Let’s start with the basics. How did you get started?

The basics, I started the company (Tronix Country) at my kitchen table with a shoestring budget. It was a huge challenge as everything had to be built from scratch. The software, phone systems, staffing policies and procedures all had to be created, by me.  It was very overwhelming wearing multiple hats, but as with any startup business, if you want to succeed, it must be done! For the first year, I personally took the orders, and managed all other business aspects until I could afford to hire more people. I was confident from conversations with customers that we were on the right track and that we fulfilled a real need, which is what gave me the energy to push forward, regardless of the obstacles.

Were you always on the path to Entrepreneurship?

No, it wasn’t by design. In college, I quickly realized my passion for business and marketing. My commitment to achieving success and learning as much as I could is what paved the way to Entrepreneurship.  Initially, I started as a marketing assistant for a company that marketed lifestyle and demographic data. Within two years I had been promoted twice and was in charge of multi-million piece mailings for one of the largest financial publications of its time. Every step of my career was simply the result of dedication and commitment to exceeding the expectations of what was required.

I think if there’s anything I can attribute toward my accomplishments, it’s that I focused on providing value to my employer. I took every opportunity to learn different facets of my job and the business. I wanted to be an integral part of my company’s success.  Even now, as an Entrepreneur I still draw upon those old experiences, never taking any of them for granted. The work ethic and dedication that I put in are clear variables in my success.

Why was contributing toward your employer’s success so important?

I’ve always felt that if I did what was right for the business, by doing a little “extra,” then the business would take care of me. I focused more on the work than the actual pay. My perspective has never been that of “What can the business do for me? Or how can I get a raise.”  I say that, because the more valuable I made myself to the business, the more valuable I made myself to every other business in the event things didn’t work out. Fortunately, I worked for some very successful people who took note, and had no problem appreciating and rewarding my commitment to their business.

Because Entrepreneurship wasn’t your goal, how did you end up a business owner?

I spent a lot of time working for other successful entrepreneurs.  I made it my business to learn as much as I could from those businesses and decided that the next step would be to start a business of my own.

How did you end up with Tronix Country?

I worked at a company called BlueHippo. I spent a lot of time interacting directly with the customers. During these interactions, I picked up on how difficult it was for a lot of hard-working people to make a simple purchase- like a computer. I also discovered that a lot of people with past credit problems are terribly underserved by businesses through exorbitant fees, excessive interest rates, onerous and predatory contract terms, or simply not meeting the businesses expectations. That is why I started Tronix Country. I wanted to develop a model that created a way for people to make large purchases, while simultaneously managing the risk of financing default. I was determined that Tronix Country would distinguish itself by providing value-added services such as reporting our customers’ payments, providing astounding customer service, and creating an environment that rewarded its employees.

You mentioned BlueHippo, there was some controversy surrounding them.  Were you a co-founder of BlueHippo?

No, I was not the co-founder in the sense that it was me and one other person. I was a part of the original group of about 10 people who started the company, but I was not an owner. There was only one owner and he was the company. Working for BlueHippo was my greatest disappointment. The business could’ve done a lot of people tremendous good. However, the way the owner applied the model raised serious ethical issues for me.  I tried very hard at making it a company that could serve its customers honestly and ethically, but I couldn’t manifest the required changes with the owner in order to achieve that.  And although I was given an opportunity to own a substantial part of that business I chose to resign in May 2004, about 12 months after it was created.

Some people say your business model is controversial. What do you say?

The business model Tronix Country uses is considered controversial by people who unfairly associate it with companies like BlueHippo, cash advance loans with exorbitant rates and other predatory lending companies. Today, you can buy a computer at almost any major retailer or website. But what if you don’t have the cash or the credit to make a purchase outright? What do you do? I would say that it is controversial to limit or restrict options for consumers. The best environment for all consumers is to have choices.

