How Daymond John changed my life | Zac Greiwe posted on the topic | LinkedIn (2024)

This year, I nearly forgot a promise. I am glad I have been improving on it year after year, but I admit I can do better.December is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything slows down, and there is a pause from work, school, and most other things. It is the perfect time to spend with friends, family, and loved ones. I have echoed this every year to past classmates, clubmates, and coworkers, and today I can spread this culture with the Future Gen team.This December I was able to attend a friend’s wedding in Florida, go to Disney World with my significant other, and sign a lease in #Tacoma WA in preparation for the next steps in my entrepreneurial journey. And somehow, I almost did not spend #christmas with my family, which makes no sense. I cannot believe I almost didn’t for the sake of some business to take care of.I am happy to say I made it back to CA in time to spend it with fam. Driving 1,000+ miles is no obstacle for me when it comes to family. This year ends with another happy ending.However, this is a practice what you preach that I have a history of struggling with. Not because I lack people who are near and dear to me or because 1,000s of miles distance between us, but usually because I tell myself there is a more responsible thing to do. That a sacrifice must be made for a greater good.Let me tell you – this is rarely ever the case.Culture begins from the top down. Make time for what is important to you. I hope you got to spend some R&R investing in what is important to you. Your INNER core.#founderstory #startuplife #family #holidays #grateful #buildinginpublicP.S. If anybody is curious, it takes about 26 hours to drive an EV from #seattle to the #la area

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You see them thrive in their business; you don’t see the struggle (I’ve never been closer to quitting) It’s always rainbows and sunshineThe life of a successful entrepreneur - The networking events - The 69 $10k months - The sealed deals - The client wins- The jazz But what you don’t see is the struggle - The fear of going broke - Sleepless nights - Uncertainty- Mental exhaustion- Receding social circle - No time for self care- Moments of self doubt- Low revenue months - Constantly worrying about the next client The list doesn’t end.It’s easy to get swayed away by the glamour Of entrepreneurshipBut it’s only meant for those - Who can get dirty in the mud - Who can lose a 100 times and still not give up- Who can show up daily despite the challenges - Who are in it to win it It’s going to get ugly You’ll cry on some days You’ll question your choices You’ll be close to quitting on many But You’ll also deliver You’ll also laugh You’ll also win.Pick your hard.

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Yesterday, on a typical after-school stroll, my 8-year-old daughter and I found ourselves in front of the bustling neighborhood park. Now, she usually prefers the quiet, less crowded times for her park visits. But this time, something changed. Her schoolmate, a boy she's been fond of, waved at her from amidst the teeming playground. And just like that, she decided to change her route and joined him, hand in hand, on the swings. Their shared joy was infectious, and I found myself smiling, feeling a surge of happiness, love, and surprise.This simple moment got me thinking. Isn't it amazing how we can shift our paths when an enticing opportunity presents itself? Just like my daughter, who usually avoids crowded parks, decided to dive in because she saw something—or someone—worth that change.I realized, this is true for us entrepreneurs as well. We may be plowing through our usual routine, answering emails, scheduling meetings, when suddenly an intriguing workshop pops up. It might be a little out of our comfort zone, or it might require us to shuffle our plans. But we see the potential it holds, the value it promises. So, we sign up, we participate, and often, we walk away with a treasure trove of insights, ideas, and connections.Life, like business, is full of these unexpected turns and thrilling opportunities. It's up to us to seize them, to change our route for the best, and to enjoy the exciting journey that unfolds. So, here's to embracing change, in parks and in business, and to the delightful surprises that come with it. #EntrepreneurLife #EmbraceChange #BusinessInsights

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So you've heard about the new rising stars in industry right?No?Ok, hang on to your handbags.Meet the𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿.🙄 Yeah, I agree naff label.But here's the thing. Midlife entrepreneurship is on the rise.217,000 start-ups were 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝟱𝟬 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 in 2022, up from c. 58,000 the previous year.This is all music to my midlife ears and it should be to anyone out there thinking of making the break and going for it. Starting a business or even buying one in midlife has never been more accessible and possible !𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 ?I was doing some totting up. 900 million people on Linkedin15.4% are 35-54 = 138,600,000 people2.9% are 55 plus = 26,100,000 peopleThat's a chunk of talent. I'd like to know how many of you started your businesses in midlife and how many of you have thought about it ?✂ ----------------------------------------------------------------Hello you 👋 If you'd like to see more of my posts then ring that 🔔 -------------------------------This dynamite is Iris Apfel. AnAmerican businesswoman, interior designer, fashion icon and actress who is a force of nature who refuses to let age define her. At 102 this incredible woman is testimony to living a life of purpose and passion. Be inspired. Make that move.

