Meet Morgan Burrows

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Morgan Burrows. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Morgan, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Optimistic is the adjective my friends most often use to describe me, it’s a trait that consistently comes up when I share stories about my personal life or business. I grew up a small Texas town as a gay man, initially unaware that being gay might be a concern for those around me. Fortunately, I never faced major negativity from peers, though family was a different story. Without delving into the complexities of my family dynamics, I connect my optimism to a deep need to hold onto something hopeful and forward-looking.

While my childhood wasn’t marked by severe hardship, feelings of abandonment have shaped how I view the world. I’m not entirely sure whether my optimism is an innate trait or a survival mechanism in a less-than-ideal environment. Regardless, I’ve always sought the bright side in every situation. When setbacks occur—whether a venture fails or a goal is missed, I simply see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Life is uncertain; there’s no promise of tomorrow or even the next moment. So why live each day through a pessimistic lens?

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?

My current primary focus is a start-up called Pickle Alley, a community-driven club we’re building next to the Los Angeles Arts District. I’ve owned and operated a medical billing service for over 12 years. While I’m not burned out, I’ve been craving a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger connection to community. Volunteering is an option, but with my entrepreneurial spirit, I want to create something meaningful and lasting.

Although Pickle Alley is a for-profit business, our core mission is to provide the local community with a space to connect, offering opportunities to meet and engage with people they might not otherwise encounter. We envision it as a small-business hub, creative space, and clubhouse where community members can spend hours playing, socializing, and building relationships. I’m beyond excited to complete Phase 1 and launch this project.

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?

One quality that not everyone on my journey has fully appreciated is my ability to prioritize. Having worked with physicians throughout my career—particularly those in private practice, I’ve encountered countless ideas. Ideas are valuable; as an entrepreneur, I have many myself. However, that doesn’t mean I pursue every idea to its end. Some concepts need time to mature or simply fade away. Beyond ideas, not every task requires immediate attention. Many things can wait a day, a week, or even until later in the year. Our time is limited, and it’s impossible to accomplish everything at once.

Knowledge is essential. When managing any project, it’s unrealistic to have deep expertise in every aspect. I often turn to professionals in their respective fields, leveraging their expertise. Throughout the process, I ask numerous questions to deepen my understanding so I can effectively oversee the task, even if I’m not directly executing it. In construction, for example, obtaining multiple quotes is not only necessary but also an opportunity to learn how each specialist approaches the work and why.

Kindness, which I believe closely aligns with patience, is a trait that can take you far. The number of conversations and communications that would have gone more smoothly if everyone involved paused to consider the person on the other end is immeasurable. Screens have stripped much of the personal touch from our interactions, which is why I prefer phone calls or face-to-face meetings, though it’s taken me years to get comfortable with that. Ultimately, kindness and patience ensure that even if the outcome isn’t perfect, the experience remains positive.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

For me, handling the feeling of being overwhelmed is pretty straightforward—and it usually goes one of two ways: either a quick fist bang on the table or a comforting hug from my husband. After that, I refocus on what needs to get done and power through it. Taking breaks between long tasks helps me recharge, and switching to a different task can be a great way to reset when one thing feels too heavy.

My optimism and the light at the end of the tunnel keep me moving forward. Once I’m through the tough part, I feel a real sense of relief, and my mind feels clearer and ready to take on what’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.picklealleyla.com
• Instagram: picklealleyla
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganburrows1