on average?
A: Our daily hours vary. It’s a mix of planning, operations, and conversing with staff.
Q: To what do you most attribute your success?
A: Honestly, persistence and a genuine focus on our customers. Also, building strong relationships with our team and partners has been key.
Q: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A: Marketing is mostly about relationships for us. Sure, we run digital campaigns and network, but our biggest wins come from happy customers spreading the word. A single referral can sometimes bring in more business than any ad could.
Q: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A: Stay consistent, listen to your market, be willing to adapt, and always value the people which includes the customers, employees, and partners. All of these people are part of your business journey.
Q: Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A: In the next 5 to 10 years, we want The Connectivity Center to be a trusted name nationwide. We’ll keep innovating, expanding, and helping customers feel secure no matter where they are.
Q: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A: We really admire Cisco. They’ve managed to scale globally while staying innovative and keeping customers at the center of everything they do. That’s inspiring to us.
Q: How important have good employees been to your success?
A: Crucial. Great employees bring ideas, energy, and care that make the business what it is. We couldn’t do this without them.
Q: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A: We give ideas time to grow. Usually a few months of testing, iterating, and listening to feedback before deciding if it’s worth continuing or pivoting.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Helping people, building something lasting, and the thrill of seeing an idea grow into reality keeps us going every day.
Q: What are your ideals?
A: Integrity, putting customers first, and empowering others through technology.
Q: How do you generate new ideas?
A: We pay attention. We look at customer feedback, industry trends, and brainstorming sessions during team meetings usually spark something new. Sometimes ideas come when we least expect them, like during quick conversation.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Success is growing sustainably, having happy customers, and a team that feels proud to be part of what we’re building.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base?
A: By providing reliable products, listening to feedback, and being consistent. Trust is earned over time, and that’s our foundation.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A: Seeing an idea come to life and knowing we made it happen ourselves. That feeling never gets old.
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A: Buying the business first and moving it across states. The next satisfying moment will be when we successfully scale the business even more while keeping customers and employees happy
Q: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A: Entrepreneurs take the risks and make the big decisions that shape the business. Employees do incredible work too, but they usually focus on their roles within the framework that’s already in place
Q: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A: We encourage collaboration and innovation. We set this tone by leading with transparency and trust. Doing this helps everyone feel invested in the company’s success.
Q: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A: Dynamic.
Q: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
A: We’d start networking and building partnerships earlier. We think it would have accelerated our growth a lot.
Q: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A: It’s made sacrifices in time and energy, but it’s also brought us closer as a family and gave us shared goals to work toward.
Q: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
A: Fear of stagnation. We manage it by staying informed, adapting quickly, and making decisions thoughtfully but confidently.
Q: How did you decide on the location for your business?
A: Alvin, Texas is central, accessible, and business-friendly. It was the perfect spot where we wanted to start, and we live here as well.
Q: Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
A: Yes. I think the keys are persistence, problem-solving, customer focus, and adaptability.
Q: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
A: Benjamin Franklin. I have always admired him for his curiosity, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to innovate across many fields.
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: Our parents. Utilizing their winning attributes and minimizing or depleting their failures and weaknesses.
Q: What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
A: Then Build by Walker Deibel. It set our minds in the direction of where we needed to learn and invest our time and money.
Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
A: Underestimating how long some processes take and not delegating tasks sooner.
Q: How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
A: Open communication, quick analysis, and learn from mistakes to make sure they don’t happen again.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
A: We both enjoy spending quality time with our boys, 12 and 10, teaching them, guiding them, and just being present in their live
Q: What makes you happy?
A: Seeing our businesses grow, and spending quality time with family.
Q: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
A: Time, social life, and short-term financial comfort, but it’s worth it to build something meaningful.
Q: If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
A: “What steps are you taking today to make sure your business thrives in the next five years?”