[quote style=”boxed”]I would build relationships differently with partners to ensure a mutual success, rather than a 1-sided venture.[/quote]
Bronson L. Quon, a CPA, started his professional career even before graduating college, interning at notable companies like The Walt Disney Company and The Gap where he gained valuable experience in Financial Reporting and Analysis and Revenue. Upon graduating with a degree in Accounting, he spent 4 years in public accounting with Arthur Andersen and Deloitte & Touche within their respective Assurance & Advisory practices serving in various industries including Consumer Products, Retail, Aerospace and Oil & Gas.
He transitioned into the private arena in 2003, joining iPayment, a credit card processing company, as Corporate Accounting Manager. Through the next several years, Bronson was promoted through various positions and most recently, as Vice President and Corporate Controller. Bronson joined LERETA as First Vice President and Controller in December 2012. He has been married to his wife, Julie, for several years and has two beautiful daughters, Olivia and Ellie.
What does your typical day look like?
Each day is different depending on the time of the month. The first week of the month is generally filled with monthly closing activities followed by reporting during the second week. The last two weeks of the month are budgeting and reforecasting and special projects. The business is very dynamic with constant requests from the executive committee that it keeps me on my toes! On weekends, it is all about my family and spending time with the Wife and my two beautiful little girls.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I do my best thinking when I am in bed, believe it or not. Many times, I don’t even know if I am conscious. If I have something on my mind or something that needs to be accomplished, I will often think about it just before bed time and when I wake up in the morning after uninterrupted sleep, I often have the answer! Such ideas are more vivid when you close your eyes and envision the world.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The real estate market excites me! As a homeowner and owner of rental property, I am intrigued and fascinated by mortgage loan originations through purchases or refinances. As interest rates are slowly ticking up, we are seeing a decline in both purchases and refinances as the cost of buying a property has become more expensive. At the same time, I try to look for opportunities that will help my investing strategies.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Proper planning. You don’t plan to fail….you fail to plan.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I don’t have a “worst job” experience. Sure, there have been ups and downs with past experiences, but all have shaped me into who I am today. I am a positive person and am very optimistic. I try to see the good in all respects and always strive to be a better person, father and husband.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would build relationships differently with partners to ensure a mutual success, rather than a 1-sided venture.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Preparation and more preparation!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Treating your partners well, both financially and operationally, and being honest about your endeavors and business dealings. The more transparency there is the better.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not including the right people in the right discussions. The best way to overcome is to adapt, as my Father used to teach me. Improvise, overcome and adapt!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A great business idea would involve an instant translating service. Rather than having to go through the hassle of finding a professional translator, a mobile app or live conference call with a translator could facilitate meetings with international clients.
Tell us something about you that very few people know?
I am a very family-oriented man. My wife, kids, and I support each other through thick and thin, always encouraging each other to be the best that we can be.
What software and web services do you use?
Microsoft Office 2010
What do you love about them?
I am a spreadsheet fanatic because I love formulas!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“The Tao of Jeet Kune Do” by Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee was the best martial artist of all time and was my idol growing up.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
As often as I can, I surround myself with smart, witty, and fun people so I can learn from them. Generally, I consider these people my friends and strive to enhance relationships with them. I enjoy learning about who they are as people, where they are from, and what experiences they have had in their lifetime.
Connect:
Bronson Quon on LinkedIn:
Bronson Quon on Twitter: @BronsonQuon
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.