Mentor Meeting 2

This past Monday, Freddy Ellis and I met over lunch. My friend Nick Blazek and Freddy's business partner Eric Thiesen were there as well. Freddy talked to Nick and I about what it takes to start a business and his process to get there. More about his history again, because Nick hadn't heard it. Freddy also talked to us about a new project that he and Eric had just begun in Minnesota and everything behind it. The biggest thing that we talked about was this idea of a partnership in business. Especially in a business start up, it is a team sport. Eric matches Freddy in the right way. Freddy is spontaneous, loud and excitable, while Eric is calm, quiet and focused. They balance each other out in order to get done what they need to, and to get it done in a focused but excitable fashion. They also spoke to us about how crazy it is in the business world, and the need for good Christian men. The biggest need for this is in regards to doing the right thing when no one is looking. Now-a-days, everyone is so focused on how much money they can personally make. Even if they are doing so in an illegal or immoral way. When you bring an element of trust and confidence in your decision-making ability, people begin to trust you and want to work with you. It is the most valuable asset you can have, and having a partner who holds you accountable to that standard makes it that much easier to uphold. This is not only creating economic opportunity and value, but a platform to share your faith. Freddy said he gets asked regularly, why don't you swear or why don't you speak down on other people. He always uses those things as a platform to share the gospel. What better way for people to build trust with you and your integrity if you are seeking to care about who they are on a spiritual level. This also comes to the forefront when dealing with a board of directors. Entrepreneurship and business management is not a individual event, it is a team sport. It is a series of conflict resolve and guidance. You need those who are helping you to be morally on pace with you. And you need to be able to rely on their ability to create value. They can do this through strategic help- and moral help. They promote your company through the way they interact and behave.