Saving money is the best option if you want to get the most bang for your dollar, but it’s often the hardest to do for a lot of people. Life happens and unexpected bills make it virtually impossible for a large portion of our country to save money, much less, enough for a computer. Rent to own is an option but typically you don’t own the merchandise until the very end and there’s no guarantee that it’ll be new when you get it. With Tronix Country, we are a little more expensive opposed to purchasing outright, but less expensive than any rent to own program.

So what you are saying is that for some customers your company may be the best if not only option to purchase a new computer?

In simplest terms, for consumers who either don’t have the cash or the credit to make a larger purchase, Tronix Country is the most viable option. The real benefit is that we provide a way to make larger purchases through a series of smaller payments. This does two things: the first is it gives people the ability to establish credit and to use that credit for additional purchases. The second is that it gives people the chance to demonstrate to other financial institutions that they can be responsible with credit and are a low risk to obtain other financing. We report payments to consumer reporting agencies and major credit bureaus. This is the more valuable benefit, considering that an individual’s credit profile can have a huge impact on their ability to obtain financing, insurance and even qualify for a job.

Customer service is key component in any business. How do you manage your customer’s expectations?

I know that meeting customer expectations in business is paramount to success.  Not exceeding expectations is certainly grounds for disappointment for me because I’d feel like we failed. In my opinion, one upset customer is one too many and is unacceptable. With more than 200,000 customers, we pride ourselves on working hard to achieve 100% satisfaction. I tell my staff if we make one customer happy, he or she might tell two people about us. However, if we make one customer upset you can bet at least 20 people will hear about it. I recognize the value in happy customers. Every day we continuously look for ways to improve our business and serve our customers better, whether it be with training staff or enhancing our overall service levels it is a constant pursuit.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My association with BlueHippo has been one of the biggest challenges. The company was started in 2003, I resigned in 2004, and it didn’t officially close until 2009. It wasn’t a good company and it did not base its operating philosophy on delivering value and service to their customers. Inevitably that was the reason I left, but people continue to associate me with its entire six years of existence nonetheless.

I will say, because of my experience with BlueHippo, I realized there was a tremendous need for a company like Tronix Country.

What would you tell BlackNLA readers when it comes to their professional success?

First off, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your goals and dreams. Disassociate yourself from those people. Misery loves company and not everyone around you wants you to succeed, despite their statements to the contrary. Second, never stop learning. A lot of people think that when you finish school you finish learning, but really it’s when you begin the journey of learning. I say that because school has a curriculum, life doesn’t. In school they tell you what you’re going to learn, but in life you need to figure out what you need to learn in order to be successful. I recommend you begin with learning everything you can about your profession. Then, be ready and open to learn about other professions as well. I’ve had to learn about law and software development, despite having no formal training in them. You can’t simply rely on others for advice. Its okay to trust, but you must verify information and know for yourself, before you make decisions because ultimately you have to live with the consequences of your decisions. Read books about money, business and marketing. Read as much as you can. And third, be honest with yourself and others. It may seem obvious, but I’ve been around a lot of people who are not completely honest with themselves and ultimately everyone gets let down. Honesty is the core value and belief that I believe has led to many of the accomplishments and successes I’ve experienced. Being honest and living up to your word is the one thing that no one can take away from you.

What other tips would you have for someone who wants to start a business?

Understand what money is and learn how to use it properly. Understand where and when to spend money in your business and when not to. Manage your credit wisely. People don’t realize that if you want to open a merchant account and your credit is blemished, it can hinder you from opening an account, taking payments and ultimately making money.  I have a free guide for your readers who are interested in learning more about this. Also, if you get into business only to make a lot of money you will have a much harder time achieving success. Pursue your passion. Passion is what gives you the energy and drive to push through adversity and difficult times. The pursuit of money did not give me the energy necessary to create a successful business. Money follows the success associated with having the passion to build the very best business you can. Secondly, understand marketing and how to generate customers. Without customers and sales it’s impossible to grow your business. And third, after you get started, I would focus on honing your skills in being able to recognize ability. The greatest ability one can have is the ability to recognize ability within other people. The people around you and apart of your organization are the ones who will help determine whether your company will be successful. Focus on finding talented people who can contribute toward the success of your business.

