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Inspiring Conversations with William Peetoom of Kaizen Group International

Today we’d like to introduce you to William Peetoom.

Hi William, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My story is a shining example of resilience, determination, and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout my life, including financial hardship, child abuse, sexual molestation, severe respiratory health issues from asthma, and even terminal diagnoses, I never gave up. Through my hard work, dedication and willingness to explore alternative healthcare modalities, I was able to overcome these obstacles and improve my health and overall well-being.

As a Reiki master and an understudy to Kupuna Akoni Apana, who perpetuates Hawaiian indigenous healing modalities, I am an advocate for acupuncture, herb remedies, energy work, and the use of essential oils and Lomilomi massage. I also found spiritual strength and guidance through my Nichiren Buddhist practice, which I have been practicing for over 25 years. This spiritual practice helped me to maintain a positive outlook and stay focused on my goals, even during the most difficult times.

Starting as a high-risk college student, I turned my life around and achieved success in the business world. I became a respected business leader in the community and an advocate for innovative business practices, working with government initiatives to support the growth and development of small businesses. One of my most significant accomplishments was my role in the rollout of the PATH ACT of 2015, which provided tax incentives for companies that focused on research and development for innovation and helped to spur growth in the U.S. economy.

Today, I continue to work tirelessly to promote the growth and development of marginalized communities, and to create a more equitable and just society for all. I am a true visionary, highly intuitive, and dedicated to helping others succeed. My story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing similar struggles, showing that with determination, hard work, alternative healthcare modalities, faith in Nichiren Buddhism and a willingness to become a self-employed entrepreneur, anything is possible.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My story is a true testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization as a minority business owner of color and LGBTQ, I never let that hold me back from achieving success in the business world. I faced many challenges and obstacles, but I always believed in my dream and never gave up.

I remember when I first started my business, it was difficult to get funding and support from traditional sources. Banks and investors were not always willing to take a chance on a business run by a minority and LGBTQ person. I had to get creative and come up with alternative ways to finance my business, often relying on personal savings and loans from family and friends. But I never let these challenges discourage me. I knew that my business had the potential to be successful, and I was determined to make it happen.

I also faced challenges in the form of discrimination and bias from government officials and other business leaders. As a minority business owner, I often felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself and be taken seriously. But I never let that hold me back. I worked tirelessly to educate and persuade government officials about the importance of small business, and the impact that their support could have on the economy. I also used my experiences to become an advocate for other minority and LGBTQ business owners, fighting for fair treatment and equal opportunities.

Despite these challenges, I never gave up on my dream. I persevered and worked hard to build a successful business. And my hard work paid off. The PATH ACT of 2015 was signed into law, providing tax incentives for companies that focused on research and development and helping to spur innovation and growth in the U.S. economy. This was a significant accomplishment for me, and it showed that my efforts and determination had paid off.

My journey was not a relatively smooth road, but I used the challenges I faced as motivation to work harder. I was determined

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kaizen Group International?
The future is looking bright for small businesses and I am proud to be at the forefront of this new era of leadership and a new way of doing business. I am dedicated to helping small businesses thrive and succeed, and our tagline, “Your success is our business,” reflects my commitment to providing a wide range of services and support to my clients. I am a partner in service and success, working closely with my clients to ensure they take full advantage of all the opportunities available to them.

One of the key services I offer is The Champ program through my partnership with Affordacare. The Champ program is a benefit plan that allows small businesses to provide their employees with pre-tax dollars to pay for their healthcare expenses, including medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions. This can help employees save money on their taxes and can also help employers save money on their taxes. I also specialize in helping companies leverage pre-tax dollars with programs that benefit the small business owner, such as R&D tax incentives. My company is an authorized vendor to facilitate the section 125 champ plan, and I can help businesses navigate the process and ensure they take full advantage of all the benefits available to them. At Kaizen Group International, I understand the challenges small business owners face, and my goal is to educate and empower them with opportunities usually known to the majority of entrepreneurs and business owners. I support the growth and development of companies that are innovative with 10 or more employees, and I am committed to helping my clients succeed in every way possible.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My success is not just the result of my own hard work and determination, but also the guidance, support, and mentorship of a diverse group of individuals and organizations. The late Francine Maigue, Kristine Custodio-Suero, and Mayor Todd Gloria, all played a significant role in my journey, providing me with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. Their dedication and unwavering support have helped to empower and support countless individuals and have had a positive impact on their communities. My journey has also been influenced by the leading names in personal empowerment and development, such as Earl Nightingale and Anthony Robbins. These mentors have helped me to develop the skills, mindset and attitude necessary to achieve success. In conclusion, my story is a true testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship and support in achieving success. It serves as an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and business owners.

I have to give a special mention to the late Francine Maigue, my predecessor in the Filipino-American chamber of commerce, whose guidance and support was invaluable in my development as a business leader. The legacy of Francine Maigue continues to be an inspiration to many.

Another notable mentor who played a significant role in my journey was Kristine Custodio-Suero. Her guidance and support helped me to navigate the challenging business landscape and provided me with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

Furthermore, my journey was also influenced by the positive role model of Mayor Todd Gloria who is also a minority of Dutch and Filipino heritage. Representation is important for the community to see themselves represented in the decision-making process that affects them. In conclusion, my success is a result of the guidance, support and mentorship of a diverse group of individuals and organizations, and my story serves as an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and business owners. Their dedication, hard work and unwavering support have helped to empower and support countless individuals, and they deserve recognition for the positive impact they have had on their communities.

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