Three Minutes Across the Counter with Thomas Cerna

"Three Minutes Across the Counter" is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business. 

Today we chat with Thomas Cerna, owner of Youthire.com.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Thomas Cerna: My first start in business was as an Order Clerk on the floor of the NY Mercantile Exchange.  From there I became a Senior Examiner with the financial services regulatory body, FINRA.  In addition I have been employed as a Compliance Director at several Wall Street brokerage firms.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

TC: I've always been very active in competitive sports.  In high school I was selected as a Westchester, NY All-County Basketball player.  I love to play golf, read a good book, attend concerts and enjoy a great meal.  In fact, I'm a great cook and especially love Cuban food.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

TC: I've lived in Glenwood Landing since 2007 with my wife, Michelle.  We both grew up in Larchmont, NY where we met and moved here shortly after getting married.

Patch:  How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

TC: They've both been very supportive of my decision to devote myself to this business.  My parents are both retired New York attorneys currently living in Vero Beach, Florida and they have always encouraged me to follow my own path.

Patch:  What's your favorite thing about living here?

TC: My wife and I decided to live here because we love the variety that Long Island has to offer.  There's always something to do no matter the season.  We especially love the summer and the easy access to Long Island beaches.,  We also love to "house gaze" - there are some really incredible homes out here.

Patch:  What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

TC: I arranged for a company to initiate a Public Offering that resulted in a raise of $6.5 million .  The mistake I made was in not securing a finder's fee agreement with the host company.  This later taught me the value of negotiating and being assertive when it came to financial matters

Patch: What' the best business advice you've ever received?

TC: As with any start-up there will be some ups and downs.  My uncle advised me that businesses fail when people give up.  He told me to stay with the plan, maintain confidence and never give up.

Patch:  What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

TC: Believe in your idea, stay with the plan and never give up.  I would also advise that a new business owner maintain flexibility and seek out opinions from others.  Tell as many people as you can about your business.  You'd be surprised how many great suggestions you receive.
Patch:  What do you look for when you hire?

TC: I would look for people who se the vision and have the passion for this web-site.  There are many positives to Youthire.com that benefit homeowners, young adults and the community as well.  I would hope to hire people who would like to build on that idea, promote it passionately and help it grow.