When it comes to achieving success, actions often speak louder than words. A cliché for sure, but without a doubt, what you achieve in life unequivocally depends on your actions. These three entrepreneurs have one thing in common: they acted against all odds to start their own businesses, and the rest is history. They are on top of their game and have some advice to share.
Jason McConnell
Owner & Executive Chef, McConnell Hospitality Group: Red Pony Restaurant, Cork & Cow, 55 South (Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill), McConnell House (Event Space), Red Pony Catering, Salty Goat Taqueria
In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
The ability to hire the right kind of people, treat them like you want to be treated, and get out of their way. It took a long time to be comfortable delegating important decisions, but it was the best move I ever made. When people are loyal and understand the common goal, they tend to make the correct decision.
What's been the biggest risk you've taken in your career?
Opening a handful of restaurants! Everyone said, “Don’t do it! Don’t you know there is (insert some statistic they heard) percent chance you will go out of business?" I’m a big believer in chasing your dream.
If you weren't a chef, what would your career be?
Archeologist who moonlights as a hunting/fishing guide while in some other part of the world. I’ve always been interested in history, artifacts and military history. Spending time outdoors is definitely my favorite hobby.
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with your free time?
Probably get into a lot of trouble! I would spend more time working on my farm and doing real estate renovation projects. I travel often now, but I’d also go on more extended trips with my family.
Words to Live By: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." –Thomas Edison
Jay Sheridan
President, Sheridan Public Relations
In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
I try to see things from other people’s perspectives, to be willing to do the grunt work alongside them, and to reflect on what I could have done better in tough situations.
What's been the biggest risk you've taken in your career?
Certainly starting my practice in the middle of the recession. I might have never taken that risk under different circumstances, but it was the best career decision I ever made.
If you weren't a PR guy, what would your career be?
I’m a writer, so it would very likely be something in that realm. My degree is in magazine journalism.
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with your free time?
I love being outdoors, whether it’s in the woods or on the water, working on old houses or on the back of a tractor. I'm drawn to experiences over gadgets, and we travel as much as we can with the kids. Whatever it is, it would be outside with my family and friends.
Words to Live By: "The grass is rarely greener on the other side of the hill."
H. Michael Hindman, AIA
President, H. Michael Hindman Architects, P.C.
In your opinion, what makes a good leader?
A good leader chooses a team wisely, assigns tasks that are reasonable and challenging, is willing to do the work themselves, and knows when to get out of the way.
What's been the biggest risk you've taken in your career?
In 1991, I flew to the Houston home office to discuss the future of our Nashville office of which I was in charge. As I was leaving, my wife said, “Don’t do anything stupid.” Upon my return, I said, “Guess what? I now own my own company!” Her response: “You mean you are unemployed.” Leaving a secure job to go out on my own was my biggest risk and my best decision.
If you weren't an architect, what would your career be?
I have always had interests at opposite ends of the spectrum. I love working with kids, and I have always enjoyed working with older adults. For many years, I was a soccer coach and Sunday school teacher. So, maybe now I should consider geriatrics. I could work with oldsters or wait just a short while and be one.
If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with your free time?
I do know how to relax, and sleep does not get in the way. I can watch old movies and sleep at the same time. That’s multi-tasking!
Words to Live By: My grandmother had many sayings, many in either French or Yiddish. One that has stuck with me is: “ Be good, be sweet, be kind, but be hard-boiled.” I did not fully understand it at the time, but it basically means “To your own self be true.” Another was “Neb de gelt,” which means "Go for the gold!"