I'm wondering, what is causing the text to wrap around the end of the object (see the picture) instead of starting at the beginning of the object and how can I change it? Thank you!

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

There are a couple of things to consider when positioning text on a path. First the text starts where the path starts (and goes in the same direction the path goes. So for example, if you select the path, switch to the Node tool, and press Tab key once, the first node of the path will be highlighted.

Once you see the starting point, you'll have an idea what needs to be done. There are different ways of adjusting the text. First select the text and switch to the Text Tool. On the control bar, there are buttons to center the text, or left or right justify. Sometimes just switching those will work.

Some people simply type blank spaces in front of the text, to move it forward. Although unfortunately, backspacing won't work, unless forward spaces had previously been added.

If you're working on a circle, you can rotate the circle to put the beginning of the path where you need it. But on an object like yours, you really can't just move the path. Here's a trick I've used. Visually identify the place on the path where you think the text should start. Select the path and then double-click (with Node tool) to place a new node there. Make sure it's selected (and only that node is selected) then click "Break path at selected node" button. In some situations, you can leave it just like that. In other situations, breaking the path like that can mess with the fill (and maybe some other stuff). So you may need to re-join the nodes (drag selection box, then "Join selected nodes" button).

And that's about all I can suggest. But others may have different tricks. Let us know how it goes

Have you tried manual kerning (use the Ctrl + left or right arrow in front of the text)? I would also try flipping the object, like what Brynn above said to do.
Also, you can duplicate the object (path that the word is on), go into the node tool and delete all the nodes except for the few you need. I.E., you can put text on a line, so all the nodes on the bottom of your object aren't needed. I do this with circles all the time, I dup the circle, then delete off the nodes I don't want, makes text life more simple. I only said to duplicate your object because I've assumed you needed it as part of something else.

OMG, I cant believe it. I spent so much time on it and didn't see it. My text was aligned to "center"... Well, now it makes sense.

Thank you all for your help!!!