Ann Arbor Home Services

With this season as a co-founder of Ann Arbor Home Services wrapping up, I reflect on an incredible journey filled with valuable lessons. Our student-run business, born from the determination and vision of two Michigan State Spartans, has not only imparted critical entrepreneurial skills but has also fostered personal growth. One particular job stands out—a project I underpriced, which ended up taking 3x longer than anticipated. Feeling defeated after nearly seven hours on-site, I faced a crucial decision: take an easy exit by delivering subpar work, or persist and uphold the values our business and I personally advocate. I chose the latter. This experience taught me that my actions not only impact my reputation but also the trust, credibility, and legacy of our business - a responsibility I now carry with renewed purpose and dedication. Managing a team has proven to be a multifaceted challenge, extending far beyond operational oversight to include wage setting, scheduling, and workflow organization. This experience drew me back to a timeless title, "How to Win Friends and Influence People." One of its key takeaways, active listening - a concept I thought I understood until I was tested in the choppy waters of team leadership. I discovered that truly hearing others' perspectives can either salvage or sabotage conversations, relationships, and even the entire team dynamic. By mastering active listening, I've come to realize its power in effective management, and building a high-performing team. Additionally, I discovered the importance of leaning on trusted individuals. My partner and longtime friend, Adam Kulick, was vital. From late-night chats about our company's vision to working side by side when our crew was occupied with other work, having Adam's support was critical to our success. These experiences exposed the harsh realities of the business landscape but also reinforced the power of a solid partnership in navigating challenges. By having a reliable partner like Adam, I gained an appreciation for the fact that scaling a business is not just about growth, but also about resilience, and shared resolve. Another individual of note is Kari Guyer-Bradley, the person who introduced us to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor and an excellent resource for advertising knowledge and advice. This organization, which provides resources to individuals and families affected by cancer, became a cause close to our hearts due to personal experiences with cancer in both Adam's and my families. Our commitment to supporting this organization helped us stay focused on something larger than ourselves. Through our contributions, we've helped fund vital programs, making a difference in the lives of those navigating cancer diagnoses and treatment within our community. As I prepare to return to Michigan State in just one week, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience what I did and contribute meaningfully to both our business and community.