Interview with Dr. Bruce Dunams, author of Making Dough: A Young Entrepreneur's Tale

Author's Bio: Dr. Bruce D. Dunams is a serial entrepreneur and an expert business strategist who works with hundreds of entrepreneurs every year. His management consulting firm works with hundreds of entrepreneurs and business leaders each year to help improve their effectiveness. Dr. Dunams holds a Doctor of Business Administration focused in Strategic Management and has practical knowledge in business strategy, product development, and project management. He has been an inspiring entrepreneur, and, through this book, he is playing his role in shaping the future generation of entrepreneurs.

Making Dough: A Young Entrepreneur's Tale is a tale of young Maya Santiago, a 12-year-old Latina, who struggles to find her financial independence. She lives in a single-family home with an ill brother. With encouragement from her best friend, Sasha, Maya decides to start her own cookie business to help support her family and gain the financial independence she craves. Each chapter of the book introduces a new challenge that is common in small businesses, including product development, marketing strategies, and raising capital. The book details the journey to overcoming these challenges.

DL: What’s the inspiration for writing your book?

BD: As a management consultant, I work with so many entrepreneurs who are really great at what they do. Whether making furniture or selling jars of salsa, they are usually focused on their craft and are often really good at it. However, they often lack the business acumen needed to run an organization. I wanted to try and catch that aspiring entrepreneur earlier in the business start-up process, so I wrote this book on entrepreneurship targeting young people.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

BD: Interestingly enough, I was never a child that read much. I just didn’t like to read. I loved math and science, and despised language arts.

DL:  How long did it take to write your book?

BD: It was off and on for about 4 months. This is really a short read. And that was done on purpose. I wanted to produce a book that could fit into anyone’s schedule, so it took several iterations where I was cutting and condensing content. 

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?

BD:  I definitely like to organize my thoughts before I write. I have a methodical approach to writing to ensure that I can actually get to the end and hit all of my objectives.

DL: Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?

BD: Entrepreneurship is all about being motivated to work harder than your competition and it’s easy to get tired and demotivated. So I do have a song that gets me going. I love the song "Old San Juan" by Spyro Gyro.  It always gets me hyped.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book?

BD: I have found that the key to marketing any book is simply getting out there and sharing your book with as many people as possible. Hitting book fairs, using social media to share with your network, and even writing potential influencers to share your book.

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

BD: I don’t know if I have a lot advice. But like anything, remember that no one will care about your product like you. Don’t be discouraged if you hit a wall writing (it happens) or if publishers ignore you (it happens) or if people don’t understand your product (it happens).  There will be many obstacles that will make it easy for you to give up. However, if you make your dreams bigger than your excuses, success will be within reach.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Making Dough: A Young Entrepreneurs Tale

BD: Here you go:

Maya sighed, “This isn’t fun, Sasha” she said looking down.

 She explained to Sasha how her mother struggled to pay bills again. Making rent each month had been hard lately. If that wasn’t enough, her little brother George went to the hospital again because of problems with his weak immune system. 

“I don’t want to be another burden to her, Sasha. I want to help her, but I can’t even get a job!” Maya blurted all in one breath.

Sasha nodded and said, “Girl, I get it. You are a strong and hardworking lady.  Have you thought about being an entrepreneur? Have you ever thought of owning your own business?” 

Maya looked at her as if she’d grown two heads, four eyes and sprouted green hair. “I don’t have money to invest in a business, let alone any money to risk,” Maya said sadly.

Sasha placed a hand on Maya’s arm and explained that being a business tycoon wasn’t about just investing and risking money. “An entrepreneur is someone who can take any idea, a product, or service and have the skills, will, and courage to turn those ideas into a successful business,” she explained. “And you have these qualities,” she continued.

Now Maya was intrigued and wanted to know how.

DL: What’s next for you? 

BD: My firm has been using the book as a basis to introduce entrepreneurial skills to students in grade school. We are hoping to facilitate a movement that encourages young people to participate in the economy as business owners.

DL: Where can readers find out more about you and your book? 

BD: The book is available on Amazon and Kindle right now. Its also available on the Book Patch.

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.