Family support can be a driving force behind entrepreneurial success. In Kip Marlow’s book “Rebels with a Cause: Small Business Stories from the Trenches,” the experiences of entrepreneurs like Jerry Cirino illustrate the significance of family backing in the world of business. In this blog, we will explore how family support shapes entrepreneurship, using Jerry Cirino’s story as a prime example.
The Influence of Family Background
Jerry Cirino’s journey from a small town upbringing to becoming a successful CEO, consultant, and Ohio State Senator is a testament to the influence of one’s family background. Raised in Little Italy, Cleveland, by a barber father, Jerry’s upbringing instilled in him important values that later played a pivotal role in his business success.
Building a Strong Work Ethic
Entrepreneurship often demands hard work and dedication. Jerry’s family background, rooted in a blue-collar neighborhood, provided him with a strong work ethic from an early age. The lesson here is that the principles of dedication and persistence learned within a family environment can become valuable assets for an entrepreneur.
Support from Loved Ones
Family support is not limited to financial backing. Emotional support, encouragement, and understanding are equally important. Jerry’s wife, Donna, stood by his side as he ventured into the world of business and politics. Her role in managing their nine children and thirty-seven grandchildren allowed Jerry to focus on his career.
Incorporating Family Values
Entrepreneurs like Jerry often integrate the values they learned from their families into their business practices. In Jerry’s case, his commitment to God, family, and community became the foundation of his personal and professional life. These values can guide decision-making, ethics, and the way you treat both employees and customers.
Success as a Family Endeavor
Jerry’s story showcases how entrepreneurship can be a family endeavor. His success is not solely his own; it is a testament to the support, values, and work ethic ingrained in him by his family.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Embrace Your Roots: Recognize and embrace the values and work ethic you’ve inherited from your family. These qualities can be your greatest strengths as an entrepreneur.
Seek Emotional Support: Surround yourself with a support system that believes in your dreams. Whether it’s a spouse, parents, or siblings, their emotional support can keep you motivated during the challenging moments.
Integrate Family Values: Let the values instilled in you by your family guide your business decisions. Honesty, integrity, and commitment to community can shape your business’s culture and reputation.
Family Engagement: Consider involving family members in your entrepreneurial journey. Their unique skills and perspectives can be assets to your business.
In conclusion, the stories in “Rebels with a Cause: Small Business Stories from the Trenches” highlight the profound impact of family support and values on entrepreneurial success. Jerry Cirino’s journey underscores how family background and support can shape not only an entrepreneur’s business but also their character and commitment to their community. Embracing and applying these lessons can pave the way for a successful entrepreneurial journey.