Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career path—it’s a mindset, a way of life. For me, it started early, back when I was a teenager working at my dad’s full-service gas station in Mount Pulaski, Illinois. Those formative years taught me the value of hard work, persistence, and the importance of seizing opportunities. Over the decades, I’ve taken those lessons and applied them to everything from fireworks stands to the antiques and collectibles business, building a career that’s as fulfilling as it is dynamic.
Here’s what I’ve learned about entrepreneurship and hustling through the years, and how those lessons have helped me grow personally and professionally.
The Foundation of Hard Work
Learning the Ropes at the Gas Station
When my dad opened his gas station, it wasn’t just a place to fuel cars—it was a hub of the community. After school and on weekends, I would work there, pumping gas, changing oil, and chatting with customers. My dad treated every customer with respect and honesty, and he taught me to do the same.
One day, a regular customer handed me an 1878 silver dollar as a tip. Little did I know, that single coin would spark a lifelong passion for collecting and trading. But more than that, working at the gas station gave me my first taste of what it meant to hustle: to work hard, build relationships, and always be on the lookout for opportunities.
The Value of Discipline
Growing up on a farm instilled discipline in me, and working at the gas station reinforced it. I learned that success doesn’t come from cutting corners—it comes from showing up, putting in the hours, and being reliable. That discipline has carried me through every venture I’ve pursued, from running produce stands to managing estate sales.
Seizing Opportunities
The Coin Collection That Changed Everything
When I was 18, silver prices soared to over $50 an ounce. By that time, I had built a sizeable coin collection, thanks to coins I’d accumulated from the gas station and other ventures. Recognizing an opportunity, I sold nearly $100,000 worth of silver, a life-changing sum for a teenager in the 1980s.
That experience taught me two critical lessons:
- Always pay attention to market trends.
- Don’t be afraid to act when the time is right.
Entrepreneurship is as much about timing as it is about hard work. Knowing when to buy, when to sell, and when to take risks has been a cornerstone of my success.
Diversifying Hustles
Over the years, I’ve tried my hand at many ventures. I ran produce stands, operated fireworks stands across Illinois, and even bought and sold pecans at fall festivals. Each of these businesses taught me something new—how to manage inventory, negotiate prices, and understand what customers want.
Diversifying my hustles wasn’t just about making money; it was about building resilience. If one venture slowed down, another would pick up. That flexibility has kept me afloat during tough times and allowed me to pursue opportunities that align with my passions.
Building Relationships
The Power of Networking
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether I’m conducting an estate sale or attending a coin show, building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and buyers has been key.
At estate sales, for example, understanding a family’s story and handling their possessions with care creates trust. That trust often leads to referrals and repeat business. Similarly, networking with other collectors and dealers has opened doors to incredible opportunities and hidden treasures.
Treating People with Respect
No matter what business I’m in, I always strive to treat people with respect and fairness. My dad’s example at the gas station taught me that a good reputation is invaluable. It’s something you can’t buy but can build over time through consistent honesty and integrity.
Lessons in Adaptability
Navigating Changing Markets
One of the biggest challenges of being an entrepreneur is staying adaptable. Markets change, trends come and go, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. For example, the coin and bullion market has fluctuated dramatically over the years, but staying informed and flexible has allowed me to thrive.
The same goes for estate sales. As more people turn to online auctions and digital platforms, I’ve had to adapt my approach to reach a broader audience. Embracing change and finding new ways to connect with customers has been essential.
Lifelong Learning
Another key to adaptability is a commitment to lifelong learning. I’m constantly researching market trends, studying antiques, and refining my skills. Whether it’s identifying a rare coin or understanding the value of an antique, staying curious has kept me ahead of the curve.
Finding Fulfillment
Turning Passion into Profit
What I love most about my career is that it doesn’t feel like work. Collecting coins, uncovering hidden treasures, and helping people navigate estate sales are passions that bring me immense joy. The fact that I can make a living doing what I love is the ultimate reward.
Passing Down Values
As a father and grandfather, I take pride in passing down the values I’ve learned through entrepreneurship. Whether it’s teaching my kids about hard work or showing my grandchildren how to identify a valuable coin, I hope to inspire them to pursue their passions with the same dedication and enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts
From pumping gas to trading gold coins, my journey has been anything but conventional. Each step has taught me valuable lessons about hard work, adaptability, and the importance of relationships.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating a life that reflects your values and passions. For me, it’s been a thrilling ride filled with challenges, opportunities, and countless treasures, both literal and metaphorical.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s this: Never stop learning, never stop hustling, and always keep an eye out for the next great opportunity. You never know where it might lead.