[Spotlight] Meet WeMontage CEO, James Oliver, Jr.

April 6, 2017 1 Comment

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I had the recently opportunity to talk to a fellow entrepreneur, James Oliver, Jr., CEO of WeMontage, a company that allows people to create amazing removable wallpapers made from your very own photos….and recent published author, about his awesome business and his new book recently published. I’ve found James to be an inspiration over the past year watching him work hard to not only grow his business, but also accomplish quite a bit in his personal life, and rock the dad life with his twin toddlers–the focus of his new book!

As a mompreneur, my life is all about finding balance between parenting and business life. It’s so refreshing to get a dad’s perspective on this topic. Many people don’t realize that what you see on the outside takes a lot of hard work, crazy schedules, and dedication to both business and family to make things run smoothly. Not only has James done this, but he’s done an amazing job!

James started his business around the same time his wife was pregnant with twins! As his sweet babies were born 2.5 months premature, he was putting his heart and soul into the business in order to secure a future for his new family of four. We have a lot to learn from James, which he covers in his book, as well as a few of his business videos. When you hear his story, you can’t help but feel inspired!

See WeMontage in Action on the Today Show:

How WeMontage Works:

Get to know James: Interview with Money Magazine

Meet James Oliver, Jr., Founder & CEO of WeMontage:

Lindsay Satmary: When was WeMontage launched?

James Oliver, Jr.: April 2013

LS: How did you come up with the concept?

JO: From an HGTV episode in which they were covering the wall with large photo wallpaper, but there was no way for average consumers to do it.

LS: Who are your most popular customers (family, corporate, etc.)?

JO: Mostly Moms and grand moms. But when businesses find us they spend a lot more than consumers.

LS: Why types of photo collages can WeMontage create (sizes, full wall, etc.)?

JO: Sizes start at 3ft x 2ft, and can be made in any size larger than that.

LS: As an entrepreneur, where do you find inspiration?

JO: I am internally driven to be the best I can be. Inspiration usually comes in the middle of the night.

LS: What’s playing on your ipod right now?

JO: With four year-old twins, a young business, and a recent move to Atlanta, I’m not listening to much of anything right now.

LS: What was the last book you enjoyed reading?

JO: I LOVED listening to Grit recently. But I recently published a book to inspire Parentpreneurs, so I’m gonna go with my book. 🙂

LS: Share a business milestone that you are proud of.

JO: Completing a startup accelerator and raising $300,000 to launch the business.

LS: What exciting plans for WeMontage’s future can you share with us?

JO: My vision is to sell the business for $50 million.

LS: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would you choose and why?

JO: Oprah. Because she’s Oprah.

LS: What is something you’ve learned so far as an entrepreneur?

JO: I’ve learned you can overcome lots of obstacles to accomplish your goal and that you are stronger than you know.

LS: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

JO: Right now I need a vacation with blue water, all you can eat and drink, and no kids. I’d go wherever I could do that.

LS: Entrepreneurs often work long hours. How do you enjoy spending your time off to recharge?

JO: Time off? What’s that?

LS: You recently published a book on entrepreneurship. Tell us about it!

JO: The book is called The More You Hustle, The Luckier You Get: You CAN Be a Successful Parentpreneur. The book is intended to inspire entrepreneurs and Parentpreneurs, so they know they aren’t out here on these entrepreneurial streets, and that they can make it.

LS: How has being an entrepreneur changed your life?

JO: It put me on purpose. I’m doing what I was born to do.