A lesson from a perceived business failure

[Jose Bernard]

#Tbt About 12 years ago I quit a 6 figures income sales job, took a loan against my 401k and decided to open a food truck business with 0 experience in the food industry. I was catching up with a good friend this morning, and he reminded me of that experience. This was one of my first business ventures and an incredible learning & growth experience.

The business did great in the summer time, but sales dropped by 90% in the winter. In an effort to sustain the busines during the winter I went broke with close to $0 in my bank account. I struggled financially, mentally and i was physically exhausted since I had to let go of my employees and do everything myself. At that time I was faced with figuring out how to turn what many would consider a failed business venture around. After many struggles and setbacks I figured to go back to work at a job, and keep the truck as a seasonal business. The business was very profitable during the summer time, I kept it for two seasons and sold it making an additional $35,000 profit, which I invested in real estate.

The upside was not in the money I made, but on the immense experience I gained. I learned that there is no upside without risk, I'm not afraid of lossing money because money can always be obtain again, the satisfaction of going after your dreams and making your vision a reality is second to none, and it doesn't matter how bad it gets there is always an opportunity to learn and grow, and often times the upside is right around the corner from your biggest setbacks.

Ps. The bike with the cooler and engine attached was my invention to use for deliveries 🤦🏽‍♂️🤣