Seven Sisters - Part 1: How it Started

A year ago, I stumbled upon a game-changing audiobook by Ryan Moran titled "12 Months to a Million". Truth be told, I didn't actually read the book - I listened to it. My wife had been on an audiobook binge, and her enthusiasm sparked a curiosity in me. I had been consuming podcasts during my commute to work, so why not dive into the world of audiobooks as well?

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Around the same time, I found myself pondering the future - what comes next after my time in the Navy? What do I want to do with my life moving forward? Moran's book provided me with valuable insights and inspiration to start mapping out my path to success.

As I delved deeper into the audiobook, I was struck by Moran's practical advice and actionable steps to achieve financial freedom and success. His systematic approach to building a million-dollar business in just 12 months ignited a fire within me to take charge of my own destiny.

I’ve been in the Navy 25 years at that point, and I knew then what I know now and that is my time in the Navy is running out. I started off as a E-1, the lowest rank possible, sweeping, mopping and waxing the deck night after night. Holding cleaning stations, that’s what we call cleaning the ship while we traveled all around the world.

I started off as a Radioman, after two years in, we changed our name to Information Systems Technician. I worked my way up, earned an undergrad and two masters, became a commissioned officer and after 26 years I’m a Commander in the Navy. It’s still hard to believe a dumb, poor kid made something of himself but I did. The Navy is all I’ve done in my life and the thought of getting out of the navy can be scary at times, but when I hit play on “12 months to a million”, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I have always been drawn to entrepreneurship, having earned an MBA with a specialization in the field. Despite my passion for starting a business, my career in the Navy kept me occupied with new adventures.

As I near the end of my military journey, Ryans book reignited my entrepreneurial spirit. He discussed problem-solving through physical products, brand-building, and achieving success in business. I felt a deep connection to the ideas presented by Ryan and was filled with excitement. After nearly finishing the book in one day, I eagerly shared my desire to start a business with my wife when I got home. She could see the enthusiasm in my eyes as I explained the concepts and strategies I had learned. Her simple question, "What do you want to create?" sparked a journey of self-discovery and ideation in the weeks that followed.