Bruce E Mattare Biography

A native of Washington DC area, Bruce attended the University of Maryland and later earned a MBA from Marymount University with an emphasis in Finance. His professional career began at Blackburn Marketing Group, parent company to Carfax, where he was responsible for marketing demographic, lifestyle and retail data for two of its subsidiaries. He seized the opportunity to work with pioneer financial guru, Louis Rukeyser, the famed host of the long-running PBS television series “Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser” and the Editor in Chief of both Louis Rukeyser’s Wall Street and Louis Rukeyser’s Mutual Funds newsletters. He also served as the marketing manager for Louis Rukeyser’s Mutual Funds newsletter. Later, Bruce accepted an invitation to work with financial manager Stephen Leeb, a frequent guest on CNN, to serve as the product manager for the Personal Finance with Stephen Leeb newsletter, (and doubling circulation in his first year alone). Later, he managed the launch and became the Managing Editor of Inside Personal Finance with Ric Edelman, the popular New York Times best-selling author and syndicated TV and radio host. Looking to apply the experience gained from his business mentors, Bruce helped develop new entrepreneurial models for several successful products and businesses. To ensure that these models were properly implemented, and fully compliant, in 2006, Bruce established Tronix Country, a company that offers equal access to individual consumer credit for electronics. To continue to serve its customers needs, Tronix Country is incrementally increasing its retail offerings, comprehensively and competitively. He currently resides with his family in Northern Virginia

About BlackNLA

Launched in March 2000, BlackNLA.com serves as a community resource center for African-Americans living, working and traveling to the Los Angeles area.  Visitors to the site can get information that pertains to their interests and lifestyles, as well as share information and network.  BlackNLA.com provides an online directory of information on businesses, restaurants, local organizations, healthcare professionals, music, travel opportunities, upcoming events and much more.

Additional information is available at www.BlackNLA.com.

Los Angeles, CA

Signature Card Services, a leading provider of Payment Processing Services, is hiring a Senior Sales Coordinator. The scope of this position includes assisting Signature’s independent sales force in all aspects of the credit card processing business, including answering partners’ daily inquiries about deposits, batches, statements and billing, assisting partners with account change requests, providing escalation assistance to merchants regarding account issues, and acting as a liaison between Operations and Sales Partners, and third party service providers. Successful candidates will possess the skills necessary to take ownership of a problem and see it through to its conclusion, while providing our merchants with top-quality customer service every step of the way.

The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years sales support experience (preferably in the payments processing industry), strong math skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work as a team player in a fast paced environment.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Associate’s degree in business, sales, marketing or related field preferred.

Signature Card Services is a full-service, integrated merchant payments processor with many years of experience in numerous vertical markets, a personalized hands-on approach and leading-edge technologies.

Signature Card Services offers competitive compensation and benefits. Interested candidates should send resume, references and salary history to: employment@Signaturecard.com with “Senior Sales Coordinator” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

JUDGE MABLEAN EPHRIAM’S ANNUAL H.U.F. AWARDS EVENT & SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH HOSTED BY ACTOR/COMEDIAN MICHAEL COLYAR CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF HONORING UNSUNG FATHERS AND SEEKS FATHER NOMINATIONS

Judge Mablean invites all to nominate fathers and join her and actresses Loretta Devine and Valarie Pettiford at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach to recognize and honor fathers who play a vital role in the development of their children’s lives

