Entrepreneurs Reflect on the 2023 Scale DSM Program

This article includes an interview with Yen Verhoeven from Qi Research Group, Maria Rae Earp from XoXo Gift & Home and Blanca Plascencia with El Fogon Mexican Restaurant who answered questions about participating in Scale DSM Business Accelerator.

Scale DSM Business Accelerator Q+A

What is your business?

Yen Verhoeven: My company is Qi Learning Research Group. We are building a marketplace for quality education products to empower students and educators.

Marla Rae Earp: XoXo Gifts & Home is a premier gift shop. We sell home decor, jewelry, candles, cards, soaps, wine and seasonal decor.

Blanca Plascencia: El Fogon is a family-style Mexican restaurant.

Why and when did you begin your business?

YV: I started my business in April 2018. I was on the professorial track and learned that it wouldn’t create the change that I wanted in the industry right away. So, I decided to create a business to do that. I like to think about my business as the start of a movement to change education.

MRE: I purchased my business from another owner. The business started in 1979 and I took it over in 2007. I worked for another company for many years and my husband and I talked and the idea of becoming a business owner of a store that I already loved was intriguing.

BP: I started my business in 2017 because I wanted to be self-employed.

What made you interested in the Scale DSM program/why did you apply?

YV: I am always interested in finding new ways to build my company. I found this program through one of my advisors who recommended it and went to the information session. I knew right away that it was the right fit.

MRE: I had a mentor, Christy Jones, recommended the program to me.

BP: I wasn’t very familiar with the program, but I got to talk to the Scale DSM program manager and thought it was a good fit for me to learn and grow my business, especially in time with my goals.

Where were you in the process of building your business when you started the Scale DSM program?

YV: I was early in my business and didn’t know a lot — I didn’t know financial or growth plans.

MRE: The business had been established and a lot of the business ran well when I took over the business. I was slowly making it mine – in style, product and process.

BP: We have two restaurants in different stages and are working to expand into two new projects.

What was one idea that you had about business ownership before the program that has been challenged?

YV: The idea that I needed to do it all. I have learned how to find the people who have the expertise you need and that I don’t have to be the only one to do it, but I do have to be good at finding the people who will help me.

MRE: That things change in the world, and I must change with them. Don’t fight change, listen to the customers and the world around you and meet the needs of those around you.

BP: The most challenging is retention – I thought it would be easier. I wanted a business place with a culture. The food and customers are easy. But the team and retention of that team is harder than anticipated.

What was the most important advice you learned from the CEO mentoring groups provided through the program?

YV: Maybe not advice, but the most important lesson that I have learned is knowing your financials and knowing why these things matter, and knowing how to use your financials to examine the health of your company.

MRE: Be open your mind to new things and think outside the box.

BP: So many things. I think the best ones would be to use technology, to keep my eyes on the money and to be more assertive.

What was one of the most surprising things that you've learned?

YV: You never totally ‘get it’, you are always leveling up and learning and it’s a constant work in progress.

MRE: That you really have to listen to the customers and what they want. Just because I like something doesn’t mean that customers will and vice versa.

BP: Everything! Every session I learn something different that is like taking my hand and being able to go through every aspect of my business. But especially finances.

What are some goals that you’ve created for yourself? Have those goals changed since you’ve experienced Scale DSM?

YV: I have always had the goal of changing how we think about education. I would love to see a national movement surrounding how we see education in our country.

BP: My goal was to purchase the building where we rent. We have learned about that in this class – and it has set some expectations and led to new expansion projects. I don’t have to be tied to one location or one option, I can have multiple.

What do you love about the small business community in Iowa?

YV: The fact that everyone is here to help you and that help is easy to find. It is just a matter of reaching out and asking for it and knowing what you need.

MRE: That they have your back. I cannot believe the support that I receive from other small businesses. We are all here to help each other succeed. We experience the same things, and we support each other.

BP: I love that it is so small and intimate – we know a lot of people and we are open to help and grow each other to make DSM a better place. No matter what you want to make DSM to grow and we work together to do that.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who wants to start their own business or is a business owner in Greater Des Moines?

YV: You have to find a drive to be able to do it. The reason you start your business needs to be strong enough that when you hit a roadblock you come back at it. Be tenacious.

MRE: DO IT. So many people just don’t have the confidence in doing it, but you can do it. My advice – Take the plunge and do it. Trust your instincts.

BP: You have to put your heart and soul into everything you do. You have to try to make it work, no matter what it takes. If you are already thinking about an escape plan, then you’re giving yourself an out.

Scale DSM is a business accelerator for entrepreneurs in various industries, including food service, media and more. The Greater Des Moines Partnership program is sponsored by Wells Fargo and powered by Interise®.

Looking for tools to help grow your startup or small business? Visit the Small Business Resources Hub to find the information you need.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more here.