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.

Diego Gordon

I was born in Ecuador, my family and I moved to the US right after I turned 14. My work ethic came from my parents, coming from another country and starting from ZERO, I saw my father and mother with odd jobs like construction, valet, cleaning, etc, anything to push our family forward and create a better life for us.
Because of my background seeing what’s happening in politics at the moment in the United States breaks my heart. Most immigrant have big hearts and just want a better life for them and their families. I hope my story is an example that immigrant make America great. Read More>>

Jesse Casas

Both Greg and I (Jesse) draw our work ethic from the powerful example set by our parents. As first-generation Americans, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the sacrifices and relentless determination of our immigrant families. Watching them work tirelessly, often with limited resources but unwavering faith and hope, instilled in us a deep sense of responsibility, discipline, and drive. Read More>>

Tamara Abrosimova

I draw my work ethic from the inspiring journeys of remarkable individuals. Their dedication and relentless pursuit of their passions serve as a constant wellspring of motivation. Read More>>

Lena Elisabeth Aka Lele Eggers

The most important thing to remember is to do what you are passionate about, but that doesn’t mean you are too good for other tasks, and sometimes you have to get heart-centered and take care of smaller and tedious tasks. Read More>>

Matina Kazameas

Growing up, I witnessed my parents always working hard. My father often worked six to seven days a week in catering or as a chef at a family-owned restaurant before buying his own restaurant business that he has now had for 10+ years. I was also fortunate to be raised by my beautiful mother, who spent most of my childhood as a homemaker. Together, my parents taught me everything I know about generosity, hospitality, the value of hard work, and perseverance. They both immigrated here from Greece and built a new life for themselves, laying the foundation for our family. Read More>>

Maud Hixson

Over a lifetime of watching the people around me: my parents and other family members, my teachers, fellow co-workers and friends, and studying the people I’ve read about and seen on television and in movies. It became a habit from modeling behavior and reinforcing what worked and felt rewarding, especially in fields where I have some aptitude and can also enjoy improvement. Read More>>

Shawn Rezac

From a young age a hard work ethic was engraved in me. Growing up in a agricultural part of the country there was never a lack of hard work to be done. As a young boy I was not overly excited to go to work and put in, at the time I thought was long hours. It was anything from doing manual field work to long hours working in a grain processing plant. As years went on and life took me to different parts of my working career, I quickly learned that the work ethic that I thought was a common thing was not so common. This work mind frame that was instilled in me was not common with most people. Read More>>

Richard Hitchler

My work ethic came directly from my parents who instilled it in me from a very young age. They taught me that the only way to live was to work hard. As a child, I had plenty of chores from bailing hay and shoveling horse manure on the ranch to unpacking clothing at our clothing store. Not only did these chores teach me a positive work ethic, they also showed me the importance of keeping our home and workplace neat and tidy, which instilled pride. Read More>>

Jacky Chokpapon

The people around me have always been an immense source of motivation for me. They push me to work harder and inspire me to reach for my goals. My older sister set the standard for how I should value my education. I met peers and mentors throughout my life who were passionate and talented and encouraging. These people inspired me to work hard and be curious to learn more and continue to grow. I owe a lot to my community for building my work ethic up to what it is now. Read More>> 

Averi Slomp

I get my work ethic from my wonderful parents. They have always been a great example of how you should lead your life with strength and resilience which I admire. I have always had a passion for cooking and have been encouraged to dive deeper into the profession to utilize my talents. All my life, my parents have worked full time, while managing to parent, cook, clean, and be wonderful people. They are the reason that my work ethic is strong. Read More>>

Don Broussard

I’m a travel content creator passionate about exploring places most people overlook and sharing real, unfiltered stories from the road. What makes my work special is how personal and down-to-earth it is—I focus on human connection, local culture, and everyday beauty. My goal is to connect people from around the world and bridge gaps as the middleman, inspiring others to rethink the places we visit and the narratives we’ve been told. Right now, I’m working on expanding my content into deeper storytelling, with upcoming videos from Haiti that highlight traditions, people, and places in a fresh and engaging way. Read More>>

TJ Basham

My friends who inspired me. Seeing their successes and follow-through. They are a very determined, passionate, and dedicated group of talented friends. Read More>>

Sarah Vorva

My work ethic was first shaped by the quiet strength of my parents. They showed me, through their daily choices, what it means to work hard—not for applause, but for the sake of providing, loving, and honoring the people around them. I watched them put in long hours, sometimes with little rest, never complaining, always rooted in humility and grace. That example planted something deep in me. Over the years, I’ve learned that my self-worth isn’t found in external validation or how much I accomplish, but in the consistency with which I show up and pour myself into what matters most. Read More>>

