Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?
My journey into entrepreneurship was far from traditional. I grew up facing a myriad of challenges, including personal hardships and substance abuse issues. These experiences, while tough, taught me resilience and the value of a second chance. I was arrested as a youth, but hitting that rock bottom became my turning point. I decided to turn my life around, finished high school at 19, and began working as a DJ to stay out of trouble. My curiosity and passion for technology led me to the IT sector, where I started selling DSL and web hosting services. This was my first foray into the world of internet services, which eventually led to starting Hostirian. It’s been a long and winding road, but every step has been crucial in shaping the entrepreneur I am today.
What was the “Aha Moment” that led to the idea for your current company? Can you share that story with us?
The ‘Aha Moment’ for Hostirian came from witnessing firsthand the challenges and pitfalls within the corporate IT world. I saw how data privacy was often overlooked and how businesses struggled with inefficient services. My experiences in various IT roles highlighted the need for a reliable, customer-centric internet services provider. I realized there was a significant gap in the market for a company that not only offered top-notch web hosting and data services but also prioritized customer privacy and transparency. This realization sparked the idea for Hostirian, driving me to create a platform that stands out in its commitment to protecting and serving our clients effectively
In your opinion, were you a natural born entrepreneur or did you develop that aptitude later on? Can you explain what you mean?
I wouldn’t say I was a natural-born entrepreneur. Rather, I believe my entrepreneurial spirit was forged through life’s trials and the determination to overcome them. Initially, I didn’t envision a future for myself in entrepreneurship. However, as I navigated various industries and roles, I learned to identify opportunities and solve problems in innovative ways. This mindset shift was gradual and came from a deep desire to create something meaningful and impactful. Entrepreneurship, to me, became a way to channel my experiences, both good and bad, into something that not only drives change but also aligns with my values and vision for a better business landscape.
Was there somebody in your life who inspired or helped you to start your journey with your business? Can you share a story with us?
Definitely. I’ve been inspired by many individuals throughout my life, but one pivotal figure was my stepdad. He was the one who helped me get a position at a computer store after I had been through some rough patches. This job changed the trajectory of my career and, ultimately, my life. His belief in me, despite my past, motivated me to dive into the tech world and, later on, build my own ventures. His encouragement was a significant catalyst for my journey into entrepreneurship.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What truly sets River City Internet Group apart is our dual commitment to innovation and customization. Beyond offering a wide range of standardized products, we thrive on crafting bespoke solutions that address the unique challenges our clients face. A prime example of this is our collaboration with a Fortune 100 company based in the St. Louis area, which presented us with a distinct challenge.
This company operates a network of approximately 1,500 resellers for one of its key products. These resellers are not employees but 1099 contractors working on a commission-only basis. They required a centralized platform for communication and collaboration that was not only cost-effective per user but also scalable and easy to manage. Rising to this challenge, we leveraged our deep infrastructure expertise and open-source technologies to develop a solution that was affordable, robust, redundant, and scalable.
Our role extended beyond the initial development; we also managed the infrastructure and software of this deployment, providing direct support to the end users. This approach allowed the company to offer comprehensive services to their third-party contractors without the need to integrate them into their corporate IT infrastructure, sidestepping potential security and compliance issues. Importantly, none of the 1,500 contractors need to access corporate IT resources, streamlining operations and enhancing security.
This project exemplifies our ability to deliver innovative, tailored solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. It’s a testament to our team’s skill, dedication, and the personalized approach we take in every project, making River City Internet Group a standout in the industry.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- First, resilience. The path hasn’t always been smooth, but bouncing back from setbacks, like my early legal troubles and personal challenges, taught me never to give up. Each hurdle provided a lesson, making me stronger and more determined.
- Second, empathy. My own experiences with hardship have made me deeply empathetic towards others’ struggles. This trait has been crucial in building relationships and understanding clients’ needs. For example, by putting myself in our clients’ shoes, I’ve been able to design services that genuinely solve their problems.
- Lastly, curiosity. I’ve always had a thirst for learning, which led me from DJing to technology and beyond. This constant desire to explore and understand has been instrumental in keeping our company innovative and ahead of the curve. Whether it’s new technologies or business strategies, my curiosity has driven me to continually seek improvement and adapt to the ever-changing business landscape.
Often leaders are asked to share the best advice they received. But let’s reverse the question. Can you share a story about advice you’ve received that you now wish you never followed?
Early in my career, I was advised to stick to what I knew best and not to venture into unknown territories. This advice led me to play it safe for a while, missing out on opportunities for growth and innovation. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t followed that advice. It was only when I started to challenge myself, stepping outside my comfort zone into areas like data privacy and starting Hostirian, that I truly began to thrive. This experience taught me that growth lies in the unknown, and innovation requires stepping beyond your comfort zone. The lesson here is not to let fear dictate your path but to embrace the unknown as an opportunity for growth.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them create a work culture in which employees thrive and do not “burn out” or get overwhelmed?
