There is a lot of talk these days about being a serial entrepreneur, and many times it’s overblown or exaggerated. But not in the case of today’s guest, Dan Heuertz. Dan is an amazing guy who started his first business while he was still in college and by the time he finished up his undergrad degree he had 3 separate brick and mortar businesses running successfully - and was being featured in national business media. His early success has driven him to become more and to give more back, which is one of the biggest reasons he’s a guest on the show. Take the time to listen to this one, you’ll hear a very genuine and accomplished man describe how his path has taken him to the point he is today.

Every serial entrepreneur has the bloody nose and scars that validate their accomplishments.

The road to building a business is never an easy one. And for those like Dan Heuertz who have built many businesses over the course of their careers, the scars are many. But each one carried with it the lessons-learned that make the next venture more streamlined and successful, which opens the door to new opportunities. Dan has reached a point in his career where he’s actively giving back, both through the business and success coaching he does and via the business projects he’s working on that are aimed at revitalizing small midwestern towns like the one he grew up in. This is a fascinating conversation you won’t want to miss.

Poverty creates a certain kind of motivation. Couple it with a hard-working family and you have a winning formula.

Dan Heuertz grew up very poor. He remembers the free lunch tickets he received from the local school district, the hand-me-down clothes he wore, and the embarrassment he felt about those things. That gave him a unique perspective on life, but it didn’t result in the drive he possesses today without the example he saw in his Dad and Grandfather as they worked to make their trucking business a success. Dan says there is a certain truth to the observation that his experiences have made him who he is and in this conversation, he shares those experiences and how he views them in light of the success he’s had.

The valuable benefit of being a serial entrepreneur: Learning servant-leadership in a variety of settings.

From his earliest business ventures, Dan Heuertz has been in the hospitality business. From bars to restaurants, to management companies that serve the hospitality business he’s had a unique perspective on what it means to serve the customer. He says one of his most treasured leadership beliefs is about how true leaders serve not only their customers but their employees and teams as well. He believes that philosophy is what fueled the quick growth and unusual success he’s been blessed to experience. In this conversation Dan shares why servant-leadership is powerful and how it impacts a business in a positive way, so be sure you listen.

Revitalizing small towns through smart business developments.

Dan Heuertz says that returning to small town America gives him a peaceful, centered feeling. It makes sense since he grew up in a small town himself. He’s one of those guys who’s able to see opportunity where others see nothing, and he’s doing it again with his first hotel project - one he’s building from the ground up in a small midwestern town. During this conversation, Dan shares how he’s come up with the vision for revitalizing a small town through the construction of a hotel and how he’s modified the typical hotel business model and is working with the town administration to make the project a win-win for himself and the community. He’s an inspiring example of a successful serial entrepreneur who wants to make a difference with his success.

Outline of This Episode

• [0:22] Dan Heuertz, a true serial entrepreneur who’s building purpose-driven businesses.
• [2:38] Why Dan loves his work as an EOS business coach and how it benefits business owners.
• [5:23] Dan’s experience as a serial entrepreneur and the millions he’s lost and earned.
• [8:50] How vision has fueled Dan’s current project for Hotels in small towns.
• [13:10] Poverty and entrepreneurism in his family fueled his direction.
• [19:48] Opening a bar, scrapping for every dollar, learning valuable lessons about business.
• [27:01] Next steps: marriage, opening restaurants, hospitality management, and learning lessons in servant leadership.
• [35:03] Experiences and lessons Dan has learned as a part of EO and alongside mentors.
• [38:03] Reflecting on the opportunities life has brought his way with gratitude.

Resources & People Mentioned

• http://fandbpartners.com/ - 3 of Dan’s projects
• Dan on LinkedIn
• EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System)
• Jim Liautaud of Jimmy John’s

Connect With Tom and Launchpad Lab

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