Starting a business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. I know that firsthand. When I opened Prima Pizzeria, Lucky Horse Tavern, and later Bullpen Fitness Recreation in Valley View, Pennsylvania, I did not have everything perfectly figured out. What I did have was a clear idea, a strong work ethic, and a desire to build something meaningful in my community. Over time, I have learned that turning an idea into a business that actually makes an impact takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn as you go.
Start With Something You Understand
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to start with something you know and care about. My background in sports played a big role in shaping my mindset. Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay focused under pressure. Those lessons carried into everything I do as a business owner.
When you start with something familiar, you already understand the people, the environment, and the value you want to create. That makes it easier to stay motivated when things get difficult. Passion alone is not enough, but when it is combined with real understanding, it becomes a strong foundation for a business.
Keep the Idea Simple at First
Many aspiring entrepreneurs try to make things too complicated too quickly. I learned that it is better to start simple and grow from there. Prima Pizzeria did not start as a large operation. It started with a focus on good food, a welcoming space, and consistent service. The same goes for Lucky Horse Tavern and Bullpen Fitness Recreation.
If you try to do everything at once, you can lose focus on what actually matters to your customers. A simple, clear idea allows you to execute well. Once you build trust and consistency, you can expand and improve. Growth should feel natural, not forced.
Focus on Your Local Community First
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that local impact matters more than anything else in the beginning. If your community supports you, your business has a real chance to grow. If it does not, nothing else really matters.
I have always believed in building strong relationships with the people around me. Whether it is remembering a customer’s name, supporting local sports teams, or being involved with Hebron United Methodist Church in Millersburg, those connections make a difference. People want to support businesses that support them back.
When you focus locally, you are not just building a customer base. You are building trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. That is what turns a small business into a lasting part of the community.
Be Willing to Work Hard and Stay Consistent
There is no shortcut when it comes to entrepreneurship. It takes long hours, tough decisions, and consistency even when things are not going well. There were plenty of times when I had to show up early, stay late, and handle problems that I did not expect. That is part of the process.
What I have learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. You do not have to get everything right all the time, but you do have to keep showing up. Over time, that effort builds momentum. Customers notice it. Employees respect it. And the business becomes stronger because of it.
Build a Strong Team Around You
No business succeeds alone. One of the most important decisions you will make is who you bring onto your team. I have learned to value people who are reliable, hardworking, and care about the same vision. Skills can be taught, but attitude and commitment are much harder to find.
At Bullpen Fitness Recreation, for example, having staff who understand the importance of community and energy makes a huge difference. The same applies to restaurants and taverns. A strong team creates a positive experience for customers, and that is what keeps people coming back.
Trusting your team is also important. You cannot do everything yourself. When you delegate responsibilities and empower others, you create space to focus on growth and long-term planning.
Listen to Your Customers
One of the simplest but most powerful tools in business is listening. Customers will tell you what is working and what is not, if you are willing to hear it. I have always tried to pay attention to feedback, whether it is about food, service, or the overall experience.
Listening shows respect. It also helps you improve faster than trying to figure everything out on your own. Some of the best changes we made in my businesses came directly from conversations with customers who cared enough to share their thoughts.
Stay Connected to Your Purpose
When business gets busy, it is easy to lose sight of why you started in the first place. I always try to remind myself that my goal is not just to run businesses, but to create places where people feel welcome, connected, and valued. That purpose helps guide decisions and keeps me grounded.
Whether it is through food, fitness, or community events, the goal is always the same. I want people to feel like they belong. When you stay connected to your purpose, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your long-term vision.
Closing Thoughts
Turning an idea into a business that makes a real local impact takes time, effort, and patience. There will be challenges along the way, but there will also be moments that make it all worth it. Seeing people gather at Prima Pizzeria, watching friendships form at Lucky Horse Tavern, or seeing members encourage each other at Bullpen Fitness reminds me why I started this journey.
For anyone thinking about starting their own business, my advice is simple. Start with what you know, stay close to your community, work hard, and build something that matters to the people around you. If you focus on impact first, success has a way of following.