I am often asked how I got started in business, or even, what led me to where I am today. My journey has been crazy but I believe it is worth sharing. Both as an opportunity for you to get to know me better and as an opportunity to possibly encourage you to share your own story.
The short version of this story is that through crazy risks, deep heartaches, and immense support, the business I started with $500 to my name is now providing for a family of four in Orange County. I walk the talk I give to my clients. But many want to know more, so here goes.
In November of 2011, my wife and I decided that it didn’t make sense to go work for anyone else. The knowledge I gained over 15 years in sales and marketing across many industries, coupled with an insane passion to help people and a stop-at-nothing work ethic would absolutely produce a successful sales training and consulting business. The problems (yes multiple) were that we had $500 to our name with no savings and no 401k, my wife stayed home with our then 9-year-old and 2-year-old daughters, we had a mortgage (in OC), 2 car payments, and too many other financial obligations to list. But after much thought and prayer, we went for it anyway.
The next year and a half was filled with many ups and downs. We only ate when I hunted well. And that pressure definitely drove me to work really, really hard. Certain seasons were filled with an abundance of clients while others weren’t. There were a few times that weren’t going to make our mortgage, or even put food on the table, but a gift card or a check would show up in the mail from an anonymous person (some of the specific stories would blow you away!). Every time we considered pivoting, God would call us to continue.
By late 2013, I hit my stride. I was training groups of 5-500, I was consulting a couple of really cool companies on sales and marketing strategy, and a dozen or so individuals called me coach. They were seeing results and I was feeling great about it. I was also getting more comfortable supporting non-sales related needs. Things like leadership development, productivity training, and using social media to expand your professional presence (it was coming on strong by that point).
In June of 2015, after consulting with one particular client for 6 months, I was offered a wonderful opportunity to lead their sales team. I went all-in to the world of healthcare and loved to learn of all the ways we could make a difference. The business went from a 30 employee regional firm to a national powerhouse. While I knew that one day I would go back into business for myself, it was far off in the distance. That was until October 1, 2017.
On October 1, 2017, my wife and I along with 5 of our closest friends were attending Route 91 in Las Vegas when gunshots rang out. You can read of my complete reflection here but the short version is that one of our friends was one of the 58 lost that day. Dealing with the loss of Nicol, along with the personal impact of experiencing the event first hand, called into question a few things I hadn’t considered in quite some time. Was the professional life I was living aligned with what mattered most to me and what I felt called to? That answer would become clear 7 months later.
In May of 2018, with a deep conviction and unknown future, I walked into my boss’ office and resigned my role with a fantastic organization. And to be honest, much like the time I first started, I had very little to fall back on and nothing set to look forward to other than exactly what God wanted me to do (which is pretty much everything). Thankfully, within days of making that news public, I was back doing the very thing I was called to do all along.
I coach high performers (and aspiring ones too). We work together to achieve all that they want out of life and business. While everyone person looks a little different, I help each of my clients get clear of their purpose and then help them to create a process for achievement.
I consult industry leaders. This often includes creating a strategic sales and marketing plan, developing leaders, and ensuring a great culture. There are many moving parts in these relationships and I do my best to support my clients in any way I can.
I host The Exsellence Mindset podcast. The purpose of this podcast is to provide opportunities for people to hear how others pursue and achieve exsellence. To hear what drives success, what habits are important, what roadblocks are typically present, and more.
I love what I do and I would be happy to share it with you.