Ebon Talifarro

A book I recommend is the “Intelligent Investor,” by Benjamin Graham.

As the founder of a company specializing in integrated problem solutions, Ebon Talifarro is a devoted professional committed to helping others as they face incredibly difficult circumstances. With a stated goal of providing the type of highly specialized services people need during these tough times, Mr. Talifarro measures the success of his company based on the achievement of positive societal goals rather than financial outcomes. While the company is indeed profitable and has been so for over a decade, Mr. Talifarro recognizes that there is nothing more valuable than helping people during a time of need.

Mr. Talifarro founded his company over 15 years ago, and it was his tenacity and perseverance that helped him overcome his organization’s initial struggles. Though it took longer than expected to achieve a comfortable level of profitability, Mr. Talifarro never lost sight of his ultimate goal, as he felt that the help his company could provide others was invaluable.

The company’s initial struggles helped shape the organization’s current structure, and Mr. Talifarro’s determination to succeed has paid off handsomely. The company has offered substantial assistance to its many clients and has become a model for other organizations who have similarly lofty goals relating to providing services that result in a clear societal benefit.

Where did the idea for an integrated problem solutions specialist company come from?

My idea for an integrated problem solutions specialist company began when I observed the difficulties people face when others are out to do them harm.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My day begins at 5:30 AM. It begins with a cup of coffee and morning run. I then check my inbox and respond to any messages I have received.

How do you bring ideas to life?

In order to bring ideas to life, I first visualize the ultimate goal and then implement the necessary steps necessary to obtain that goal.

What’s one trend that really excites you?

I am excited about medical technology and how it will be used to help others in the future.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Exercising regularly helps me be more productive as an entrepreneur. It gives me the structure and discipline needed to run a successful business.

What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

The worst job I ever had was laying carpet. It taught me that I did not want to do manual labor for the rest of my life.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

I would choose more wisely when forming a partnership with someone. I would look for signs that they might not be a stable business partner and then remove myself from the situation sooner.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I recommend people who start their own business to work diligently every day.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.

My business has grown because we are down to earth, passionate and kind to others. In other words, we treat people the way we would like to be treated.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I would have began with a much different organizational structure. Our current structure is such that we are able to play to the strengths of each individual employee.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A good idea for a business is a coal-fired pizza parlor.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

The best $100 dollars I spent recently was on products I needed to help my business grow.

What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?

I often use Microsoft Word, Bing and Yahoo. I love that they are easy to use and efficient.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?