We were lucky to catch up with Chris Cavallo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chris with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the furniture manufacturing business, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the unwavering work ethic demonstrated by my father and brother. They were the epitome of hard work and dedication, always leading by example and inspiring those around them—including me. Their relentless commitment to their craft and their tireless work ethic left a lasting impression on me and shaped the way I approached my endeavors.
As my father and brother poured their hearts and souls into the family business, I observed how their work ethic not only drove their success but also set a standard for excellence that I knew I wanted to emulate. Their work ethic wasn’t just about putting in long hours; it was about a deep sense of responsibility, integrity, and pride in everything they did.
When my wife, Robin, and I decided to start our own background investigations business, I knew that I wanted to carry forward the legacy of hard work and dedication that had been passed down to me. Together, we became powerful examples for our twin daughters, showing them that success isn’t just about talent or luck, but about the willingness to work harder than most. Instilling in them the importance of resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic has been a cornerstone of our parenting, ensuring that the values passed down to me from my father and brother continue to shape the future generations of our family.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Our family has experienced significant tragedies due to opioid and fentanyl poisoning. Because of that, my daughter Cristina and I have turned our pain into a powerful mission to prevent further loss of life in our community through our 501 C3 Nonprofit, “The Robin Foundation.” We are committed to providing Free Narcan, raising awareness about the opioid epidemic, and offering educational training on how to reverse overdoses, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and saving lives.
By taking proactive steps to address the opioid epidemic and provide life-saving resources, we believe we are making a profound difference in our community. Our efforts to reverse the trends of loss of life and empower others to respond effectively in emergencies highlight the strength and resilience that drive our mission.
Our dedication to educating others, spreading awareness, and ensuring access to vital resources like Naloxone(Narcan ), a life-saving medication that is essential in the fight against this devastating epidemic. The Robin Foundation is committed to saving lives and creating a safer environment, especially for our youngsters. Together, and as a community, we are making a meaningful impact and working towards a future with fewer losses due to opioid-related incidents.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge essential to my success are resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Resilience: Developing resilience is crucial in facing challenges, setbacks, and tragedies that may arise personally and professionally. Bouncing back from adversity, learning from experiences, and continuing to move forward are vital to persevering through difficult times.
Adaptability: Adapting to changing circumstances, environments, and challenges is a valuable skill that ensures one can navigate various situations effectively. Embracing change, being open to new ideas, and adjusting strategies as needed are essential aspects of adaptability.
Strong Work Ethic: My family instilled in me a strong work ethic that has been instrumental in propelling me forward and achieving my goals. Dedication, commitment, and going above and beyond in all endeavors have been fundamental in my journey.
For individuals early in their journey, my advice would be:
Cultivate Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, learn from failures, and stay focused on your goals despite obstacles. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you during tough times.
Develop Adaptability: Be open to change, seek new experiences, and continuously learn and grow. Stay agile and flexible in your approach, embracing new opportunities and being willing to adjust your strategies as needed.
Nurture a Strong Work Ethic: Set high standards for yourself, be disciplined, and strive for excellence in everything you do. Consistency, dedication, and determination are critical components of a strong work ethic that will help you succeed.
Focusing on these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge can help individuals lay a solid foundation for their personal and professional growth. Embracing resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic will help them navigate challenges and drive success and fulfillment in their journey.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My father and mother had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. My father’s influence shaped my work ethic and salesmanship and my ability to lead and create a positive work environment for those I worked with and those who eventually worked for me. His lessons in professionalism and business acumen were pivotal in my success and the respect that I earned in the security and investigations industry, where I spent 40 years of my life.
The values and skills my father imparted to me were practical and deeply formative. His dedication to teaching me the nuances of sales, the importance of professionalism, and how to build a sustainable and respected business laid the foundation for my achievements. His impact on my career is a testament to his guidance and my ability to apply those lessons effectively.
Even though my time with my mother was shorter, the foundational values she instilled in me—respect, choosing friends wisely, and treating others well—complemented my father’s teachings and shaped my approach to relationships and interactions. It’s a powerful combination that has served me well personally and professionally.
When I remember my parents, I see their influences intertwined to create a robust and balanced approach to life and work. My father’s lessons on salesmanship and business and my mother’s teachings to be respectful and kind to those less fortunate have contributed to the well-rounded and successful individual I believe I have become. None of these attributes and successes could have been accomplished without two dedicated and simply amazing parents and a supportive and loving family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RobinFoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_robin_foundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRobinFoundation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-robin-foundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therobinfoundation
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
