Today we’d like to introduce you to Pete Mohr

Hi Pete, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My entrepreneurial journey began in 1994 when I bought a bathroom remodeling franchise straight out of university. Over the years, I have owned and operated various businesses, including service-based enterprises and retail stores. Currently, I run Shoetopia, a couple of footwear stores in Ontario.

As a father of 3, and married for 29 years, family has always been at the forefront of all decisions, both in life and in business.

The hands-on experience of buying, building, selling, and closing businesses has given me a deep understanding of creating a successful and valuable enterprise. I also worked as a business broker, gaining strategic insights into business ownership and value creation.

I am certified in Kolbe, which helps me understand and leverage individuals’ instinctive strengths as well as help with teams, and as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), where I specialize in preparing business owners for successful exits.

My primary focus is on helping other business owners transform their frustrations into freedoms. Through my coaching business, Simplifying Entrepreneurship, I use various frameworks to cut through the chaos of running a business. These frameworks help owners move from operators to true business owners.

I also host the Business Owner Breakthrough podcast, where I share practical advice for entrepreneurs. My philosophy is that business owners should work on their businesses, not just in them. This drives my coaching practice, emphasizing the creation of turnkey businesses that allow owners to live the life they deserve.

With over 30 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping others navigate their entrepreneurial paths successfully and achieve true freedom. in both life and business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The journey has definitely had its ups and downs. It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but each challenge has provided valuable lessons that shaped my path.

One of the significant struggles was navigating the financial instability in the early years. Buying a business straight out of university came with a steep learning curve, and managing cash flow was a constant challenge. There were moments when meeting payroll was a struggle, and I had to make tough decisions to keep the business afloat.

Balancing multiple businesses simultaneously also presented its own set of challenges. Managing time effectively and ensuring each business received the attention it needed was demanding. This experience underscored the importance of having a strong team and reliable systems in place.

The biggest challenge by far has been losing good people along the journey. Whether due to personal decisions, better opportunities elsewhere, or other reasons, each departure felt like a setback. It was tough to lose talented team members who contributed significantly to the business. Each time this happened, it required not just finding a replacement but also rebuilding team morale and cohesion.

Additionally, transitioning from an operator to a true business owner required a shift in mindset. Letting go of day-to-day operations and trusting my team to handle things was difficult but necessary for growth. This transition was crucial in allowing me to focus on strategic planning and scaling my businesses.

Despite these struggles, each obstacle provided an opportunity to grow and improve. The lessons learned from these challenges have been invaluable, and they have contributed significantly to my success and the ability to help other business owners through their journeys.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simplifying Entrepreneurship?

Simplifying Entrepreneurship is here to help you navigate the complexities of business ownership. Whether you are struggling with daily operations, planning for growth, or preparing for an exit, we have the tools and expertise to guide you. Our offerings are designed to provide clarity, reduce stress, and drive success.

Our flagship service, the Business Owner Breakthrough program, is designed to address the specific pain points of entrepreneurs. Through this program, we offer personalized coaching sessions, comprehensive business assessments, and actionable strategies that lead to measurable improvements. Additionally, our Business Owner Breakthrough podcast is a valuable resource for practical tips and inspiring stories from fellow business owners.

At Simplifying Entrepreneurship, our mission is to help you achieve true business freedom.

What We Do and Specialize In

At Simplifying Entrepreneurship, we specialize in providing practical, actionable advice that empowers business owners to streamline their operations and focus on growth. Our services include one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and online resources tailored to address the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. We are known for our hands-on approach and our commitment to delivering results that make a tangible difference in our clients’ businesses.

What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart from others is our deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. Having owned and operated multiple businesses ourselves, we bring firsthand experience to our coaching practice. This allows us to connect with our clients on a personal level and provide insights that are both practical and proven. Additionally, our certifications in Kolbe and as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) enable us to offer specialized guidance on leveraging individual strengths and preparing for successful business transitions.

Brand Pride

We are most proud of the impact we have on our clients’ lives. Seeing business owners regain their freedom, achieve their goals, and live the life they deserve is incredibly rewarding. Our brand stands for empowerment, clarity, and success. We strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, supporting them through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

Most business owners are very generous with their time when it comes to helping other people who are asking for help. Most truly want to help you succeed and not have to go through the pains and struggles that they have been through throughout their careers.

Finding a mentor can be transformative. Here are my key tips:

1. Identify Your Needs: Understand what you need help with—strategy, industry insights, or personal development.

2. Leverage Your Network: Look within your existing contacts, including former colleagues and industry peers.

3. Join Professional Organizations: These groups provide excellent opportunities to meet potential mentors.

4. Attend Networking Events: Conferences and trade shows are great for meeting experienced professionals.

5. Use Social Media: LinkedIn is invaluable for finding and connecting with mentors. Join industry groups and participate in discussions.

6. Be Genuine and Respectful: Approach potential mentors sincerely and respect their time.

What Worked for Me:
Joining professional organizations and attending industry events have been particularly valuable. I have been involved in many mastermind groups, both formal and informal, around various business related interests for most of my career. Being open to mentorship in various forms, whether formal or informal, has expanded my learning opportunities.

Pricing:

• Keynote speaking: Starting at $5000
• Virtual Keynotes: Starting at $1500
• Group Coaching: contact me
• Private Coaching: contact me

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplifyingentrepreneurship.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petesmohr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplifyingEntrepreneurship
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplifyingentrepreneurship