“The game isn’t over.” Bill Chrismer concluded after reflecting on his path to becoming a small business owner.
Why does one go from working in mergers and acquisitions to owning GQ Barber Lounge, the finest grooming emporium for men in the world?
For Bill, it was the opportunity to change peoples’ lives.
At last Wednesday’s Table of 10 Lunch at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, ten members of MHYP had the privilege of meeting and conversing with Bill Chrismer who was accompanied by two of his stylists, Shea and Molly. He explained how he enjoyed seeing them grow and succeed in his business and we can surmise that they were just two of many lives he touched after starting GQ Barber Lounge nine years ago.
Bill then proceeded to give a candid and entertaining narrative of his career in corporate banking and mergers and acquisitions as well as describing the struggles and triumphs of starting his own venture. He also laid out some of his philosophy on life and business.
Bill’s philosophy of business ownership started as a teenager while working at major America aerospace and defense contractor, McDonnell Douglas. He explained that although McDonnell Douglas was at one time a large and well known organization, today it lacks the prominence it once had. Unlike the diminishing impression that a large company can potentially leave over time, Bill explained that owning your own business can leave a lasting mark. This impact affects those you hire, your customers, and members of the community.
Bill also shared with us some advice that coincided with his philosophy of running his own business:
At the end of the lunch, Bill told us that one aspect of the game is to find out what you want and be willing to go after it. He did. But for him, the game isn’t over.