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This photo is from 5 years ago when I joined Brett Stubbs on his newest startup venture as co-CEO and before we got beat up by life 🙃 . Look how youthful and fresh we look! Our family painted that wall in our new office to match our business cards.Before that, I had always been a behind-the-scenes support - what some call a "hidden founder". Since Brett has worked from home the majority of his career, I was privy to all the ins and outs of his business dealings. The beauty and burden of working from home is instead of relying on co-workers between meetings, you turn to your family. Our kids as well have always known the complexities of start-up life on a deeper level.My role as a supportive wife and household manager, homeschooling mom of 5 children, and female consumer granted me the opportunity and privilege to learn about marketing, sales, and the small business/start-up world. I like to call my experience from before this role as my "life resume". The skills gained through the position of SAHM should not be undervalued. My naivety also played a large part in my willingness to take on this role 😉. Over the next 2 years, I would create an office space, interview and hire interns, speak and train at conferences, sell via live video, meet with investors, run company meetings, host sponsored booths, conduct sales calls, and more. It was an adventure that ended as abruptly as it started and we haven't been the same sense. But that's a story for another day...Fast forward several years and projects later, and we are launching something again as a family. Entrepreneurship has been part of our family culture since it began, and despite the ups and downs, it has exemplified the process of creation without sugar-coating it.An idea or dream can light a fire, but hard work, perseverance, ingenuity, faith, prayer, and humility must feed the flames.Here's to the next chapter. Stay tuned to follow our journey...

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🌟 The Best Title in My Career: Dad! 🌟I want to take a moment to share with you all the best and most fulfilling title I have ever been given in my career: Dad.Being a father has brought immeasurable joy and has taught me countless valuable lessons. Today, I want to share a special story about my incredible son and his entrepreneurial journey.Recently, my son embarked on an exciting venture and built his very own company called the Arf Scarf. What exactly is the Arf Scarf, you may ask? Well, it's a line of stylish and functional bandanas designed specifically for our beloved four-legged friends - dogs! Nothing like a boy and his dog to find inspiration🐾Witnessing my son develop his entrepreneurial mindset at such a young age fills me with immense pride. From the initial idea to creating a brand and designing the products, he has shown determination, creativity, and an impressive work ethic. I couldn't be more amazed by his passion and dedication to bringing his vision to life.As parents, we play an instrumental role in shaping our children's futures. Did you know that we spend 93% of our time with our kids from the moment they are born until they turn 18? These precious years fly by, and it's during this time that we have the opportunity to instill important values, encourage their dreams, and foster their passions.The journey of supporting my son in his entrepreneurial endeavor has reminded me of the incredible bond we share and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. It's a reminder of the importance of nurturing their dreams, fostering their interests, and guiding them on their chosen paths.So, here's to all the moms and dads out there who are raising the next generation of dreamers and doers. Cherish every moment, for these days will shape not only their future but also the future of our world.If you're a parent, I'd love to hear your stories and experiences of supporting your child's dreams and passions. Let's celebrate the incredible bond between parents and children and the limitless potential they hold!#Parenting #EntrepreneurialMindset #ArfScarf #ProudDad #CherishEveryMoment

