Twenty five members gathered at the Idea Center to hear the entrepreneurial journey of Mr. Mike Mabin.  Mike Mabin, owner of Agency MABU has been a partner of the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network since 2005.  His support of the network helped fuel a record-breaking attendance for this type of event.

Mike’s path to starting his own business took 20 years to develop.  His experience working at St. Alexius for two decades prepared him well for his transition into the business world.  When asked if he wished he would’ve started his business earlier, he said no.  He believes he would have failed.  As a father and a husband, he wasn’t ready.  Financially, he wasn’t ready either.   Taking the leap when his life, family, and bank account was more established proved to be a very wise move for him. All of his hard work and dedication paid off as Agency MABU now has 17 employees in the Bismarck office, an office in Virginia which t they are currently looking at relocating to Baltimore, MD.

Mike’s love of photography along with innovations in technology led him to one of his other business ventures, Shutter Pilots, an aerial imaging and mapping company.  To add to his business endeavors, earlier this year Mr. Mabin acquired TodayMade, a local website development company here in Bismarck.

When it comes to starting and running a successful business, one needs a support system.  Mike feels that if it’s in your gut that you want to do this, then you must go for it.  Don’t have any regrets.  Entrepreneurs don’t necessarily seek money, they seek freedom.  If you do business the right way, the money should come.  You need more reason than simply money to go into business.

Mike’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs out there:  continue to build your network.  That might be the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, YPN, etc.  His success today is a huge result of all the connections he made throughout his working years.   He also spoke a lot on “effort”.  One’s effort will dictate the return one will receive on their business.  Some businesses fail because the “effort” is not worth the return.

A huge thanks to Mike Mabin for sharing your story with us.  Thank you for your time, your wisdom, and your support of the Young Professionals Network.  Also, a big thank you goes to the Idea Center for allowing us to utilize their great facility.