I’ve got a story for you. It’s one of those stories that’s equally hilarious and enlightening, the kind of story that sticks with you because it’s so real. When Seth Prezant, founder of Hike Your Sales, joined me on the Never Been Promoted podcast, we kicked off with a tale about his first “business” venture—stealing mangoes from his neighbor’s yard and selling them to a local supermarket. Yeah, you read that right. At just eight years old, Seth managed to hustle his way into sales with stolen fruit.
“We walked into the store with mango juice dripping down our faces, and I asked to speak to the manager,” Seth told me, barely holding back a laugh. He and his friends ended up walking out with $35. It’s one of those moments where you realize this kid was already wired for sales—confidence, charm, and no fear of getting his hands a little dirty.
But Seth’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop at mangoes. In fact, his real journey came much later when he took the leap from corporate life to launching Hike Your Sales. What stood out to me in our conversation was how Seth sees entrepreneurship—not as some grand, flawless adventure but as constant ownership of every decision, failure, and success. Let’s dig into two key lessons from our conversation that really stuck with me.
Helping People Isn’t Just a Job—It’s Life-Changing
Seth shared this one story that hit me right in the gut. He talked about a sales rep he mentored. When she started, she was sleeping on a friend’s couch, didn’t have a car, and had very little sales experience. Fast forward 18 months, and she’s got her own place, and her own car, and she’s heading to the President’s Club.
For Seth, this was more than just a professional win—it was personal. “It wasn’t just about helping her hit the numbers,” he said. “It was about seeing her get her life together.” That’s a whole different level of leadership. Seth wasn’t just her boss—he was someone who empowered her to turn her life around. That’s the kind of impact we should all be aiming for, not just as leaders but as people.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Sales is about people first: Numbers are great, but if you’re not genuinely helping the people on your team grow, what’s the point?
- Mentorship is more than metrics: It’s easy to focus on sales targets, but the real win is seeing someone transform as a person.
- True leadership leaves a lasting impact: Seth wasn’t just building a team; he was helping individuals take control of their lives, and that’s something to strive for in any role.
The Ugly Truth About Entrepreneurship—It’s All On You
Seth didn’t sugarcoat the entrepreneurial grind. He described it as a constant mirror in your face, forcing you to confront yourself every day. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re walking around with a mirror in front of your face 24/7.” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more. There’s no hiding behind anyone else’s decisions. You own everything—your wins, your mistakes, all of it.
What I loved about Seth’s take is that he didn’t treat mistakes as something to fear. He embraced them, understanding that each one is a chance to learn and improve. That’s a refreshing mindset, especially in a world where people are terrified of failure. Entrepreneurship forces you to face your flaws head-on, and Seth leaned into that. He owned his journey, bumps and all, and that’s what sets real entrepreneurs apart.

What I Learned from His Experience:
- Mistakes are a part of the process: If you’re not messing up, you’re probably not trying hard enough. Seth’s mindset is that every mistake is an opportunity to get better.
- Ownership is non-negotiable: As an entrepreneur, you don’t get to blame anyone else when things go sideways. It’s all on you.
- It’s a daily grind, but worth it: Seth’s approach to entrepreneurship is simple—it’s a long game. You’re not going to get everything right, but you’ve got to keep showing up.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking with Seth really made me rethink a lot about leadership, entrepreneurship, and life in general. His no-nonsense, real-talk approach stood out because it wasn’t just about business success—it was about human success. Seth’s not just out there building sales teams; he’s genuinely impacting people’s lives. That’s the kind of work I think a lot of us want to do, even if we don’t always know how to get there.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Help others rise, and you rise too: You don’t climb to the top by stepping on people. You get there by lifting others up along the way.
- Own your journey—every part of it: Seth’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection. It’s about accountability.
- Failure is part of the deal: The sooner you accept that mistakes are going to happen, the quicker you can learn and move forward.
- Find joy in the grind: Seth clearly loves what he does, and that passion is what keeps him going, even when things get tough.
- Be present, always: Whether it’s in your business or with your family, being fully present is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Final Thoughts
Seth’s journey from the mango heist to Hike Your Sales is proof that entrepreneurship is messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons if you’re willing to learn. It’s not just about the wins—it’s about the process, the growth, and the impact you can have on others.
If there’s one thing Seth’s story reminded me of, it’s that real success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of showing up every day, embracing the hard stuff, and always pushing forward. Whether you’re building a sales team or launching a side hustle, the lessons are the same—own your path, help others along the way, and keep grinding.
Want to hear more of Seth’s insights and stories? Check out his full episode on Never Been Promoted: DON’T Ignore Continuous Sales Training with Seth Prezant
CONNECT WITH SETH PREZANT:
Website:https://www.hikeyoursales.co/