We recently connected with Jeff Ruffin and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jeff with us today – Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up in the inner city of Birmingham, AL, at an early age I saw my parents set the example of what hard work looks like. I made goals, sacrificed, and put in the work to make sure that our current position was not indicative of what our future would look like. They worked two jobs at a time, were active with me and my 6 siblings by going on field trips and being present at sporting events. Most people would say that’s too dang much. See, hard work is not always about money but about working hard to add value. I told myself one of the biggest ways I could say thank you is to show them that their hard work and sacrifices weren’t in vain. The Bible says, “all hard work brings profit but mere talk leads only to poverty”. I have a slogan that I’ve used since playing sports in school. Heck, I’ve even used this slogan in interviews when I was younger and working in corporate America, “outwork everybody”. You might be smarter, faster, taller, stronger or have more resources, but you won’t outwork me. I didn’t spend energy on talking about my work, I just worked and let others see my results. I’ve always been driven by making the ones I love very proud, and If I’m going to do anything, I am going to give it everything I have or don’t do it at all.
As a young man playing football my coaches pushed me not only physically but mentally. Even now, I tell them how thankful I am for that. Because now challenges are what I look forward to instead of dreading them.
Even as a child my parents didn’t give us anything. We had to work for it. Whether it was earning money by making good grades, cleaning gutters, or cutting grass. I was taught that you must work for the things that you desire. No one is going to give you anything just because you want it. It doesn’t matter how bad you want it, if you really want it you need to put in the work and go get it.
The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc.
Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
I assist individuals, families, and business owners with protecting, growing, and transitioning assets that will eventually impact the people that mean the most to them. What excites me most about what I do is being able to affect the lives of not only my clients, but also their families, loved ones and employees. I take pride in the fact I get to help impact generations! Helping my clients work towards their goals is so fulfilling. This allows them to sleep better at night.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being disciplined, being consistent, and being able to envision what you want your life to look like. Creating a plan and being intentional about the work you put in to get where you want to be. Some people confuse being busy with being productive. There is a big difference. Learn what moves you to the next level, instead of running in a circle going nowhere.
The most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My wife and I discussed this the other day. Believe it or not, my parents telling me NO and not letting me do what I wanted has been one of the most impactful things they have done for me. No matter how mad I got, how much I wanted to get my way, or disliked them for saying no, they stood by their decision. As children and teenagers, we do not know what’s best for ourselves.
I was blessed to have parents in my life that allowed me to express my anger at them. In turn this protected me from self-destruction and the ill-advised choices I was trying to make. Looking back, I laugh when I realize they were only trying to protect me. Some of the situations I was putting myself in resulted with many old friends either dead or ending up in jail, and then I think to myself thank God for their wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jdrfincial.net
- Facebook: @jdruffinsr
- Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/jefferyruffin
