Entrepreneur of the Week Spotlight: Marcus Ponder
Marcus Ponder
Bowie State University
marcus@ponder-cleaning.com
Website: Ponder-Cleaning.com
I had the honor of meeting with one of Bowie State University’s successful businessmen, Marcus Ponder. He has been in business for the past four years and is continuing to shake hands and close deals! Marcus has been able to balance as a full time student all while running a flourishing cleaning and janitorial business. You can check him out at www.ponder-cleaning.com Marcus Ponder the founder and managing member of Ponder Investment Group, LLC DBA Ponder Cleaning. Started off doing business at 18 years old with his first real investment into a nightclub in Baltimore, MD. Unfortunately, like most businessmen at that time, he lost a lot as the economy declined. Working in business and being young, you always have to realize that mistakes will be made. So he had no one there to guide him, just hungry businessmen looking to feed on young entrepreneurs. Once realized it was time to leave the nightclub industry, ponder moved on to do smaller and safer investments in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This not only allowed him to focus on my Finance Degree, but it allowed him to really study, research, and read about real business. Finally, after a two year break, ponder was ready to get back to business. He created a new LLC, developed a marketing strategy, revamped his business plan, taped into his old network, and there he is today.
How did you get in the cleaning business?
I have always admired the people who created what we as consumers see everyday. You ever just walk into an establishment and are breath taken by its beauty? That’s how I created Ponder Cleaning. As a company we thrive on taking something good and making it amazing.
What unique skills or interest prepared you for a career in business?
I honestly have to say I have always had an interest in business. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time reading about successful businesses and what it would take to have one. One person I admire the most is Warren Buffet. Not because he is the greatest investor of all time, but because of his dedication to his craft. I hope to be better than him and I know I can because of my strong work habits.
What Products do you offer?
I provide cleaning and janitorial services to both commercial (businesses, office buildings, warehouses, retail stores etc.) and residential properties. Check us out at www.ponder-cleaning.com
What inspires you to keep going everyday?
“The will to make it! Everyday young entrepreneurs are looked down upon. I want to be a voice for them all and let the world know that we are just as talented and successful as the next.”
-By Luke Lawal Jr.
