Local Man Recharges Career

Roy Abbate found himself in a tough position a few years ago when he was let go from his job of over 30 years. Instead of repetitive job searching, Abbate decided to create a business tailored to his interests and opened Batteries Plus.

Abbate tried the traditional interview process but found he was not being offered the money that he once made.

"After searching for other employment I realized that even though companies were willing to hire me but not at what I was accustomed to making," said Abbate.

Abbate attended a program held by the New Jersey Unemployment Office called the Self-Employment Assistance or SEA that helps anyone looking to start a business.

Through this program, Abbate decided he would join the Batteries Plus chain which boasts more than 400 locations selling all types of batteries from the standard AA to the hard to find.

"I worked out a program where I was able to use the 401K money to finance the business."

In three and a half years, the Mt. Laurel Batteries Plus store has increased its revenue under Abbate's guidance from $300,000 to $800,000.

While the business is 50% retail and 50% commercial, Abbate believes there is a strategy to maintaining a successful business.

"Persistence, you gotta keep working at it. It's a lot of hard work, a lot of hours."

Throughout his experience Abbate has learned that it's worth taking a chance.

"It's worth taking that chance if you truly believe in what you're doing and pick a business that you would enjoy doing."

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