My Journey Unveiled: From Entrepreneur to Educator to PURE COACH
In this condensed narrative, I invite you to explore my transformative journey as an educator, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner. These lessons have been drawn from a rich tapestry of experiences, from the pages of books to the wisdom of mentors, and most importantly, the stories of those I’ve had the privilege to coach. My mission is to distill these profound insights and timeless truths that are pivotal in achieving success.
STUDY – Drawing from Diverse Sources
Over the years, I’ve been inspired by numerous books, remarkable mentors, and exceptional teachers. Life has thrown its curveballs, compelling me to rediscover my passion and embrace my true calling multiple times. This journey brings us to the genesis of PURECOACH, a concept born in 2007. PURECOACH revolves around empowering individuals with Pure Coaching Techniques, encouraging them to become their own teachers. After all, success demands your dedication and effort.
the Journey
Let’s rewind to 1983 when I laid the foundation for Avant Salon, which served as my educational laboratory for four decades. By 1996, Avant had blossomed into a $5,000,000 company with five locations. I ventured into the realm of technology and business development, pioneering one of the first salons with an online presence at www.salon.com, eventually selling it. My expertise led me to present seminars, including appearances at the Chicago Midwest show and Serious Business events.
In 2004, I joined the pioneering team behind Aveda Business College (ABC) and introduced the “Benchmarking for Success” program, taking it nationwide. My insights were shared as I took the stage as a guest speaker at the Aveda Congress in 2005. In 2007, I recognized the need for personal coaching to effectively apply the information from my classes, leading to the birth of “PURECOACH.” By 2009, I was creating courses at Neil Quality College, contributing to developing a coaching software, SoCoach, and coaching over 40 top-tier salons. I had achieved many dreams, yet…
PLAN – Reflection and Renewal
Life events in 2009 prompted introspection, culminating in a significant decision in 2010. I bid farewell to my jet-setting lifestyle and decided to focus on my company from the comfort of Austin, Texas, where I could spend quality time with my beloved wife and three canine companions. The ensuing decade was marked by reflection and grounding, setting the stage for a major turning point—the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
The Pandemic Pivot
Amidst the global turmoil caused by the pandemic, I, at the age of 66, faced a pivotal choice. After 40 years as the “boss” and with a fresh 10-year lease on the horizon, I chose to step back and contemplate my true calling. Finding immense fulfillment in helping others grow, I left behind my thriving business in Austin, fastest-growing city in the US, to embrace a new chapter, PURECOACH.
Rediscovering “FLOW”
Exchanging a million-dollar home in Austin for a cozy farmhouse atop a pine-covered hill in Bastrop, I reconnected with those moments of “FLOW”—those instances where time seems to stand still. It reminds me of a line from one of my favorite books, “Walden Pond” by Henry David Thoreau:
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
ACT – The ReBirth of PURECOACH
This marked the rebirth of PURECOACH, brimming with a fresh perspective. Times have changed. The original PURECOACH aimed at scaling up, expanding from one location to three, feeling small as we grew big. But fast-forward a decade, and we’re in the era of the gig economy, solopreneurs, and free agents. Boutique companies are the new norm. My philosophy now? Small is the new big. Less is more. It’s about going from three locations back to one, maximizing profits, leveraging assets, and owning a piece of real estate instead of renting three spaces.
Nurturing All Aspects of Life
In my quest to empower everyone from food truck owners to multi-location enterprises, I conceived PURECOACH, a concept that encompasses the four cornerstones of life: Business, Personal, Spirit, and Social. I firmly believe that genuine success springs from nurturing all these facets of our lives. As I continue forward on this journey, I’m thrilled to share my wisdom and inspire others to find their unique “FLOW” in this incredible journey we call life.
My Vision: Make a Difference