I had an interesting conversation with a young entrepreneur recently. He called me "Unc," which, honestly, made me realize just how much older I am than a lot of the folks grinding out here. But the conversation we had? That was the real gem. He asked me, "Why are you so invested in Detroit, especially when you could relocate to somewhere that looks like a better place to do business?"
And here's the thing: I love Detroit. I love the city, the culture, the people. It’s where I’m from—it’s where I get my grit. Detroiters are some of the most unique, hard-working people you’ll find anywhere. You can spot a Detroiter no matter where you are in the world. But even with all of that, I know there’s still a massive opportunity for growth in this city.
So why am I still here? It’s because building a business in Detroit isn’t about just making money—it’s an opportunity to build something that lasts. But that only happens if you’re willing to grind. Here’s what I mean:
Filter Out Those Who Are Constantly Looking for Shortcuts.
There are always people looking for an easy way out, trying to skip the hard work. The folks who aren’t willing to wake up early or get their hands dirty. Those are the ones who are just looking for a quick buck, and honestly, that’s not how you build anything meaningful. You’ve got to put in the work.
Here’s another way of thinking about it. So many yearn for the surface-level attention that comes with quick wins, visibility, and rewards. It’s like the top of a tree, reaching toward the sun, where there’s light and opportunity to be seen, known, and celebrated. It’s the “peacock” moment, where people can admire the success and the accouterments that come with it.
But what most don’t realize is that success isn’t just about what’s above the surface. The tree of success also grows downward, deep into the soil, where the real work happens—out of sight, in the dark, away from the spotlight. This is where the roadwork takes place: the preparation, the grit, the learning, and the integrity that form the foundation for long-term success.
It’s in this unseen growth that you build the skills, systems, and resilience needed to not only shine but to execute at the highest level when the time comes. While the top of the tree might catch attention, it’s the roots that ensure you’re able to stand tall, weather storms, and truly thrive.
Commit To Being a Learner.
If you’re not willing to learn, grow, and adapt, you’re never going to build a solid business. It’s not about knowing everything, but it is about constantly seeking knowledge and evolving. There are too many people out here who shy away from learning, and that’s a major barrier to success.
Integrity is Everything
When I talk about integrity, I’m not just referring to morals—I mean the ability to stay committed to your path, consistently showing up and doing the work without jumping from one thing to another or falling for the allure of every new shiny object. Integrity in business is about having the discipline to build your brand, your reputation, and your skill stacks over time.
It’s about staying focused, honing your craft, and accumulating the experience and talent needed to make you more valuable. By doing so, you build the kind of trust that allows you to thrive long-term.
Earning money is the easy part. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require much more than the ability to seize an opportunity - identify a need, present your solutions, and lean in with an ask - when it comes.
But building an ecosystem is an entirely different story.
It takes time, effort, and an unwavering commitment to learning and adapting. It’s about consistently showing up, being strategic, and making deliberate moves that set the foundation for something much bigger than just personal profit. It requires integrity in every step you take, ensuring that you’re not just building for yourself, but creating a structure that will sustain others and thrive over time. The difference is clear: earning money is temporary, but building an ecosystem is about long-term vision, sacrifice, and purpose-driven growth.
Once you weed out the people who aren’t in it for the long haul, the field becomes wide open. And that’s why I’m so bullish on Detroit. The competition here is minimal and thinned out.
So, to anyone out there who’s ready to grind, who’s committed to building something that matters, who’s willing to pay the price for success—this city is full of opportunities (at a discount) just waiting to be seized.
If you’re ready to grow… subscribe, schedule a meet up, or keep showing up.
As an aside, part of the reason why we launched on this platform is because we want to promote other entrepreneurs and grow givers. We’d love to hear your story.The world around us wasn’t built by the exceptional. It was built by everyday people who were willing to do exceptional things. Let’s build taller buildings together.
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