Today we’d like to introduce you to Yon Potter.
Hi Yon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was quiet, shy, easygoing, and laid back. I have been working since I was 8 years old. My first job was as a paper route girl for the Casper Star-Tribune in Casper, Wyoming. I had over 60 clients and earned a real check. I was taught at an early age to work hard, how to do business, and be able to take care of myself so that I wouldn’t have to rely on anyone else. My grandma was a businesswoman who not only worked for a company but was also an entrepreneur. She sold Mary Kay (even earned a 1960s pink Cadillac), sold Avon, and owned houses she used as rental properties. When we moved to South Carolina at age 14, I was homeschooled from 7th to 10th grade, and I decided to get my GED. I worked for a lady cleaning construction on Brays Island from 15-17 years old and then worked carpentry on Fripp Island in between.
At 18, I had my first child and got my first place. I was still a quiet person. I needed a consistent job, so I started at the Huddle House and McDonald’s. That’s where I learned to speak up and become a people person. Working those jobs did make money, but I needed more for what I wanted or needed in life. I have always said I want to make a living wage, not a working wage. I moved to another place and started working at Merry Maids, an entry-level position. In only 3 months, I became the sales manager. I worked there for a little over 5yrs in the same position and became #2 in sales at one point for our nation. I have yet to be able to beat my week or the sales I made in one day of $20k.
While working at Merry Maids, I decided to go to college. I got my AA in Industrial Electronics as an IT Engineer and took law school. I worked over 70 hours a week and went to school full-time. After a while, though, I knew I had to change my work schedule. I loved my job, but I felt I was missing out on my son’s childhood with me working and going to school so much. I decided to get my Cottage Food License and open a bakery from home. I named it Yonnys Bakery. I sold to most of the gated communities in the area and any open flea markets I could attend. I did that for a year. It was a lot of work, but it made me appreciate being able to make my schedule take the time I needed and when I needed it for whatever reason. I told myself I don’t think I could ever work a 9-5 again. I was even able to homeschool my son, which made me appreciate even more that I could spend precious childhood time with him more than I was able to before.
My next venture, and what I am currently doing, is cleaning. The business Xstr33m Clean LLC gained most of its clients by word of mouth. I was still quiet, but I loved to listen and visit with people, making anyone I met comfortable around me. The qualities most of my clients have said about me are that I am trustworthy, reliable, and always try to go above and beyond to satisfy everyone. Because of my referrals, I could even trade for a Prius V. I didn’t know the people prior and only cleaned for them without charge 3times when they handed over the keys and title. They trusted I would return each time to work it off, and I did. It only had 40k miles on it. I am the second owner, and it took only 1yr to work it off.
I never stop thinking of ideas or encouraging others to start something for themselves. My passion is sales and marketing; I love helping people start their businesses and market them to get clients. It is achievable if you are persistent and work at what you want. Nothing is impossible. It’s impossible or unachievable if we don’t see value in what we do or want. Find something you want or want to do and have a passion for. Keep moving forward even if you fall, and if mistakes are made, learn from them and make yourself better than you were before. If we never accept criticism or know we have made mistakes, we can never better ourselves or have the chance to analyze/fix the problem. I always believe that to be successful; you have to be open to not just all the good and positive but also the negative.
~~~Persistence is the fire within, fueled by belief and fanned by the winds of courage~~~
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has only sometimes been a smooth road. I’ve had to work hard and be determined/persistent in everything I’ve done and want to do. I’ve had personal obstacles come in the way (Rough childhood/teenage problems, Chrones disease, abusive relationships, etc.). If I were to let all my negative past problems affect or determine my future, then I would not have the things that I do now. We can’t change our past, but today, the present, we can look back and analyze and make changes to make our future positive.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My family is very artistic and musically inclined. I became the artist manager for my brother and sister, who attended and were the opening act at South By South West in Austin, Texas, this past March. I love being an artist manager as I look at it through sales and marketing. I am marketing talent and selling it to the masses. I have connected DJs and musicians across the states, from Boston to Wyoming, Down to Corpus Christi, and many more.
What am I most proud of?
It is being able to have time when I want it. No one is promised tomorrow, and to me, time is precious.
What sets me apart?
It is my persistent attitude, but I don’t have any real idea, as other people have also told me that they don’t know what it is about me. They will end up telling me their whole life story. I have met people, and in that one meeting, they have something change in their life for the better.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best networking plan starts with your friend or family member. They can connect you with their friends, business owners, or professionals. Try to attend local coffee meets; generally, be bold and talk to people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mkt.com/xstr33mclean
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/xst224?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094702696111&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm14878764/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_q_yon%2520potter
