Entrepreneurship isn’t some romanticized adventure where everything falls into place once you decide to start your own business. It’s raw, unpredictable, and it challenges you in ways you never expected. One thing I’ve learned through my own journey, and from speaking with incredible entrepreneurs like Mark Aylward, is that success comes from learning—learning to take ownership of your choices and, perhaps more importantly, knowing when to listen to the right people.
Mark’s story is real, no fluff, just the kind of gritty lessons you pick up only by living through them. From being a young father who suddenly had to grow up fast to selling his business and navigating the highs and lows of ownership, Mark’s journey is packed with experiences that will hit home for any entrepreneur.
Let’s dive into two big takeaways from our conversation that can help shape your own path.
Mentorship Can Change Everything—If You’re Paying Attention
Mark didn’t start out knowing he wanted to be a recruiter. In fact, like many of us, he was just figuring things out. But what changed the course of his life was an unexpected conversation with someone who would become his mentor. That moment lit the entrepreneurial spark in him. “I was sitting there, talking to this guy who recruited petrochemical engineers, and it just clicked. I asked how much he made per placement, and when he said $100K, I was like, ‘I’m going to be a recruiter.’”
Mark didn’t let the opportunity pass him by. He saw someone successful in a field he knew nothing about and instead of dismissing it, he leaned in. He paid attention, learned the ropes, and eventually helped his mentor build a consulting firm that sold for millions.
Here’s the thing: mentorship doesn’t just come in formal packages with fancy titles. Sometimes, the best mentors are the people you run into by chance, the ones who drop that nugget of wisdom when you’re ready to listen. As Mark said, “You could be sitting right next to your next mentor in a coffee shop and not even know it if you’re not paying attention.”
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Opportunities for mentorship are everywhere, but you have to be open to them.
- Learning through doing beats theory any day—Mark didn’t know a thing about recruiting, but he didn’t let that stop him.
- Execution is key—mentorship is only as good as your willingness to apply what you learn.
Entrepreneurship Means Owning Everything—Even the Tough Stuff
Mark didn’t sugarcoat it—entrepreneurship is a grind, and owning your decisions is the toughest part. One of the moments that stood out to me was when he talked about holding on to people too long. “I used to keep people way past the point where I knew they couldn’t deliver.” It’s one of those things that’s easy to relate to because we’ve all done it—held onto someone because we didn’t want to seem like the bad guy or because we hoped they’d somehow turn things around.
But Mark learned that being “nice” and being a good leader are two different things. “You can be friendly, but you can’t be friends in business. You’ve got to protect the entity that provides for you and others,” he said. It’s a reminder that running a business isn’t just about being liked—it’s about making hard calls that keep your business alive.
Mark also shared how crucial it is to hire the right people, not just warm bodies. For him, attitude, work ethic, and integrity matter more than experience on a resume. This approach is what helped him build successful teams that drove results. And when someone wasn’t right for the job, he had to let them go, but always with respect.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Don’t be afraid to make hard decisions—holding on to underperformers hurts everyone, including the business.
- Hiring for attitude beats hiring for skills—skills can be taught, but the right mindset is non-negotiable.
- Being nice doesn’t mean being weak—you can let people go with dignity, but you still have to do what’s best for your company.
Reflections from the Interview
Mark’s experience as an entrepreneur resonated with me on a personal level. He’s a guy who’s been through the trenches—building a company, making mistakes, and learning the hard way.
When Mark sold his business, he learned a valuable lesson about culture. He was offered an earn-out deal (where a portion of the sale price is dependent on future performance), and in hindsight, he wished he had taken all the money upfront. “We did our due diligence on the finances, but we didn’t on the culture,” he said. The acquiring company’s culture didn’t mesh with his, and it made the post-sale experience miserable.
For anyone looking to sell their business, his advice is simple: “Take the money and run.” Don’t get caught up in performance-based deals that tie your hands for years after the sale.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Culture matters—whether you’re hiring or selling, don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit.
- Take the money upfront—earn-outs can be risky, especially if the culture isn’t aligned.
- Learn to let go—sometimes, you need to step away from the business to let it grow or to move on.
- Be prepared to make sacrifices—entrepreneurship requires tough choices, both personally and professionally.
- Never stop learning—the entrepreneurial journey is one of constant growth. Don’t get too comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing you should take away from Mark’s journey, it’s this: entrepreneurship isn’t about being perfect or always making the right decisions. It’s about owning your path, learning from your mistakes, and keeping your eyes open for opportunities, especially when they come in the form of a mentor.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Seek out those who’ve been there, done that, and don’t be afraid to make the tough calls along the way.
Check out Mark Aylward’s full episode on Never Been Promoted: Self-Funding vs. Investor Money: Which Route Should You Take? | Mark Aylward
CONNECT WITH MARK AYLWARD:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylwardmark/
Website: https://www.7pillarsglobal.com/