Building Blocks of Success: Work Ethic

The ability to work hard has always been underappreciated and devalued by various elements in society. In our experience, it’s crystal clear that having a strong work ethic and positive attitude towards working hard is highly predictive of success. Below, you’ll find highlights of our conversations around how one might go about developing or leveling up their work ethic.

David VDX

My work ethic is motivated by my family. It is an absolute must to make sure my family is provided for and comfortable. Knowing that they have everything they deserve drives me to work 24-7 if have I too. Read more>>

Christopher Becerra

Most of the elder members of our family were born outside of the United States and emigrated from Europe and Mexico. Read more>>

Sara Rosinsky

From my parents, from my siblings, from my teachers, from my friends—I’ve been surrounded by people who value and exemplify industry and achievement my whole life. I remember being told the Aesop’s fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper many times as a small child. Read more>>

Sarah Patterson

I believe this is how I was raised. The basic fundamentals of how to operate and treat people has been instilled in me since I was child. I was taught responsibility, commitment, and loyal at a very young age which go hand in hand with work ethic. Read more>>

Nicholas Sawa

I grew up in a small town in Illinois. My parents both worked hard to provide for our family and some would say we lived a very simple life. My father was determined to build a home that would have enough space for us and grandparents. Read more>> 

Brittney M

I believe i get my work ethic fr9m my mother. She was a hustler and entrepreneur. She use to sell designer handbags back when there was the MAY company convention in los angeles with my auntie. I was able to learn at a earlier age what owning a business look like attending these event with my mother and auntie. Read more>>

Sleepy Shipman

I have my family to thank for a lot of my work ethic, but it isn’t a cute wholesome story. Moreso one of struggle. I grew up the oldest of six kids (seven when I left for college), raised by an alcoholic, abusive step-dad and a troubled and abused mom. Read more>>

Nicholas Rexrode

I feel like my experiences over the years of tattooing have shaped my work ethic more than anything. I never want to feel taken advantage by a business owner or or seen as a dollar sign to someone, so really I just focus on my happiness and what I need my life to look like to feel fulfilled, and of course my clients’ happiness and what is fair to them. If those two things can jive, that’s usually the best result for good tattoos and happy people in my opinion. Read more>>

Emily Wray

“Student is conscientious.” I remember reading that on one of my earliest report cards. I had no idea what that meant and needed mom to explain it to me. Read more>>

Roosevelt “” R0$E” Coats III

I inherited my work ethic from my dad. Growing up, I was confused at why he had to work such long days, leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night. Now, I recognize that putting in the work and maintaining a high standard of work is foundational for achieving success. Read more>>

Red The Shooter

My work ethic comes from my grandmother and parents. At a very young age, I saw what it means to work hard for everything you want. I’m very thankful for my foundation and those who keep me grounded. Read more>>

Bruce Wawrzyniak

When my brother and sister and I were kids our mother always told us to “shoot for the stars.” That said, we saw how hard our father worked to make sure that we could have everything we needed for school and still participate in extracurricular activities, plus, of course, pay the bills. My mother also had jobs and her father was also an extremely hard worker. Read more>>

Susan Maranto

My work ethic comes from my parents, who built an insurance agency from the ground up. They literally started that company in a breadbox, soliciting to family members, friends-anyone who would take a chance on their fledgling company. He was constantly educating himself on all matters insurance in order to bring that knowledge to his people. Read more>>

Tyler Bell

I’d have to say I get my work ethic from my dad. Ever since I was little he was always working. He worked from home so he always was on his laptop and all throughout the day even while we were doing activities, on the way to school, or out to eat etc. he was always answering business calls. I guess just from growing up around that It was instilled in me. Read more>>

Amanda Kohr

Definitely from my grandmother and my mom. My grandmother quit school in the 8th grade to go to work to help support her family. My mom was a single mom for most of my childhood and worked her butt off so that my brother and I had as many opportunities as possible. Read more>>

Bryan Nelson

From my early childhood until now, I have always had a passion for helping people. I remember as a child helping my neighbors shovel snow or cutting their lawns. Even though I was being compensated, it was a sense of accomplishment and seeing the satisfaction on their faces. Read more>>

Alexus Abner

I believe I got my work ethic from my parents, growing up watching both mom & Dad working hard to provide for our family & still be there for everything I had going on in school is a blessing. Especially now that I’m an adult seeing everyday struggles first handedly makes me want to give them an Oscar’s. I starting working at the age of 14 & also my siblings worked at the age of 14 & 15 so both taught us that hard work pays off. Read more>>

