Vicki Gunvalson of Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

Today, we’ll hear from Victoria Gunvalson, better known as Vicki Gunvalson to viewers of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Vicki shares with us an inspiring story of how she turned turned her natural interests into a career she could be proud of and founded Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.

Update: Vicki wanted us to let our readers know that her new book, More Than a Housewife, is now available!

TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”? Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?

Vicki Gunvalson: I own and operate a full service life, health, and annuity insurance agency representing every major insurance company in the United States called Coto Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. Additionally, Coto Insurance provides existing or prospective life insurance agents with training to become successful in this business.  We provide exclusive internet life insurance leads, quoting software, weekly training calls featuring me and my team and our proprietary client data base system.

TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?

Vicki Gunvalson: Since 1992

TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in what that is now the basis of your job?

Vicki Gunvalson: I love people – I love working with people and I love helping people.  Being in the insurance industry has been a very natural way for me to use those people skills and turn it into a successful career.  I take pride in being a part of my client’s dreams – at all levels of their lifespan and business cycle.

TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time… What was the turning point where you decided to turn your interest or hobby into a career?

Vicki Gunvalson: I learned the importance of insurance after my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 59.  In the process of helping to pay for his care, I realized that I could help others as well to provide security for their families so they do not have to carry the burden of paying for medical care.

TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?

Vicki Gunvalson: The tools that I offer to my agents are all of the same tools that have made me so successful in selling life insurance (internet life insurance leads, quoting software, weekly training calls, etc.).   And of course, my laptop!

TheCareerCreator.com: The best part about creating your own job? Or any really cool moments that made creating your own job completely worth it?

Vicki Gunvalson: Being my own boss would be the best part about creating my own job.  I have always been able to determine my own success.  The harder I work – the greater the return.  I have been able to provide an amazing, rich, blessed life for my children that I always dreamed for them to have.  We have many lasting memories together through family trips and vacations that would never have been possible if I didn’t work as hard as I have.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how you overcame it?

Vicki Gunvalson: The toughest hurdle I have had in creating my own job is finding balance.  I tend to immerse myself 110% in my career, and sometimes I don’t take the time I need to for my husband and my adult children.  It’s still a daily battle for me in finding that right balance, but I’m fortunate to have found a career that I absolutely love and to me ….it isn’t work at all.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?

Vicki Gunvalson: I would say to never give up on yourself or your dreams.  There will be lots of lows but through hard work and determination, the highs will outweigh the lows.  When you are your own boss, there is no limit to your own success.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs? Products, supplies, tech tools, etc?

Vicki Gunvalson: For those interested in the insurance business, I have a fantastic book called “Internet Life Insurance Selling Made Easy” that I highly recommend.  Running an organized office is extremely important to me as well.  I am a big fan of label makers to keep all of my files organized.(TheCareerCreator.com note: Click here for more information about Vicki’s book!)

More About This Company:
Company name: Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
Founder: Victoria Gunvalson
Website: www.cotoinsurance.com

Awards & Special Recognition Received:
Victoria is a Senior Insurance Specialist and is an Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor, member of American Association of Long Term Care Insurance, Past-President and Founder of LeTip of Coto de Caza  International, Member of the National Ethics Bureau, and a member of Saddleback Community Church.

Victoria has continually received national recognition as a qualified member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Top of the Table.  For more than 100 years, the Million Dollar Round Table has honored the very best individuals in the financial services profession from around the world. Less than 1% of insurance agents in this industry ever meet this benchmark of outstanding performance and service to clients and Victoria is a proud to be a member of this organization.

Vicki, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to tell us how you turned your people skills and a desire to help others into a flourishing business!

More to Come…stay tuned!

~TheCareerCreator.com

Dan Pavlik

Dan Pavlik is a video producer who used his storytelling skills to move from video production to create his own job as a filmmaker.

But he didn’t stop there.  Dan also decided to help others by forming a non-profit organization to help other aspiring filmmakers get access to equipment to help make their film ideas become reality.

In this interview, Dan talks about his path to creating his own job and a non-profit.

TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”?

Dan Pavlik: Writer/Director/Foundation President

TheCareerCreator.com: Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?

Dan Pavlik: I am a corporate video producer by day, writer and aspiring filmmaker by night (or the rest of the day).  I started Educational Films of America, a non-profit designed to get students who are aspiring filmmakers practical work experience of a movie set.  EFA will ultimately sponsor student projects, giving them an opportunity to start a career.

TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?

Dan Pavlik: 13 years

TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in story telling that is now the basis of your job?

Dan Pavlik: I’ve always enjoyed getting a reaction out of a crowd when telling a happy or sad story.  As a filmmaker, you thrive on the ability to lead your audience down a prescribed path.  When it works the way you’ve planned, it’s like a drug.

TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time…What was the turning point where you decided to turn your interest or hobby into a career?

Dan Pavlik: I was going to school and working as a bartender at a restaurant. I started “producing” the holiday videos for the employee party.  I received such positive feedback that I was encouraged to pursue a career in video production.

TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?

Dan Pavlik: When I got started all you needed was a camera and two VCRs.  Non-linear, computer based editing was not even available at the consumer level.  This put creativity at a premium.

TheCareerCreator.com: The best part about creating your own job?

Dan Pavlik: The best part about creating my own job is that I don’t miss a school play or a soccer game of my kid’s.  I can be completely creative, and still have the freedom to enjoy all the great things about family.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how you overcame it?

Dan Pavlik: The toughest hurdle is the same ‘ol story – getting started.  The only way to overcome it is good planning and hard work.  People think they are gonna get rich quick and enjoy self-employment.  Such a mistake. In the beginning, it takes working a side job to supplement your income, working long hours and missing out on lots of fun.  But the rewards are great!

TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?

Dan Pavlik: Just like I said above, plan, plan, plan.  Have a reserve of cash and/or a way to pay your bills in the beginning.  Don’t take no for an answer, especially when people tell you “It can’t be done”.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs?

The internet. You can find any answer there.  Use email and ask a lot of questions.  Experts love to answer questions from up-and-comers!
More About This Company:
Founder: Dan Pavlik
Company Name:  Private: SouthPaw Productions; Non-profit: Educational Films of America
Products or service offered: Writer and Director
Website:   www.NominatedTheMovie.com
Additional contact information: www.twitter.com/nominated
Awards and special recognition received by Dan Pavlik: Multiple “Telly” award winner; semifinalist in the 2008 Nicholl Fellowship for Screenwriting

Thanks, Dan, for taking time to tell us about your goals to tell your own stories through film and to help others do the same. We know future film entrepreneurs will find your advice very encouraging!

~TheCareerCreator.com

Lorenzo Borghese

Lorenzo Borghese is a pet enthusiast who comes from a family of entrepreneurs and wears many hats as an integral part of several companies his family created.

In this interview, Lorenzo talked about his road to starting his business, and we hope you’ll be as encouraged and inspired as we were.

Lorenzo began his career in a completely different field, but six years ago, necessity led Lorenzo to creating his own job in an area where he hadn’t anticipated being an entrepreneur.

We love hearing stories of people who start a business as they work toward finding a solution to a problem that they face in their own lives, and we like what Lorenzo has to say about finding a void in an industry: “If you see a problem, fix it.”

TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”? Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?

Lorenzo Borghese: Royal Treatment is a pet related company that I started six years ago. We sell pet toys, grooming products, supplements, bedding, etc.  I manufacture numerous private label cosmetic brands which are all manufactured in Italy.

Regarding cosmetics, we have about 20 different labels, including The Giving Tree, The Giving Earth, The Giving Sea and The Giving Bee which are made with 100% organic products and sold at Borders bookstores. I am also a part of my family business, Multi Media Exposure Inc. (MME), an agency that represents various products sold through HSN and infomercials .

TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?

Lorenzo Borghese: MME has been in business for 14 years, Royal Treatment for 6 years and I have been a part of the private label cosmetics company for 4 years.

TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in ??? that is now the basis of your job?

