College junior John Kasimatidis was living at home, working as a clerk in his family’s grocery store, and studying electrical engineering at New York University. It suited the smart New York immigrant who lived in Harlem.
His fortunes changed one day when his uncle asked if he wanted to take half of the store. He knew it would be a great opportunity, but he didn’t have the money to buy it.He decided on Sweat Equity.Basically, no pay in exchange for learning the business and earning a percentage. It’s one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
As John “Cats” said in his new book, “How far do you want to go? Lessons from a common-sense billionaire” He was “confident and young, it’s a powerful combination.” In less than a year, he was making $1,000 a month. “It was a lot of money in 1969.”
“I learned a lot from that store,” he wrote. I am not joking. By age 24, he was making $1 million a year. This initial work experience helped him develop principles that would guide his future business experience. These common-sense principles sound simple, but are difficult to achieve and are the foundation for “building successful businesses of all kinds in all sectors.” It all comes down to the product, the customer and the team.
From start to finish, the book has two sentiments integrated into Mr. Katsimatidis’s successful life. He is truly grateful for his accomplishments thus far and the privilege of being an American. On the first page of the book, he dedicates the book to the many who have “enriched my life” with “wisdom to succeed”, thanking him for the “extremely lucky life” he has lived. I’m here. Throughout the book, his wife plays a central role in decision making. After 35 years of marriage, it doesn’t get any better.
It’s often said that one of the secrets of happiness is deep introspection of gratitude. Catsimatidis translates this into art. While he repeatedly downplays the importance of money, he expresses gratitude for the way it can make a difference in people’s lives through job creation, philanthropy, and caring for others. (Related: Dennis Prager: When activism trumps business, banks fail)
In every chapter, Kachmatidis’s immigrant background and belief in America are central to his ragged wealth success. “I wrote this book because I want to give back to this wonderful country that has given me so many amazing opportunities. The American Dream is real to me and could be real to anyone. “I believe in America’s promise,” he continued, “and I hope to inspire others to be the best they can be.”
Despite his success, by the end of the book Catz expresses enthusiasm for new business opportunities, new experiences, and new chapters in his already fulfilling life. Like many people, he is “trying to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life.”
What sets the 74-year-old apart from other success stories is his drive and enthusiasm for new experiences. He calls himself a “hurricane” of energy and doesn’t want to sit all day and play “golf.”His company, Red His Apple, his group, is named one of America’s largest privately held companies by Forbes each year. rated as one of He went from grocery store clerk to store owner to founder of a vast empire in real estate, energy, sports, finance and media.
Catsimatidis’ book is an American success story, filled with common sense advice and words of wisdom that enable everyone to ‘do what they want’. He concludes the book with a list of things he’s worked on to complete his entire life, but they’re worth reading.
Tips for success:
- I can’t win because I’m afraid of losing.
- Know your products, customers and vendors better than they do themselves and treat them like family.
- Hire people who know more than you and inspire them to do their job.
- People do what you find out, not what you expect.
- Mentors are very valuable, but take only the best from each mentor.
- Always looking for the next opportunity.
- I own real estate.
- Great success comes with great effort.
- Take reasonable risks – somewhere between reasonable and risky.
- The right time to negotiate is when the other side needs a deal.
- Find allies in unexpected places and come up with mutually beneficial ideas.
- Time is the most precious commodity. Use every second intentionally.
- No failure is allowed.
- Help others at every opportunity. You will benefit as much as they do.
- Give your all to the people you love the most.
- enjoy.
Richard Weinberg was a former New York Supreme Court Judge, former General Counsel for the NYC Council, and General Counsel for the Red Apple Group.
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