As Etek celebrates its 7th year in business, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. To mark the milestone, we are sharing a series of reflections that answer key questions, revisit the early days, and highlight the growth, challenges, and lessons that have shaped our journey.

What is one thing about the “start-up” years that you miss?

Eva: “Working together in person every day! While we still focus on in-person sales, we now live far apart because life happens. We always had the goal of reducing our “field days,” and I am so happy about the growth we’ve had that enables us to work from home more often, but the early years of hitting the pavement together were the best.”

Kristin: “Everything was so new and exciting. We celebrated every win, no matter how small, because any win was big back then. I think now, we tend to go about our day without giving ourselves a pat on the back (when we deserve it of course). Every day was new and looked very different than the last.”

What is something that nobody really talks about when starting a business?

Eva: “It can feel lonely at times. You need to focus on your work and log hours around the clock. Even if you are not physically working, your mind stays on the “business”. Not everyone can understand the pressure or the need to “work now, life later” in the early years. We (the founders) have significantly improved our work-life balance since then, and both appreciate having each other’s ongoing support.”

Kristin: “You will never be the same. The way you make decisions, how you think, the way you view people, how you spend your time, the way you communicate; it all changes. You make decisions with thoughtfulness and care, you spend your time on things that really matter because your time is so limited, you understand that not all people have your best interest at heart, and you learn to communicate effectively. It is truly a life-changing experience, and one that I would do again and again.”

What is the biggest lesson that has made an impact on how you think/operate?

Eva: “Everyone has their own agenda, and you will find out if that agenda also happens to benefit yours or if the relationship is a mutual stepping stone.”

Kristin: “People love to give advice, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it. Consider the source.”

What is a hack that you learned early on that you still use today?

Eva: “This is a no-brainer, non-negotiable; logging everything in your calendar.”

Kristin: “On Monday, planning out your week. I build in time on lighter days to accomplish my operational tasks.”

Being a business owner always has its challenges, whether it be a new business or a tenured business. What is a new challenge you have experienced in having a tenured business?

Eva: “Reevaluating our operational procedures because the portfolio we manage is growing. A great problem to have, of course.”

Kristin: “I think realizing that you’ll never truly “make it.” We have always been great at continuing to set goals for ourselves and holding ourselves to higher standards. Once you accomplish everything you set out to do, you realize there’s always more to be done.”