A Unique Journey: From Theater to Engineering & Pro Racing

From switching careers, changing industries to balancing work and personal ambitions, my journey was anything but conventional. Looking back, there are valuable insights and great stories to share that may serve as a guide or inspiration to others.

Switching Paths: From Theater to Engineering

Everything started with my switch from theater to engineering. As a theater enthusiast, I worked on technical aspects and was part of some rock bands and Broadway shows. Despite being good at it, I realized there was another side to me that craved something different. So, I decided to take up electrical engineering -- a transition that was completely unpredictable.

"It's kind of a unique path from theater to engineering, but this move was essential for my subsequent professional journey."

Student to Entrepreneur: The Balancing Act

Balancing a hectic work schedule while being a full-time student was no easy task. But it's all about planning and taking the initiative to make adjustments according to the situation. I informed my professors about my situation and worked with them to accommodate my tests and lectures.

Meanwhile, I was also raising a young daughter. It's a proud moment today to see her explore her creativity and take up art.

After College - Engineering

Starting in the utility industry, I gradually moved to a consulting firm, finally transferring to Houston to launch their regional office. From $0 to almost half a billion dollars in revenue, the journey from 1999 to 2012 was challenging yet incredibly rewarding.

After leaving the consulting firm, I decided to venture out on my own. Interestingly, my inspiration came from my passion for motorsports.

The Love for Racing

My love for cars began at an early age. I've been a car geek from day one and have always worked on cars with my dad. I started racing at 25 and continue to do so today. Mixing this passion with my professional life by developing Valvoline Quick Lube franchises was the perfect combination of my interests.

The balance between professional commitments, personal hobbies, and education was definitely a challenge. But the key was to plan and prioritize.

The Transition from Private to Public Company: Lessons From ESOPs

Transitioning from a private business to an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) was an enriching learning experience. As a fan of ESOPs, I vouch for them as an excellent transition method for owners. It changes the company culture as everyone owns a part of the company, which drives motivation and a sense of ownership.

However, the key to a successful ESOP is planning ahead, especially for senior staff retirements. One common mistake many companies make is not maintaining a cash reserve for repurchase liability, leading to financial troubles.

Going Public: A Massive Undertaking

Taking a company public is a monumental task and not a decision to be taken lightly. When a company I had invested in decided to go public, I gained firsthand experience of the effort and time required.

For businesses considering this route, the best advice I can give is to clearly define your exit strategy right from the start. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small, and never underestimate the power of thorough long-term planning.

Making Time For Passion: Racing

Racing has always been a close-to-heart hobby. Over the years, I’ve competed in several races and drove some incredible cars. Like everything else in my life, finding time for racing was about managing my time effectively. Balancing work, personal life, and hobbies is all about effective self-management. Keeping oneself physically fit, setting blocks of private work time, and sometimes even stepping out of the office to brainstorm strategies are a few ways I’ve managed to maintain balance.

The Road Ahead

Every step of my journey has taught me something valuable - be it monthly planning, balancing my work with my hobbies, or making critical business decisions. The key takeaway for anyone embarking on their professional journey is to always make informed choices, celebrate every win, and never shy away from exploring unique paths.