John Macatangay, an insurance agent and past owner of ASM Insurance Services, shares his insights overcoming business adversity during COVID and the entrepreneurial lessons he learned.
-- John Macatangay, prior owner of ASM Insurance & Financial Services of Pembroke Pines, FL and President of Hopportunities Taproom of Delray Beach, FL, has exemplified resilience and determination by overcoming significant business challenges throughout his career. His journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Macatangay's entrepreneurial path has been marked by obstacles that tested his resolve. After having spent four years as a State Farm insurance agent, John ventured out and opened his own GreatFlorida Insurance Franchise under the company name of ASM Insurance & Financial Services in 2011. Growing this insurance franchise involved hiring, onboarding new clients, and all aspects of starting a new business, which Macatangay was proficient in accomplishing, while maintaining a 5-Star Google Review rating for the business.
Not one to sit on his laurels, Macatangay ventured out in the summer of 2018 to also create Hopportunities Taproom in Delray Beach, Florida. Between leasing, permits and zoning approvals from the city, and staffing, John’s vision did not come to fruition until Halloween of 2019. What came next was an unexpected upending of not only his new business, but all businesses throughout the country – COVID. In the Spring of 2020, Hopportunities had to close due to the pandemic.
Through unwavering commitment and strategic problem-solving, John navigated these challenges, transforming potential setbacks into opportunities for growth. He swiveled from having indoor clientele to promoting outdoor events, which the City of Delray Beach did not approve of, during these ever-changing times of what businesses could or could not do. Not to be deterred, Macatangay altered the beer hall’s business model to selling bottles, cans, and growlers as a “to go” option. Running virtual events, such as trivia, music bingo, and even a beer school, John managed to keep customer engagement high until the business was allowed to reopen in October of 2020.
Hopportunities achieved success during adversity, garnering a 4.7-Star Google rating with 293 reviews, a 4.2-Star rating on Facebook with 77 reviews, and an impressive 4.5-Star rating on Yelp with 81 reviews. Unfortunately, the 55 self-serve taproom consisting of craft draft beers, hard-seltzers, ciders, natural wines and more had to close its doors due to the Macatangays having family matters to contend with and the local municipality being bureaucratically inflexible.
John’s story underscores the importance of adaptability and steadfastness in achieving business success. Reflecting on his experiences, Macatangay emphasizes the value of resilience and lessons learned from overcoming difficulties, as well as the importance of knowing not only your business model, but the pitfalls that could occur due to municipal bureaucracy, exogenous events, and the dynamic landscape of being an entrepreneur.
Macatangay's achievements highlight the critical role of perseverance in the entrepreneurial journey. His story stands as a testament to the power of determination and serves as an inspiration to the business community.
About John Macatangay
John Macatangay was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, attended the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, and moved to South Florida in the Fall of 2001. John is a dedicated entrepreneur known for his ability to overcome business challenges through resilience and strategic insight. His experiences offer valuable lessons on perseverance and adaptability in the business world.
Contact Info:
Name: Paul Murphy
Email: Send Email
Organization: InsideOut Consulting
Website: https://ioconsulting.org/
Release ID: 89157504
If you encounter any issues, discrepancies, or concerns regarding the content provided in this press release, or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us without delay at error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours – ensuring swift resolution of identified issues or offering guidance on removal procedures. Delivering accurate and reliable information is fundamental to our mission.
