By: Nicole Reisberg, Founder of Social Haven Marketing

In honor of National Entrepreneurs’ Day on November 19, 2019, I sat down with one of my all-time favorite entrepreneurs, Founder & CEO of Trost Financial Consulting, Greg Trost. Greg took me through a few highlights of his entrepreneurial journey (did you know he’s owned successful businesses in three completely different industries?), along with the challenges and lessons he’s learned along the way.

 

THE JOURNEY

Greg’s entrepreneurial journey starts in the early 1990s when he became the youngest franchisee in the quick-growing Red Robin franchise corporation. As the only corporate employee to then become a franchisee, he was able to bring his brand new location in Albuquerque from scratch to $3 million in sales in just a few years.

The next stop on his journey was the purchase of a headhunting firm which focused on recruiting within the medical and computer sales arena. The success of his second business venture cemented Greg’s title as a knowledgeable, talented entrepreneur.

Greg’s third leg of business brought him to work in the financial services industry in 2002, helping individuals and families to make wise financial decisions surrounding planning and investing. In early 2018, Greg officially launched his own financial planning firm called Trost Financial Consulting. Greg is proud to now offer a truly personalized approach to financial planning, focusing on helping clients find both financial prosperity and personal fulfillment, as they are best paired together.

 

THE CHALLENGES

“Great things never came from comfort zones.”

Gaining success in business is never easy. Greg shared a few of the biggest challenges he faced through developing his businesses over the years.

  • Generating business is always challenge number one, and is achieved through optimal service, along with continual investment back into the business.
  • The hardest thing about running a successful business can be delegation, as many business owners think that they can do the job best. And, while that may be true, Greg learned the importance of removing that expectation.
  • It’s easy for your own business to take top priority, often over time with your family. Greg learned at an early age that family has to be first.

 

LESSONS LEARNED

No matter what industry you may find yourself in, Greg observed a few trends in what it takes to be successful in business.

  • Don’t be afraid to start something. Have the confidence to take a risk!
  • Treat everyone like you would want to be treated.
  • Put client/customer’s needs above your own.
  • Invest back in your business. Don’t be afraid to spend $1 to get $2.
  • Be willing to work hours that won’t affect your family, even if this means working early in the morning or late at night.

 

A special thanks to Greg Trost of Trost Financial Consulting for sharing insight into his journey! I hope you can all take something away from his challenges and lessons learned, as I have.