STARTING SMART: VOL I

Starting Smart: A Guide for Aspiring Entrepreneurs on Business Beginnings is a detailed and insightful resource tailored for individuals ready to take their first steps into the world of entrepreneurship. Written by three Army veterans—Jermarcus, Dion, and Montrell—who turned a shared vision into the successful veteran-owned trucking company ADVON Transport, this book provides an inspiring yet practical roadmap for aspiring business owners across all industries.

Blending real-world experience with actionable advice, Starting Smart takes readers through every stage of launching and managing a business. From generating ideas and conducting market research to crafting a solid business plan and choosing the right legal structure, the book lays out a step-by-step guide designed to simplify the complexities of entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the critical role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in decision-making, helping readers measure success and refine their strategies as they grow.

The authors share their personal journey of challenges, successes, and lessons learned, offering a relatable and motivational perspective. Using the ADVON story as a framework, the book explores topics such as branding, financial setup, compliance, operations, and sustainable growth. Each chapter concludes with tools, resources, and real-world examples to ensure readers can translate theory into practice.

Aimed at a diverse audience—including aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage business owners, transitioning military veterans, and small business advocates—Starting Smart is both a practical toolkit and an inspirational narrative. It is particularly valuable for those seeking a clear, actionable plan for turning an idea into a thriving enterprise while navigating the inevitable twists and turns of entrepreneurship.