Have you ever had a friend look at a business and randomly throw out numbers that made it seem like that business owner must be making serious bank? We’ve experienced that many times, and know from conversations with operators and owners in those industries that their real profitability is often far, far less. The reason is often that there are unique challenges to profitability in almost every industry and so we wanted to create a space for entrepreneurs from across industries and markets to discuss the challenges to profitability in their industries.

Martha Nicola

As a salon owner, one of the biggest challenges is attracting and retaining clients. As well with the sky rocket in costs on our supplies the competive prices. With so many salons out there, it can be tough to stand out and keep clients coming back. It requires providing exceptional service, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Building a loyal client base takes time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run! Read more>>

Carter Eve

The biggest challenge to profitability in my industry are rising cost of materials (specifically gold) and rising labor costs. I make all of my jewelry here in LA, and with the rents continuing to rise, the cost of labor has also risen. It is tough to compete with jewelry companies that are manufacturing overseas, however I think it’s important to maintain an excellent level of craftsmanship and quality in each and every piece I make, so I would not go that route even though there are most certainly higher profit margins. Read more>>

Bryan Lipchitz

The Real estate industry can be quite challenging at times, and in my opinion this industry is one of the most affected by outside factors and things out of control of the business owner. things like: Market Volatility: Real estate markets can be subject to fluctuations due to economic conditions, interest rates, and local factors. Sudden changes in market conditions can affect property values and investment returns. Read more>>

Khamron Micheals

Indeed, the sneaker resale industry has recently undergone significant shifts and challenges. As a sneaker reseller operating within this space, the primary challenge I face regarding profitability revolves around the delicate balance between increased base prices set by companies and the corresponding surge in product production. Read more>>

Guy James

The amount of funding you have to put into the start up and image makes profitability a bit more difficult without partnering up with like minded businesses, investors, and individuals.  Read more>>

David Reed

The biggest challenge as an audio engineer and being profitable is the consistency of services provided as a freelance worker vs accepting a salary for guaranteed pay. I spent the last two years working for a company that paid me about $65k a year (net $43k) for a job that would’ve paid out $150k in freelance work, and all I really gained from it was a burnout after the first 6 months working there. Back in 2021, when I first started there, i was a new father and needed secure income. Read more>>