A dedicated entrepreneur who chalks up the bulk of his success to a combination of timing and perseverance, Ebon Talifarro has spent the past 15 years committed to helping others through his business. Mr. Talifarro, whose business venture has been central in assisting countless individuals get through difficult life circumstances, founded his company with the notion that profitability should be secondary to the mission of providing services that are highly beneficial to society.
While his initial strategy did not result in an immediately lucrative venture, Mr. Talifarro’s continued commitment to generating societal benefits ultimately led to the professional success that has sustained him over the past decade. Now that the company has been profitable for quite some time, Mr. Talifarro has remained entirely committed to the original goal of his organization, especially as it relates to those who are in need of the professional assistance he is able to provide through the company’s services.
After 15 years in the industry, Mr. Talifarro’s efforts have been consistently lauded by his peers, but the founder of the company maintains that there is nothing more rewarding than praise that comes from those he is able to assist directly through his professional endeavors. It is because of Mr. Talifarro’s example that many other companies have begun to operate in a similar manner, focusing first on efforts that create beneficial circumstances for those who may be struggling while making profit margins a secondary concern. With no plans to slow down in the near future, Mr. Talifarro believes that his organization is ideally positioned to help even more people than ever before.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I got started about 15 years ago. My overwhelming desire to help others through their time of need is why I ultimately started my business.
How do you make money?
The business makes money by giving back to others, with additional revenue being generated through referrals.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It took almost 4 years to become profitable.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I felt significant doubt about the ability of the business to survive early on. When I had those doubts, I found it helpful to focus on the ultimate goal of giving back to others. There were many long days and nights spent working very hard trying to overcome those feelings.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer was simply the result of being in the right place at the right time.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
The most effective marketing strategy I’ve utilized is having a very thorough website that is easy to navigate and provides useful information to customers.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I’ve had to make recently is whether to relocate in order to look for new business opportunities.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My persistence and perseverance have been essential in becoming successful.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The most satisfying moments are those in which I am able to make a difference in people’s lives — for both my customers and my employees.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
The future of the business is wide open. There are many opportunities to continue to help people in their time of need. I am particularly excited about the possibility of relocating.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how would you like to be contacted?
One of my goals is to become a mentor to help other people create business opportunities. If so, they can reach me by phone.
What is your ultimate goal as it relates to this venture?
My ultimate goal is to have a long career helping others and creating new opportunities in order for others to become successful.