New Company, Scale90, Wants to Help Startups Navigate the Challenges New Business Face

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20 percent of small businesses in the US fail within one year of starting. Those dire statistics are consistent with global trends.

Daren Hawthorne, a New York-based businessman, and his two colleagues in a new advisory company are aware of the challenges new ventures face. Their goal is to help startups navigate the rough waters usually experienced during that first year.

The company was launched on October 1. Hawthorne is its CEO, while Derrick Gamble is chief marketing officer and Jae Sims the chief operating officer. Gamble and Sims are from New Jersey.

Hawthorne says he and his partners have been involved with fledgling companies that grew, which makes them qualified to advise.

“Our primary objective is to help entrepreneurs turn their ambitions into businesses that can grow beyond their constant personal involvement. Many owners have the drive and a strong product or service, but need better processes, clearer priorities and more consistent follow-through,” he noted. “Scale90 connects five business engines: sales, growth, operations, finance and technology. We bring together strategy, practical education, accountability and technology to help owners strengthen those areas and make them work together.”

Born in The Bronx to Jamaican parents, Hawthorne’s family are an American success story. His father, Lowell Hawthorne, with the support of his siblings, founded Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant in that New York borough in 1987.

While its menu of popular Jamaican delights initially catered to New York City’s massive West Indian community, Golden Krust quickly flourished. It grew from a Mom and Pop enterprise to over 100 restaurants in the United States.

A qualified lawyer with degrees from American University and Southern University Law Center, Hawthorne worked in a senior position with his family’s business. Given his roots, he believes it is critical that Scale90 reaches out to Jamaican businesses, especially those entering competitive markets.

“The Jamaican Diaspora is an audience we want to reach, alongside entrepreneurs in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. As someone with Jamaican roots and citizenship, I have a personal connection to that ambition,” Hawthorne said. “Our offering is open to entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Within that broader mission, we see an opportunity to help Jamaican business owners at home and abroad strengthen their operations and prepare for growth. Expanding into the Caribbean is part of our longer-term vision.”