We were lucky to catch up with Nathaniel Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nathaniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
After five years of being active duty in the United States Navy, I wanted a change from the military life: to start a family and get into business. At the time of my separation, right at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, my mind was racing with various interests of what I could invest my time into and also become a way to provide and work towards my goals. Amidst all of the Pandemic confusion and lockdowns, my wife and I were able to purchase a house in Virginia in July 2020. Shortly after the purchase, I began working full time at a power plant in Maryland. Simultaneously, I started my Bachelors in business, all while working 12 to 16 hour shifts, While studying, I finally had that “ah-ha!” moment and wanted to start a business that helps others start theirs. It took a little less than two years of work to complete my degree, and I immediately began my MBA program with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
In early March of 2022, Faithful Hound Consulting became a legalized business entity, set with a date to open up to the public by September 2022. Two months later, I lost my job at the power plant due to environmental concerns regarding how the plant was managed. It came down to not having a buyer purchase the land. I was ultimately given a choice to either move out of state for a lower paying job at the same company or work more overtime until the last day and receive a severance package. Refusing to relocate, I chose the latter option and expedited working on my business. Now having nothing stopping me from being my own boss, I finally took the risk of starting a business. By June, I garnered my insurance license through Aflac, and I include this expertise in the business’ offerings. The chain of events forced me to build my own book of business for both target audiences from the ground up. I do not regret that decision of working for myself to prioritize my goals and my business.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
The desire to enter the business consulting industry came from constantly dreaming about other business ideas. I became so obsessed with various ideas to the point of doing detailed research and plans until hitting hurdles and lacking the support to overcome them. Draft business plans would be developed to see how concrete an idea was and if it was sustainable before even spending a penny. It got to a point where I had done this a handful of times and said it would be nice if I had help. This desire became the core theme for Faithful Hound Consulting, to not only help future clients but constantly learning and immersing myself with knowledge on their behalf. That’s why our mission is to guide and support owners in achieving their business aspirations through tailored and in-depth support. Through four types of offerings, we are able to arm owners with the tools for success. Our Seeker series is hourly consulting where the first hour is free to clients. It allows us to identify the main concerns for the owner and way their business can improve. Through these hourly sessions, we can strategically plan a business’ next steps and use those metrics to explain results. Within the same tier, we also offer supplemental insurance consulting that supports the business. Through Aflac we are able to maintain an insurance license with independent agents working alongside businesses and getting them cash benefits paid directly so that in their time of need they can use the money for what’s important. Following this series is our Retriever series, which is a business supply box to gift to entrepreneurs looking for organizational support. Within the supply box, owners attain access to personally written documents on where to start. Next we have the Shepherd series which gives owners a tailored business plan for the industry of their choice. We work closely with them so that they can feel confident bringing their business plans to investors. Finally, we have the Pointer series which gives owners 24/7 support with frequent scheduled meetings, as we work to ensure their business is ready for anything. We enjoy doing the hard work of researching, networking, and problem solving so that owners can focus on what’s important. Afterall, most looking to start a business are already working a primary job to support the home and overhead and startup costs; most can benefit from our dedicated business support. What sets us apart is the superior level of commitment, where clients get a personalized experience because no two businesses are the same. We are proud of the fact the business has made us more personal with the people we network with. For future clients, we suggest that they trust the process, knowing that our services will benefit their unique business goals and desires.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
It would have to be networking with fellow businesses for mutual growth, some of which even share their own stories and act as a business mentor.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Our most effective approach has been word of mouth advertising.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithfulhoundconsulting.com
- Instagram: @faithfulhoundconsulting