Vivian R. Isaak, President, Magnum Group, Inc.
What do you need to be an entrepreneur?
Vision, passion, determination, and the ability to lead with your heart.
What inspired you to start your business?
My passion for languages and the need to raise my son on my own.
How did you finance it?
I did not have any seed money to start the business. When Magnum was 5 years old, we procured an SBA loan of $25,000 to buy equipment.
Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
I grew up in Argentina. The connection with the Western Hemisphere is part of my heritage, a personality trait that influences my business as well as my personal life.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
Adversity gives us the chance to regroup and change. I take it as a challenge to find new ways of growing the business.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
After September 11, one of our clients cancelled a major contract. The challenge was to bring in new business during a time of national crisis while keeping the number of employees intact and the banks happy.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
I would grow the business faster.
What was your childhood ambition?
Work for the United Nations.
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?
Lee Iacocca, Golda Meir, Leonardo da Vinci
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I like to schedule business meetings on or about 11:30 am. The timeframe allows for ample time to address business issues at the office and a smooth transition to a relaxed meal at one of the wonderful restaurants in our area.
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
I sacrificed week-ends and vacation time.
What is your favorite quote?
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. Mark Twain
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
Difficult? It’s fun!!!
Biggest mistake made?
Sacrificing week-ends and vacation time.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why
More than an innovator, I consider myself an inspired rainmaker. I can make things happen.
Vision, passion, determination, and the ability to lead with your heart.
What inspired you to start your business?
My passion for languages and the need to raise my son on my own.
How did you finance it?
I did not have any seed money to start the business. When Magnum was 5 years old, we procured an SBA loan of $25,000 to buy equipment.
Being Hispanic…Does it have any influence on your business?
I grew up in Argentina. The connection with the Western Hemisphere is part of my heritage, a personality trait that influences my business as well as my personal life.
In the face of adversity, how do you decide to keep going?
Adversity gives us the chance to regroup and change. I take it as a challenge to find new ways of growing the business.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
After September 11, one of our clients cancelled a major contract. The challenge was to bring in new business during a time of national crisis while keeping the number of employees intact and the banks happy.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
I would grow the business faster.
What was your childhood ambition?
Work for the United Nations.
Tell us about three entrepreneurs that you admire?
Lee Iacocca, Golda Meir, Leonardo da Vinci
For business meetings: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
I like to schedule business meetings on or about 11:30 am. The timeframe allows for ample time to address business issues at the office and a smooth transition to a relaxed meal at one of the wonderful restaurants in our area.
What sacrifices on your personal life did you have to make in order to become a business success?
I sacrificed week-ends and vacation time.
What is your favorite quote?
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. Mark Twain
Is it difficult to be unconventional?
Difficult? It’s fun!!!
Biggest mistake made?
Sacrificing week-ends and vacation time.
Do you consider yourself an innovator? Why
More than an innovator, I consider myself an inspired rainmaker. I can make things happen.
About Magnum
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