CRESSON — Tharisa Langerholc always knew she would end up with her own business, no matter how much she liked her jobs.
Regardless of how good the pay was or even how much she enjoyed the positions she held, the human resources professional knew there was something missing. That something was the type of freedom that comes with being your own boss.
Langerholc discussed that topic and others last week while visiting Mount Aloysius College as part of the Upstarts and Innovators speakers series. The series is sponsored by Johnstown Area Regional Industries, the Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone and The Tribune-Democrat.
The idea of having more freedom became more pressing for her as her family grew to three children. While she enjoyed her job, spending 10 to 12 hours a day out of the house was taking time away from her kids, now ages 9, 3 and 8 months.
Earlier this year, she founded LHR Advisors in Richland Township and soon after made it her full-time occupation.
“I work more now, but I actually enjoy it more,” Langerholc said. “While I do put in all of these hours , I can work from my couch, spend time with my kids and work until 2 a.m. if I want.”
Having your own business doesn’t mean you don’t have a boss, Langerholc noted. In fact, she said, she has many more bosses than before, all in the forms of clients.
But that isn’t her biggest challenge.
She said the toughest part is doing all the things unrelated to her professional expertise such as bookkeeping.
One of the greatest hurdles Langerholc has confronted is being the sole salesperson for her company.
“The biggest challenge for me is going out and finding new clients,” said Langerholc, 33. “The cold calling is the hardest part for me, and I haven’t done a lot of it. But it’s something I’m learning to do.”
Langerholc said another benefit of having your own business is following policies and procedures with which you always feel comfortable.
At times, Langerholc explained, she would find herself disagreeing with an employer’s way, but her position dictated that she follow the established policies and procedures.
“The bottom line is I have the personality that I don’t want to work for someone else,” Langerholc said. “I wanted to do things the way that I knew was right, and operating my own business allows me to do that.”
One bit of advice she imparted to the Mount Aloysius students was to never pass up an opportunity to improve yourself. As a holder of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, it’s a piece of advice she has honestly practiced.
“Always be sure that you’re ready for when that next opportunity comes along,” Langerholc said. “You never know when the same kind of opportunity will come around again.”
Business
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Tharisa Langerholc in the office where she runs her company, LHR Advisors of Richland Township. John Rucosky
Discussion
HR expert builds her own business
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