We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic come from? Is it something we learn from our parents, or are we born with it? Do our friends, work environment or the city we reside in impact it? We asked some of the hardest working folks we know to share where they think they get their work ethic from.

Madison Wean

My work ethic comes directly from my father, who has been my greatest example of what consistent effort can achieve. Through his actions, he taught me that persistence and dedication invariably lead to meaningful results. Read More>>

Naquee White

My work ethic comes from my family. Both sides of my family consist of hard blue collar workers. I would say my grandparents, parents, and uncles influences my work ethic the most because throughout my life I watched them work countless hours to provide for me and other family members. Watching them provide for us over the years motivates me to do the same for me and my future family. Read More>>

Tony Bradshaw

I was born in Barbados and moved to Toronto when I was in my early 20s. I was lucky to have great role models. My parents had tremendous pride about their jobs, they worked very hard and gave me great advice as I was starting out with my first jobs. Also, the elders in my community worked very hard to put food on the table and keep the lights on. As a teen, I had an hunger to work and did anything, from door to door sales, working at a tour company in the day, then at a grocery store at night. I realized from very early that no one was coming to save me, so I had to work hard to get what I wanted in life. Read More>>

Jessica Diaz

Definitely from my parents. Both of my parents came to this country with nothing and created something. I am the youngest out of 3. My sister being the oldest, took care of my brother and I while my parents worked their 9-5. Later on once my sister started her own adult life and began taking on financial responsibilities, then it was my brother’s turn to watch over me whenever he wasn’t in school.  Read More>>

Angelo Pendergrast

I get my work ethic from my mother, she was always inspiration in the work place. I remember in the 90s her showing my brother and sisters the many different award she won for outstanding customer service skills. My mother was very punctual and made sure like her we were always on time to future obligations. Read More>>

Jaclyn Iskow

My work ethic is inspired by accomplishment, no matter the size or the scale. From a very early age, my parents instilled a level of commitment that has led to my success as an artist. Both came from humble beginnings and modeled a work ethic that they still believe to be an anchor. I was always expected to follow through with an arrangement or obligation, even if I changed the way I felt about it halfway through. Anything I start, I finish. Read More>>

Mark Pellegrino

From the theatre company I joined in my twenties. My teacher, Bob Carnegie, instilled a strong sense of craft and a drive to know and do more. Read More>>

Jenny Klos

My parents have always been a big influence throughout my childhood. I would be inspired with the work ethic that they showed in or household. Read More>>

Lexi Norton

I honestly have had the drive ever since I was a kid. If anyone told me I couldn’t do something, it made me want to do it more. But I also learned to ground myself and not just push myself to do things just to please other people. I finally think I’ve found a good happy medium in my life and I am so proud of everything I have done. To move out at 16, flying to different states for different dance opportunities, and just risking it all. I’ve learned that you only live once, so do what you love, and with no regrets. Read More>>

Douglas “lefty” Leferovich

I got my work ethic from my father and mother. Growing up my father was a lawyer in NYC, and my mom stopped working to be at home to raise my bother and I. From a very young age, as a family, we did little magic shows for family gatherings, which eventually grew to children’s birthday parties, company picnics, etc. I really enjoyed performing and spending time with my family, but looking back I realize so many life lessons my parents instilled in me. From dressing professional to always showing up time (which meant being early), these are qualities I still follow today.  Read More>>

Eilani Flores

My work ethic ultimately comes from my parents. From a very young age they taught my siblings and I the importance of commitment. They taught us that once you start something, you have to follow through until the end. They taught us that in life things are not just handed to you, and you have to continuously put in the work to see results. Read More>>

Kayla Clausen

From an early age, my parents taught me that hard work rewards. When you get to a spot where life is knocking you around, you take a minute and feel your feelings, then you get back up and you keep going. Resilience comes in many forms, but for me it means that I keep going even when I don’t feel like it.  Read More>>

Maddie Mcmahon

I have always had a strong work ethic. From when I was young, my parents instilled that in me. I watched them work hard every day to provide for my little sister and I. I watched my dad build his business through sheer will, long hours, and extremely hard work. I watched my mom finish nursing school and eventually become the head nurse of Mahtomedi School District, never complaining about the long hours or missing weekends and holidays.  Read More>>

Nik Lub

I am blessed to have grown up with incredible role models. Both my parents and grandparents had to overcome a lot of adversity and never shied away from the challenges life gave them. My work ethic is also heavily influenced from watching and listening to the stories of my father’s life experience. He had to overcome a lot, forced to leave his home and family in Argentina to make a life for himself in the U.S. Read More>>

Rachel Shaw

I get my work ethic from my parents. My parents grew up in the 50s and 60s where it was a lot harder to obtain an education and be successful as an African-American. My mother would often have to miss school to pick cotton and yet consistently got straight A’s in school. As I got older, I watched my mother obtain her masters, several medical certifications, and establish her own accounting business. They provided me a great upbringing to where I felt. I had no excuse not to be successful because I had all of the tools to make it in life. Read More>>

Aramis Andreatas

Work ethic is an interesting topic, I believe most of us have it. However, one’s passion is what makes our work ethics differ.

