Amanda Stone

Entrepreneurs are known for their adaptability and resilience, with some making multiple career changes throughout their professional lives. How can you navigate the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship while finding satisfaction in your career?

As a child, versatile entrepreneur Amanda Stone had her heart set on the events industry after witnessing her parents acquire and manage motels. She enjoyed the fast-paced, people-centered nature of the business and found motivation in managing multiple projects simultaneously. After the pandemic shifted her priorities, Amanda entered the construction industry and noticed similarities in the skill sets between the two industries. Although switching careers and balancing work and life may feel overwhelming, Amanda maintains that the right career fit won’t be a burden and advises making space for the priorities that matter most.

In this week’s episode of The Decision, Eric Jackson and Robert Hartline welcome Amanda Stone, the Founder and General Contractor at Palmingo Pools, to discuss her career shift. Amanda shares advice for gaining value from EO, how she balances motherhood with entrepreneurship, and how her internship shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.

Quotable Moments:

• “I am a big believer that we can make our way through anything.”
• “There is no equilibrium. It is either being built through your actions and your words and showing up and your results, or it’s breaking.”
• “Pools are the greatest people magnet. I believe that we have the luxury of creating the spaces where people’s favorite moments happen.”
• “It’s all about turning that ‘no’ into a ‘how.’”
• “I think a lot of people found that in Covid, it was this moment in time where you were like, ‘Do I have to do this forever?’”

Action Steps:

1. Embrace change and be nimble: The ability to adapt is crucial, especially when transitioning between industries, like from events to construction. Being open to change allows you to seize new opportunities and navigate challenges effectively.
2. Leverage transferable skills: Skills from the events industry, such as project management and problem-solving, can be applicable in construction. Recognizing and utilizing your transferable skills can open new career paths and enhance your adaptability in various professional environments.
3. Build and maintain trust: Trust is a recurring theme in Amanda Stone’s approach to business, emphasizing transparency and communication with clients. Building trust can lead to stronger relationships and repeat business, addressing common challenges in construction and events like unmet expectations and lack of communication.
4. Focus on intentional networking: Amanda discussed how the pandemic allowed her to reconnect with meaningful contacts. Intentional networking can lead to valuable insights and partnerships that can support your growth and innovation.
5. Balance professional and personal life: Amanda’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by her desire for a balanced lifestyle, allowing her to be present for her children while managing her business. Prioritizing a work-life balance can improve personal satisfaction and prevent burnout, especially when transitioning or expanding your business.