Name: Adil Rahman
Company: Second Cup Ltd.
Website: www.secondcup9017.com
Location: Ottawa, Ontario (St-Laurent Shopping Centre)
How long have you been in business? Who is your target customer?
I’ve been in business since 2006. Anyone passing by my café is a potential customer. A special attention is given to impulse buyers as they’re a group that is willing to spend if the pitch is made properly.
How did you raise the start-up cash?
Years of small retail and wholesale operations in Ontario and Quebec. I operated small kiosks and carts in shopping malls selling specialty items. I was also involved in wholesaling unique products imported from the far east. With the earned revenue, I acquired a Second Cup franchise.
What makes your business unique?
Genuine, fast, and consistent service. My staff are well trained to deliver excellent customer service and a world-class product.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I was looking for a sense of achievement. I also didn’t enjoy the corporate life much and was looking to get out of the rat race. I was looking for exciting projects and the freedom to work when I wanted.
What is the best part about being an entrepreneur?
Taking the road less traveled. Not knowing what to expect but being ready for the challenge. The freedom to use all your knowledge, resources and skills to the fullest. Financial and personal rewards. Taking control of your destiny and realizing your vision.
What is the worst part of being an entrepreneur?
Being alone in the dark.
What are a few lessons you have learned?
You will need to make sacrifices. You will fail, come short of expectations, be stressed, and possibly, betrayed. Anything and everything can and will go wrong. Your ability to rise every time you fall is what will make you a successful entrepreneur.
What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Find something you love doing and excel at it. Be aggressive. Differentiate yourself by being unique.
A lot of entrepreneurs hesitate giving up established careers to strike out on their own. What advice would you give them?
If you’re always complaining about your job, looking at the clock and not laughing most of the time, then your job will not make you happy. As the saying goes, better to have tried and lost than never to have tried at all.
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