At 19 years old, Garrett Mintz was facing a future that looked very different from the one he's living today.
After dealing drugs from ages 15 to 19, Garrett received five felony distribution charges, was expelled from Indiana University, and faced the possibility of prison. Then something happened that would change the trajectory of his life.
People believed in him.
Garrett describes having people who saw something in him that he couldn't yet see in himself. One of those people gave him an internship despite knowing the risk involved. Others opened doors, made introductions, and helped him discover another way to channel something he'd been searching for all along: the desire to be needed.
Garrett eventually found that outlet through mentorship.
Today, Garrett is the founder and CEO of Ambition in Motion, where his work centers on helping leaders become better versions of themselves and creating workplaces where people can thrive.
This conversation goes far beyond Garrett's remarkable story.
We talk about persistence, entrepreneurship, mentorship, taking risks, finding meaningful work, recognizing opportunity, learning through experimentation, knowing when to quit, and what happens when someone gives another person a chance.
Garrett also shares something I think every entrepreneur needs to hear: the early years weren't glamorous. For five years, he didn't take a salary from his company. He bartended, served tables, and drove Uber while continuing to build the business.
Eventually, those small actions and years of persistence compounded.
Maybe that's one of the biggest lessons from Garrett's story.
Someone may open the door for you. But you still have to be willing to walk through it.
About Garrett: Garrett Mintz is the founder and CEO of Ambition In Motion where he connects executives with each other to help them work through their most pressing challenges in a peer group format. His vision is a world where the vast majority of people are excited to go to work; when they are there, their expectations meet reality; and when they come home, they feel fulfilled. He believes leaders are at the heart of this mission, as leaders create the experiences employees have at work.
Connect with Garrett: https://ambition-in-motion.com/
