S1E9: Lessons from a Life of Entrepreneurship | Rob Smith

What do Aerospace, Coffee, Whiskey, Yoga, Fine Art, and Concert Venues have in common? Our guest in Episode 9, Rob Smith!

In this episode Rob shares his story and the lessons he's learned throughout a highly decorated and diverse career as an entrepreneur and business leader. He's the Executive Chairman of Acutec Precision Aerospace, a member of the board for Women's Services Inc, Allegheny College, Crawford County Chamber of Commerce, and the Aerospace Industries Association.  He's also been investing back into the community of Meadville, PA in a big way, renovating commercial properties and opening a myriad of other businesses.

Rob's story is inspiring, and the wisdom he shares is meaningful. From a 20yr succession plan at his family business to the importance of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), this episode hits on A LOT of really important topics that both business owners and emerging leaders will benefit from. A BIG thanks to Rob for sitting down with us! If you're reading this...just hit play now!

 

Links & Resources:

• https://acutecprecision.com/
• https://www.yogaspotmeadville.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/CussewagoCreekDistillery
• https://www.facebook.com/frenchcreekcoffeetea/
• https://www.frenchcreekframing.com/
• Coming Soon - Cussewago Square in Meadville, PA
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-smith-76475913/

Quoteworthy Moments:

• 00:12:26 - "We screwed up and, and this is what we're going to do to get it better."
• 00:18:23 - "Let them go out in the world, let them cut their teeth, let them make their own way, let them do their own thing, let them get their head kicked in a few times, let them find out that they're not perfect."
• 00:35:12 - "Rob, you are one lucky son of a bitch. Everything you do turns out to work."
• 00:42:52 - "It means every day you have to get better at what you're doing. Every day. Somebody else is trying to figure out how to take your business from you."
• 00:48:18 - "Life is unfair. Learn while you're young."
• 00:49:32 - "You're going to get a lot of crap thrown at you. It's what you do with it, is what makes you successful."
• 00:55:09 - "Whereas an ESOP is as the company does well, we all do well."
• 01:12:39 - "Work your ass off. Okay. Don't be afraid to work past five. Don't be afraid that when someone needs you on a weekend, figure out how to do it, you can bitch and moan about it, but do it. Do that. Take that extra step. And the other one is don't wait for somebody to tell you to do something. You see it needs to be done. Do it. All of a sudden people around you go, hey, this person's taking initiative. They're doing what needed to be done."
• 01:14:02 - "You've got to promote yourself. Don't hesitate."