(LOS ANGELES, CA – May 4, 2012) – Judge Mablean Ephriam is excited to celebrate the 10th Annual H.U.F. (Honoring Unsung Fathers) Awards & Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, June 17th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Long Beach, 200 S. Pine Ave. from 12pm to 4pm.  Hosted by comedian/actor/radio host Michael Colyar (The Princess and the Frog, The Longshots, Norbit), presenters include actresses Loretta Devine, Valarie Pettiford, Dawn Lewis and Vivica Fox, Access Hollywood host Tanika Ray and reality TV star Omarosa, with special guests jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips and national recording artist Pastor Kim Burrell.  Honorees include Bishop Charles Blake, Pastor of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, who will be receiving the Founder’s Award and Noel Massey who will be receiving the Board of Director Award.  Father nominations are still needed.
Nominations for the H.U.F Awards are being accepted now. Awards are generally given in five categories: Solo Warrior (single father), Love Cares (married father), Fatherhood Forever (divorced father), Village Dad (non-biological father) and Living Legacy (father, grandfather, great-grandfather, etc.). Scholarships are provided for current year high school graduates adults between the ages of 25 to 40 who decided to go to college and those majoring in nursing, in honor of her deceased mother, Mable Ephriam.  Applications may be obtained to nominate a father and apply for a scholarship from the web.  Go to: www.hufawards.com.  Deadline is May 18th 2012.

Before fittingly portraying a judge in Madea’s Family Reunion and Madea Goes to Jail, Judge Mablean served as the judge on the courtroom series Divorce Court from 1999 to 2006.  She believes it was divine assignment because she did not seek that position.  It was through word-of-mouth and referrals that Fox executives sought her talents and subsequently offered her the job. Judge Mablean’s trademark phrase “Look deep before you leap” soon became a household phrase.  Judge Mablean awaits a return to television to reconnect with her fans, to educate, motivate, and stimulate her viewers.

Today, she is passionately at work on the mission of her non-profit, The Mablean Ephriam Foundation, to build stronger families, educate minds, increase economic power among disadvantaged and lower economic persons and thus create better communities.  In addition to creating Honoring Unsung Fathers (HUF) and the Mablean Ephriam Foundation (MEF), she is also the co-owner of Bed & Breakfast Jubilane Guest Home in Johannesburg, South Africa.

http://www.judgemablean.com/
http://www.facebook.com/judgemableanephriam
http://www.hufawards.com
www.mableanephriamfoundation.com
twitter: @judgemablean

For media inquiries, please contact Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates at (323) 933-8007 or via email at lajass@att.net.

###

COMPANY: Not specified

LOCATION: Santa Monica, CA

COMPENSATION: $200K+

*********************

Want someone with e-commerce, gaming or entertainment.

Org Design/Development/Change leader for a company with 2 main streams of revenue 1) Social Gaming 2) TV Network. Their business is growing via their successful online gaming at a fast rate and that is their focus.

The company has 200 employees and they expect that to change and seek someone with Org Design/Change/Devt background to guide them as they expand and to analyze their current org structure. Someone with ecommerce/technology Org Design/Change experience is desired especially working with start-up, smaller sized tech companies.

It is with GSN in Santa Monica (Game Show Network) Over 200k package.

Douglas Wright

Director, West Coast Staffing
Diverse Staffing and Recruitment Solutions Inc.
A Division of Genesis Global Recruiting Inc.
818-892-5217 Office
213-716-4022 Cellular

http://www.genesis-global.com

COMPANY: Los Angeles Urban League

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA

COMPENSATION: $11/hr

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Dear LA Urban League Youth Center job seekers,

The Los Angeles Urban League is seeking 40 interviewers to complete a door-to-door survey of residents in the Crenshaw area from Tuesday, May 15^th through Saturday, May 19^th.  Interviewers MUST attend training on Tuesday, May 15^th from 10am – 2pm.  Then interviewers must be available on May 16^th through May 19^th to work from 11am – 7pm.  Interviewers will be paid $11 an hour or a total of $396 for this work.

