Working hard in 2024: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that everyone is just ghosting their lives away, we’ve seen countless examples of how strong the work ethic is on every street and in every neighborhood in America. Hard work is alive and well and we asked some of the hardest working folks we know how they developed their work ethic.

Joanna Vasiliadis

Hard work has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. Even in high school, my passion and determination shone through—often, I’d leave lunch early to work on a painting I couldn’t wait to finish. As the only medical professional in a family of entrepreneurs, I grew up inspired by their tireless dedication. My father, owner of William’s Restaurant, worked from morning to night, even checking in while we were on vacations in Greece. My grandfathers, Vasilios and Jason, were immigrants who built businesses from the ground up. Read more>>

Tiffany Sommers

I inherited my strong work ethic from my parents. My dad, who never missed a day of work, received numerous awards for his dedication and reliability. However, the foundation of my work ethic comes from having to earn everything I have. Growing up, we didn’t receive allowances or cars when we turned 16. Instead, we were expected to pay our own bills and car insurance. Read more>>

Michael Finete

I attribute my work ethic to the values instilled in me growing up in Point Loma, San Diego, a close-knit Portuguese fishing community. My grandfather and others in the community pioneered the tuna fishing industry, and I saw firsthand the dedication and hard work it took to sustain our livelihood. That experience grounded me in the importance of persistence, respect for all workers, collaboration, and responsibility — not just for the success of my work, but also for the people and environment impacted by it. Those principles have shaped my career and continue to guide me in my role at Mary’s Gone Crackers. Read more>>

Tori Nygren

My first ‘flow state’ at work came when I was mucking stalls as an unpaid stable hand, age 9. It was 7:30 a.m. The air was muggy and the smell of horse poop was pungent. Time passed like I was floating down a river, slipping away, one muck at a time. It wasn’t about the actual work, but about what it represented: spending more time with horses. So when folks ask, where does my work ethic come from? I’d say mucking stalls. Read more>>

Rashel Yesilevskiy

As the owner of Laugh N Play, my work ethic comes from my passion for creating magical moments for children and their families. This space was born from a dream to give our community a safe, joyful place where kids can simply be kids. Every smile, every laugh, and every celebration fuels my drive to work harder and ensure every experience here is unforgettable. Being a parent myself, I understand how important these moments are, and that’s what keeps me going every single day. Read more>>

Liam Wade

i get my work ethic from my parents, my wife, and my family. growing up in a small town in the northeast of england, you develop this drive to see and experience more of the world, and that pushes you to work hard and take every step forward. there are a lot of talented people from my hometown, and i’ve seen many go on to achieve incredible things. rod temperton, who wrote ‘thriller’ by michael jackson, is from the grimsby-cleethorpes area—a great example of what’s possible. Read more>>

Josh & Crystal Serrano

Our work ethic is shaped by our culture and family traditions, where hard work and perseverance have always been the foundation of everything we do. We learned firsthand from watching our parents and grandparents work hard for what they had and always striving for excellence. This strong foundation has shaped our approach to business and has driven us to succeed. Additionally, our passion for problem-solving is another factor that drives our strong work ethic. While visiting Mexico, we experienced firsthand the challenges many faced of living without basic necessities. This inspired us to find creative solutions and work tirelessly to improve people’s lives by building solar water heaters. Whether it was building solar water heaters or designing tiny homes, we’ve always strived to make a positive impact through our work. Read more>>

Her Excellency United Nations Peace Ambassador Ngo Ecosoc Dr. Angela J. Nealy, B.s., M.s., Ph.d.

My amazing parents who adopted me, Mrs. Betty J. Nealy-Bullard 1929-2006 and Mr. Donald G. Nealy 1923-2005. They lived through the Depression, Lynching’s, Jim Crowe Laws, Civil Rights Movement, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Afghanistan War, Title IX and Affirmative Action. They met each other at my, Grandfather, Rev. Robert G. Nealy and Grandmother Mrs. Ethel Maude Blakey-Nealy’ s, Africa Methodist Episcopal, A.M.E. Church and boarding house during WWII. They were married 53 years and worked together to build, design and purchase one home and then purchased our last estate where we remained 40 years. We, my sister and I completed college with zero debt and master’s. I also earned an honoris causa, own a condominium, own two businesses, taught science for 25 years, travelled around the world twice, served as a pro-athlete in two different sports at age 35,42, now 63 and worked as an adviser to a former NASA Astronaut, Dr. Mae C. Jemison, M.D. Read more>>