Bob Hogan

My strong work ethic comes from my parents and Midwest upbringing. My father sold residential real estate for over 40 yrs and was quite good at it. I grew up in a family of ten kids and all of us worked at an early age for extra spending money and to save for college. Read more>>

Monique Kelly

Believe it or not, my journey into professionalism and entrepreneurship started as early as age nine when my late mother, Angela Thickin, began training me in many of the areas I specialize in today. In addition to her training, I have also undergone numerous years of organizational training, formal education, and certificate programs while thriving as a professional in the corporate setting. Read more>> 

Michelle Valenzuela

Growing up in a Hispanic family working hard was taught to me at a very young age. Most of my family were migrant workers and moved all over to find work. As I was growing up, my grandfather would plant corn and other vegetables and I had to help with picking or planting. Read more>>

 Joel Stevenson

When you’re having fun it really doesn’t feel like work. I love the music. Read more>>

Shawn DJ Mixstyles Burnett

As a DJ you want to move the crowd the best way possible. I would got to parties and watch other Djs and would get inspired to rock the crowd the same way or in my own way, so if I didn’t have a party myself I would lock myself in my room and imagine me being in front of a big crowd and go ham on my practice party sets for hours! Read more>>

Sherree Rogers

I got my work ethic from my mom, Brenda Downs and my dad, Norman Rogers. Both of my parents were workaholics. Read more>>

Tiara Johnson

I get my work ethic from my mother. She was such a go-getter. She taught me how to go and get it, no matter what. I remember her telling me if I wanted anything out of life that I had to work hard for it. She also told me that there were no short cuts in life. Read more>>

Christopher Dipnarine

Growing up in a financially challenging environment, I quickly realized that hard work was the only way to overcome the obstacles I faced. With limited resources, I had no choice but to put in the extra effort to make ends meet and create a better future for myself. My humble upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic that has carried over into every aspect of my life. Read more>>

Priyanka Narwaria

My strong work ethic is a culmination of two influential roles in my life: that of a dedicated business owner and a loving mom. As a business owner, I’ve learned the importance of commitment, responsibility, and setting a positive example for my team. This mindset has driven me to consistently give my best and uphold high standards in everything I do. Read more>>

 Jodie Fox

My work ethic is a fire that burns within me! I suspect it has been fueled by the legacy of a long line of business owners in my family. Being a fourth generation entrepreneur myself, I’ve embraced the spirit of determination and innovation that seems to run through my veins. Read more>>

Raul Camargo

If there’s anyone anyone I look up to and see as an example of strong work ethic, it would have to be my father. Growing up I was fortunate enough to have a strong father figure in my life who taught me from an early age that everything we want in life must be earned through hard work. Read more>>

Ace Truen

I get my work ethic from my Mother and Father. Starting in my Mothers womb. My Mom use to wake up at 4a.m to get ready for work and Iron all my brothers and sisters clothes for school. I’m the youngest of 12. Then she would have to run up this big hill with me in her belly to catch the bus for work. Read more>>

Peyton Oyler, Ethan Howard, and Alex Moreno DDA Streetwear

Our work ethic comes from our surroundings. All of us at DDA Streetwear didn’t necessarily have the easiest upbringings. Drug addictions, traumatic family losses, and other battles were reoccurring themes as we were growing up. Read more>>

Tony Muggs

I think at an early age my Mother Judy and Father Frankie instilled good work ethics in me. Although they divorced when I was only five years old, separately, and in different households, they both made it clear through example that hard work really does pay off. Read more>>

Blvck Lotus

My work ethic comes from my parents. They are very hard working, dedicated, people who love to see improvement. Read more>>

Renee Phoenix

My work ethic is rooted in my genuine enjoyment of being productive. I thrive on learning, mastering new skills, and excelling in various areas. However, I am actively working towards achieving a healthier work/life balance, where I can maintain my enthusiasm for work while also prioritizing my well-being and relationships outside of work. Read more>>

Alex Lobos

All the credit for my work ethic goes to my parents who did an excellent job providing for my sisters and I growing up. Our family never struggled, or at least I didn’t see any signs of it because they worked hard. In my early childhood my dad was the sole provider of our household. Read more>>

Allison Barbera

Growing up, I watched both of my parents give their all to their careers. I don’t remember them complaining about their jobs or taking shortcuts. I only ever saw them take their jobs seriously and advance, or in the case of my father after he left his first career in education, open businesses until he found the one that worked. Read more>>

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