How a Restaurant Business at 18 Taught Me About Time, Connections, and Equity
When both parties honor their commitments, powerful growth can happen—not just for the business, but for you personally as well.
How a Restaurant Business at 18 Taught Me About Time, Connections, and Equity
Lesson: A Surprisingly Generous Offer
At 18, I found myself co-founding a restaurant that hit over $3 million in annual revenue—and it all started because of an unlikely partnership with someone twice my age. My mentor offered me a significant stake in her venture, even though she was the one with the funding and industry connections. Why? She valued my energy, time, and willingness to do whatever the business demanded. From washing dishes on a Saturday night to stepping in as a waiter, I was essentially the generalist who learned how to manage everything on the ground level, while she focused on higher-level strategy.
Insight: Leveraging Each Partner’s Strengths
- Use Time Wisely: While you’re able, invest your energy into hands-on experience. Time can be traded for skills and knowledge, and that’s often just as valuable as capital.
- Forge Connections: Opportunities don’t appear in a vacuum; they unfold when you place yourself in environments with people who share your ambitions or expertise.
- Two-Way Street: Every healthy relationship—business or otherwise—thrives on a fair exchange of value. Know what you’re bringing to the table, and be clear about what you expect in return.
When both parties honor their commitments, powerful growth can happen—not just for the business, but for you personally as well.
Action Item: Clarify Your Value Exchange
If you’re considering a partnership or already in one, list out what each party offers—capital, time, skills, connections—and align on expectations. A transparent, two-sided agreement sets the stage for success and mutual respect.
.png)
.jpg)