Duresa Genemo

First and foremost, my work ethic is rooted in a love for storytelling. Whether through a single frame or a long sequence, I’m always thinking about how to capture a moment that resonates. That passion fuels long hours on set, chasing the right lighting, framing, or composition. It’s about capturing the essence of a subject, whether it’s a person, landscape, or scene. Read more>>

Mychal Connolly

I get my work ethic from a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to create a lasting impact. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from my family, who showed me the importance of resilience and staying focused, no matter the obstacles. I also draw inspiration from being a father and role model—knowing my actions set an example for my children drives me to give my all in everything I do. On a broader level, my work ethic comes from a commitment to serving others, whether it’s helping small businesses thrive, empowering the next generation, or providing for my family. Read more>>

Brittany Mack

As ironic as it sounds, my work ethic came from four years of getting nowhere with my goals. During my four years of undergrad, while I dreamed of writing and publishing, I didn’t do anything about it. When my fragmented and improvised plans didn’t work, I believed it was because of the timing, not because of my half-hearted efforts. Read more>>

Zach Damon

My work ethic, above all, comes from my faith and family. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who exemplified discipline, hard work, and resilience. They set a strong example for me, instilling the importance of doing something every single day to move closer to my goals. I also had the chance to participate in extracurricular activities that demanded commitment and discipline, shaping me further. In academics, Scouting, and sports, I learned the value of perseverance and consistency. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout taught me responsibility, while wrestling taught me the power of determination—I was a Varsity Letterwinner and received the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Sportsmanship Award. Both experiences showed me the value of pushing through challenges to succeed. Read more>>

Dr. Jabani Bennett

I received my work ethic from my parents – my father and stepfather. My stepfather was the late Dr. J. Blaine Hudson, a civil rights activist, poet, educator and the dean of UofL’s College of Arts & Sciences. My father, James Bennett, is a retired chemical technician, self-taught artist, and community photographer who has visually captured more than forty years of my hometown’s history. My fathers demonstrated disciplined and tenacious habits in project management in an era framed by toxic work culture that valued production over wellness. I respect their journey and I followed their approaches in my own career path for many decades. Read more>>

Gage Robinson

I attribute my work ethic to my nearly 20 years of competitive swimming. Especially in a more individualistic sport like swimming; the more you worked, the better results you got. I had many coaches over those years who instilled that mentality in me and to this day it courses through my veins. From early morning practices (often in the water by 6:30am) to two-a-days in off season to stay in shape, the structure didn’t allow for laziness. Of course, it wasn’t just the pool that taught me these lessons; my parents had a massive role in being the golden example of work ethic. My mom is an author of 4 books, former CFO, and queen of getting things done.  Read more>>

Joshua Esnard

I grew up in Saint Lucia, this tiny but beautiful country where everyone lives the DIY lifestyle – do it yourself. My dad was super old school, the kind of guy who needed to do everything himself. He wouldn’t pay for a barber, he built things, he made his own toys as a kid. People there build their own houses! So I grew up seeing that if you want something done, you do it yourself.
When I started The Cut Buddy, that DIY spirit kicked in hard. I was dead broke from getting patents, no investors would touch my idea – all they wanted was sexy tech and AI, not a hair template. So I had to bootstrap everything myself. Man, my back was against the wall, I was ‘rope-a-dope like Ali’ – if this didn’t work out, I would’ve been homeless. But that pressure just made me fight harder. I was in my garage packing hundreds of packages, running to the post office every day until the workers started calling me ‘Mr. Cut Buddy.’ Read more>>

Artima Sakulkoo

When I decided to move to the States for college, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As a minority immigrant, the work was ten times more challenging, and I had to adapt to the new environment. I worked so hard while in school to pay off my student debt. I majored in Digital Cinema Arts, and most assignments were hands-on. There are multiple roles in the filmmaking industry, and I have found myself very good at assisting directing (AD). As an AD, having good leadership skills is a must. I lead the set and am in control of the production schedule. I have mastered this for the past eight years now. Read more>>

Kyle Brandt-lubart

First and foremost, it comes from a sense of accountability. It’s important that I stay accountable to myself, which often involves being painstakingly thorough in how I approach projects, processes, and collaborations. Being accountable to myself also looks like leaning into my varied, wandering curiosities and interests; I can’t genuinely be true to myself if I’m operating within a framework that limits how I engage with the world around me. Staying accountable to others is also incredibly important to me. Accountability and integrity are intertwined, and both help anchor my work ethic. When whatever it is I’m working on aligns with my passions, it definitely makes it easier to stay focused and motivated. But there are plenty of times when I’ve had to bite the bullet and get a task done even if it’s a struggle.  Read more>>