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If you’re reading this, we’ve probably crossed paths professionally through Simantel But odds are, you don’t know me that well personally. That’s partially by design, as I prefer to keep personal and professional somewhat separate if I can. But I think it’s time to start sharing a little more about myself, I promise if you get no useful advice here, I’ll at least try to be entertaining (enjoy my very personal, very awkward 8th grade school picture, no screen captures please). As Simantel has grown significantly in recent years, I’ve started doing 1-1 introductions with all of our new employees. Of course, I want to get to know them, but I also want to make sure they get a chance to know me. Not me, the owner and their boss. But the real me, the kid from the tiny farm town in central Illinois who still can’t really believe I’m here and definitely has more in common with them than they may think. Let’s start at the beginning, I grew up on a farm that my family still owns in Hartsburg, IL (pop. 350). I graduated with 16 people. It's where I learned my first lessons about people and business from my dad and somehow became fascinated by advertising and marketing (more on all this in future posts). I was the kid ignoring the sermon in church to draw Nike shoe ads on the back of the bulletin (still have my original email, ilovenike@hotmail.com). I moved to Peoria to go to college (spoiler alert, not a great student), met and married my wife and now our family lives here (raising two middle-school girls is way harder than running a business, just FYI if you're considering either). I got hired at @Simantel (after 2 years of applying and a pretty harsh rejection initially...I'll tell that story a different day) where years down the road, I eventually became an owner and am now approaching year 21 at my second home on Water Street. At my core, I’m the same small-town guy with pretty straightforward beliefs on business (and life). I lead with common sense, practicality and don’t overcomplicate things. I think putting people (employees and clients) and their success (really happiness) first is a great business strategy.I’d rather take risks and try something new (hard pass on doing things the way they’ve always been done). Huge “work smarter, not harder” guy. And at the end of the day, results matter more than effort and intentions (ask our clients). This is still a business after all. And at the end of the day, I try not to take anything too seriously and would encourage you to do the same. So, if you’re looking for the latest martech trends or the future of AI or anything like that, I’m not your guy. And I’m okay with that. But I can connect you with someone else on my team who is.But if you want a unique perspective on business, leadership, life, etc. from someone who doesn’t have the traditional origin story, stay tuned... #Leadership #B2BMarketing #ChooseGreaterPeoria #ilovenike #girldadbusinessownerfarmkidisthishowhashtagswork?

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When I close my eyes I can still remember the feeling of that room. We were all laid off. The entire company. On a Friday. It was 20 years ago, I was newly out of college and it was my first real job. I was so proud to be working and out on my own. I never dreamt of being an Entrepreneur, it wasn't in my plan. I often wonder if it's in anyone's plan?But that Friday changed everything, because I knew right then I never wanted to feel that way again, I never wanted to have someone in control of my future. I had a lot of fears:✔ Did I just waste 4 years of time and money at college?✔What if it doesn't work?✔ What if everyone getsahead of me in life because I'm risking too much?But, I did it anyway. 20 years later, building and selling two large companies (exit in 2011 and 2021) helped me learn a lot along the way. Here are the 14 controversial lessons:

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Yesterday marked my 2 year anniversary of starting my own business. It’s hard to believe, the time has flown. I spent a lot of time reflecting on it and this is what came up:🤷♀️ I’m still figuring it out. Being an entrepreneur has its challenges and there is a lot I’m still learning, especially around stuff like cash flow, budgeting, scaling, etc. But I’m learning that while I might not be the expert on those topics, I can enlist the help of people who are.🙅♀️I can say NO. My first year+ I said yes to EVERYTHING. I was so scared work would dry up at some point that I felt like I had to take advantage of every opportunity. But this quickly led to burnout and left no time for creativity. I’m still learning how to take space and have faith.🤦♀️ I’m going to make mistakes and that’s ok. It doesn’t mean that I’m failing, I’m growing by learning from them. But it’s hard when the only person you have to blame is yourself. I’m practicing more self-compassion and realizing I was never taught how to do some of this stuff. So many lessons learned, but the rewards are well worth it. The flexibility I have is invaluable. I’ve been able to spend more time with my family and help a ton of organizations. So if you’re just starting out, hang in there! The beginning can be tough. Find your support people and learn from those that have been through it. Otherwise it can get really lonely.I can’t say it gets easier, but it does get better and better.

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For many successful entrepreneurs, their journey started with humble beginnings, trading work for services or learning valuable skills while engaging in team sports, mowing lawns, or working in retail. Side hustles often shape us into the bosses we are today. From the resilience learned while engaging in sports to the responsibility of managing a shoe store at a young age, these early experiences can teach invaluable life lessons. Moreover, the emotional connection and interaction can actually inspire and spark business insights.

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