Entrepreneurial Insights of turning credit expertise into a business
GreenScale LLC was founded in September 2019. They specialize in helping hundreds of families resolve their credit issues by strengthening financial literacy and training small business owners on how to scale their corporations without wasting time and money. Located in Savannah, GA, their team includes CEO Kelvin McNeil and 5 employees.
What compelled you to start your own business?
It was always a dream of mine to be an entrepreneur. Even as a kid, I thought the idea of having your own business and being your own boss was so cool. The moment I finally felt compelled to take a leap of faith was when the company I was working for in corporate America for many years announced they would be laying off thousands of employees for the second year in a row. It was at that precise moment I had an epiphany. I said to myself: it’s time to take control of my future.
How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started my business by looking up videos on YouTube about starting a business. I was trying to find ideas. I came across a video where a guy said something so simple that would truly inspire me to take my first step. He said, “What’s something that you enjoy doing that you could do for others… the key is to find the solution to a problem that many people have, then sell the solution.” At that moment, I realized I had recently improved my credit from the low 400s to the high 600s on my own. I then researched how many people in the U.S. needed better credit. The results blew my mind, and I knew immediately that I had found the problem, now I just needed to perfect my craft to become an expert so I could eventually sell the solution. That’s exactly what I did. I started my business and began helping friends and family for free. Next, I grabbed a tripod and began filming educational YouTube videos and the rest is history.
“It forced me to learn something new every day and fostered a healthy desire to help others.”
What do you wish you’d known before you started your business?
I wish I knew more about automation, systems, and how to best scale your business.
Can you name two things that helped you in the beginning? For example, a certain type of technology, advice from someone you trust, etc.
In the beginning, one thing that helped me the most was starting my YouTube channel. It forced me to learn something new every day and fostered a healthy desire to help others. Another thing that that helped me in the beginning was the fact that I had confidence in myself that I could do anything I put my mind to. That confidence was instilled in me by my parents at a young age. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be today.
“Replace video games with books and other educational content to level up in real life.”
What advice would you give to your past self before opening your own business?
Take everything you’re doing now and apply it to your business. Never get too comfortable because that’s where stagnation sets in. Replace video games with books and other educational content to level up in real life, not in a fantasy world. The number one skill you can develop as an entrepreneur is discipline. The sooner you learn this, the faster you’ll go.
Kelvin McNeil is the owner of GreenScale LLC, located in Savannah, GA.
*The purpose of this page is solely to provide information and should not be considered as financial advice.
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice; you should consult a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.