Sophie Coran

I have a classical piano background and grew up spending a lot of time practicing music. I found it cathartic and really enjoyed the consistent exercise of playing piano and trying to develop a better understanding of music, technique, and repetition. Then, I went to music school for college and became accustomed to constantly practicing/writing/working. I really enjoy working a lot- I feel like I’m doing something good for my career and myself. Read more>>

Zachariah Crooks

I am a former athlete that played from a young age through college. I learned throughout the years that working hard creates results that I desired. I can recall that I made a conscious thought in High School to start really focusing on working with a focus to achieve what I wanted in my life. It lead me to get into college and also play a sport while there. It has also lead me throughout my whole life since. Read more>>

Haruka Hayashi

I was born and raised in Japan, and my experiences there have significantly shaped my work ethic. Growing up, I was immersed in a culture that values dedication, respect, and continuous improvement. The concept of ‘kaizen,’ or the idea of making small, gradual changes for the better, has been a guiding principle in my life. It encourages me to strive for excellence in everything I do, whether it’s in my professional pursuits or personal development. Read more>>

Coach Shay Samuels

I get my strong work ethic from my mother, Lisa Wallace. My mother was a General Manager for K.F.C in my hometown. I remember sitting at home pregnant at the age of 16 years old. My mother kept all of her employee uniforms in the basement of our home. After sitting for days doing nothing, I decided to go downstairs and put one of the uniforms on so that I can begin working at her restaurant. When I walked into the restaurant she was so surprised to see me standing there with one of the uniforms on. She immediately asked me, “What are you doing?”, in which I responded, “I’m ready to work.” From there my mother taught me everything I needed to know about customer service and hospitality. Read more>>

Caitlin Zintl

My work ethic was instilled in me at young age by my parents. Growing up, I watched my mom and dad work hard at their jobs and at home. We were expected to help around the house and complete our homework in a timely manner, etc. In addition, I trained in classical ballet for 14 years (ages 4-18) at Classical Ballet Academy. This training had a huge impact on my work ethic, drive, determination, and so much more! Read more>>

Jessica Gruber

My work ethic was shaped by my upbringing and the example set by my parents. My mother was a dedicated nurse who worked night shifts, and my father ran his own landscape shop. We lived on what most would call a small ranch, with rabbits, horses, chickens, cats, dogs, and bees. Caring for the animals wasn’t optional—they relied on us for everything. Every morning, no matter the weather—freezing cold or pouring rain—my sisters and I were up early, feeding and tending to them. Read more>>

Leah Slava

Honestly, I’d say it’s definitely from my dad. He’s the one who taught me from a young age that I should always give my best, no matter what I’m doing—whether it’s something big or small. I didn’t fully understand it back then, but looking back, it really stuck with me. In school, I started to push myself to make my projects stand out, and that mindset carried over into university. Read more>>

Freddy Jimenez

My work ethic originated from my family because I come from a long line of farm workers. I saw the sweat they put in to really achieve what they did and it inspired me. More recently, I find myself being inspired by my friends, mentors, and contemporaries. Being part of my community really gives me an insight to the amount of work and sacrifice it takes to achieve a certain level of success. Read more>>

Ariana Poirier

One mantra that has been on repeat throughout my life and career is, “You can achieve what you want if you’re willing to work hard for it.” My work ethic is a huge part of my values and is the foundation of my journey to fractional consulting and building a successful business. I’m fortunate to have parents who modeled how to achieve their aspirations through collaboration and hard work. Through their example, I learned first hand what can be accomplished with a vision, commitment, and determination to pursue my dreams. I learned from them that manifesting means rolling up your sleeves to make your goals happen, even if that means moving mountains to get there. They provided support and encouraged my independence, which helped me take risks and make mistakes; lessons that have allowed me to grow and build my confidence. Read more>>

James Zielenski

My work ethic stems from a combination of personal values and the examples set by those around me. Growing up, I witnessed my parents work tirelessly to achieve their goals and provide for our family. They taught me the importance of perseverance, responsibility, and doing every job with pride, no matter how big or small. Read more>>

Sara Gellert

I think it comes from my parents. I was born in Hungary, and I was always taught that most things do not just come your way, you have to work very hard to achieve your goals in life. The most important things that I have learned is to respect people around me, be hardworking and respectful. I truly think that if you keep these in mind, you can create a healthy work environment around you. Read more>>

Joe Aboud

From a young age, my family taught me that success doesn’t come without hard work. As a first-generation American, my immigrant parents and grandparents instilled that value in me, and I witnessed firsthand how a strong work ethic had shaped my family’s lives. That’s why I work hard and play hard! Read more>>

