Today we’d like to introduce you to Waldo Webster.
Hi Waldo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been creating and running businesses since I was 12 years old, and the best part has always been watching others consume and interact with something I’ve created. I first taught myself how to program when I was 9 years old, and I have been making websites since then.
My first business was selling “marshmallow guns” to friends when I was 12. It basically consisted of PVC piping that you would stick a hot chocolate-sized marshmallow in and use your mouth to blow air to propel it at others. I made a batch of them and brought them to a birthday party, and word spread fast about them around school. I couldn’t build them fast enough as classmates were throwing around lunch money to get their hands on one.
In 2008, I was 18 years old and started my business, Impressive Click, during a recession. I was so motivated to own my own business growing up I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. Not even a recession.
After two years or so, momentum started to kick in and one client turned into three, I started to make a name for myself around town. By year 5 I was turning down business and all my opportunities were coming from referrals. It was the first time I wasn’t worried about where my next paycheck would be coming from. It was a huge relief.
Now, over 15 years later, I’ve worked on thousands of websites, including work for large Fortune 500 companies like Colgate-Palmolive, Altria, Philip Morris International, and Dover. Taking my knowledge in helping small businesses grow, I’ve owned, operated and sold several other businesses in the past decade.
Besides Impressive Click, which occupies my mornings, I also own and operate a local adult athletics community called Savannah Adult Recreation Club (SARC), which has serviced about 8,500 members of our community.
Through strategic marketing efforts, both businesses do almost zero marketing. The key to our success is our quality of work. Give people an experience so great they want to tell their friends about it – and they do.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first few years of all my business ventures have been pretty tough, as I imagine every business owner experiences. But each time you succeed through it, you build confidence, and you learn things.
When I first started Impressive Click, I was just a kid, knocking on doors, trying to prove myself as an experienced website designer and developer. People were reluctant to give me their money at first. It was a pivotal moment in my life. I felt at a crossroad.
All my friends were getting paid a lot more money at these deadbeat jobs and going out every weekend while I couldn’t even afford to put gas in my car. There was a moment I had where I seriously considered quitting and getting a job working minimum wage. Thankfully, some friends and family convinced me to keep on going.
Now when I look back at the moment, I feel so much relief for not quitting. I proved something to myself during that time that I can get through anything. It was shortly after that that I was making a lot more money than my friends. I felt validated in my ventures.
But that comes with ups and downs. Some years are way harder than others, and some things are out of your control – like COVID. I had just taken out a sizable loan to purchase SARC 3 months before the government shut everything down. I had a business plan and momentum and was prepared for everything – except that.
But it taught me to pivot and adjust. Sometimes you need to get creative.
Life and business aren’t linear paths. If something isn’t working, I like to take a step back and explore my options.
The trick is to believe in yourself and to not give up when things get tough. The answers will reveal themselves, but avoid chasing things that are shiny. Pushing through something hard usually leads to better things or a lesson well learned; I promise you that.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work almost 90 hours a week, but I love my career, so it doesn’t really ever feel like “work.” In the few hours during the week that I have free time, I usually spend that time being creative.
I love working with my hands, whether that be cooking a meal or building a coffee table for my living room. Digitally, I also enjoy video editing and game development. I have a significant background as a software engineer, so I tend to exercise those skills whenever I can.
Also, just enjoying time with friends. I’m a strong believer in “work hard, play harder.” Every few weeks, you’ll probably see me downtown with a drink in my hand, dancing off-rhythm, trying to make my friends laugh. I try not to take myself too seriously.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be yourself. It’s simple advice, but people respond to vulnerability and genuineness. Don’t be afraid to point out your weaknesses and ask questions and help when needed.
Also, don’t ever give up, regardless of what profession. Believe in your abilities to accomplish and see something through, despite how hard that might seem at the time. Also, put on blinders when it comes to other people. Don’t focus on what others have; focus on yourself. Good things take time to build, so invest in yourself, and your time will come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.impressiveclick.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clunkywaldo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clunkywaldo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waldough/
- Other: https://www.savadultrec.com/
