Do Work Nation: Building a Successful Business with Joe Mikitish and Sterling Crawford

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In this Business Innovators Radio episode, host Marco Salinas interviews Joe Mikitish and Sterling Crawford, co-founders of Do Work Nation. The discussion centers around the entrepreneurial journey and what inspired Joe to become an entrepreneur. Joe shares a story from his childhood, where he learned the value of hard work and persistence in achieving his goals. The conversation touches on the importance of learned behavior in entrepreneurship, and how it’s not necessarily something that’s ingrained in a person’s DNA. Overall, the interview provides valuable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset and the journey of building a successful business.

 

Q: Joe, can you tell us about your first entrepreneurial experience? A: Certainly! When I was around 10 or 11 years old, I set my sights on buying a wall tent for camping with my friends. It carried a price tag of $150, which was a substantial amount of money for me at that time. My dad and grandpa saw this as an opportunity to teach me about hard work and money management. They showed me how many lawns I needed to mow, cars I needed to wash, and houses I needed to clean to earn enough for the tent. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I embraced the challenge and got to work. After two weeks, I had earned the required amount. Interestingly, I didn’t end up buying the tent; instead, I invested in a pressure washer and launched a business where I offered house and car washing services.

Q: Sterling, what about you? Did you have any early signs of entrepreneurship? A: Absolutely! During my high school years, I discovered my entrepreneurial spark by starting a T-shirt business. I would come up with unique designs, print them on shirts, and sell them to my fellow classmates. It was an incredibly enjoyable venture, and I even managed to make some money along the way.

Q: What inspired you both to do what you do with Do Work Nation? A: Our shared passion for making a positive impact and helping others is what inspired us to create Do Work Nation. We envisioned a community of individuals who were driven, dedicated, and committed to working hard and achieving their goals. Our aim was to inspire and empower people to take action and transform their dreams into reality.

Q: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as entrepreneurs, and how have you overcome them? A: As entrepreneurs, one of the significant challenges we’ve encountered is maintaining focus and staying motivated. It’s easy to get distracted or disheartened when things don’t go as planned. However, we’ve learned the importance of staying positive and pushing forward, even during tough times. Surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals who believe in our vision has also played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? A: Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace risks and be open to trying new things. Failure is an inevitable part of the journey, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and learning. Additionally, surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who genuinely believe in you and your vision. Finally, never give up on your dreams. Entrepreneurship requires perseverance and dedication, but the rewards can be immensely fulfilling.