Kimberlea Kressal

A strong work ethic was value instilled in me by my parents. The psychology behind their work ethics was different, but it was clear to me early on that work and self-worth were connected. My Dad, who at 75-years-old is currently building an addition to his barn by himself, showed me that there was pride in a hard day’s work. It didn’t matter how much money you made or where you came from, you could hold your head high if you worked hard and took care of your family. My Mom genuinely loved her job! She went above and beyond with everything she did. I saw how people admired and respected her. That was important for me as a girl, to see a woman respected professionally. I also credit dance and theatre for my work ethic. I attended competitive arts schools from a young age. Dance offered both creativity and discipline, while theater gave me my first opportunities to work collaboratively and to step into leadership roles. Read more>>

Chiara Fornetti

My work ethic is a blend of personal values and cultural influences. Growing up in diverse environments, I learned the importance of respect, curiosity, and open-mindedness, which have shaped my approach to work. The people around me constantly inspire me. Collaborating with others from different backgrounds has taught me the value of listening actively and learning from diverse perspectives. By embracing curiosity and asking thoughtful questions, I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Lama Abu-amara

I believe my work ethic comes from a deep sense of responsibility and passion for what I do. Capturing those fleeting, precious moments of a newborn’s life is not just a job; it’s an honor. I know that these are memories families will cherish forever, and I take that trust very seriously. My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of putting care and effort into everything I do. They taught me that success isn’t just about doing the work—it’s about doing it with love, integrity, and excellence. Read more>>

Lady Velush

When it comes to entertainment booking, the work ethic and drive is most important characteristic to have. When I first started in burlesque I had to make sure this was my chosen pathway. It wasn’t as important to get the booking but to be comfortable on stage within this craft. Honestly, the comfortability didn’t take long. Once I was able to see my talent was being recognized, I wanted to experience more of that joy I experience on stage. As time has gone on I have experience so many things that have enhanced my career. This is due to my drive towards making a difference on every single stage. Whether it be for body positivity or discovering the exploration of self love.
I love hearing that I have made a difference in the way people view the burlesque craft. Read more>>

Chis Sein

I credit my work ethic to my mom and my brother, two of the most inspiring figures in my life. My mom raised our family of six on her own while managing businesses. I still run almost everything I do by her because I trust her instinct completely. My brother has also been a significant role model for me. His maturity, business acumen, and commitment to his family set a standard I admire.  Read more>>

Tanner Kerrins

I’ve always had inspirational people to look up to who influenced by work ethic… People who inspire me to do better than normal. For example, I’m thinking of a girl I knew in High School, Cadence Lee. She was a junior when I was a freshman, and when I first met her, she had already placed in the State wrestling tournament all three years. The point of this is, no matter where I was in life, I saw someone like her, and knew there was more to be done. When I wanted to write a book, I would just write it and figure out how to self publish it later. Read more>>

Kaden Jordan

I like to think I got my work ethic by myself, but the truth is I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by hard working individuals, my pops being my main role model. Read more>>

Enrique Calderon

I get my work ethic from my mom and dad coming from a family that didn’t have much at all growing up, my mom came from Mexico to the U.S. in her early 20’s and was only supposed to come visit for a few months but ended up meeting my dad and worked her butt off to become a citizen while balancing work , School, and taking care of a little kid who barley knew any english. My dad was adopted at a very young age and at a early age always felt like an outsider coming from LA getting involved in drugs and gangs my dad had to get out of LA and move on to get a fresh start on his own at the age of 16. He then moved to Az where he got a chance to get his life together and went to school to become a chef, now he is the head chef at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. Read more>>

Cathie Waggoner

I owe my strong work ethic to my dad, who has always been the ultimate example of dedication and perseverance. Growing up, I watched him work tirelessly, sometimes seven days a week, not just to provide for our family but to set a powerful example of what hard work and commitment truly look like. He was a provider and a leader in his workplace, demonstrating the importance of responsibility, integrity, and leading by example. His unwavering drive and determination have profoundly shaped my approach to life and work, instilling in me the values of perseverance and excellence in everything I do. Read more>>

Destiny Woods

I owe my work ethic to my incredible parents. They are both entrepreneurs who came up from the bottom. Growing up, I watched their drive and dedication to generate generational wealth for our family. It took more than hard work; it took persistence and perseverance, from working overnights in the corporate world to owning their own businesses and choosing their schedules. Read more>>

Savannah (sav) Mitchell

My work ethic stems from two key influences: my upbringing and my experience as a competitive swimmer. Growing up as an only child, I was inspired by my mother, a former college athlete whose tenacity and drive served as my guiding light. Watching her juggle motherhood as well as a demanding career shaped my understanding of hard work from a young age. Read more>>