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Retirement investment firm’s founder keeps clients informed, ahead of game
J.P. Dahdah
Who: J.P. Dahdah
Title: President
Company: Entrust Arizona, 20860 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 240, Phoenix; (480) 306-8404; www.entrustarizona.com
Services offered: Retirement plan administration and recordkeeping services for individuals who seek to invest their tax-favored portfolios into alternative assets, such as real estate, private companies, notes and precious metals.
Founded: June 2004
Résumé highlights: Graduated from University of Arizona in 1997 with dual degrees in finance and marketing. Began career in 1997 as a financial advisor with American Express.
What ignited the spark to start a new business? “I realized that the information and knowledge involving individual retirement plans being given to investors was inaccurate. I became very passionate about sharing ‘the truth’ about these powerful investment vehicles. I am confident that the information we reveal to the investment community about retirement accounts positively changes people’s financial lives.”
Favorite aspect of owning a small business? “The satisfaction of knowing we are increasing the financial literacy of our clients and helping them make the right financial moves, while paying little or no taxes.”
Important business milestone? “When we opened our 1,000th account and reached $100 million in assets under my administration. We reached this milestone in less than 2 ½ years of being in business.”
What have been some of your failures, and what did you learn from them? “As a small business owner with limited funds, it is easy to justify ‘cutting corners’ to save money. Don’t do it. I have learned that the cost of cutting corners is always much greater in the long run. Ensure that your business is capitalized appropriately from the very beginning.”
Advice for Latinos or Latinas wanting to open their own business? “Having a good idea or good business model is not enough to create a successful company. You must be willing to work tirelessly in developing your professional capacity in areas outside of your comfort zone. Before you do anything, retain an attorney you can trust and will help protect your interests from the very beginning. If you can’t afford good advisors from the start, you can’t afford to start a business. Read, read and read some more.”
Inside information
In one word, your life as an entrepreneur: “Connected.”
Excluding yours, company you admire most: Walmart
Top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur: “Passion, work ethic and faith.”
Book that has inspired you: Good to Great, by Jim Collins
Historical figure you would like to meet: Jesus Christ