Nicaury

I get my work ethic from my parents, who are immigrants from the Dominican Republic. They came to the U.S. in the 1980s and met in New Jersey, where they built a life together from the ground up. They learned English, put themselves through school and university, and worked tirelessly to create a better future. After having my sister and I, they continued to give everything they could to support us and ensure we had the same opportunities—and more. Watching their strength, perseverance, and dedication has deeply shaped me. Their example taught me that with hard work and determination, I can achieve anything I set my mind to—just like they did! Read More>>

Deaunza Albright

My work ethic comes primarily from my mother Daphne Albright, who has always been a role model of hard work and dedication. She taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of putting in consistent effort to achieve one’s goals. Her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities inspired me to adopt a similar approach in my own life. Read More>>

Lori Fetrick

I’ve always believed that discipline and consistency is the bridge between dreams and reality. Growing up, I watched my parents work hard for everything they had. They didn’t make excuses—they showed up, even when it was tough. That stuck with me. Then came bodybuilding and American Gladiators—two worlds where if you didn’t put in the work, you were left behind. That grind taught me that showing up consistently, even on the hard days, is what separates average from extraordinary. My work ethic comes from a deep respect for that process. Read More>>

Morgan Hill

I get my work ethic from two incredible men in my life—my dad and my husband. My dad has worked hard for as long as I can remember, and he’s always encouraged me to chase my dreams, no matter how big they were. His example taught me what it means to show up every day with grit and determination. And my husband? He’s my teammate in every sense of the word. We push each other, support one another, and share the same drive to build something meaningful together. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Read More>>

Jesse Vargas

I got my work ethic from my father he was always a person who had a job and a bunch of side hustles since I could remember as a young child I always used to see him hustling and making ends meet no matter the circumstances he faced he always provided shelter and food and make sure that me and my mother always had more than we needed so I learned that from him. Read More>>

Elena Vargas

The refusal of stagnation. I want to see all my goals accomplished in my lifetime. We can pass at any point, and I want to make myself and those I care about, proud now. I like seeing progress happen, and I take into consideration the little things I must do everyday to accomplish my long term goals. Even if it’s something as simple as getting my squats in while I wait for water to boil, or making sure I do my full skincare routine morning and night, I simply love checking things off my list. It gives me a sense of purpose, and excitement for the results to come. Read More>>

Emely Matias

I learned my work ethic from my mother, Danilsa. She is a strong, resilient, and intelligent woman who had me at the age of 18. Growing up in low-income housing, I watched my single mother work multiple jobs to provide for my sister and me. From a young age, I understood the importance of hard work and the necessity of independence. I learned that you have to put in the effort for what you want and never rely on anyone else. When my sister was born, I stepped into a second mother role, making me grow up faster than I ever anticipated. By the time I was 15, I was already working, knowing deep down that I was meant for greater things. As the first-generation Latina college graduate in my family, I’m incredibly grateful for all the experiences I had growing up. Today, I firmly believe that with hard work, perseverance, and love, anything is achievable. So, where did I get my work ethic from? It all started with my mother’s unwavering dedication and strength. Read More>>

Mia Collins

“I learned my work ethic from my family but my mom is the real champion here. Growing up, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for us. She taught me that no matter what you do, you give it 100% and take pride in your work. That’s something I’ve carried into my professional life—showing up fully and delivering my best, even when things get challenging.” Read More>>

Brandy Kemp

When people ask me where I get my work ethic, the answer is simple, I come from a long line of independent women who didn’t have the option to slow down.

My grandmother? She was always working. I don’t remember her sitting still unless she was in her race car (as my grandfather called it) or taking a tiny bite to eat. My mother? She rarely missed a day of work, even during chemotherapy. She would get her treatment and head right back to her job. Not because anyone made her. Because that’s just who she was.

In my world, “taking off” was never a default setting. It was hustle, show up, follow through. Read More>>

Jordanna Younger

I got my work ethic from growing up in Pittsburgh, a small city where I saw firsthand what it meant to work hard. I started working at 16, and from a young age, I watched my dad dedicate himself to running his own business for over 35 years. That kind of consistency, grit, and discipline really stuck with me. It inspired me to take that same drive and open my own business by the time I was 24. Being raised in that environment taught me the value of showing up, staying committed, and doing the work even when it gets tough. Read More>>