Entrepreneurs Ben and Christie Schwartzman–the husband-and-wife team who launched Trofeo Imports in Huntington Beach, California–discuss their entrepreneurial journey. Ben started out as an automotive technician before he decided to leave the structured dealership world to start his own high-end business while still performing the hands-on work. Christie, meanwhile, leveraged invaluable experience as a luxury realtor with The Oppenheim Group to handle the business operations, sales, and client relations for Trofeo. The couple speaks candidly about the challenges of starting a business; the importance of building a reputation on trust and integrity; and the intricate dynamics of working together as a couple. They also offer must-hear advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of mentorship, overcoming fear of failure, and the rewarding nature of building something of your own.
