The decision to leave corporate security for entrepreneurial uncertainty is never easy. Yet for Robert Brezosky of Quest Relocation and Jeremy Chandar of Pinewood Relocation, taking this bold step has led to fulfilling new chapters in their mobility careers.
In a recent The View from the Top episode, these industry veterans shared their experiences transitioning from corporate roles to business ownership, offering valuable insights for others considering a similar path.
The Journey Begins
For Robert Brezosky, with decades of corporate experience including roles at PwC, Disney, and Netflix, the path to entrepreneurship wasn't planned. After leaving Netflix in 2023, he initially sought another corporate position but found himself uninspired by available opportunities. A conversation about consulting led to purchasing Quest Relocation, a vendor he had worked with and admired during his corporate career.
Jeremy Chandar, bringing three decades of relocation industry expertise, founded Pinewood Relocation after deciding he wasn't ready for retirement. Despite entering a market with thousands of competitors, he identified an underserved niche focusing on high-net-worth clients and companies with smaller mobility programs.
Challenges and Rewards
Both entrepreneurs acknowledged the challenges of starting a business:
- Managing without corporate infrastructure and support
- Dealing with quiet periods when the phone doesn't ring
- Handling all aspects of the business, from strategic planning to changing light bulbs
- Building trust with new clients despite industry experience
However, they emphasized that the rewards outweigh the challenges:
- Freedom to implement ideas quickly without corporate bureaucracy
- Ability to use all aspects of their skills and experience daily
- Control over business direction and decision-making
- Opportunity to build a lasting legacy
Keys to Success
Several factors emerged as crucial for success in mobility entrepreneurship:
Financial Preparation
- Having adequate resources to weather quiet periods
- Being prepared to reinvest profits into the business
- Understanding the financial implications of leaving corporate benefits
Market Positioning
- Identifying underserved market segments
- Focusing on quality and specialized service
- Building on existing industry relationships
Mental Preparation
- Accepting that challenging periods are part of the journey
- Maintaining belief in your vision
- Being prepared for all-consuming commitment to the business
Industry Network
- Leveraging existing relationships
- Finding mentors and supporters
- Participating in industry associations
Looking Forward
Both entrepreneurs remain optimistic about their businesses' futures. Jeremy Chandar envisions passing Pinewood Relocation to his daughters, while Robert Brezosky plans strategic growth within Quest's existing markets while maintaining their high-touch service model.
Their experiences demonstrate that while the entrepreneurial path in global mobility isn't easy, it can be immensely rewarding for those willing to take the risk and put in the work. As Jeremy shared a quote from Dave Graebel: "Forget about how many competitors you have out there. You don't get any business from competitors. The only competitor you have to overcome is your own inclination to quit, compromise, or to tolerate."
For those considering their own entrepreneurial journey in global mobility, these success stories provide both inspiration and practical insights into what it takes to succeed. While the corporate path offers security, the entrepreneurial route offers unlimited potential for those ready to seize it.
You can access the complete show recording here. Don't forget to register for next week's show on Project Mobility with a special guest from Siemens Gamesa.
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