To be considered for these positions, applicants must:

-  Be at least 18 years old

-  Be able to work All of the hours listed above

-  Be able to walk several blocks

-  Be comfortable in the community

-  Be personable and friendly

-  Be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement that they will never share any comments made to them using the names of the residents interviewed

-  Be able to read well enough to interview residents from a questionnaire to be provided

-  Be conscientious record keepers

-  Be willing to dress in clean, modest clothing each day

-  Be willing to work in teams

-  No felony convictions

-  Misdemeanors on a case by case basis

Interviewers who have a car to drive to the blocks where they will be working will be given preference.

Read the informational sheet and it will tell you how to apply.

C.J. Scott

Business Services Manager

N@W – W.I.A. OneSource Program

LAUL Milken Youth Center

5414 S. Crenshaw Blvd.

L.A. CA 90043

(323)292-8111  Ext. 4613

(323)292-7851 Fax

(323) 291-6184 TTY

cscott@laul.org

http://www.laul.org

COMPANY: Not specified

LOCATION: Marina Del Rey, CA

COMPENSATION: $80 – $90K

*********************

Title: HR Manager
Location: Marina Del Rey
Compensation: 80K-90K

Description:

Our client is an innovator in healthy living and located in Marina Del Rey. Our client seeks a Human Resources Manager to guide and manage Human Resources services, policies, and programs within this small company

The major areas the Human Resources manager will manage include:

recruiting and staffing;
organizational departmental planning;
performance management and improvement systems;
organization development;
employment and compliance to regulatory concerns regarding employees;
employee onboarding, development, needs assessment, and training;
policy development and documentation;
employee relations;
compensation and benefits administration;

The ideal candidate has 6-10 years managing Human Resources in a mid-sized company, a proven track record of success, and a history of implementing new systems.

To apply for this position, please email your resume to losangeles@momcorps.com with the job title in the subject line.

Julie Lacouture

Principal, Mom Corps Los Angeles
jlacouture@momcorps.com

p. 888.438.8122 x 227

www.momcorps.com

Mom Corps Re-Defines Professional Staffing. With offices located throughout major cities in the U.S., we partner with the nation’s leading Fortune 500 companies, small to mid-size businesses, academic institutions and non-profits to help them use flexible workforce solutions to meet evolving business needs and maximize productivity in the most cost effective way. Flexible positions can include part-time, full time flex, some telecommuting, contract and temporary work arrangements.

COMPANY: Not specified (media, entertainment and technology space)

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA

COMPENSATION: DOE

*********************

Seeking an HR Generalist Manager/Director for a client in the media, entertainment and technology space based in Los Angeles. Please see the below blurb. Referrals are welcome.

HR Generalist Manager/Director needed for a major entertainment company in Los Angeles. Ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience as an HR generalist. Duties include employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, compensation and health and safety. Must have strong communication & writing skills, deep HR knowledge in labor laws, and experience partnering with management to implement HR programs and administration.

Interested and qualified applicants should send resume and compensation history to ckent@greenlightjobs.com.

COMPANY: CPA firm, Green Hasson Janks

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA

COMPENSATION: DOE

*********************

Job Description listed below. Please send qualified resumes to Vivian Abraham at vabraham@greenhassonjanks.com

NO RECRUITERS PLEASE.
****************************************************************

Title: Human Resources/Benefits Coordinator
Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Human Resources
Reports to: Director of Human Resources
Supervises: None

Summary of Responsibilities:

Under the general direction of Director of Human Resources, the HR/Benefits Coordinator is responsible for the overall administration of the employee welfare programs while also assisting the Director of HR with HR administrator responsibilities including on campus recruiting (OCR) activities.

