Meet Chris Jones: Owner of Planting Seeds Tutoring & Test Prep

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially, when I came up with the idea of starting my own company, I wasn’t sure what I wanted the type of business I wanted to start but I knew working in an office setting wasn’t something I could see myself doing for the next 40+ years. Furthermore, I wanted to create something that I built from the ground up and be proud to say “I did that”, Additionally, I liked the idea of having the freedom to move at your own pace while being innovative to create your own business plan for growth. Luckily, I’ve been fortunate enough to see close family and friends create small businesses that have afforded them the luxury to transition into this full time and then pivot into other opportunities because of the success of their small business and correct application of applying their profits from the business. Once I created Planting Seeds Tutoring I knew I was onto the right path. It was something I enjoyed doing and I am a huge advocate for instilling education into students especially minorities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Planting Seeds Tutoring & Test Prep is a tutoring and test prep company based in metropolitan areas of Texas (Dallas, Houston, Austin & San Antonio), that specializes in addressing the specific needs of each student. Planting Seeds Tutoring offers Private In-Home Tutoring, Online Tutoring & Test Prep for students in Pre-K through graduate school. Our mission is to make students feel empowered and passionate about their education. In the past 4 years, we have helped over 750 students. The company is more than just improving academics. Our ability to build relationships with students and pour into their lives in a positive way separates us from others. To see us expanding to other cities and countries helping students has been so fulfilling because you see your vision progressing. To reflect, I began as a solo tutor charging only $10 per hour. Then in the first year, I added 4 tutors to the team and we increased the price 3x in that year. After the first year I realized two things: 1) my prices were too cheap so I increased 5-7x my prices from my original price 2) I added 15-20 tutors to my team to keep up with the demand. As growth has increased I am constantly learning how to lead my team to our goals so that we can instill the importance of education into every student we meet.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Your support team is so vital to your success and growth as a business but more importantly as an individual. First and foremost I wanted to give a shoutout to GOD who allowed these doors and opportunities to open even when I don’t deserve it. He’s been my guide and has kept me humble through this success. Also, my parents are a HUGE reason for my success on a personal and business level. At a young age, they instilled morals and values from a Christian perspective that I still apply till this day. My mother is a die-hard supporter, provides love, and always wants what’s best for me at all times. My father is a hustler who has done entrepreneurship at a large scale in the past and I’ve been able to see it up close at a young age plus pick his brain on several topics. They both push me to be more. Another person who has been truly impactful in my growth as a person is a woman named Ashley who challenged me to be more, do more, and take a risks on yourself. She is one of the main reasons Planting Seeds Tutoring really took off and scaled at a fast pace. I would also like to give a shoutout to my mentors, Edgar, Willie, and Yolanda. I was lucky enough to have these mentors in my early 20’s who have been vital in my personal growth and career. Lastly, some of the best books I’ve read in the past few years are The Millionaire Next Door & The E-Myth Revisited. The first book showcased the everyday lifestyle that millionaires or just successful people in general have. I always wanted to actually be wealthy not just look like it and be broke to prove to others. The second book shared with me the importance of having systems that run well and removing yourself from working in the business so you can work on the business and scale. There are so many other great books I’ve read in the past year but these both are my current favorite reads.

Website: plantingseedstutoring.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantingseedstutoring/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plantingseedstutoring
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plantingseedst?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantingseedstutoring
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJYkpT0VovfFvOIvqejw9BA

Image Credits
Miguel Flores Photography