Very Short Interview No. 1

Dear readers,

Today I present to you a short, but insightful, interview with an exciting entrepreneur!

Meet Rabbi Berl Goldman, director of the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Center at the University of Florida!

For the past 16 years, Rabbi Goldman and his family have been working to build a Jewish community for UF and SFC students and the greater Gainesville area. At the Chabad of Gainesville, a 'home away from home' for students,  Rabbi Goldman oversees and directs an expansive group of student leaders who comprise the Lubavitch Chabad Student Group based out of the center. Rabbi Goldman also has directed hundreds of events for the community, from dinners and fundraisers to holiday events and summer camps. Every Friday night, Rabbi Goldman hosts a few hundred students for Shabbat services and meals. All of this, along with the maintenance for his new 23,000 sq/ft building, is done on a completely fundraised budget.

1) Did you always imagine yourself as becoming an entrepreneur?

It's interesting you ask that! For many years, yes. There were many outward influences inspiring me to do great things. People always said, if I didn't become an entrepreneur, I would have been a builder!

[My note: he did eventually become a builder-- he now has a new 23,000 sq/ft building, as mentioned above!]

2) What was the most difficult obstacle in the beginning of your journey?

Building relationships and earning trust from people I needed to have trust with-- bankers, administration, et cetera.

3) Do you wish you had had an entrepreneurship course to help you in the beginning?

I could really have benefited, and still could benefit, from an entrepreneurship class, if I had the chance!

Reflection:

I thought it was really amazing what answers I got from my interview. It didn't even cross my mind that building trust and relationships would be an obstacle, but it makes sense! You really have to network and then make and maintain good relationships with people to be successful. I also thought it was interesting to hear that Rabbi Goldman had had many outward influences encouraging him to reach great heights; it is always a positive thing to have a good support group around you to help you realize your potential!

Rabbi Berl Goldman
Rabbi@JewishGator.com
352-256-3323
Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student & Community Center
2007 NW 5th Ave