Essential Functions:

Employee Benefits

- Assist Director of HR with communicating and processing of employee benefits in compliance with plan documents and enrollment periods; back-up benefit function as needed
- Administrator of employee health and welfare programs
- Process new hire paperwork and benefit enrollment forms
- Assist with the administration of benefits
- Reconcile medical, dental, and vision, and long term care insurance bills
- Handle all benefits forms, questions, leaves, etc
- Enroll employees on line – flex, medical, dental, vision, etc

Human Resources Management

- Assist with performance appraisal process and track timeliness of annual reviews
- Conduct and oversee all new employee orientations
- Participate in company projects such as updating of policy manuals, job descriptions, and mentoring program
- Assure compliance with EEO, DFEH, Wage & Hour Regulations
- Generate and maintain reports and statistics, charts and job descriptions
- Set up and maintain confidential HR files

Recruitment & Selection

- Administer OCR (On Campus Recruiting) with oversight from Director of HR
- Work directly with OCR co-chairs to assist with recruiting events and activities
- Provide initial contact for screening of candidates, scheduling interviews, and conducts background checks on candidates prior to extending employment offers
- Special projects as needed

Administrative Duties

- Oversee phone lists (directory, cell phone)
- Oversee employee department list, org charts, etc.
- Distribute new hire information to CFO and Training Administrator
- Clerical support, filing, copying, and phones
- One Newsletter Distribution

Back-up Payroll

- Post time sheets on a weekly basis in time keeping system
- Prepare weekly & bi-weekly pivot table
- Prepare the bi-weekly payroll and input through the internet payroll
- Make sure all deductions, bank accounts, and withholding changes are properly input to payroll system when necessary.
- Review the input from the payroll service and submit the payroll.

Experience, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

- Minimum three years administrative/HR experience required, preferably in a professional services environment.
- Excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills
- Outstanding customer service and excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to handle highly sensitive information in a confidential manner is required
- Strong administrative, organizational skills; attention to detail and accuracy
- Consistent attention to detail and follow-up
- Must be a team-player, be flexible, and be a good listener with a high level of patience
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work load
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required, knowledge of Prostaff Assignment Planning a plus.

Educational Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or Psychology; Master’s a plus

Working Conditions:

- Occasional same day travel for meetings, or to attend seminars using a personal vehicle.
- Moderate overtime required throughout the year.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by managers or partners to perform other instructions and duties. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description.

Management has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

COMPANY: HID Global

LOCATION: Irvine, CA

COMPENSATION: DOE

*********************

HID Global (Irvine, CA) is seeking a Sr. Compensation Analyst with strong international experience to complete several interesting global projects including (1) the completion and implementation of our world wide compensation and market title structures, (2) oversee the completion of a detailed regional benchmark comp/benefits analysis, (3) finalize job code slotting for our annual salary survey submission, and (4) coordinate expat renewals. 4-6 months.

If interested, please contact me at kmarquardt@hidglobal.com.

Kimberle Marquardt, SPHR
Global HR Director
Compensation/Benefits/HRIS

HID Global Corporation
15370 Barranca Pkwy.,
Irvine, CA 92618
949 732 2013 (Office)
949 421 8772 (Mobile)
949 732 2140 (Fax)
kmarquardt@hidglobal.com
www.hidglobal.com

COMPANY: Start-up production company

LOCATION: Hollywood, CA

COMPENSATION: $70- $80k

*********************

HR Manager- Entertainment

I am working on a really fun search that I wanted to share. My client, a start-up production company run by one of Hollywood’s biggest names, is looking to bring in their first ever HR person to build the department. The company is currently 25 people, but they will be growing dramatically over the next few years. We are looking for a motivated hands on HR manager who loves reality TV and wants to bring their passion to the office every day. This person will be responsible for developing and managing the HR function including; policies and procedures, recruiting, performance management, ER, benefits, compensation and compliance.

Experience in small and large companies is a plus and experience in entertainment or an entertainment related environment is a must. Degree is highly preferred.
Please let me know if anyone comes to mind. This really is a great opportunity work for wonderful people who see the value in HR. Target salary range is 70-80k.

Thanks!

All inquiries should be directed to:

Robin Levitt
President
4D Executive Search
16255 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1012
Encino, CA 91436
robin@4dexecutivesearch.com
818.528.6762 W
818.253.1150 C