He didn’t start with money, connections, or a perfect plan — just knocking on doors and mowing lawns at 14.
In this episode, Ryan Christopher shares the real story behind becoming a multi-business owner — from early independence and failure to owning Smoothie King franchises, building mastermind groups, and coaching entrepreneurs across multiple industries. We talk honestly about what entrepreneurship actually looks like behind the scenes, including hiring mistakes, leadership challenges, accountability, family balance, and why so many talented people still fail in business.
Ryan explains how entrepreneurial instincts are often learned early, why visionaries struggle with focus, and why culture matters more than skill when building a team. The conversation continues inside one of his Smoothie King locations, where he breaks down his approach to developing young employees and investing in underserved youth through the I AM Foundation.
This is a raw, unfiltered look at entrepreneurship without the highlight reel — the wins, the losses, and the mindset required to build something that lasts.