
The Grit Series with Katie VandenBerg, Diverse Entrepreneur and Divorce Coach
About The Grit Series
The Grit Series is a series of collaborations focused on small business owners putting in the grit to build something great. Each interview spotlights a business savvy member of The Initiative Mastermind and there's a ton to learn from each one about running a small business!
WHAT IS THE INITIATIVE MASTERMIND?
The Initiative Mastermind is a community of small business owners who rally around getting better at business together. Daily, we share insight on what works, what doesn't work, and strategy for adapting and pivoting in the ever-changing business ecosystem. Click to join The Initiative Mastermind.
Watch the live interview
Katie's Bio + Street Cred
I grew up the daughter/grand daughter/great-grand daughter of business owners (Foster Jacob Electric) and artists. I spent my childhood on 65 wooded acres with my imaginary friends, collecting rocks and playing in the creek. My mom was an artist, realtor and property developer. Work/life blended together seamlessly for my parents. They built our home by hand themselves. My dad cut down trees to heat our home in the wood burning furnace. Work is life and life is work for me but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it!
I invested early in myself with time and a small amount of borrowed money. When I started Eli's I worked 50 hours/week at the bank as a loan officer and then 50 hours at the coffee shop. It was exhausting but the investment in myself has paid dividends.
When I sold Eli's I used the proceeds to buy rental property and have been slowly growing that facet of our lives. I also coach people who are navigating the divorce process, helping them preserve their sanity and finances.
I am a big believer in the power of community and relationships. I believe in old school work ethics. I believe anyone can be an entrepreneur if they're willing to work hard and be nice. I believe in 'what could I do if I knew I wouldn't fail' and I use that phrase to light my fire.
Quick Q&A with Katie VandenBerg, Diverse Entrepreneur and Divorce Coach
In 2 minutes, tell us how you became an entrepreneur.
What do you do and who do you do it for?
Have you found work that sets your soul on fire?
Yes. Too much! I like to do a lot of things. I have entrepreneurial ADD. I enjoy it all though for different reasons.
I like to invest in real estate because it makes so much financial sense to me for our future. I love Morton Pottery for the art, community and carrying on this heritage in Morton. I enjoy coaching divorce clients because it is such an overwhelming process and I know I can help alleviate the stress they will feel if they try to go at it alone.
I can empower my clients to be their best selves at a time when they feel like the worst version of themselves.
What's the best business advice you've received?
What has been your hardest entrepreneurial lesson learned?
Ever gotten any bad business advice?
What's your scariest/wildest/most exhilarating moment in your journey so far?
When it comes to getting work done, early riser or night owl?
What responsibility do you like the least in running your business?
What's the secret to your success?
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs just getting started?
Where can people connect with you?
Website: www.katievandenberg.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/focusedforwardllc
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/vanhausstudios
www.instagram.com/focusedforwardllc
www.instagram.com/katievandenberg
Phone: 309-840-0881
MEET SIMPLY INTEGRATED'S OWNER, FRANCIE HINRICHSEN
Hi and welcome! I'm Francie. I started my business, Simply Integrated, in 2015 and have fallen madly in love with teaching small business owners how to start, grow, and market the successful and profitable business they dream about.
My knowledge and experience comes from earning an MBA and from coaching small business entrepreneurs while managing and marketing their projects.
I focus solely on business strategy and marketing and created this blog to help others run more successful businesses. If you’re interested, you can read more about me on the About page of Simply Integrated’s website.
WE WANT TO DESIGN YOUR COMPANY'S MARKETING STRATEGY
If it turns out we’re a good fit to work together, I’d love to help drive customers to your business and positively impact your bottom line. Get in touch for a free consultation. To get in touch, use this contact form, email us at hello@SimplyIntegratedLLC.com, or call/text us at 309-431-2266.
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