Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Zinkel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Work ethic is shaped by the environment you grew up in, the people around you, and your personality.
Growing up in a small Wisconsin town where factory work and family farms were the main sources of income, I was surrounded by blue-collar workers. Everyone I knew, including my family and friends’ parents, seemed to exemplify a strong work ethic.
My stepdad, Tom, significantly influenced my work ethic. He tirelessly worked long hours at the Brillion Iron Works, often six and/or seven days a week, to provide a better life for his family, even taking on extra shifts during peak summer in harsh conditions. His dedication left a lasting impression.
I also possess a natural drive to prove myself. When people underestimated me, it fueled my determination to work even harder. Tom would push me further by reminding me that there’s always someone working harder and more skilled, which motivated me to keep improving.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Never fitting in fueled my entrepreneurial fire!
Growing up, I felt like a square peg in a round hole. But that wasn’t a bad thing. It just meant I craved efficiency and sought guidance from those I truly admired. This drive to learn and innovate led me to launch multiple businesses over the past two decades, like Onward & Upward Promotions and Bugs & Blades. I’m now even venturing into real estate!
Ferris Bueller said it best: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” For me, “life” translates to opportunity. There’s a whole world of them out there, and I’m determined to explore them all.
Examples of opportunity knocking:
– I joined the Army on a bet I couldn’t make it through basic training. I learn how to humble yourself and the value of chain of command.
– I moved to NYC based on an opportunity in NYC with only a suitcase, $100.00 in my bank account, and not knowing a soul
– I worked at Ralph Lauren because a roommate asked and learned that I could thrive in any social circle
– I became the GM of a store because the owner was a client at RL and he appreciated how I was able to balance multiple clients while remaining positive and professional
– My next opportunity was because I sprained my ankle playing basketball where my future boss took me to the hospital. 4 years later, I started my own company – with his blessing – in the same industry.
There are countless more. Life is fun, life is exciting as long as you allow it to be.
All ceilings are made of glass. Try breaking that glass as much as possible!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Years of coaching basketball have instilled in me a foundational set of principles that are equally applicable in the business world. These are the guiding lights that lead any team, on or off the court, to achieve greatness:
– Effective Communication: Active listening is paramount. Just as a coach provides strategic direction, strong leaders ensure clear and concise communication within their lives and teams.
– Relentless Effort: Effort translates to results. Putting in dedicated work is a recipe for success. While fostering a positive and collaborative environment is important, striving to be/do the best should be a core value.
– Embrace the Journey: While initial challenges may not be inherently enjoyable, perseverance is key. The satisfaction of accomplishment comes from the journey itself, not just the end goal.
– Accountability and Growth: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions fosters trust and respect. A willingness to learn and adapt from mistakes fuels continuous improvement.
Adopting these principles can establish a strong foundation for your success. Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the wins, and always strive to be better.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
My most influential book is: Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect
Darren Hardy’s The Compound Effect is a book that fundamentally changed my approach to success. It’s a concise read, but the powerful message resonated deeply with me: small, consistent changes can yield enormous results over time.
The book wasn’t just about understanding the power of consistent effort, it provided a roadmap for implementation. It felt like uncovering a cheat code to achievement!
The example of 3 people that lived on a culdasac working at the same job with the same house and the same type of family was my aha moment.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking to unlock their full potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.onuppromos.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-zinkel/
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