SCORE Guides Executive Level Assistant in Thinking Big

Ajee Cook was “just looking for a job” when she stumbled upon the administrative and operational support tasks that would ultimately become the start of her entrepreneurial journey.

“I never in my life thought of, dreamed of or wanted to be an entrepreneur,” said Cook, who founded Done & Done in October 2021 following a job layoff. “I really wanted to find a job. I never found a job because this became my job.”

Prior to founding her business, Cook, who held various roles in the nonprofit human services industry, noticed the struggle businesses faced with daily administrative tasks. She received a Master’s in Business Administration with a Management concentration from Thomas Jefferson University to help further her career.

The business background differentiates Cook and her four-member team from virtual assistants.

“We’re more executive level assistants,” she said, adding that she and her team undertake a full audit of each company’s systems and software to ensure they are being used to their full extent. Done & Done also creates standard operating procedures and automates systems to help offices run more efficiently. “A lot of people just have a skill. We really do know what we’re doing because we have a level of education.”

In barely three years’ time, Done & Done has expanded its client base to serve 37 companies.

The accidental entrepreneur gave her business a boost recently by participating in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition. SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit supporting small businesses.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in five pitch events, including Philadelphia, where Cook pitched her business and was a finalist. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders who presented their pitch live before panels of judges. Participants were matched with SCORE mentors to refine their pitches, strengthen their presentations, and hone their business plans.

Cook teamed with SCORE mentor Ken Mackenzie, who said he acted as a sounding board in providing insight to help improve what was already a great presentation.

“I would any day of the week hire her to run anything, in any capacity,” he said. “She’s that talented, that bright.”

Mackenzie has continued to mentor Cook since the competition. Together they are devising a strategy for business growth and working to guide her fully remote staff in operating as a team even though they are located in different states.

“He’s been a huge pillar,” Cook said. “He’s super encouraging and always helps me remember that I have a very long road ahead of me, but I don’t ever have to stay small.”

In addition to meeting Mackenzie, the pitch competition gave Cook the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs and a platform to “get my business in front of some people who had never heard of me before.”

Looking ahead, Cook plans to expand into the government contracting field to assist construction companies in Philadelphia. Her business serves businesses in all industries throughout the U.S.

No matter what, Cook said Done & Done is already a success.

“Success is not the key to happiness, but happiness is the key to success,” she said. “Small wins make me happy.”

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor, or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit score.org.