Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Bryan.
Hi Edward, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in entrepreneurship earlier than I thought I would. I could say I have been working for myself since I was 10. I cut grass, worked as a trash boy for the neighborhood, did side jobs for companies within my neighborhood (e.g. cleaning, passing out flyers, etc.), and helped with deliveries. I found myself in a place of life that I wanted more. My thinking was different from other kids in the neighborhood. This was due to my upbringing with a single mother who always worked to provide for us. I felt the need to do my part. Throughout high school, I worked as a grocery bagger and a pizza maker at Papa John’s. Once I graduated from high school, I decided to join the Army. After exiting the military in 2006, I joined the Georgia Army National Guard. That’s why I continue my entrepreneurship dreams and goals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a challenging and lessons-learned journey for me. The first business that I started was a bounce house business in which I partnered with another company. During this time, I learned a lot about patience, customer care and family support. This business was not easy to start. I had to really promote and compete with other competitors in the industry. After three years, I decided to get out as I was going on a deployment back to Iraq.
My next business was a wellness spa with a brick-and-mortar salon. I went into this business with a friend without knowing anything about the massage or spa business. It challenged me to understand the complexity of the business. I did it for a year and a half, then had to get out. One of the many challenges I ran into was the constant marketing required for massage therapists to develop and maintain a customer base.
Then, I decided to go back and open my own bounce house business. I still run to this day. This business sustains itself and doesn’t require a huge overhead. I manage inventory by housing it on my property. This business runs by word-of-mouth and by great customer service. I have been running it for almost six years now.
Next, I opened a fast-food restaurant. My sister and I went into business with a franchise and worked very hard. At first, the business did very well. Things started to go downhill after four months. A couple of things that contributed to the downfall were a lack of communication within the franchise itself and proper planning on how to continuously run the business, not solely by us. The restaurant business is not for the weak. One must wear multiple hats, which makes balancing personal life challenging. If I were to embark on this type of business venture again, I would make sure I have a solid team that is all in. If not, I would not want any part of it.
Following the restaurant, I began a trucking enterprise. This is a lucrative business if you have the right equipment and drivers. We had a lot of maintenance issues and breakdowns since the equipment was not properly maintained. One thing about the trucking business, maintenance is a nightmare once something breaks down. It is triple the cost to fix anything compared to a regular automobile. We were in business for approximately two years. I did not drive the trucks, but I was an owner-operator. One major hurdle I encountered was not having dedicated drivers who wanted to work. Once you have a good driver, you can make some money. Let me rephrase that: once you have a good and honest driver, you can make some money. I ran into multiple issues with drivers stealing gas, declining loads, and simply just not wanting to work. In early 2024, I decided I no longer wanted to be in the trucking business. It became very stressful as well. I sold my equipment and truck. I continued my bounce house business and began working as a flight attendant with Delta Air Lines. I am still in the Army National Guard.
While managing different businesses, I have also been in the entertainment industry for the past 20 years as an actor. I signed up with Houghton Talent in Atlanta, Georgia, and love my family there. I have had the opportunity to do a few commercials, television shows, and a lot of background work. My ultimate goal is to work on a major television show or motion picture in my career. Until then, I work my 9 to 5 and keep auditioning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an actor, I’ve had the pleasure of working in this industry for about 20 years and meeting a lot of people. I have not had overnight success, but I know persistence will pay off. I will eventually achieve my goal of acting in a movie. I have done mini commercials, television shows, reenactments, and a few stage pieces. My heart and passion are in front of the camera. I enjoy the masterpiece of storytelling through the lens of a creative person willing to be used to bring to life a character. But mark my words, you will soon see me acting in a bigger capacity than I have ever dreamed of!!!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters the most to me is family and how you treat others, especially those who cannot possibly do anything for you. I’m a believer in treating everyone how you would like to be treated. We are all one mistake, one paycheck, or one decision away from ending up in a predicament. Many people look down on others. Love God and love people.
Pricing:
- $185 Per Bounce House
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ebryan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwardbryan02?igsh=MWM5MWd3b3Zvb3Brcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BGPbmRv3d/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-bryan-63788b25?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
