Overcoming the Odds: Motivational journey from rural America to corporate success and owning multiple Jersey Mike’s Franchises.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keith Milner.

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Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by sharing Keith Milner’s journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. It emphasizes discipline, leadership, risk-taking, and strategies for building generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented communities.

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Key Takeaways

1. Foundational Lessons from Childhood

   • Growing up in a disciplined, hardworking family taught Keith accountability, integrity, and the principle of choices and consequences.
   • Education was highly valued in his household, shaping his drive for success.

2. Corporate vs. Entrepreneurial Mindset

   • Corporate careers can feel secure but are often riskier because you lack control over your destiny.
   • Entrepreneurship offers greater control and potential for generational wealth.

3. Leadership and Teamwork

   • Lessons from sports—teamwork, discipline, and leadership—translate directly into business success.
   • Establishing a common goal and coaching employees is crucial, but underperformers must eventually be let go.

4. Risk and Value

   • Many African-Americans view entrepreneurship as risky, but Keith argues it’s less risky than employment in an at-will state.
   • Success depends on creating value that customers are willing to pay for.

5. Franchising Journey

   • Relationships opened doors to Jersey Mike’s franchise ownership.
   • Entrepreneurship requires hands-on involvement—Keith still works in his stores when needed.

6. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

   • Adopt a growth mindset and positive attitude.
   • Follow the Five P’s: Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.
   • Understand that entrepreneurship is a daily grind—“Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running.”

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Notable Quotes

• On discipline and accountability:
  “If you said you were going to do something, you did it. If you were told to do something, you got it done.”

• On choices:
  “We make choices every day, and if you don’t make the right choice, there are consequences.”

• On entrepreneurship vs. employment:
  “Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is the best way to create generational wealth.”

• On leadership:
  “There are very few things in life you can do alone. You need people, you need a team.”

• On success formula:
  “You control the inputs, and therefore you can charge what you want—as long as you generate enough value.”

• On entrepreneurial mindset:
  “Plan, Prepare, Produce, Pivot, Persevere.”

• Swahili proverb:
  “Every morning in the jungle, the lion wakes up running… The question becomes, who’s going to run the fastest?”

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#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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