Creating a healthy work culture is crucial. First, promote work-life balance. Encourage your team to take time off and disconnect after work hours. To reinforce this, implement policies that encourage balance and respect personal time. In my experience, maintaining a healthy balance between work and life has been critical to managing stress and avoiding burnout, which has also supported my sobriety.
What are the most common mistakes you have seen CEOs & founders make when they start a business? What can be done to avoid those errors?
- A common mistake is neglecting to build the right team. A business can only succeed with a strong, cohesive team aligned with the company’s values and goals. Avoid this by being meticulous in your hiring process, ensuring that each team member not only has the right skills but also fits the company culture.
- Lastly, a lack of focus can derail any new business. It’s easy to get caught up in new ideas and opportunities, but spreading yourself too thin can lead to failure. Stay focused on your core objectives and growth strategies, and learn to say no to projects that deviate from your main goals. Implementing clear, focused strategies while being adaptable has been instrumental in my own journey with Hostirian and beyond.
Ok fantastic. Thank you for those excellent insights. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview about How to Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur. The journey of an entrepreneur is never easy, and is filled with challenges, failures, setbacks, as well as joys, thrills and celebrations. This might be intuitive, but I think it will be very useful to specifically articulate it. Can you describe to our readers why no matter how successful you are as an entrepreneur, you will always have fairly dramatic highs and lows? Particularly, can you help explain why this is different from someone with a “regular job”?
Entrepreneurship, by its nature, is a journey of peaks and valleys. Unlike a ‘regular job’ where roles and responsibilities are often predefined and changes are relatively incremental, entrepreneurship is about forging new paths and facing uncertainties head-on. This environment inherently leads to dramatic highs and lows. For example, launching a new product or securing a significant client can be exhilarating, signaling a tangible result of your hard work and vision. Conversely, facing unexpected market shifts or operational challenges can be deeply disheartening, directly impacting your business and personal livelihood. This rollercoaster is different from the stability often found in regular employment, where structures are in place to buffer individual impacts. As an entrepreneur, each decision can significantly influence the direction and success of your entire operation, making the emotional landscape much more volatile. The key is to embrace this as part of the entrepreneurial experience
Do you feel comfortable sharing a story from your own experience about how you felt unusually high and excited as a result of your business? We would love to hear it.
Absolutely, one moment that stands out was when we secured a significant contract for Hostirian that really put us on the map within the tech industry. I remember the moment we got the confirmation email; it felt like a tangible validation of all the hard work, risks, and challenges we had faced up to that point. It was exhilarating, not just for me but for the entire team. What truly made me excited was the realization of the impact we could make. It wasn’t just about the financial gain; it was about the opportunities to innovate and provide value to more clients. That high point was a reminder of why we do what we do, driving us to aim even higher.
Do you feel comfortable sharing a story from your own experience about how you felt unusually low, and vulnerable as a result of your business? We would love to hear it.
There was a time when the future of Hostirian was hanging by a thread. It was around 2016 when we lost our largest client due to their bankruptcy. The financial strain was immense, and personally, I was battling my own demons with alcohol addiction, which compounded the stress and vulnerability I felt. The responsibility of possibly letting down my team, our clients, and my family weighed heavily on me. It was a period filled with doubt and fear, where the future I had envisioned for Hostirian and myself seemed to be slipping through my fingers. This low point was a stark contrast to the highs I had experienced in the business world and left me feeling incredibly exposed.”
Based on your experience can you tell us what you did to bounce back?
Bouncing back from that low point involved a few key steps. First, I had to embrace the vulnerability I felt, not run from it. Acknowledging the situation’s gravity allowed me to approach it with the seriousness it deserved. I leaned heavily on the support system I had built around me, including mentors and peers from both the tech and boxing communities. Most importantly, I learned the power of resilience from my sobriety journey and boxing — understanding that getting knocked down wasn’t the end. You have to get back up, learn from the experience, and keep fighting. This mindset was crucial in navigating the business through tough times and into a period of growth and success that followed.
What are your “Five Things You Need To Successfully Ride The Emotional Highs & Lows Of Being An Entrepreneur”?
- Resilience has been crucial throughout my entrepreneurial journey. There was a time, especially during the early days of Hostirian, when we faced significant setbacks. Clients were scarce, and financial instability loomed large. I remember feeling defeated, but I knew giving up wasn’t an option. Drawing from my boxing experience, where getting knocked down is part of the game, I learned to get back up and fight harder. This resilience helped me push through the tough times and eventually led to securing key contracts that turned our fortunes around.
