Gary Nickol – Founder and CEO, Sweet Equity, LLC

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2003 at the age of 27 when I founded Corporate Research Associates, LLC—though, truthfully, the seeds of entrepreneurship were planted in middle school when I sold candy with 50% gross margins! Starting from a small office off my bedroom, I grew the business into a thriving 12-person operation within just two years. I wore many hats, managing invoicing, payroll, hiring, and full P&L accountability—all while driving sales as a "full desk" employee.

In 2009, I sold the company and ventured into the corporate world, eager to gain a different perspective. The experience of receiving a regular paycheck and immersing myself as an employee was eye-opening. Over the next several years, I held roles in Sales, Sales Leadership, Operations Management, and even launched a U.S. division for a UK-based company. As Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, I navigated environments ranging from Fortune 100 companies to pre-revenue startups, gaining a well-rounded perspective on diverse business challenges.

Commitment to Continuous Learning
Continuous learning has always been a cornerstone of my professional journey. Over the past several years, I’ve earned a Business Strategy Certification from Cornell University, completed an Executive Leadership Program at Harvard Business School, and achieved Lean/Six Sigma certification. As a member of The COO Forum since 2019, I’ve further honed my skills and stayed at the forefront of leadership and operational excellence.

This combination of real-world experience and continued learning has fueled my passion for helping others navigate challenges, grow their businesses, and achieve their goals. It gives me a realistic and pragmatic perspective as a business advisor, enabling me to deliver actionable insights.

Passion for Small Business and Beyond
At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to the small business community. I’m driven to help entrepreneurs and operators learn from my experiences, avoid common pitfalls, and tackle the unique challenges of business ownership.

When I’m not partnering with clients, I enjoy spending time with my wife, two grown children, two stepchildren, a dog, and two cats—embracing life as a proud cat person.