A few years ago, I was teaching wine and food pairing classes and I received a telephone call from a nice sounding gentleman who introduced himself as “Howard from Oh Pour L’amour Du Chocolat“. Howard Cadmus wanted to introduce my wine customers to his fine chocolates and create a very special wine pairing class together. After we set a date, Howard and his wife Tara drove to the store and purchased the specific wines we would be using. They wanted the event and pairing to be perfect, matching every nuance of the wine with his chocolate. “Excellence Takes Effort!” Howard and Tara Cadmus personify it.
In the years since that meeting, I’ve come to know Howard and Tara very well and I am amazed by all they do. From full time parenting of a toddler, to restoring a historic Mill, opening a comic book store, maintaining a successful law practice, operating two great ice cream/candy shops (ask my daughter) and involvement in local politics they are two of the busiest people I know. Though it all, they exhibit an incredible work/life balance.
1) Howard, what drives all your ambitions?
I WOULD SAY GROWING UP POOR. YOU NEVER LOSE THAT HUSTLE OR THE DRIVE TO DO BETTER WHILE HELPING THOSE AROUND YOU DO BETTER AS WELL.
2) With all the businesses and community involvement you have, what is the biggest challenge you face day to day?
SPENDING ENOUGH TIME WITH MY SON. EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST A PUZZLE PIECE TO FIT INTO PLACE EVERYDAY.
3) I have always admired your drive and since you’ve become a dad, you’ve taken everything up a notch, spending lots of quality time with your child. What is the secret to your work/life balance?
I AM BLESSED THAT MY SON IS VERY BRIGHT AND ADAPTABLE. HE LOVES COMING TO THE SHOPS AND SPENDING TIME IN MY OFFICE. THERE IS NO SECRET. YOU JUST MAKE THE TIME.
4) Do you use a specific scheduling or calendar system? And if so, what is your secret to managing multiple priorities? I KEEP EVERYTHING IN MY HEAD. I DON’T WRITE A SINGLE THING DOWN. I ALSO MULTITASK CONSTANTLY,THAT’S KEY.
5) Have you had any mentors or business coaches that have impacted you in your journey? Would you please share a few examples?
I WISH I COULD SAY I WAS MENTORED BUT IN GENERAL I HAVE ALWAYS JUST OBSERVED HOW OTHERS DO THINGS AND I PICK AND CHOOSE WHAT WORKS FOR ME.
6) What advice would you give young entrepreneurs for starting and maintaining a business?
MAKE SURE THE JUICE IS WORTH THE SQUEEZE. OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IS GREAT AND IS VERY REWARDING BUT IT IS A GRIND. BE PREPARED TO FAIL AND TO WORK HARD AND SACRIFICE TO MAKE THINGS SUCCESSFUL.
7) Coveys 7th habit is “Sharpen the Saw”, what do you enjoy doing in your time of relaxation?
I MAKE MY OWN “RELAXATION TIME” FOR INSTANCE RUNNING TO THE STORE FOR LIGHT BULBS OR PAPER TOWELS I S LIKE A MINI VACATION OR ADVENTURE. YOU HAVE TO FIND DOWN TIME IN THE MOMENTS BETWEEN MOMENTS. IT IS NOT THAT DIFFICULT TO DO IF THE LIFE YOU BUILD IS THE LIFE YOU WANT AND WORK IS BEARABLE EVERYDAY.
Thank you Howard If anyone finds themselves in Williamsville NY, they can find Howard at one of his several businesses
(716) 631-2424
1811 Comics
56 E. Spring Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone: (716) 633-2424