top of page
Search

The Grit Behind Entrepreneurial Success

Paul Jarrett & Kori Grillo on the First Episode of Succession


In this conversation, I share a little with Kori on my entrepreneurial journey (so far), detailing my beginnings in a trailer park, my determination to succeed, and the founding of Bulu Box. We discuss the challenges of raising capital, the importance of resilience, and the dynamics of working with my Co-Founder (who I happen to be married to 😉). We have seen success and failure as we have grown, but this entrepreneurial journey has always taken grit. We highlight the lessons learned from failures and successes in business, emphasizing the value of experience and grit in achieving long-term goals. You'll leave with some takeaways for your own entrepreneurial journey as I highlight various challenges and lessons learned while scaling Bulu. We go over the importance of understanding cash flow, hiring the right talent, and navigating the impact of the pandemic on Bulu. The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability in leadership and the significance of community support for entrepreneurs.


Paul Jarrett & Kori Grillo's headshots on a purple background that reads SE 01 E 02 of Succession: The Grit Behind Entrepreneurial Success with Paul Jarrett

Listen to it where you listen to podcasts! 🎙️




  • Paul grew up in a trailer park but had supportive parents.

  • Entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in him from a young age.

  • He learned the importance of hard work and determination early on.

  • Paul faced many rejections while seeking advertising internships.

  • He sent out 300 packages to ad agencies in New York City.

  • Bulu Box was one of the first sample box companies.

  • Resilience and grit are crucial for long-term success in business.

  • Failures often outnumber successes in entrepreneurship.

  • Raising capital can be both a blessing and a curse.

  • Working with a partner requires strong communication and understanding. Starting a business often involves ignorance, which can be bliss.

  • Hiring people smarter than you is crucial for growth.

  • Understanding cash flow is essential for business sustainability.

  • Vulnerability in leadership opens doors for mentorship and guidance.

  • The pandemic forced a reevaluation of business strategies and client relationships.

  • Effective communication is vital during transitions in leadership.

  • Building a supportive community is important for entrepreneurs.

  • Scaling a business requires adapting to new challenges and infrastructure needs.

  • Learning from mistakes is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

  • Future ventures should focus on filling gaps in the market.


Sound Bites

  • "I grew up dirt poor in a trailer park."

  • "You just have to go work for it."

  • "I sent out 300 packages to ad agencies."

  • "Ignorance is bliss for entrepreneurs."

  • "We were afraid to hire people smarter than us."

  • "I was Googling how to shut down a business."


Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Housekeeping

03:00 - Entrepreneurial Roots and Early Experiences

05:53 - College Life and Career Choices

09:59 - The Pursuit of Advertising Internships

12:03 - Launching Bulu Box

16:57 - Resilience and Determination in Business

19:59 - Raising Capital and Scaling Challenges

22:30 - The Journey Begins: Ignorance is Bliss

24:58 - Scaling Challenges: From Start-Up to Growth

28:00 - Understanding Cash Flow: The Hard Lessons

31:03 - Hiring for Success: Embracing Vulnerability

34:01 - Pandemic Impact: Navigating Uncertainty

38:55 - Communication During Transition: The CEO's Dilemma

42:58 - Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Community Support


Comments

bottom of page