A Co Tyrone man says it has always been his dream to run his own business as he launches a Belfast-based recruitment agency.
Brendan McCrory, who has just turned 28, worked as a software developer for several years before swapping computers for retail with a vintage clothing business.
Having sold that successful business this year, Strabane native Brendan has started Recruitlia, a recruitment agency helping to match software professionals with hiring companies.
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Brendan says running his own business has always been in his blood, from his teenage days where he would sell video games from one shop to another.
“I don’t know where it initially came from but I just always remember doing things like that,” he told Belfast Live.
“I remember even when I was younger I noticed one games shop was buying certain games for higher than another place was selling them for so I made a bit of money at that.
“I started selling golf products when I was just 13 or 14 and I did that over the summers when I was out of school.
“For me my goal has always been to run my own business, building a team together that I can work with long-term.
“Any job I’ve ever worked I’ve always thought to myself, I’d love to be the one running things and that was from no age.”
After leaving his job in software development, Brendan started BC Vintage and was able to sell the business after a successful period of growth.
He added: “I started up a vintage clothing business with an online website and a stall in St George’s Market.
“That was crazy because I was trying to manage that all myself but the council managed to give me access to the market, which is a fantastic space.
“I loved the clothes and it really excited me so it seemed a great first step into that type of business
“I learnt so much from that and with it being the first time running a business, you don’t realise everything that comes with it.
“I really enjoyed it even though it took its toll as you are just constantly working.”
With his new business, Brendan says he is hoping for it to be a long-term venture as he sees a big opportunity with Belfast’s tech jobs bom.
“It’s just me at the minute but the hope is to expand out in the coming months and hire more people.
“I see this new business as a long-term investment for me, we have incredible talent here and the more companies that are coming in the more opportunities there are.
“It’s a scary thought but it’s exciting at the same time. There are always risks and it’s such a tough time for everyone. There’s huge risk but that often comes with opportunity as well.”
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