Rusty Tweed is an entrepreneur from Los Angeles. He has been involved in a number of different businesses, including Tweed Financial Services and TFS Properties. His broad business skill set enables him to work closely with clients in many industries. Tweed is also dedicated to charitable giving. His foundation, Rusty Tweed Giving, is involved with many issues involving children and families all around the United States. He is also the founder of a $1,000 scholarship aimed at helping underserved students attend college.

Tweed is a vital part of the Los Angeles business community. His entrepreneurial spirit provides inspiration for younger business owners and other members of the community.

1- Hello Rusty, can you please tell us a bit about you?

1. I grew up in Ontario, and my family was very involved with horses and riding. I spent a great deal of time outdoors when I was young, and I feel that physical activity is very important for today’s youth.

After high school, I attended college with the goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. Shortly after beginning my engineering career, I realized that my ambitions went beyond designing something for a client and that I wanted to find ways in which I could make my mark on the world as an individual. I decided to buy a building as an income property. I was pleased to find that making money as a property owner was lucrative.

After some years as a real estate entrepreneur, I became interested in financial services. My business needed to find funding, and I decided that I wanted to make a better system for business owners who wanted to leverage their assets in the most profitable way. I took the time to learn about taxes, financial planning, and investments. Soon after, I opened Tweed Financial Services.

2- What are your focus areas and why?

2. My focus areas are in financial services and real estate. I have always been interested in financial topics, beginning when I was an engineer. I found that there was a real need in the market for expert financial help with a variety of issues. I am also deeply interested in real estate. I believe that it is possible to make a good profit using the basics of real estate investment.

My newest business venture is called Mold Zero. It is a mold remediation company which takes care of clients’ issues in a safe and efficient manner. Too many people are unaware of the dangers of mold in a home. It can cause asthma, allergies, and chronic lung infections. I am expanding my business to new areas of the country.

3- How would you describe “Rusty Tweed Giving” in a few words?

3. Rusty Tweed Giving is the name of my charitable organization. I am interested in helping deserving nonprofit organizations to reach their goals.

4- Where do you think it is really making an impact?

One of our most important projects has been the Kukui Solar Project. With this project, I was able to help a child and family services organization that serves homeless and disadvantaged families. I put solar panels on the roof of their building, helping them save money on utilities. Hawaii is a great place for solar energy, but it is viable in the entire country.

5- Do you think integrity is an essential part of the entrepreneurial spirit?

Absolutely. A business is nothing without integrity. If a business can’t inspire trust and loyalty in its customers, the business needs to do something differently. Integrity is something that is easy to lose if your company works against its core values, and once it is lost, it is extremely difficult to get back.

6- What advice would you give to young people just starting out and hoping to make it?

I would advise young people not to quit their day jobs right away when they become entrepreneurs. It is a better idea to have your business be a part-time endeavor until you can support yourself. If you have a spouse or partner, make sure that they keep their jobs while you are getting the business off the ground.

I also advise all young entrepreneurs to make real estate investments. Being a landlord might be difficult, but it is a source of ready cash, especially where occupancy levels are high. Real estate is a great complement to stocks and securities.

7- Do you find as an entrepreneur, that you enjoy the challenge of the industry being complex with the game rules are always changing?

I am always excited about new challenges. It is too easy to get bogged down in the daily details of life as a business owner. A lot of business owners my age have stopped taking risks. Risk is a vital part of running a thriving business. If you can’t keep up with the times, you’ll be left behind.

8- If you could turn the time, what would you love to change in regards to your career?

I would probably go to school for finance or accounting rather than engineering.

9- What are you most excited about at the moment?

I am very excited about the prospects for Mold Zero. I feel that diversifying my business is a good idea.

10- The last word or final thoughts?

Don’t forget to take time for yourself when you are busy running a company. If you’re not well-rounded, your work and personal lives will both suffer.