Michael Vazquez

This was my first business. I traded my 9–5 suit-and-tie job as a financial analyst for flip-flops and sunshine.What made this the perfect first business is that the customers and contracts are already built in. Unlike many businesses where you’re just hoping the phone will ring, this company runs on recurring weekly service accounts. The income is steady and predictable year-round, not seasonal like many people assume.One major perk I didn’t realize when I jumped into this was the enormous flexibility. In the beginning, it will be challenging, but once you get the hang of it (after about six months), being home by 2:00 PM with an 8:00 AM start isn’t unusual. You can also stack your schedule — if you want Mondays off, you can simply add a little extra work on Friday and Tuesday. You’re the boss. As long as your customers are happy, there are no unnecessary rules or rigid schedules.We will train the new owner and make sure ... Less