50 Interviews: Entrepreneurs

Braun Mincher of Braun Media LLC

2008-06-14T09:17:00.000-06:00

'Live life to the fullest'

Braun is a classic entrepreneur. He currently owns or is part owner in no less than 10 ventures! He struck gold with his earlier ventures and had the means to retire at age 30! But he's still a very active entrepreneur, doing what he loves and pursuing his passions. I'm going to jump to Chapter 10 of his book because in it lies the 'secrets' to his success. He is a real inspiration and exactly the kind of role model I envisioned when I first started this project 3 months ago.

Braun is a very helpful, giving person. He wants others to experience the kind of financial freedom he has and the intent of his book is to give people the know how to do it.

Jon Payne of Western Air Enterprises

2008-06-14T09:05:00.000-06:00

'Flight Instructor'

Jon is someone who always had a very clear vision of what he was going to do when he retired. I am always inspired by someone who lives into such a vivid future. So I'm especially pleased that Jon is one of the 50 entrepreneurs profiled my upcoming book. I've known Jon for 5 years, and as long as I've known him, he's always talked about the day he'll be making a living doing what he loves (flying). Jon's passion is aviation, and he shares this with anyone who has the desire as a flight instructor. He's now a proud partner in the school where he first did his 'discovery' flight almost 8 years ago!

Jon's ditched the corporate world and his 'living the dream' - he doesn't feel like he's worked a single day since he started. If what you get to do 7 days a week pays the bills and doesn't feel like work, you've arrived.

One of the most impactful things he left me with at the end our interview: "If you woke up and were told it was the last day of your life, would you go into work?" He's doing what he loves now, so his answer is yes!

Diane Hughes of Earth Friendly Coffee

2008-04-15T21:24:00.000-06:00

'Capitalism without conscience is greed'

What impressed me most about Diane is how she knew absolutely nothing about the coffee business, but jumped in with both feet anyway and learned about the industry as she grew this business from scratch. She flew to South American on several occasions without a clear plan on who, what, or how she was going to go about it.

There is a confidence about her that is unique, and I am seeing this similarity among many of the entrepreneurs I interview; they have an unbelievably strong faith that everything will work out fine (or perhaps the confidence that no matter what happens, they can persevere). Risk is something that holds many of us back from taking action. But I get the sense in talking to true entrepreneurs that yes, risk still exists, but it doesn’t stop them from taking action anyway. It’s a faith & optimism that things will work out , and if they don’t, it doesn’t have to deter them from trying anyway. They’ll just make an adjustment and try again. In the case of EFC, their business plan has changed many times in the 3 years they’ve been in business.

Diane didn’t hesitate on the attribute of honesty and fairness – not only is this what she’s doing for the indigenous coffee growers of Guatemala, but it’s what she does for her employees and customers. If something isn’t right, she’ll immediately make it right. And she has a faith in fairness that was refreshing to see.

Personal side note; I hate to admit but since having a cup of EFC, I have fallen deep into the ‘coffee snob’ category –I had no idea coffee could taste this good (so smooth). I find it hard now to drink anything but EFC or something of a ‘Kona’ quality bean, and am glad to report that I’ve convinced my office (& our coffee/office supplier) to switch to it. If you like to drink Americano’s at Starbucks, then you’ll probably love a cup of EFC at a fraction of the price!