What happens when you outgrow a traditional job, get a nudge from your grandma, and end up buying a business you once door-knocked as a student painter?

 

In today’s episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn reconnects with Evan Rose, a 2013 branch manager and 2014 regional manager with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who went on to become the owner of a thriving custom apparel business. From learning how to lead a team in college to weathering the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, Evan shares the pivotal lessons from his student painting days that continue to guide him more than a decade later.

 

You’ll hear how Evan navigated burnout as a recruiter, took a leap of faith to acquire Best Buy Uniforms in Pittsburgh, and used the work ethic and leadership skills honed at YEAA to grow through uncertainty—even during COVID-19. This is a story of ownership in every sense of the word: owning your future, owning your growth, and owning your path—even when you don’t feel ready.

 

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Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why Evan left a traditional job to buy a business with no industry experience

• How the YEAA program shaped his mindset more than college ever did

• The most valuable leadership lesson he still uses today

• What it's really like to run a small business through a pandemic

• Why some customers just aren’t the right fit—and how to say no

• How to keep your team motivated even when you're overwhelmed

• The importance of knowing your limits before they break you

• Why Evan’s YEAA experience still defines his competitive edge

• And much more…

Guest Bio:

Evan Rose is a former branch and regional manager in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program who currently owns and operates Best Buy Uniforms, a custom apparel and promotional products company based in Pittsburgh. After starting his professional journey in third-party recruiting, Evan pivoted into entrepreneurship and acquired the business in 2019 with no prior industry experience. Through challenges like COVID-19 and the daily grind of small business ownership, Evan credits YEAA for helping him build the resilience, self-awareness, and leadership skills that continue to drive his success today.

 

 

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Connect with Evan on LinkedIn

Best Buy Uniforms 

Contact Evan at [email protected] 

Disclaimer:

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