Meet Michael Eakin | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Michael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had a few thoughts and reasons to start my own business. The first was that I saw a need for someone to fill a vacancy in my area for the goods and services I provide with my store. The second was that like many business owners, I was tired of working for someone else.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Starting a business is tough. Most small businesses don’t survive and that is even without a global pandemic during your third year in. I have always tried to do what is best for my customers and without their support I wouldn’t have made it through 2020. It has been a rough ride from the start but when you do right by your customers they see that, they help when they can, and they recommend you to others they know which ultimately is how I’ve been able to survive one of the hardest economic crisis in recent times.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being in Tucson there isn’t a lot to do to be honest if you don’t enjoy being outside. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here, it just might not be for everyone. Luckily we have one of the most biodiverse climates anywhere in the United States here in our backyard. You can go from enjoying an ice cream after lunch in the 100+ degree heat down in the valley to roasting marshmallows after dinner in the cool weather of Mt. Lemon by dinner time. There are so many great places to go and a great many cultural diversities in the city. You get some of the best Mexican food anywhere in the U.S. here in Tucson and at the same time can enjoy locally brewed refreshments if you visit 4th ave.

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?
Honestly the person who deserves a shoutout for supporting me throughout everything has to be my wife. Even before we were married I asked her what she thought of me potentially opening up my own business. She thought that it would be a good thing to try. We were both in our mid twenties and then was the time to take a risk on something if I felt passionate about it. Throughout the five years that I have been in business she has helped me in any way she can, from lending an ear to helping me when things got rough during the COVID shutdown.

Website: topdecktowers.com

Facebook: facebook.com/TDTCG