Overcoming the Odds: Motivational journey from rural America to corporate success and owning multiple Jersey Mike’s Franchises.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keith Milner.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing Keith Milner’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, risk-taking, and strategies for building generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.

Key Takeaways

1. Foundational Lessons from Childhood

   • Growing up in a disciplined, hardworking family taught Keith accountability, integrity, and the principle of choices and consequences.
   • Education was highly valued in his household, shaping his drive for success.

2. Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Mindset

   • Corporate careers can feel secure but are often riskier because you lack control over your destiny.
   • Entrepreneurship offers greater control and potential for generational wealth.

3. Leadership and Teamwork

   • Lessons from sports—teamwork, discipline, and leadership—translate directly into business success.
   • Establishing a common goal and coaching employees is crucial, but underperformers must eventually be let go.

4. Risk and Value

   • Many African-Americans view entrepreneurship as risky, but Keith argues it’s less risky than employment in an at-will state.
   • Success depends on creating value that customers are willing to pay for.

5. Franchising Journey

   • Relationships opened doors to Jersey Mike’s franchise ownership.
   • Entrepreneurship requires hands-on involvement—Keith still works in his stores when needed.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

   • Adopt a growth mindset and positive attitude.
   • Follow the Five P’s: Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.
   • Understand that entrepreneurship is a daily grind—“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running.”

Notable Quotes

• On discipline and accountability:
  “If you said you were going to do something, you did it. If you were told to do something, you got it done.”

• On choices:
  “We make choices every day, and if you don’t make the right choice, there are consequences.”

• On entrepreneurship vs. employment:
  “Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is the best way to create generational wealth.”

• On leadership:
  “There are very few things in life you can do alone. You need people, you need a team.”

• On success formula:
  “You control the inputs, and therefore you can charge what you want—as long as you generate enough value.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.”

• Swahili proverb:
  “Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running… The question becomes, who’s going to run the fastest?”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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