- Having a strong support system has been indispensable. During the lowest point in my life, battling addiction and facing the potential collapse of my business, it was the people around me — my family, friends, and mentors — who provided the strength I needed to overcome these challenges.
- The ability to adapt is critical in entrepreneurship. When Hostirian first started, our business model wasn’t as refined as I’d hoped. But instead of sticking rigidly to the original plan, I learned to pivot based on market demands and feedback. This adaptability was tested during the 2020 pandemic when we had to quickly shift our strategies to cater to the changing needs of our clients. By adapting our services, we not only survived but thrived during uncertain times.
- Maintaining personal well-being is something I learned the hard way. At my lowest, when my health was deteriorating due to alcohol abuse, I realized that neglecting self-care could lead not only to personal downfall but also to the crumbling of my business. Embracing sobriety and integrating boxing into my daily routine not only improved my health but also my mental clarity, allowing me to lead my business with renewed focus and energy.
- Keeping a clear vision and purpose has always guided me through the highs and lows. When I started BOX STL, it was more than just about boxing; it was about creating a community and giving back, especially to kids who reminded me of my own troubled youth. This purpose drove me, even when times were tough. Knowing that your work has a meaningful impact provides a sense of fulfillment that surpasses any financial success.
We are living during challenging times and resilience is critical during times like these. How would you define resilience? What do you believe are the characteristics or traits of resilient people?
Resilience, to me, is the ability to withstand, adapt, and grow from adversity. It’s not just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward, learning from experiences, and using them to become stronger. Resilient people, in my view, possess a few key traits: perseverance, an optimistic outlook, the ability to manage emotions, and the wisdom to seek support when needed. They view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. They’re not immune to pain or failure, but they don’t let these define their journey
Did you have any experiences growing up that have contributed to building your resiliency? Would you mind sharing a story?
Growing up, I faced a fair share of challenges, from family instability to personal struggles with substance abuse. One significant experience was navigating the complexities of my family dynamics and personal identity during my adolescent years. I found myself often in trouble, leading to a stint in a tough love program. This period was one of profound reflection and learning. It taught me to confront my issues head-on and instilled a sense of discipline and self-awareness that I’d previously lacked.
In your opinion, do you tend to keep a positive attitude during difficult situations? What helps you to do so?
In difficult situations, maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging, but I believe in the power of perspective. My approach is to acknowledge the situation, accept my emotions, and then shift my focus toward what can be done rather than what has gone wrong. My past experiences, especially overcoming addiction and rebuilding my business from the brink, have taught me that every challenge holds a lesson and an opportunity for growth. Staying positive for me also means staying active; boxing not only helps me physically but also clears my mind, allowing me to approach problems with a fresh perspective. Ultimately, what helps me maintain positivity is the belief that no matter how tough the situation, there is a path forward.
Can you help articulate why a leader’s positive attitude can have a positive impact both on their clients and their team? Please share a story or example if you can.
a leader’s positive attitude sets the groundwork for a company’s culture and client relationships. I recall a time at Hostirian when we were navigating through a particularly tough service transition that had our team and clients on edge. Instead of succumbing to the pressure, I chose to adopt a solution-focused mindset. This approach not only helped to alleviate the team’s anxiety but also instilled a sense of confidence and trust among our clients. We communicated openly about the challenges we were facing and the steps we were taking to address them, turning a potentially negative situation into one that reinforced loyalty and teamwork.
Ok. Super. We are nearly done. What is your favorite inspirational quote that motivates you to pursue greatness? Can you share a story about how it was relevant to you in your own life?
- The go-to quote that keeps me pushing for greatness is “Leap and the net will appear” by John Burroughs. This quote has been like a personal motto for me, guiding me when I face big decisions or new challenges.
- Growing up, many people told me to play it safe, get a regular job, and just stick to what everyone else was doing. But deep down, I knew I wanted something different for myself. I wanted to be my own boss and take charge of my wins and losses. The idea of doing things I loved and being passionate about my work was what I aimed for.
- So, I’ve always been about trying new things and jumping into opportunities, even if I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out. This quote from John Burroughs reminds me to take those leaps of faith. It’s about going for what you want, even if it’s scary or uncertain because that’s how you find out what you’re capable of. It’s taught me that it’s okay to fail because that’s part of moving forward and learning.
- In my journey of starting and running businesses, this mindset has been crucial. Whether it’s launching a new project or trying a different approach, I’ve learned to go all in with confidence and not worry too much about the outcome. What matters is giving it your best shot and enjoying the process. This way, no matter what happens, I can be proud of myself for taking the leap. This belief in diving into opportunities, even without a safety net in sight, has really shaped how I approach business and life.
How can our readers further follow you online?
Readers can follow me online by connecting with me through my website. I’m also active on Instagram and LinkedIn for professional updates and discussions.
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!