Be Your Own Boss
Growing up, my dad always told me to be an entrepreneur — to “be your own boss.” He believed in taking charge of your own destiny, and that message stuck. His belief carried me through Clemson University, where I majored in marketing and minored in entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship, to me, has always meant freedom, creativity, and the chance to build something from nothing.
Believe in Your Vision
Finding yourself is passive; creating yourself is intentional. That same drive to create fuels entrepreneurship. Innovation and entrepreneurship go hand in hand: one feeds the other. As Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney says, “It’s only unthinkable if you don’t think it.” When I founded JailCore, I saw an industry — corrections — where technology had fallen behind. Innovation required more than code; it required conviction. Swinney also said, “To be an overachiever, you have to be an over-believer.” That belief — the courage to keep moving when others hesitate — is how you build both a company and a life.
Surround Yourself with Great People
Mark Blaze, President and CEO of the Greater Nashville Technology Council — and a personal friend — often reminds me to surround myself with great people, as he’s done throughout his career leading sales organizations. Success isn’t a solo act. I’ve learned to rely on family, friends, and a team that shares my values. The right people fill the gaps, challenge your thinking, and turn vision into execution.
Make Your Worst Phone Call Before 10 A.M.
A mentor and friend, Ben Hanback, Executive Vice President of Howden US, often reminds me, “Make your worst phone call before 10 A.M.” It’s simple advice that’s stuck — we all face uncomfortable decisions, but progress rarely comes from waiting. Tackling the hardest thing first clears your mind and sets the tone for the day.
Celebrate the Wins
Many coaches emphasize, “The fun is in the winning.” In business and life, success deserves to be celebrated. Victories — big or small — remind us why we started.
Entrepreneurship, at its core, is about belief, action, and people. Believe in your vision, surround yourself with those who lift it higher, and take time to celebrate the wins. The real victory isn’t just in success — it’s becoming the person who never stopped believing.
