VentureNavigator

In 2005 I founded SmarterHousing, to better serve the needs of students renting accommodation. The company has developed over the years and I am now bringing in day to day management to handle client and tenant matters, allowing me to focus on new locations and, at last, other businesses.

As a snapshot of the current market, we are very well positioned. Finances are sound as our revenues come from secure student rentals and we have moved into residential sales & lettings (the costs of which are covered by existing revenues i.e. there is NO RISK in the move) to mop up as other agencies go out of business.

I thoroughly enjoyed founding the business although have had a million and one problems since I commenced trading. My one learning point: trust no one (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Rather than ditch it I stuck with it, learned the business inside out and can now hand over to staff who will oversee the next 3 to 5 years of growth.

During 2009 and 2010 my focus will turn to the following, all of which will be given a similar look and feel to smarterhousing.co.uk:

smarterhotels.co.uk (test site live)
smarterholidays.com
smarterstaff.co.uk
smartercareers.co.uk
smarternights.com
deliverydan.com

My point: for those who own multiple companies what caused this?

For me it is 100% the thrill and enjoyment of getting a new venture launched, knowing it will address a failing in the current market. I am not a people person (unless I'm selling!) and as such the day to day chore of company running really doesn't suit me and is no fun at all. Although new businesses will bring in new revenues, this is more of an associated benefit than a cause.

Discuss :0)