As a toddler, Teresa Spinelli took her first steps in the pasta aisle of her family's grocery store. The Italian Centre Shop was her second home and a gathering place for the entire community. Her father, Frank, made it his business to care for friends, family and neighbours. Spinelli worked as a cashier at the store for 17 years. After her father died in 2000, she stepped in to lead the family business. Spinelli expanded the business to four locations with more than 500 employees. Somehow, she also still finds time to volunteer with projects that help enrich her community.
Spinelli offers five tips for her fellow entrepreneurs:
- If you're too focused working in your business, you can't grow your business. You need to step back and look at the bigger picture.
- You need to know your bank account balances and understand what your money is doing for you.
- Follow your gut.
- Business is all about people and relationships - take care of your employees.
- Put your family first.
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