In this week's podcast, host Dwayne Kerrigan speaks with, 17-year-old entrepreneur, Charlie Kerrigan, about his trajectory from a 14-year-old lawn mower to the founder of a lucrative landscaping business. The topics span from deviating from conventional educational norms and the crucial role of mentorship and discipline in business success, to the significance of understanding borderline business fundamentals like accounting. Charlie emphasizes the need for a focused mindset, wise time management, and productivity. In the subsequent emphasis on team building, they dissect how operational capacity can be influenced by unpredictable circumstances, such as weather. Dwayne underscores the study of financial statements as a driver of business performance and cites his experience with accounting courses as a valuable resource for budding entrepreneurs. The conversation is enveloped with admiration for Charlie's hard work and a mutual hope that such stories can inspire others to venture into entrepreneurship. Time Stamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:58] Guest Introduction and Early Entrepreneurial Journey [01:37] The Success Story: Building a Million Dollar Business [03:47] The Drive and Obsession Behind Success [09:17] The Role of Mentorship and Learning in Business Growth [20:09] The Impact of Education System on Entrepreneurial Spirit [27:09] The Importance of Systems in Business Growth [31:14] The Challenges of Scaling a Business [32:02] The Role of Mentorship in Industry [41:24] The Importance of Leadership in Business Growth [43:26] The Pitfalls of Promoting Hard Workers [43:42] The School System and Its Impact on Business [44:29] The Importance of Role Suitability in Promotions [45:25] The Value of Training and Education in Leadership [45:59] The Art of Delegation [48:05] The Role of an Assistant in Business [49:01] The Power of Asking the Right Questions [50:47] The Importance of Asking Quality Questions [51:16] Balancing Hard Work and Smart Work [51:27] The Challenge of Burnout and Maintaining Productivity [51:45] The Importance of Planning and Prioritizing [52:08] The Role of Different Identities in Business [01:15:10] The Power of Thinking Ahead in Business [01:17:36] The Importance of Understanding Accounting in Business [01:23:45] The Future of Business for Young Entrepreneurs Connect with Dwayne Kerrigan Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-kerrigan-998113281/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businessofdoingbusinessdk     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessofdoingbusinessdk/ Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Business of Doing Business are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Business of Doing Business is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.