Today we’d like to introduce you to David Chaumette
Hi David, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Looking back over the past thirty years, I have been always led by my curiosity. It first led me to study engineering in college and then to grad school. But I also knew that I wanted to keep things more interesting — so to speak — and so I went to law school after getting my masters in aerospace engineering.
I was drawn to the law because of the problem solving and analysis needed as a lawyer. And, if you do it right, it is also an extremely varied career. Over twenty years, I represented all kinds of clients from artists, small magazines, childcare centers, to larger (more corporate) businesses. I took the principles of David Maister’s book The Trusted Advisor to heart and became a part of many of the businesses I worked with.
Then, after a series of challenges, including some serious health issues, I had to make a change, so I left the law and began a consulting business aimed at my favorite part of my work — helping small businesses grow and their owners reach their dreams. In particular, many of my clients are, like my parents and me, immigrants or first generation Americans which makes my work even more satisfying.
Nine years in, I am an active part of my clients’ businesses, helping them manage day to day issues ranging from managing employees to sales strategies to negotiating with their business partners.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing about the journey has been smooth. Practicing law is hard for the empathetic among us. You want to do well for people and no one calls you with good news. After a while, that can take a toll on a person, and it is super important to learn how to manage those feelings.
There is a lot of balance required and, earlier in my journey, I was not as good at balance — so over time, when things did not go well, things really did not go well. The main issue eventually was my health and I spent 10 days in the hospital before I got the message and slowed down.
These days I bring that holistic approach to my work with clients, most of whom are small business people with families and numerous demands on their time. I have learned many lessons over the years, because my clients’ issues are similar to the challenges I have faced over the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chaumette Solutions?
Chaumette Solutions works with small businesses, and that often requires strategies tailored for each client. Our consulting approach is unique in several ways:
1. Focus on small businesses: We specialize in empowering small businesses, help making the business an asset rather than just a job for the owner or a hobby.
2. Affordability: Our firm offers strategic guidance using a more affordable, fractional model compared to big firm fees, making their services accessible to small businesses. Importantly, we stay away from hourly engagements so that our clients do not hesitate to call us when they have an issue.
3. Emphasis on practical solutions: Chaumette Solutions aims to provide actionable, implementable advice rather than just theoretical strategies.
This combination of affordability, specialization in small businesses, and practical, tailored solutions sets Chaumette Solutions apart from other consulting firms.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The easiest way to reach out via email (dc@chaumettesolutions.net) or set an appointment through the website (https://chaumettesolutions.net/).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chaumettesolutions.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaumsol
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chaumsolutions
Image Credits
None.
