What does an owner do?
Owners, in the most basic sense, own the business, company, or organization. They are responsible for building the business. They create business plans and the general vision and mission of the company, set goals, work on these goals, and ensure that the business keeps running. They manage all aspects of their business, from finances to marketing to people, etc. When the business becomes stable, owners eventually hire more employees. As such, owners also become overseers who would ensure that the organization remains afloat.
Owner responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real owner resumes:
- Manage web content and a PHP / MySQL application.
- Create and develop a website to help clients easily manage their instagram account to gain exposure.
- Execute all social media marketing and manage the company Facebook page/campaigns.
- Manage human resource functions by generating payroll, scheduling and upholding company policies.
- License Maryland home improvement contractor managing a small home improvement business that specializes in doors and windows.
- Manage end to end business operations including hiring, scheduling visits, conducting customer consultations and performing pet visits.
- Implement marketing strategies via Facebook and Instagram.
- Complete all administrative business responsibilities, A/P, A/R, payroll, sales and payroll, along with payroll taxes etc.
- Deliver on-site training programs in human LLC resources management, customer service, project management and business communication.
- Provide education seminars to Medicare beneficiaries and assist in their enrollment into plans that fit their financial and health needs.
- Perform all accounting functions to include A/P, A/R, petty cash, deposits, bank reconciliations and trial and balance.
- Clean residential and commercial windows.
- Conduct extensive keyword research and develop a comprehensive SEO strategy.
- Manipulate and enhance digital images to create desire effects using Photoshop.
- Perform both commercial and residential landscaping services, including mowing services.
Owner skills and personality traits
We calculated that 25% of Owners are proficient in Customer Service, Payroll, and Financial Statements. They’re also known for soft skills such as Hand-eye coordination, Hearing ability, and Physical health.
We break down the percentage of Owners that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 25%
Implemented a customer development strategy to grow internal communication and provide better customer service with reduced client wait times.
- Payroll, 17%
Hired employees Ordered supplies Fabricated fittings and materials Organized daily schedule of jobs Weekly payroll New home installation Serviced units
- Financial Statements, 8%
Reviewed activity reports and financial statements to determine progress in attaining objectives, and revised plans in accordance with current conditions.
- Product Development, 7%
Assisted with the set-up, implementation and management of numerous relationship management, product development, and acquisition initiatives.
- Real Estate, 3%
Researched and acquired undervalued real estate property investments using innovative search techniques resulting in acquiring properties with great profit margins.
- Business Development, 3%
Directed company operations emphasizing business development.
Common skills that an owner uses to do their job include "customer service," "payroll," and "financial statements." You can find details on the most important owner responsibilities below.
Communication skills. Another common skill required for owner responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of owners all the time, as "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." An excerpt from a real owner resume shows how this skill is central to what an owner does: "create and maintain positive customer relations through communication. "
Leadership skills. Lastly, "leadership skills" is an important element of what an owner does. Owner responsibilities require this skill because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." This resume example highlights how owner duties rely on this skill: "served on the leadership council and product development team for the parent franchise. "
The three companies that hire the most owners are:
- Allstate310 owners jobs
- Farmers Insurance301 owners jobs
- American Family Insurance95 owners jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable owner resume templates
Build a professional owner resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your owner resume.
Compare different owners
Owner vs. Vice president
Vice presidents are usually considered the second-in-command in the organization, depending on the organization structure. They take over when the president is unavailable to fulfill duties. They may also represent the organization in external events and other official functions. They are important members of the boardroom, and their opinions are usually sought after as well. Vice presidents are usually poised to follow the president's footsteps in the organization, especially if the president is nearing retirement. They also make urgent and crucial decisions when the president is not available to do so. Vice presidents must have strong business acumen, decision-making skills, and professionalism.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an owner are more likely to require skills like "windows," "business management," "photography," and "graphic design." On the other hand, a job as a vice president requires skills like "healthcare," "oversight," "project management," and "risk management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Vice presidents tend to reach higher levels of education than owners. In fact, vice presidents are 6.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Owner vs. President
Presidents are usually the highest-level executives in an organization. They oversee the whole company. They identify clear goals and provide strategic direction as the company works towards the achievement of their overall vision. Presidents are the decision-makers in the company. They make crucial decisions to ensure that the company continues to grow and survives challenges that come their way. They are expected to consider all stakeholders, from the board of directors and employees to the customers in their decision-making process. Presidents also represent the company in external functions, especially during high-level events. As such, they are expected to be professional, well-mannered, and good communicators.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real owner resumes. While owner responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "business management," "photography," and "graphic design," presidents use skills like "r," "alumni," "risk management," and "fraternity."
Presidents earn similar levels of education than owners in general. They're 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for owners in the next 3-5 years?
Susan Meyer-Goldstein
Associate Professor, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
In addition to pre-pandemic tech development, many organizations are transitioning into new technologies, including more extensive use of some and experimentation with others. Recall that, while Zoom existed a year ago, most organizations barely used it. Now, it is ubiquitous, along with similar communication tools. The health care industry will likely be significantly transformed by technology over the next few years - not just telemedicine, but home-based medical treatments, artificial intelligence creeping into many processes, and enhanced use of information to drive activities across the industry - from tech development to insurance, pharm, elder care, etc. Many other industries will experience similar.
Owner vs. President/chief executive officer
Considered as the highest authority in a company, a president/chief executive officer is in charge of leading the company by implementing corporate decisions and shaping the organization to its fullest extent. They must craft strategic plans and guidelines, enforce policies and standards, direct the vision and mission, and address the public as the head of the company. Furthermore, a president/chief executive officer must maintain an active line of communication at all times as they must report to a board of directors and coordinate with other company employees.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, owners are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "windows," "business management," and "photography." But a president/chief executive officer is more likely to have skills like "financial management," "revenue growth," "r," and "strategic partnerships."
President/chief executive officers typically earn higher educational levels compared to owners. Specifically, they're 10.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Owner vs. Executive director
Executive directors are top management employees who usually function as a chief executive officer. This role is usually seen in non-profit organizations. Executive directors provide strategic direction to the organization, and they ensure that the organization's goals are actualized. They provide guidance to the employees and ensure that the employees have the organization's advocacies at the center of every project or program. They oversee the policies of the organization and create strategies that will bring the organization's programs forward. Executive directors are also responsible for making crucial decisions for the betterment of the organization.
Types of owner
Updated January 8, 2025
