Benjamin M. Kelly 

This is my personal website where I share what I’ve learned, processes I’ve created, and mistakes I’ve made over my 25 Years in Food Service and 8 Years Running a Solo Service Business. This site is for anyone in a trade or service who has always dreamt of going out on their own but doesn’t know where to start or what to do once they do. If that sounds like you, welcome.

This site will also act as a place for me to document my journey of leaving my career in food service and starting a consulting business, helping people do what I’ve done.

Here are some of the benefits that I’ve experienced running my solo service business:

• Higher income.
• Much more time to spend with my family.
• Freedom to work when I want and when I don’t want to.
• Freedom to work as much or as little as I want.
• Freedom to choose who I work with.
• Freedom to pursue the aspects of my work that I find most interesting.

Here are some of the negatives that I’ve experienced while running my solo service business:

•  There is no set pay cheque. Some times are better than others.
• Stress during the slow times due to concerns over income.
• Stress during busy times due to concerns over burn out. I have a ‘make hay while the sunshines” mentality which makes it very difficult to slow down during the busy times.
• I am never able to fully switch off.
• It always feels like if you aren’t working you are slacking.
• Everything comes down to you. If something is messed up, it’s your fault.
• No matter the situation you find yourself in, it is on you. No one is coming to save you.

Is running a solo business for everyone? No. Very much no. But, for those that feel the benefits outweigh the negatives, it is everything.

If you’re still interested in starting your own business, sign up below for my bi-weekly newsletter, follow me on X @benkellybiz, and keep coming back to this site.