Kelsey Bressie
Rose Griffin
What was your dream career as a kid?
Oceanographer.
Describe the moment you decided to become an entrepreneur.
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit! When I was 21 I started my own business where I would play the harp for weddings and events — I did this as a side gig for 20 years! I started my own company — ABA SPEECH — when I had the idea for a physical speech therapy product called the Action Builder Cards. I started my business six years ago.
What drives the work that you do?
My mission is help all autistic individuals have a way to communicate with the world!
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on in your business right now?
I am working with one of my distributors so that they can purchase our two products — The Action Builder Cards and Double Up Game. We will be selling and exiting this part of our business.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Freedom to put my family first, freedom to make my own schedule, focusing on the work that is important to my overall mission at ABA Speech.
It [the SPI Community] is my first spot when I have a business question.
What led you to the SPI Community?
Pat has helped me develop a mindset for business! Six years ago I tuned in and it allowed me to dream big — thanks, Pat! He shares practical advice that when applied moves my business forward. I have made some amazing connections and friends here in the SPI Community too!
What’s the most powerful interaction or learning moment you’ve had in the community?
- Meeting Jeff Gargas and having his insight on getting my new membership started — The ABA Speech Connection.
- Being on Pat’s podcast three times!
- Having Brad Hussey help me with my Kit (formerly ConvertKit) account — amazing!
“Freedom to put my family first, freedom to make my own schedule …”
What role has the SPI Community had in your business?
It is my first spot when I have a business question.
What do you love most about the SPI Community, and what sets SPI apart from other entrepreneurial communities?
I like having access to Pat with his Office Hours and the amazing speakers you bring in — Andy, head of Circle!
What would you say to encourage entrepreneurs who aren’t involved in a community to join one?
Don’t go it alone!
Don’t go it alone.
Professional networking. Answers from experts. Cutting edge education. SPI Thrive is the community for entrepreneurs ready to grow.
If you had to start a brand-new online business from scratch today, what would it be?
I would start a company focused on helping speech therapists and other helping professionals seek alternative work settings ( sales, insurance review, etc).
If you had to start your current business over again from scratch today, what one thing would you do differently?
I would work with a business strategist (is that a thing) to help me position myself and my business in the market correctly. I am struggling with this. I have had my business for six years and this has been my first year just doing my business as my main work and it feels like a struggle. Even though I have grown it to six figures (which I am proud of) the way it is scaling is at a snail’s pace. I have actually been thinking about transitioning back into full-time work with ABA Speech as my side gig again — eek!
If you were given $1 million dollars today, no strings attached, what would you do with it?
Save it for retirement!
Your business growth starts now.
