Below is a recent interview with Ryan Kurkut, a successful entrepreneur and business owner in the Edmonton community.
- Where did you get the idea for your current business?
I’ve always loved literature and the untold value it can provide children and communities in need. As an avid reader myself, I know how magical it can be to lose oneself in a novel, as well as how enriching and rewarding that experience is for a child or young adult struggling to cope with adversity and the challenges of an ever-changing world. I was thinking about this one day, and a light bulb suddenly went off.
I asked myself, “How can I bring share this experience with others and enrich their lives, and do it on a larger scale?” That’s more or less how the mobile bookstore idea took off. I invested in an old school bus, reimagined it as a walk-thru book buyer, and renovated it to realize that vision. I then began sourcing good-condition books and finding ways to make books accessible and affordable to in-need communities across Edmonton.
It’s not necessarily surprising, but I have been amazed at just how quickly this idea caught on. The popularity and rapid growth have been breathtaking and really inspirational.
- What is an average day for Ryan Kurkut? How do you maximize productivity each day?
I make it a point each day to get up early and check in at the office, just to identify and address any problems that may have come up during the previous day. I stick to a general schedule and do my best to leave enough time for improvisation, so if something unexpected comes up, there is plenty of time and room to deal with it or at least develop a framework for managing that issue over the day and week ahead. I believe this baked-in flexibility has enabled our team and me to stay ahead of problems, tackle issues, and prevent minor things from snowballing into crises that can really hurt productivity in the short- and long-term.
Yet, even with that flexible schedule, I do my best to follow that daily and weekly schedule to keep things progressing. When a certain window of time has elapsed, I make a note of any lingering items and move on to the next task. That way nothing gets ignored or overlooked.
I also aim to provide my team, especially my drivers, or “book-tailers,” the training and flexibility needed to remain happy and productive. Running a successful business means making sure those you depend on have what they need to be successful and rewarded for what they do. I truly believe that.
- What is your process for developing ideas? How do you bring them to life?
First, I write them down. This is key. I learned early on that if you don’t track new ideas, you’ll lose them quickly. Noting the good (and bad) ideas in a ledger or notebook is an amazingly effective way to keep them in your periphery and ensure they’re available when you need them. I started this habit at an early age and have maintained it ever since. And it really has been a solid foundation for turning ideas into action, at least for me. I always keep a notebook nearby and am quick to jot down new ideas when they come to me.
I often focus group what I believe are the exceptional ideas with people I trust. I value their opinions and take their critiques seriously, and I generally won’t move forward on something unless I’ve run it through “the ringer.” Feedback is essential, no matter which direction it goes.
If an idea passes that initial smell test, I evaluate its commercial value and what sort of seed money it would take to give it life. If it’s viable at the moment, I build out a business plan. If not, I shelve it until a later date.
- Name one business trend you’re excited about.
There are so many uses and variations of technology, particularly in the book-selling space. I guess the one trend that really excites me is the incorporation of the app into one’s business model.
My company is built on buying and selling affordable physical specimens of literature. Still, I do appreciate the app-building tech that’s out there and the incredible options it offers in terms of announcing new routes, connecting with community leaders, etc. It’s been a game-changer for us.
- Is there a habit or behavior that makes you (and your business) more productive?
I am focused on connecting with family and friends every day and setting aside time to maintain the relationships and be among the people that matter most. I have made this “personal time” a mandatory part of every new day and week. Whatever is going on at work or in the course of running this company, I remain dedicated to sharing meals and experiences with my children and my friends.
So, how does this make me more productive as an entrepreneur, you ask? It provides balance and release. It ensures I am not neglecting those I love or missing out on the moments that really matter. It provides an outlet for stress and allows me to retain the focus I need to be productive at work. It helps prevent burnout and provides the freedom I need to get things done professionally, eliminating a potential source of stress and regret that can blur your vision and actually become counterproductive over time.
- Do you have any advice for your younger self?
As an entrepreneur, making money is important, but it isn’t the end-all, be-all of everything. If you aren’t doing something you sincerely believe in or can honestly stand behind, reconsider what you’re doing. Your integrity and credibility aren’t worth the sacrifice. It is possible to create something special and build a business without hurting yourself or others. Focus on that, and you’ll be ok.
- As an entrepreneur, is there anything you do repeatedly you would recommendto others?
I’m constantly re-assessing and re-evaluating processes to determine what is working and what’s falling short. Things change over time and often in an instant, and I want to know that I’m not shortchanging my employees or customers by languishing in something outdated or inefficient. It’s important to keep up and ensure your methods are delivering the experience every stakeholder deserves. Every entrepreneur should remain ever-vigilant about identifying problems, making corrections and keeping up with the times.
- Name a strategy or effort that helped you grow your business.
We take an employee-first attitude that has paid remarkable dividends over the last five years. By treating employees right, empowering them with what they need and ensuring they’re prepared to be successful each day, we’re creating a rewarding work environment that quickly translates into a positive and rewarding customer experience.
We put in time and effort to train employees right from the start and properly acknowledge the value they provide the company. We also focus on compensation and benefits that ensure employees have the support they need to succeed both personally and professionally. We understand that while it can be highly rewarding to work here, it is also a job, something they need to support themselves and their families. We take this approach seriously.
About Ryan Kurkut
Ryan Kurkut is an entrepreneur from Edmonton. He relaxes by exploring the world and playing various video games when he’s not building his business.
Kurkut is confronted daily with various administrative duties as a business owner. An owner’s job is never done; it frequently necessitates intervening with independent contractors and coaching personnel to achieve crucial goals for revenues and expenditures. This can involve anything from constructing a tax withholding strategy to building stronger customer relationships.
Kurkut has realized his lifelong dream of being his own boss and controlling his schedule and destiny as a business owner. With his prosperous business, he can stand back occasionally, celebrate his successes, and reflect on a well-done job.
Sharing his achievements with others is equally vital, so he frequently guides contractors and employees in achieving success. He wants to inspire the next generation to start working on their goals right away by sharing his techniques for commitment, project management, and budgeting.
