w. joseph mcdougall

In appreciation of his involvement with CEL,
we would like to honor Joseph McDougall as our Entrepreneur of the Month!

We interviewed Joseph to learn more about how he became the successful entrepreneur he is today. Here are some highlights from the interview:

What are the top 3 skills you believe are needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

• Knowledge from the ground up
• Be an active listener, especially with customers and fellow professionals
• Problem solving ability

What is one of your favorite books that inspired you the most?

Kon-Tiki It is a story about crossing the Pacific Ocean in a balsawood raft.  An epic voyage that seemed to be impossible!

How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?

All family members were integral parts of our venture. It was a double-edged sword, but the vast majority of the time it was very beneficial. Issues were discussed accurately and briefly, always with the objective of arriving at a well thought out solution. I never took my work home, which would explain why my dog was always thrilled to greet me.

What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

"It's good to be the king!" - Mel Brooks - History of the World

How did you get started in your business?

I always kept my antenna up.  A series of personal and professional connections put me in the right place at the right time.  I held a central position in addressing the Love Canal federal emergency. Environmental laboratory testing was in its infancy.  The bank wanted to lend me more money than I requested.

What is your favorite quote?

"Never let them see you sweat"

What was the best advice/wisdom you were ever given?

Stay focused on the goal. Obstacles continually arise. Go over them, around them, or through them, just stay focused!