The Switch to Small Business

Cory Maddox, born-and-raised in Raleigh, started in the structured world of big business and has since transitioned into the world of small business.

Cory’s professional story began with prominent, multimillion-dollar companies. He began as a teller, working his way to assistant branch manager. Despite his success in the corporate world, he found himself at a crossroads. It was here he decided to make the jump.
Not long after stepping away from banking, Cory reconnected with Mike from Capital Moving and Storage. Mike gave him the chance to make the career shift away from finance and into sales and marketing. With his new title, Cory hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back.
Cory
The transition has not been without its challenges. “You get spoiled at a big company. The office always has soda and if you need something for the office it is easily expensed. Here, at Capital Moving and Storage, every piece of paper, job brought in, and interaction carries a different weight.” However, his ability to make a substantial impact, the unique culture, and community gratitude make the transition more than worth it.

“Capital Moving and Storage has come with such a learning curve but I would not trade it for anything.” He described the team dynamic, “As a small team we can ‘plug and play’ finding one another’s strengths to achieve the best result. It is such a different experience from the banking world. At the bank, there was a fine line between what is expected and what you need.” He had to focus on asking the right questions and his numbers validated his profitability. At Capital Movers and Storage, his day-in and out is much more than a spreadsheet. While he does work to increase the number of moves, his “profitability” also comes from the relationships built and customer connections. They all know “they are only as good as the guys on the truck” and connect as a team to do the right thing for employees and customers alike.

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When asked how his work-life balance has changed, Cory admits it is much better than it used to be. He has loved the transition away from a traditional 9-5. He notes that work-life balance has always been a challenge and although Marketing and Sales is a 24-hour job, it is much less stressful. In his new role, he has more freedom within his day and the discipline to organize it. “You not only have to have the discipline to work hard and do the right thing, but you also need to have the discipline to know when to tell yourself to slow down and take a break. As Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.” His passion for his role has also shifted. The revamping of his career, the leap others have made for him, his eagerness to learn, and the knowledge of the real-time impact he can make keep him going.

“You not only have to have the discipline to work hard and do the right thing, but you also need to have the discipline to know when to tell yourself to slow down and take a break.

“Don't be scared to make a change if you think it's what you really want. Don't be rash but know that no one knows better than yourself when the right time is. It could be the best decision you've ever made.”

If someone is looking to make a career change Cory encourages others to go for it. “Don’t be scared to make a change if you think it’s what you really want.” That being said, he encourages others not to be rash but also, “No one knows better than yourself when the right time is. It could be the best decision you’ve ever made.” Cory reflected on his past 7 years, his professional career, life achievements, and even becoming his own business, “If you would have told me that I’d be out of banking, started a business, working for a small business, AND sitting on a board I’d call you crazy. It makes the next 5 years look very exciting.”

Working at this small business has taught Cory that he is more than just a banker. He has always known he could be good at anything he set his mind to and has seen it in himself with this new position. “I’m proud of my perseverance. There have been several times in my early, professional career where I could have given up. I’ve had to tell myself several times to just put my head down, work hard and it will pay off.” For Cory, working at a small business means making a difference every day. It’s about impact, relationships, and the satisfaction of contributing to something meaningful.

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