We had the opportunity to interview Joseph Medina about his business, Medina College Consulting. Located in Southern California, he provides highly sought college guidance to high school students.
Small Business View: Can you tell us about your business?
JM: Medina College Consulting is an independent college counseling practice located in Camarillo, CA. I started MCC in 2014 because I have a passion for helping students get into college. As an Independent College Counselor, I work with students on a one-on-one basis in all aspects of the college admissions process, from assisting students in selecting classes to applying to colleges. Within my business, I also have a mentor group called the A-Team, which is a leadership development and volunteer service program where students organize and lead various community projects throughout the year.
SBV: Have you always wanted to be in business? Why or why not?
JM: No, I hated every part of business. At a young age and up into college, I never thought I would be doing something in business let alone be a small business owner. I even changed my Accounting major while in college because I could not see myself working in an office behind a desk and on a computer. It was not until I applied for a job after college that I considered starting a business. Sitting in the interview, I knew I did not want the job, but I was intrigued by what the company was offering which had been teaching their employees how to run a business. The light bulb went off in my head. I told my parents that I wanted to start a business later that day. Even though I did not get the job, I knew I could start a business and learn the same skills on my own that the company taught their employees.
SBV: What is your ultimate vision for the brand?
JM: My vision for my company is to serve as many families and students as I can in my community. My goal is to help every student get into college. My students make my company what it is and have helped me grow as a person. To me, it is more than about applying to college. It is about developing community leaders and providing students the resources and opportunities to be successful in high school, college, a career, and life.
SBV: Looking back to when you started your business, what did you see in its future?
JM: Students are not being given the necessary guidance when it comes to college counseling, whether it is at a private or public school. Not getting the counseling I needed to apply to college and to be successful in college, I did not want other students to struggle as I did. Many students are still in the same position as I was in high school. As a result, students fall through the cracks and are not given the opportunity to realize their full potential. I saw a business that could help every student in Ventura County prepare for college, especially Black and Latino students that are underrepresented on college campuses. It is important for students to be exposed to a college campus as early as possible and our community must expect college to be the number one option for all our youth.
SBV: What is your biggest takeaway, your biggest reward from what you do?
JM: I want the best for each of my students. Seeing my students graduate from high school, growing as a human being and a leader, and heading off to college are the biggest rewards.
SBV: What’s the most challenging thing you do?
JM: Like many small businesses, money management and increasing profits are the biggest challenges for my business. I have found some important resources to help me with both these challenges and I look forward to a very big year.
SBV: What do you do to kick back after a long day?
JM: I enjoy playing basketball and running. I also love to read. I want to be the best at what I do, so I read a variety of books on leadership, business, and college admissions. In addition, I read a number of autobiographies. I try to read one to two hours every day to better my skills.
SBV: Are you involved with any other organizations right now?
JM: Yes. I am an advisor to a new nonprofit organization named Aspiring Minority Doctors, (A.M.D.) which two of my students founded. The organization educates high school students from underrepresented groups to prepare them for medical school and the medical field by providing resources, mentoring, medical professional panels, and global and local health projects. I am also on the CAMPO Advisory Committee. CAMPO is a program that does career mentoring for students interested in the medical field.
SBV: Any advice for someone just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You are going to make mistakes. There are always lessons to be learned though. Starting a business means you are in the business of taking risks so don’t be afraid to fail. Put yourself out there and good things will come. You may get a lot of “no’s” at first. Just keep going and push forward.
SBV: Anything else you want the readers to know?
JM: Follow your dreams. Follow your heart. It is up to you to accomplish your dreams. The only person that can hold you back is you. Be who you are. Believe in yourself and what you are doing; everything else will work itself out.
You can learn more about Medina College Consulting at http://www.medinacollegeconsulting.com. You can also find them on Facebook.
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