Business Ownership As A Retirement Strategy

With guidance from The Entrepreneur’s Source^®, Mark Saunders overcame obstacles to start a new chapter pursuing his passion for education as the owner of a Canadian business in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado.

Coaching Provides New Opportunity
Throughout his career, Mark held numerous roles, including author, editor, public relations director, and community college instructor. When he found himself at a crossroads in his career and his search for a job as a communications director stalled, Mark connected with Cindy Ecleberry, a Career Ownership Coach with TES.

“Cindy helped me identify my next career move, and coached me along as my next steps unfolded,” Mark said.

TES relies on education-based coaching methods to help people pursue a new future. In addition to delving deep into his work habits, Mark spent time determining his Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity goals to learn if he should continue searching for a corporate job, start a business from scratch, or invest in a business.

Mark already had a wealth of business ownership experience. Earlier in his career, Mark launched a publishing company called Vital Health Press, where he co-wrote, edited, designed, and published two Amazon best-selling books on men’s health and prostate issues. But at this point in his journey, Mark wanted to pursue an opportunity with limited risk and financial security. He wanted to create his own schedule and have the flexibility to enjoy his hobbies. Mark is an avid hiker, cycler, and skier.

“If I want to have a successful rest of my life, I need to bring in a lot of money to make that happen,” Mark said. “An idea started nibbling away in my mind at the possibility of being a business owner.”

Cindy started her coaching career in 2021 after spending nearly 25 years in the corporate world. During her tenure at Waccamaw Pottery, Cindy had a valuable mentor who gave her the skills to build her career as a project manager. In addition to various project management roles, Cindy also published a home improvement magazine in Charleston, South Carolina, and worked as an event planner.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Cindy said. “It was clear a coaching business was an opportunity, so I cast my fears aside and said, ‘let’s do it.’”

Cindy and Mark connected over LinkedIn and became fast friends. The pair bonded over their shared love of dogs and the similar challenges they faced during their careers, particularly as they gained more experience and moved higher up the corporate ladder. Finding a new role as a seasoned professional is challenging. Neither of them was able to find a job in the corporate world to match their skillset and salary requirements.

“Mark wanted a business he could ramp up quickly. He was concerned about his future and about being able to have some wealth and equity when he was ready to retire,” Cindy said. “He wanted a deeper, richer, stronger relationship with a company that would allow him to give back.”

Canadian Tutoring Business Offers Promise
When Mark collaborated with an emerging tutoring business in Canada, he knew it could be an opportunity for growth in the Colorado area he called home. Coping with a dysfunctional home life took a toll on Mark during his childhood and limited his ability to excel at school. Over time he learned to stay focused on the stepping stones of solutions while navigating educational challenges to find success and overcome obstacles.

“Helping people learn is something I’m passionate about. My dysfunctional home environment hampered my ability to perform in school when I was young, and studying was not a priority,” Mark said. “I want to be able to help people get over whatever their obstacles are to learning.”

Mark also used his ability to stay focused on solutions when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 46. He spent four years relying on the help of medical experts and researching options. Rather than follow medical treatments, such as radiation, Mark overhauled his lifestyle to keep the disease at bay. In addition to meditation, yoga, and supplements, Mark turned to spiritual guidance. His spiritual journey took him to Brazil, where he rescued his sidekick, a dog. The pair regularly enjoy Boulder, Colorado’s natural beauty and outdoor amenities.

Canada-based Prep Academy Tutors was the brainchild of Carly Dougherty, a stay-at-home mom in Toronto. She began using her knowledge and skills to tutor children on the side. Her roster filled up quickly, inspiring her to pursue growth by franchising. Carly and her husband Adrian are expanding the brand across North America.

The tutoring industry is in high demand, particularly following the pandemic outbreak, as parents pursue ways to help their children cope with learning loss. Prep Academy Tutors hires certified teachers and people with advanced degrees to help children find success at school. Tutors provide in-home or remote sessions to fit the busy lifestyles of most families. Unlike other tutoring companies, Prep Academy Tutors offers month-to-month commitments rather than extensive package deals, which helps make it a cost-effective option.

Mark is currently networking with educators in his local community and hiring tutors. He plans to focus on marketing and scaling the business. Finding the right tutors to match his clients is key to his success. He plans to have a grand opening when the new school semester begins in January.

“I’m a little bit of a matchmaker in this position. I match a student’s needs with a tutor’s expertise,” Mark said.

Achieve the American Dream
If you are ready to achieve the American dream and launch your Career 2.0^®, contact a Career Ownership Coach to learn more about entrepreneurship. For more information about TES, visit www.entrepreneurssource.com, or check out our guidebook, “Your Career 2.0^® A Survival Guide for the Battered Career and Investor Syndrome^®.”

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