Have you ever wondered if you’re the only one that sits in your cubicle at your 9-5 job day dreaming about what it would be like to be your own boss? Do you ever think about starting a side hustle to help make ends meet? If you answered yes, then I welcome you to Own The Corporate Ladder. OTCL is a business development blog dedicated to those of us that would rather work 80 hours a week for ourselves than 40 for someone else.
Introduction
My name is Jerry Kenna and I started my accounting and finance company in 2007 as a side hustle while working a corporate job. When I graduated college I had to take a job that didn’t even pay enough to cover my student loan payments. The only way for me to get by was for me to do something else besides my 9-5. In 2010 I took my “side gig” to the next level by setting it up as a sub-chapter S corporation and then in 2012 I quit my 9-5 and took my company full time.
My Story
I’ll never forget the day I came home from work and stood in the kitchen of the little apartment I shared with my fiance at the time and told her I wanted to quit my job. At that point I was making $45,000 per year as a staff accountant with full benefits and four weeks of paid vacation per year. I was prepared to walk away from all of it to pursue my business full time. I just knew that if I had the time to devote to it, I could make it.
After a long discussion, a few laughs, and a couple tears, my wife and I decided that the next day I would submit my two week notice and quit my job. I have to say, we were both terrified, but we knew that a work ethic was never the problem. No matter what, I wasn’t going to fail, and since it was just the two of us at the time in a cheap little apartment, the risk was low. When I told my boss the next day he said I was crazy. “You mean you don’t have another job? You’re just going to figure it out?”
That was the first day of the rest of my life, and seven years later, I’ve never regretted it. Not only has my revenue gone up exponentially, so has my quality of life, my freedom, and my sanity. I hated working for someone else. I’ve always had an issue with someone telling me my worth. I have no problem working 60-80 or even 100 hours in a week. I will work until I can’t stay awake anymore. Even during nights and weekends I tend to be on my phone, laptop, or tablet working on something. That probably has a lot to do with my success, honestly, my clients know that if they need me, I’m there.
How I Can Help You
My favorite part of my business is meeting and helping entrepreneurs. I love being able to provide them with knowledge that will help them succeed. I’ve been in business for over twelve years now and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and seen clients make a lot of mistakes. My goal with this website is to help you avoid the road bumps that I’ve experienced along the way.
I will be offering you this information in a few different ways.
The Blog
The first source of content, you’re reading it now, it’s through this blog. I’m going to be offering everything from tutorials, to editorials, and everything you need to develop your business. If I have an issue with a client that I think will be beneficial to you, I’m going to write about it. If I see something happening in the news that I think is relevant to your business, I’m going to share it.
Recommendations
Second, I have posted, and will continue to post in the Recommendations section of this website. I’ve worked with a lot of companies in the past decade and I want to share with you the ones I think have your best interest at heart.
Podcast
Third, I will be recording a Podcast titled Own The Corporate Ladder. The Podcast will available at least weekly, maybe more often if I can, and it will be covering mostly the same information that I’ll be blogging about. Some people prefer to listen rather than read, so the Podcast will serve those people. If you would rather read, you may also want to listen to the Podcast because when I’m in front of the microphone I tend to go off script… Might get some good info that way…
Business Spotlights
Finally, I will be posting video Spotlights. These videos will be hosted on our YouTube Channel and also be available in the menu on the top of your screen. During these Spotlights I will be sitting down with Business Owners and discussing their businesses. They can use the time to explain what sets them apart from their competition and we’ll also be discussing how they got started, overcame obstacles, and achieved success. The goal with these Spotlights is to inspire and motivate the entrepreneurial spirit inside you.
I really hope that this website becomes a very valuable tool as you run and develop your business. If there’s a topic I haven’t covered or if you have a question please click the Contact button and let me know. You can contact me through any of our social media outlets, through Facebook Messenger or by sending me an email at JerryKenna@JerryKenna.com.
