I started my career working on private yachts as a stewardess, which teaches you a lot about standards, systems, and how to deliver high-level customer service.
Later, I co-founded and ran an engineering company. We grew to about 50 employees and a similar number of subcontractors. I had an owner-operator role and had to figure out how to manage operations, people, and chaos all at once. We experienced fast growth, with technicians dispatched across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
What helped us to grow was building systems and using tech early on because it was the only way to keep up with all the moving parts. I didn’t call it “automation” back then. It was just common sense that helped us stay efficient and deliver projects "on time and on budget" for complex government contracts.
After exiting that business, I set out to acquire another. I launched a small business acquisitions venture, started reviewing deals, and learned a tremendous amount about how small businesses actually operate behind the scenes. What struck me most was that many businesses that appear promising at first glance often lack the financial clarity or operational structure needed to support a successful sale.
Around that time, a personal tragedy changed the course of my journey. My dad had recently closed his own business to retire, and not long after, his wife took her own life due to a post-retirement perceived loss of identity and depression. That moment made me step back and reconsider the kind of work I wanted to do and how I could best serve other small business owners.
From this experience, I learned many business owners walk away from something they’ve poured their lives into, not because they want to, but because they bury themselves in the day-to-day and don’t prepare. One day, they turn around and realize it's time to retire.
I started a business called SureStep Business Advisors to change that: to help owners to improve what they’ve built and sell when the time is right for them, with less stress and better outcomes. Integrating systems to remove owner dependency is the most important starting point.
I’ve helped business owners understand what their business is worth and prepare for sale in a way that attracts their "ideal" buyers. I’ve handled the full process, from valuation to close.
I’m thoughtful about who I work with on the sale of a business. Around 80% of small businesses that go to market don’t sell. If I’m going to represent someone, I want to be sure we’re setting them up for success, not chasing the wrong outcome and wasting valuable time.
Alongside that, a growing part of my work is helping service business owners use AI-powered tools to get out from under the boring, repetitive day-to-day things like scheduling, admin, quoting, and follow-ups. Most aren’t looking to become tech experts; they just want their business to run smoother without hiring more people.
If, like me, you're fascinated by what AI can do for small businesses you are in the right place... I understand what happens under the hood of a business, and now use that experience to help owners integrate practical, human-friendly AI that reduces chaos, saves time, and builds value over time, whether they plan to sell or not.
This is where we will go deep on AI integration for small business... and if you want to learn more about the business services offered at SureStep - you can visit www.SureStepBusiness.com to learn more. I'm happy you are here... now let's have fun learning about AI.
P.S. If you want me to help you with AI for your business - send me a message - my phone number is below and you can call me or text me directly - Also you can connect with me on social or visit my YouTube Channel.
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