Lorenzo Borghese: I worked at AIG for 4 years and hated it. After I stopped working there, I went to business school because I had an interest in working for myself. My family has been in business with their cosmetics lines since the 1950’s and I wanted to do something on my own, so I started my bath and body line for pets.

TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time… (What was the turning point where you decided to turn your interest or hobby into a career?)

Lorenzo Borghese: Well, I never thought I would be involved in the pet industry. I had a black lab, and she had really dry skin. You could see the dandruff on her coat, and I tried regular dog shampoos and it just made it worse. I used some of our honey based Perlier products, and it made it better, but it didn’t cure her dry skin.

Then I started to research why dogs could only be bathed every two months and why their skin was so different from humans. I worked on formulating the products for 2 years and I contacted the manufacturers I was working with and told them what was wrong with the traditional pet grooming products.

People spend so much time and money dressing their dogs in outfits, but I realized that the multi billion dollar pet industry was void of bath and body pet products. The way I see it, any problem creates opportunities. If you see a problem, fix it.

I presented the concept to HSN and asked them to do a pet show. They were hesitant at first because they had tried selling pet products in the past it had never really taken off. But they agreed to give me 12 minutes to sell my products and I ended up getting a one hour show.

TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?

Lorenzo Borghese: I used the internet and my cosmetic contacts.

TheCareerCreator.com: The best part about creating your own job? (Or any really cool moments that made creating your own job completely worth it?)

Lorenzo Borghese: There are actually a couple of things.  1. When you get to see your products through from conception to completion, it’s gratifying. 2. Getting the testimonials from people who use the products. When people call into HSN and talk about how the products have changed their dog’s lives, it’s very rewarding.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how you overcame it?

Lorenzo Borghese: Tough situations happen every day. There’s always something new that happens that’s a problem. With running my own business, the hardest part is separating my personal life and business life.

I’m working 7 days a week.  AIG was Monday thru Friday, and I never had to think about it on the weekends. Even if I’m on vacation, it can be difficult to relax because I can never let go of my company. Whether I’m approving art work or ingredients, I’m involved with everything.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?

Lorenzo Borghese: Just do whatever makes you happy and do what you like. If you don’t like your job, you’ll never be successful. Do what you’re good at doing. If you’re not good at numbers, don’t be an investment banker. I would never try for out the Olympics because I’m not an athlete.

People who complain all day and hate their jobs are not usually doing something that they love. I have a friend who recently decided to open a car wash and now he can enjoy it and grow his business because he likes what’s doing.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs?

Lorenzo Borghese: The internet is the only tool you really need. There is so much information online. When I started, I went to the library to research as the internet was not what it is today . But now you can find just about anything online – all at the comfort of your own home.

More About This Company:
Founder: Lorenzo Borghese
Company Name: Royal Treatment
Products or service offered: Bath, body, grooming products and supplements for pets.
Website: www.getroyaltreatment.com and www.nuzzleplanet.com

We’d like to thank Lorenzo for taking time from his day to answer our questions and help encourage future entrepreneurs, even as he delves further into entrepreneurial ventures.

In addition to the products he offers now, in the very near future he’ll be launching a new and exciting pet-related website and we’ll update you with more details at the time of the launch!

~TheCareerCreator.com

Mark Robert Halper; Photo by Angela Marklew

TheCareerCreator.com is excited that we got the chance to talk about creating your own job with Mark Robert Halper, a premiere photographer who created his own job.

For the past twenty years, Mark has put his photography skill to work for a wide variety of photography projects, including corporate, celebrity, advertising, portraits and architecture.

Mark shared some of his time with us to talk about some of the ups and downs of starting your own business. Here’s what we learned from Mark (paraphrased) in our conversation:

TheCareerCreator.com: What is your “job”? Please tell us a bit about your company and what you sell or what service you provide?
Mark Robert Halper: I am a commercial photographer. I provide images to companies to help them market products.

TheCareerCreator.com: How long have you been in business?
Mark Robert Halper: For 20 years.

TheCareerCreator.com: You had a natural interest in ??? that is now the basis of your job?
Mark Robert Halper: I loved photography and I loved taking pictures. And I realized that I responded well to assignments and being given a set of parameters to work within. Photography is an exacting profession and I enjoy challenges.

TheCareerCreator.com: Tell us a little about how you got started…give us a bit of your Once upon a time…
Mark Robert Halper: In high school, I had an interest in film making. I went to college at UCS and discovered that film making wasn’t really the direction I wanted to go in. I took several different classes, including a couple of photography classes. When I got out of college, I really had no idea what I wanted to do, and I applied for a lot of different jobs.

In 1988, I got a job photographing houses, and unfortunately that business went under about a year later. I decided to take an extension course in advertising photography. I realized that this was definitely the route I wanted to take when I would get upset if I didn’t have any homework! That’s when I knew I loved it, and I began to build my business from the bottom up.

TheCareerCreator.com: What were some of the materials or technology you needed to get started on a very basic level?
Mark Robert Halper: A basic camera, lenses and hopefully good lighting. Cameras cost more now, but it is far less expensive to shoot because digital is free, making it so much easier to get started.

The cost of film made you more careful about how you took pictures. Once I had a $5,000 lab bill for testing. A lot of your income went to paying for your film, but that was just part of the territory. It made you value what you shot and you put a lot thought into it.

Now you can get a really good camera for about $1,000. When you’re looking for a photographer, it’s as simple as finding someone who does good pictures. There’s a value to experience.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the best part about creating your own job?
Mark Robert Halper: When I’m working I get to do what I love and I can get paid really well. I’m my own boss to a certain extent, but actually, my clients are my boss. And I get to choose my bosses (clients).

There’s no upper limit on how much I can make, it’s all about what I can do. And it’s great because I can wear what I want to wear (into the office, not on my photo shoots) Sometimes I can set my own hours but sometimes I have to keep working until the job is finished.

One drawback is when I go on vacation, I lose money because I’m not working, but again, that comes with the territory.

TheCareerCreator.com: What’s the toughest hurdle you’ve encountered in creating your own job…and how did you overcome it?
Mark Robert Halper: My toughest is hurdle is right now, with the economy. I’m overcoming it because I’ve always assumed that things would get tough, and I saved and kept my overhead under control. I saved for a rainy day and assumed that things wouldn’t be great.

So now, when things are tight, I can still make it. I don’t know that I’d actually recommend being a photographer right now because the economy has made things more difficult than they were when I started in the late 80’s. And now with the easy start up, there are not only too many cooks in the kitchen, but there’s probably more cooks than customers.

Today there are so many resources for photography and stock photography, etc. and people are bidding against each other to provide the lowest possible price. As a result, the quality of work has gone down. There’s more photography available at a lower cost, which makes it harder for photographers who are trying to survive.

Photography is becoming a quickly shrinking market and people don’t need as much original photography. It’s easier to get halfway there and a little harder to get all the way there.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any words of wisdom or encouragement to anyone wanting to create their own job?
Mark Robert Halper: It’s best to plan for the hurdle instead of waiting for it to hit you. Know that when you own your own business, you’re on a roller coaster. It goes up, and it goes down.
Don’t assume that things will always be great, but don’t live in fear either. Work for the best and prepare for the worst.

TheCareerCreator.com: Any favorite resources you recommend to other entrepreneurs?
Mark Robert Halper: One of the smartest books I’ve ever read is, “The E-Myth Revisited”. I wish I would have read it years ago, but I only learned about it recently. It’s phenomenal and if you haven’t read it, you need to.

And I also recommend, “The War of Art” (not to be confused with The Art of War). Both of these books are short, to the point, and very, very valuable.

More About This Company:
Founder:  Mark Robert Halper
Company Name: Mark Robert Halper Photography
Products or service offered: Commercial Photography
Website:  www.studiomark.com

Thanks Mark, for sharing your wisdom with us! We know that future entrepreneurs will be able to benefit from your advice.
~TheCareerCreator.com