I’ve been “working” ever since I was a kid. Growing up, it was my responsibility to clean the house, do the dishes, fold the laundry and make sure the house was tidy before my mom got home. I was one of four kids, and yes my siblings helped me clean, but I always felt the load on me. Read More>>

Phillip Lyron

My work ethic comes from the things that I want in life and trying to prove others wrong. Granted, the masses I couldn’t care less how they feel about me. Those are not the ones that bother you; it’s those closest to you that don’t believe in you or discredit the things that you do that hurt the most. Can you imagine your own brother, sister, parents, uncle, anybody you value in life talking down on you and saying harsh things like you will not amount to anything.  Read More>>

Sydney Renwrick

My work ethic comes straight from my mom. My mom has instilled in me “God bless the child that has their own.” I’ve always worked hard to have my own everything. I don’t like to rely on others but I like to be sufficient enough to allow others to rely on me. Read More>>

Daniel Meek

I believe work ethic is something you absorb through example, and I was fortunate to have two incredible role models. My father ran his own business, so I saw firsthand what it means to take responsibility, show up consistently, and keep going—whether things were going well or not. That taught me the value of discipline and persistence. Read More>>

Krystal Moreland

I’d say my work ethic definitely comes from my parents. They worked in their respective fields up until they retired in their early sixties. My mom was a law enforcement officer and my dad worked in the mill and grocery store. If my sister and I lacked anything we were never aware of it because all of our needs were met. My parents are now enjoying their retirement traveling and doing whatever makes them happy.  Read More>>

Melissa Muzio

I come from a long line of independent, strong women, and I truly believe that resilience runs in my blood. My mom raised me and my sister as a single parent, overcoming many hardships. Watching her push through challenges without ever giving up instilled in me determination and a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Nichole Meyer

Growing up with a single mother instilled a strong work ethic in me. My mother was an incredibly hard worker—juggling a job, school, and raising my brother and me all at once. Watching her determination and perseverance inspired me to work hard and strive for success, not just for myself but also to honor her sacrifices.  Read More>>

Salena Nguyen

I grew up as a competitive swimmer and found myself developing more of an athletic mindset, which influences the way I approach my work and my craft. My athletic mentality helps me overcome some of the hardest battles in my music career. Because that mentality has gotten me through so much, I haven’t stopped being a swimmer. I still train and compete on a masters swim team to this day. Read More>>

Terrance Ramsey

From growing up being raised by a single mother that i seen go to work everyday to raise 2 boys on her own. Read More>>

EDDIE MAKABI

My father would leave the house at 7:15am and come home at 7pm every day. He would work on the weekends to make sure we had a roof over our heads. He did this into his late 80’s until the Covid lockdowns basically killed a lot of small businesses. As a result, I’ve prided myself in having multiple careers in real estate & development, other than my passion of DJing & music production. Read More>>

Jerry Anselmo

My work ethic comes from my family. I watched my dad work double shifts to help keep the family afloat while my mother took care of the kids and her mother. The Italian immigrants came to the US to get a better life and thus they worked hard to make it in America. Read More>>

Jose Luis Cisneros

Coming from immigrant parents working 12 hours shifts. Hard work is all I knew. Read More>>

Nia Weldon

Growing up, I remember the countless hours my mom spent working three jobs, tirelessly ensuring that our childhood was filled with love and stability. Her dedication was a silent promise, that I would one day live a life free from financial worries. I always dreamed of a future where I could afford groceries and gas without a second thought and of course, living a luxury lifestyle with my cats. Read More>>

Nicole Todd

My strong work ethic started with my mother. Growing up, she was the one working long hours and making most of the money for the household. She taught us that working hard was one of the most important qualities to have in life. After years of constant work, long hours and sacrificing my own personal health and happiness for work I am starting to question whether this is one of the most important skills in life. Read More>>

Thalia Hagopian

I think work ethic is something that deeply stems from within oneself. However, the way I was raised and grew up definitely had a role in shaping this trait. I learned this drive particularly from my parents, especially my mom. She truly is a powerful woman and always pushed forward through any obstacle. She would never give up and has resilience like no other.  Read More>>

Reggie Cobio

Growing up My Family Really didn’t have much. My Dad Stepped up as a man at 15 and dropped out of high school to raise my sister with my mom . At around when he was 20 years old I was born & as I grew older my pops wanted me to know nothing about never having a meal or me not being able to get the toys I wanted , because he never had it in his childhood.  Read More>>

Taren Schwarz

My Dad. He was a Police Officer in the Seventies and early Eighty’s on Long Island. I was born into a family of three children, one girl (me) and two brothers. Back in those days, people worked hard and families primarily had Dad working and Mom was a stay-at-home. My father thought being a police officer was the best way to provide for his family. Read More>>

A.j. Dennison

I grew up in a household where I had a very hardworking mom who was an entrepreneur who always worked so hard to provide for us and instill in me how important it was to work towards your goals, and a father who was an entrepreneur for my entire life who always showed me what it was to work hard and dream and build, in different households.  Read More>>

Alex Ferguson

I got my work ethic from my father, he was a lineman for a power company located in south central Montana. there were many times he would get a phone call and would have to abruptly leave dinners early, birthday parties for my siblings or I. Read More>>