A Simple Conversation with Donald Trump

My father was a small business owner so I grew up with the thought that I would do the same thing. Well, when I turned 18 things changed. Most of my friends were headed off to college and I wanted to have the same experience. I headed off to NYU and my main focus was “where was the next party at?” 

My freshman year came and went without me actually figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. In the middle of my sophomore year I started working part time at a catering company that focused on large charity events in downtown NYC. Why catering? Well, my friend knew a friend that knew someone’s uncle…you get the picture. There was one event that supposedly Donald Trump was suppose to attend but I was not on the crew list to work it and it didn’t bother me that I would miss it. I made my plans for the night and the company called saying they needed extra help for the night. I tried to get out of it but it was one of those, “We’re not asking you, we’re telling you to be here at 6 sharp.” 

The event was actually a lot of fun despite dealing with some of the typical people you see in NY that think they are better than anyone else. I had not seen Donald Trump most of the night but heard he was around and in the VIP area which wasn’t my area to roam. As people started dwindling and we started the long cleanup process, I walked over near the VIP area to help and standing right behind me was Mr. Trump. My dad was a huge fan of him and for some reason that was all I could say to him in that moment. He smiled and said, “Your dad is an entrepreneur?” When I answered yes, he says to me, “Why are not working with him and learning from his knowledge?” Still stunned that the Donald was speaking to me, I just blurted out, “I don’t know that I have it in me to be an entrepreneur and the drive to push forward.” He laughed and then said, “Your story is just beginning and why on earth are you spending it doing this? Get over your fear, make some mistakes while learning from them and get out there.” 

After he said what he had to say, he walks away and then turns around with his million dollar smile and says, “What are you waiting for? Go!” Since that day I dropped out of NYU and went back to Virginia to help my dad with his insurance business. I don’t know why I ventured off and it took Mr. Trump to talk some sense into me but I am forever grateful that he took 5 minutes of his time to do so. I know I am one of the few people who ever get to have an opportunity like I did so listen to what I’m about to say:

It’s OKAY to not know what you want to do in life. Don’t waste precious time on going to parties and becoming friends with people that won’t be there for you tomorrow. Don’t sacrifice doing what makes you happy for anyone, the right person or people will be there to support you along the road. Get over the fact that you might be working with family in business, it’s not as bad as you think. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or failure, it’s going to happen no matter how hard you try not to. If someone helps you, never forget it and try to return the favor at some point because you want to and not because you have to. So what are you waiting for? Get out there.

I Am A Mom and Pop.

Peter Posen 

This photo represents so many things for me and my family. This is where my parents opened and started their store in TN. My mom and Aunt are taking a break and letting the kids (I’m the blonde) have their play time outside the store. I have been blessed to have a family that not only loves me the way they do but also has taught me so many valuable things about business and life. They instilled values that I will never forget and showed me what it meant to be a hard working small business person truly is. I’ve seen them go through constant ups and downs through running a business but ultimately it’s made them who they are today. I’ve joined the family business and wouldn’t trade it for the world. We are still going strong despite the economic times right now but I wish more people would actually think back on the true meaning of what a small business is.  I Am A Mom And Pop  - Michelle 
View Separately

This photo represents so many things for me and my family. This is where my parents opened and started their store in TN. My mom and Aunt are taking a break and letting the kids (I’m the blonde) have their play time outside the store. I have been blessed to have a family that not only loves me the way they do but also has taught me so many valuable things about business and life. They instilled values that I will never forget and showed me what it meant to be a hard working small business person truly is. I’ve seen them go through constant ups and downs through running a business but ultimately it’s made them who they are today. I’ve joined the family business and wouldn’t trade it for the world. We are still going strong despite the economic times right now but I wish more people would actually think back on the true meaning of what a small business is. 

I Am A Mom And Pop 

- Michelle 

This is my view every morning as I head into work. I sit back and think about all the things I have to get done for the day but then I think to myself, “Thank goodness I do what I love.” I started a small restaurant a few years ago and had numerous people tell me that I would not last a year. It has now been going strong for 7 years. Sure we have had our bumps in the road but who doesn’t as a small business owner? When I first started, I had someone from a large competing business come into my place one day and he said to me, “Why don’t we just go ahead and buy you out right now to put you out of your misery?” Stunned from what he said, I quickly gave him a cup of coffee and told him, “It’s on the house because if you don’t leave right now it might just end up in your lap.” Since that day I have made it my goal to completely not give up no matter what it takes. I don’t come from a long line of family members who owned businesses but I am so happy that I took the leap and wouldn’t change a thing. I am proud to be a small business that works hard to make a living and provide for my family. Life is too short, if you want to start a business then do it.  I Am A Mom And Pop - Grace 
Pop-upView Separately

This is my view every morning as I head into work. I sit back and think about all the things I have to get done for the day but then I think to myself, “Thank goodness I do what I love.” I started a small restaurant a few years ago and had numerous people tell me that I would not last a year. It has now been going strong for 7 years. Sure we have had our bumps in the road but who doesn’t as a small business owner? When I first started, I had someone from a large competing business come into my place one day and he said to me, “Why don’t we just go ahead and buy you out right now to put you out of your misery?” Stunned from what he said, I quickly gave him a cup of coffee and told him, “It’s on the house because if you don’t leave right now it might just end up in your lap.” Since that day I have made it my goal to completely not give up no matter what it takes. I don’t come from a long line of family members who owned businesses but I am so happy that I took the leap and wouldn’t change a thing. I am proud to be a small business that works hard to make a living and provide for my family. Life is too short, if you want to start a business then do it. 

I Am A Mom And Pop

- Grace