We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I learnt the importance of work life balance the hard way after my first year of business. Having just moved to South Florida in 2014, I made it my goal to meet as many local business professionals as possible. I attended many events and marketed my business to the fullest. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered this was the fastest way to burn out.
After struggling to run my business and keep up with all the events, I decided to sit down with my trusted business advisor (who happens to be my wife) and brainstorm some ideas as to how to stay on top of things. We analyzed the events I had been attending and prioritized the ones which provided the highest ROI; both in investment and involvement. Once I had those narrowed down, I also limited the amount of events I attended in a week in order to make the most out of the events I did attend.
Something I’ve also learnt to do is to throw in at least one “fun” event a month. This allows me to work whilst also having a good time, and ultimately gives me a great feeling about the work I do. The more you enjoy your work, the easier the balance becomes.
After a couple of years of solidifying my business, I started to slowly delegate work to my office employees. My customers had begun to trust my brand, and I only had to step in when necessary. This granted me more free time and allowed me to spend more time with my wife and family doing the things we love. Every quarter I analyze my work and events, and how I spend my time in order to achieve my ideal work / life balance. This doesn’t mean working 9-5, it means examining and organizing my schedule in order to achieve an equilibrium.
I have recently had to change how I manage my business because of COVID-19 and will continue to evaluate how I work after we’re “back to normal”. I think the easiest way to achieve a true work / life balance is to ask yourself what you want to be doing and when. Once you answer that, you will achieve your own work / life balance, unique to you, your life and your business.
What should our readers know about your business?
I have a small staff that are very loyal to me because I consider them essential to my business. We have a daily staff meeting, where we not only monitor production and customers, but check in with each other.
I bought my business in 2014, which has been the most exhilarating and frightening experience of my life. Because of this, I am able to support my customers and often predict their needs.
We recently had a moving company in need of some forms that they had run out of. They placed an order for a large quantity and said they needed them that day. Due to time constraints, it wasn’t possible to produce and deliver all the forms in one day. However, we devised a staggered production and delivery schedule which pleased the client and also put an end to them running out of forms. We pride ourselves on providing the best customer service and always keeping an open line of communication with our customers. It is our business to help others businesses succeed.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We often entertain out of town guests and start with the tourist hotspots. An airboat ride, the beach, Boca Town Centre, a Water Taxi and the Brightline ride up to West Palm Beach.
There’s so many great places to eat, we often run out of time. The Alchemist in Wilton Manors is a great local cafe and serves great coffee. We would definitely have dinner on Las Olas and Himmarshi, with a much needed stop at Stache for some after dinner drinks and music. For some fun nights out we could hit Tenth Level Tavern in Oakland Park for some video games whilst enjoying an adult beverage. Xtreme Action Park is also on the list for Go Karting, Bowling and Laser Tag. Sunday brunch wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t at Shooters and then a ride up A1A to see all the beautiful houses and scenic views.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing wife, Aurora-Jay Medina, who has helped me every step of the way.
Website: ftlauderdale.minutemanpress.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamedinafl/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamedinafl/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mariamedinafl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minutemanmaria