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.
Justin Messer
From my parents. they taught me that if you want something out of your life, you have to work for it! Read More>>
Makena Sommer Partington
My work ethic was instilled in me from my Mother and Coach Vladi Sapozhkov. Read More>>
Legendary TeMo
I find if you love what you do it doesn’t feel like work. I stay consistent in order to get better and to master my craft. Read More>>
Rongzhen ‘Jen’ Wang
Growing up, I watched my parents work twelve-hour shifts, 364 days a year, at their small Chinese restaurant in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. In the back, between cutting vegetables, they taught me arithmetic and had my brother and I count the cash register at the end of every night – probably where my love of cash first began. Read More>
Carly Melchert
My work ethic was born on a family farm. I grew up watching my dad work from before the sun came up to long after it set. Read More>>
Nicolea Pettis
I’ve always been that kid who couldn’t leave something alone once I got curious. If I liked something, I’d practice it nonstop and want to understand it fully. So my work ethic really comes from that: curiosity first, and then consistency. If I’m interested, I’m locked in and I’ll keep showing up until I’m better.” Read More>>
Chaunise Carter
My work ethic comes from knowing that success is built on discipline, reliability, and attention to detail. Event design requires long hours, flexibility, and problem-solving under pressure, and I’ve developed the habit of staying focused, proactive, and solutions-oriented no matter the circumstances. Read More>>
Genevieve Frederick
Father and Husband Read More>>
Ted Hutt
I would say a big part of that would be loving what I do, trying to help create situations that feel fresh and creatively stimulating. Also, I gotta pay bills so there’s that, too! Read More>>
Trent Lee
My father. I watched my dad have his hands in many of hustles. I just remember how motivated and proud he was to provide for his family and hold the household down. It poured into me and my daily life far as work, music, sports, now my daughter. Read More>>
LaDessa Lewis
My work ethic comes from watching my parents live it every day. They worked long factory shifts, then after clocking out they ran a nightclub, pouring the same sweat and discipline into both jobs. Seeing them move from grueling, honest labor to late nights managing a business showed me that hard work isn’t limited to one place; it’s an attitude you carry everywhere. Read More>>
Patty Rodgers
My work ethic comes from my parents. They were both blue collar workers in a small New England city. I learned to work hard for everything I have. They grew up at the end of the great depression era and learned to save money and things. That’s how I ended up on Cape Cod. They saved money to buy a summer home. Read More>>
Taylor Wald
I draw inspiration from the labor of my family. From the detailed quilts and paintings made by my grandmothers, to my father’s relentless career, so many of the people who shaped me were incredibly dedicated to their own work. Read More>>
Kira Simmons
My work ethic comes from necessity, not motivation. As a Black female entrepreneur, I learned early that I don’t get the benefit of doubt, grace for mistakes, or the luxury of half-effort—so consistency became my armor. Watching people around me work relentlessly just to stay afloat taught me that showing up isn’t optional; it’s survival. Read More>>
Jamar Matthews
I would say I got my work ethic from my family. Growing up, I saw many family go out and work countless hours to provide for the household. One person that stood out to me in the family was my grandfather. He worked a regular job throughout the week and he had his own lawn care business that he worked on the weekends. Read More>>
Annette Dove
My work ethic was shaped long before I ever stepped into a classroom or a community center. It was taught to me at home by my parents, who lived by the belief that hard work means nothing if you are not also giving back to others. My mother was a beautician, but her work went far beyond hair. Read More>>
Ciara Chapman
My work ethic was first modeled for me long before I ever stepped into entrepreneurship or real estate — it was lived out daily by my parents and later reinforced by watching my grandparents. Growing up, I watched the adults in my life work hard so that our family could live well and flourish — not just financially, but relationship wise as well. Read More>>
Mai Khanh Nguyen
I was born in Vietnam, and my parents moved to the United States when I was little. They had to leave everything they had to afford to move here, but they were hardworking and ready to make any sacrifice to ensure our family a better future. I get my work ethic from them, especially from my mom, who introduced me to hairstyling. Read More>>
Garrett Waterman
My work ethic was instilled in me from a young age by the friends and family I grew up with. It had to of started with sports because the earliest thing I remember was being told I need to work hard if I plan to be better than I was the year before. Read More>>
Mayelin Rodriguez
I got my work ethic from my parents. They worked since they were children and everything they attained was through hard, honest work. I cannot remember a time when they did not show me by example that you have to work for the things you want, but most importantly, that good things take time. Read More>>
Aleah Alvarado
Ever since I was a child, I would see how hard my parents and grandmother worked to balance a home and desired lifestyle. Even after my parents divorced, witnessing my mother show up wholeheartedly and provide no matter the circumstances, I learned the importance of work ethic. Read More>>
Autumn Shead
My work ethic is rooted in my family, my athletic background, and who I am as a person. Growing up, my parents worked hard for everything we had. I watched them show up every day, put in the time, and steadily work their way forward. Education was always a priority, and they consistently reinforced that success comes from effort, discipline, and perseverance. Read More>>
Nesa Martinez
My mentality coming into this industry is to always become the best version of myself. I didn’t need to lead, but I strive to inspire the creativity within, yet doing that alone is what gave me the ability to lead and see a new perspective into the culinary technique. Read More>>
Victor Mariachi
Im Mexican. Nah but also I can’t help it. The drive comes from wanting to share my ideas with the world. I don’t mind the work as long as I’m working for something I truly believe in. The creativity pushes me to keep going and get better after each song or project. Read More>>
Keira Smith
Honestly, my work ethic comes straight from my parents. Growing up, I watched both my mom and dad grind nonstop to make sure my brother and I always had a roof over our heads. They believed in going for what you want and putting real effort behind it. No shortcuts. Read More>>
