Jon’s story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the power of seizing opportunities. Inspired by his father’s incredible journey as Middle Eastern immigrant who owned an IHOP Franchise for nearly 42 years, Jon learned early on the value of hard work, respect, and recognizing life’s pivotal moments. In this blog, we’ll explore how these lessons shaped Jon’s career and how he applies them in his journey as a business owner in the direct sales industry.
A Father’s Journey: From Dishwasher to Franchise Owner:
Jon’s father came to America as a first-generation immigrant with little more than determination and a willingness to work hard. His father came from the Middle East, and instilled in him from a young the importance of respecting the value of a dollar. His father’s story began when he ran out of money while studying in college. With no financial support from his family, he spotted a lit-up sign for the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) and walked in, asking for work. Though initially turned away, his persistence paid off when the manager offered him a job as a dishwasher.
From that humble beginning, Jon’s father climbed the ranks, becoming a manager and eventually a franchise owner with IHOP for nearly 42 years. “I learned so much from that,” Jon says. Inspired by his father’s journey, Jon embraces the same resilience and work ethic in his own life. After graduating college in 2008, he entered the direct sales industry and has not looked back since.
Lessons in Hard Work and Respect:
Growing up, Jon didn’t fully understand the sacrifices his father made to provide for their family. “We always had food on the table, we always had clothes […]and our own bedrooms, so we had a pretty decent life,” Jon shares. It wasn’t until Jon asked his father how he managed to provide for their family, that he began to realize the depth of his journey.
His father’s advice was simple yet profound: “Respect the dollar. Any company willing to give you a dollar for work, you have got to respect it. Eventually, you will do something with it.” This lesson instilled in Jon a deep appreciation for hard work and the value of every opportunity.
Seizing Opportunities: A Father’s Wisdom:
One of the most impactful lessons Jon learned from his father was about recognizing and seizing opportunities. Jon recounts a pivotal piece of wisdom his father shared with him: “Son, opportunity only comes three times in your life. The first time, you’re too young and naive to understand it. The second time, you’re too stubborn and dead set in your ways. The third time, it’ll be as clear as day.”
This wisdom has guided Jon throughout his career, motivating him to make the most of chances he encounters in life. After graduating college, he entered the direct sales industry in 2008 and has never looked back.
About Smart Circle:
Smart Circle is a leader in direct sales and face-to-face marketing. As an outsourced sales broker, Smart Circle provides customized sales solutions and access to a nationwide network of independently owned and operated sales companies, resulting in client products and services reaching consumers directly where they live, work, and shop, and creating opportunities for growth for everyone within our circle. If you’re inspired by Jon’s journey, visit our website to learn more about how Smart Circle helps entrepreneurs grow and clients thrive.
For more inspiring stories like this, check out SmartCircleVideo.com and discover real-life success stories that showcase the power of direct sales.
Related Posts
