We were lucky to catch up with Edward Kearney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Edward, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

It was the spring of 2018, and I was fresh out of my first full time corporate gig, with wide eyes and a “can’t lose” spirit that fueled my desire to finally make something of my own. Having always dreamt of this moment, the moment in which I would create something of my own, I know that excitement and many nights of fantasizing of this moment only fueled my fervor for starting.

In retrospect, perfect timing feels like a myth. One could say that if I had begun my ventures later in life, I might have been too bogged down by life in corporate America— too busy to fit it all in. Or maybe I’d have more resources and connections to further my ventures. Alternatively, one could speculate that starting earlier would have given me more hunger and drive, albeit alongside naivety. Maybe I would have risked more and earned more. Or maybe my novice skill set would have hindered or outright blocked my success.

All that to say, there’s no “perfect time” to do anything— whether it’s starting a business or something else entirely, the most important thing is knowing yourself, trusting yourself, and listening to yourself. “Good timing” is simply following your own unique path. And when you’re in tune with your own timing, that’s when the magic happens…

Edward, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well for those who don’t know me, I’m Edward Kearney – the first, the last and the only. Dreamer. Creator. Entrepreneur. Pilot. Photographer. Writer. Art lover. And more! From the days of my first paper route, to being a Senator in the College of Business at Georgia Southern University – I’ve always had a love and passion for business. I have dreamt of starting my own business since I was a child, yet I always struggled to pinpoint exactly what business would best fit me and having a myriad of passions only confused me further.

An avid viewer of Shark Tank and The Profit, I quickly became enamored with the idea of being an entrepreneur— being heavily involved in the business world and being surrounded by like-minded individuals doing what I wish to do above all else: make a difference and have an impact in everything I do.

In the Spring of 2018, those dreams came to fruition when Southern Heights Investments, LLC. was conceived.
Southern Heights Investments, LLC. is a private equity group that makes strategic, growth equity investments in small- and medium-sized businesses that possess high earnings and growth potential across a multitude of industries.

Be it through consulting services, investment(s) in brands and entrepreneurs, or even sponsorships, Southern Heights Investments is perpetually ready at the helm to be a full-service partner with those with whom we work – always.
We look to partner with the dreamers, creators, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow to take their dreams to new heights. But above all, we strive to be more than an investment group, but a partner.

And I’ll say that again, as that’s what I believe is our true competitive advantage: we strive to be your partner. We believe that anyone can cut you a check in hopes that your startup is the next big thing; however, not everyone is willing to roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches with the team to ensure their brands or passion projects are successes.

As far as what I’m most proud of, sheesh, it’s this. Right here. I never fully believed I would be able to start a business— a profitable one at that— let alone multiple businesses. Sometimes when I get a chance to sit back and take it all in, I can’t help but smile and be thankful, because we did it. We are doing it.

But before I can say it was all me, I’d be remiss if I didn’t show love to those who have helped and supported me every step of the way. As one who ofttimes struggled with self-confidence and finding his place amidst it all, those reassurances from those who see qualities and promise in me long before I ever did– or will– is something I value tremendously. I’m all around blessed.

Can you talk to us about your experience with selling businesses?

I have! I recently closed on a deal that saw our very own Kanvas Art Group, my first brand and passion project, sold to another Atlanta art collective. Kanvas Art Group was an Atlanta-based art company whose sole mission was to support bold and adventurous artists through events, funding, consulting, and other career development offerings.

This project was my personal favorite. From its conception, my role was Artistic Director, and this granted me the privilege and honor to work with a multitude of artists, across all creative disciplines. I was able to hone in on their artistic vision, proudly tell their stories and showcase their talents to the masses. As a creative and artist myself, this was a duty I never took lightly. It was a joy to be able to curate such a momentous entity.

The one thing I will say to those who also hope to sell their businesses one day is to simply build something sound and special, and the rest (the sale) will come. Ofttimes people rush to build something with the intent of selling it, or solely focus on immediate profit… I took the opposite approach. My friends and family alike will tell you that my champagne-taste-having self will always welcome a bag with open arms; however, when I sought out to create Southern Heights Investments, LLC. and our premier Kanvas Art Group, it was only the hope of creating something I could be proud of that would drive me and lay the groundwork for what is now a daily goal: have an impact and make a difference.

So, always lean into your passions, and give them absolutely everything you’ve got. Don’t worry about “the big sale” or a payday. If you build something reputable, unique, and authentic, whatever is meant to be will come in due time. But let’s be real, as I’m only human— some dollar signs never hurt anyone.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I believe I am always in a constant state of pivoting. The career I have built for myself almost requires it, but I also thrive in it; and my team and I are currently in the throes of a total company pivot.

Since the inception of Southern Heights Investments, I’ve been at the forefront of every single endeavor— be it in a leadership capacity or a point person, I’m always in the mix with my hands on everything. The pilot in me must always have control, and this is true in both the cockpit and the C-suite. Recently, however, the growth and evolution of Southern Heights has required me to both grow and evolve alongside it. I’m learning to let go of the reins and be more flexible.

Bringing on reinforcements has allowed me to take a step back from the day-to-day and manage from afar, and an expanding team is helping me skyrocket my business. Our focus, with new team principals and a highly diversified board of advisors, is to not simply revamp our investment strategy, but to completely overhaul and restructure our entire approach for investments.

Now more than ever, on the precipice of 5 years at the helm, the anxiety of sitting stagnant isn’t an option. I prefer, and have adapted to, the stress of conquering new heights. I’m as driven as ever, and my dreams are only getting bigger. I’m committed to taking Southern Heights Investments to the next level, and I’m curious to see what else begins along the way.

Every emotion I’ve felt along the way has been tinged with a particular elation— an excitement and fulfillment that has accompanied every moment of my career. From the adrenaline and anxiety of curating my first art show, to the pride and delight of celebrating my first big deal with my boys, to the mixed and contradictory emotions of selling my first passion project— my baby, Kanvas Art Group— all of it has been a fantasy fulfilled. Regardless of how hectic life gets, your dreams are worth the chase— and best believe I got my running shoes on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.southernheightsinvest.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardlkearney/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-k-7b1547a6/

Image Credits
Edward Kearney Austin Hewitt Jake Zerkel