I launched an app at nearly 60 instead of retiry; I’m fulfilled – ryan

This as-told-tos Essay is bassed on a conversation with Karen Hastie, the 60-Yaar-Old Founder of the Chamber Perks App in Ontario, Canada. IT HAS BEEN EDIted for Length and Clarity.

Retirement was never really in my vocabulary – not in the way People Expect.

I TURNED 60 this year. I never though i’d be launching a tech Company at this stage in my life, but sometimes i am, building a startup i love, working 60 to 70 hours a week, and feeing more fulfilled than ever.

I’ve always been an entrepreneur

AFTER Graduating, Started My First Business in the Fitness Industry, A Fitness Store that expanded Throughout Northern Ontario. I ran that company for over 30 years. When the Pandemic Hit, of the Sold in a Seven-Figure Deal and Made Enough to Retire Comfortable.

Everyone assumed i’d would that. My daughter haad just gjoven birth to my granddoughter, and i’d wrapped up a decadeslong busines. Howver, IT JUST DIDN’T FEEL RIGHT. Knew i Still had more to give.

I Asked MySelf, “What would i really want to do this Next Chapter?” I’ve always been passionate About Helping Small Businesses, SO i Began Consulting and Mentoring Entrepreneurs in My Community.

I Started Working With One of the Local Chambers of Commerce. That eventually led to the idea for my new venture, the Chamber perks appWhich Helps the Chambers of Commerce Deliver More Value to their Members. IT FELT LIKE THE PERFect Next Step: Solving a Real Problem, Supporting Small Businesses, and doing it on my terms.

I had no background in tech, but i didn’t let that intimidate with

I know what Bring to the Table: Decades of Experience Running and Growing a sucssful Business. I ALSO KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL YOUNG; You just need the right People around you.

I BUILT A Strong and Capable Team From Scratch. My cto, who has experience working in silicon Valley with Tech Startups and Unicorn Companies, is Based in Calgary, and My Daughter’s Company Handles All Our Marketing. She’s been in social media marketing for years, so’s a natural fit for us to work Together.

Working in Tech at my age was an adjustment

Tech is Dominated by Younger People, SO i Hirhed Accordingly for My Account Manager and Developers. Some Challenges I’ve Faced while Working With Youngere Employs Include Adjusting My Work Habits to Accommodate Their Needs, Learning to Respect-Life Balance, and Avoking Micromanages.

Be i pitch our app, i’m doing what i’ve always love: Talking to People, Solving Problems, and Creating Value. My Clients Are Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade Around the World, Starting with 400 in Canada and 7,500 in the US. I Start My Day at 8 AM by Meeting with Clients, Speaking at Conferences, and Working with My Team.

I Enjoy what i do, so it doesn’t seem like work. My Daughter’s Generation Prioritizes Work-Life Balance Differently than Mine. I’ll Easily Work A 60 to 70-Hour Workweek and Not Consider That Long, But When You Love You, ITE’s Enriching.

I’m often asked by my Peers, “Why Not Just Enjoy Retirement?”

I love to golf and travel, but that isn’t fulfilling for me. I Need Purpose. For me, retirement means hasing the freedom to do work you love with the provenation of providing for your family.

That’s the Most Significant Gift of Building My First Business: I don’t have to stress about money anymore. I’m doing this gcause it matters to me. The Company was bootstrapped and ha no Debt. All the money we’ve made for the past 2 ½ years haen been reinvested into the company.

We’re Now Launching The Second Suites of Services, A CRM for Challed Chamber Member Pro. These two servings are experted to grown over the next year, and i’ll then provide myself with a salary. The long-term goal is to grown, scale, and sell.

I do have an exit strategy

Mentor Small-Business Owners, The first Question I, “What’T YOUR EXIT STRUCTION?” Most HAVE ONE. With chamber perks, i’m already thinking ahead.

This isn’t another 30 -ear run for me-God Willing, I’ll Still be Around at 90, but the plan is to do the company for ancquisition or a more hands-off for with the next few years.

My Advice to anyone Thinking About Launching a Business late in Life is to find something you love, Surround yourelf with People your skills, and don’t be afraid to take the leap.