The Kurty D Show

036 - Hack My Business with Jesse Torres

Episode Summary

What sort of pressure would you feel if your parents moved to America to make a better life for you? This week I'm excited to share my conversation with my friend, Jesse Torres - the first-generation American that has found an amazing niche bridging the gaps between the private and public sectors. Jesse is the owner and principal of a minority-owned consulting firm specializing in economic and workforce development, particularly in small business development and disaster preparedness, response, and resiliency programs. He’s also the founder and creator of the podcast Hack My Business. Jesse contributes to our community here in Los Angeles by serving on the City of Los Angeles Small Business Commission and the boards of Associated Students UCLA, Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles, and Union Station Homeless Services. If making the world a better place is your jam; I think you’ll find this interview worth digging into. I just loved learning more about my friend Jesse Torres and find his hard work and humility inspiring. Oh, and his podcast called “Hack My Business” rocks! I was on the show recently, and we got into this concept of “Imagine the Day” that has transformed my life, and I was delighted to share. Having said all that- we need more Jesses in the world! Please go to KurtyD.com to subscribe to my newsletter and see the special content I’ve created. On to today's show- here’s Jesse…..

Episode Notes

What we covered:

How COVID has changed everyone’s perspective, especially regarding employment.
A disciplined mindset from childhood can help make you much more efficient as an adult.
It’s not always about how long you’ve worked or how many jobs you’ve had, but how much you’ve learned from them in the first place.
A career path isn’t always linear unless you’re in a specialized practice.
Your career isn’t always set in stone; sometimes, you just need to find out what you’re good at and what you need to do the hard way.
A loving community can help you with your growth, both personally and professionally.
How small business owners can make the best of their situation using government-provided services (like sba.gov)

Tweetable Quotes:

“The main takeaway from the pandemic is that we shine a light on just how important community, communication, and interpersonal relationships are. And when we shattered those opportunities for people to connect, how quickly we kind of devolved into real negativity,” - Jesse Torres

“There are tremendous amounts of resources available for small business owners nowadays.” - Jesse Torres

“Nothing comes easy all the time. Sometimes, the most important lessons come from failures.” - Jesse Torres

“To be successful, you need to drive yourself right and learn how to become your own boss.” - Jesse Torres

“I’m a big believer in great things that come from creating teams and connecting others.” - Jesse Torres

“I think everyone’s trying to figure out what the world’s going to look like,” - Jesse Torres

Links Mentioned:

Mike Sams

California Small Business Development Center Network

Dojo Man

Geffen Playhouse

Pepperdine University

Real Vision

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Sta. Barbara

U.S. Small Business Administration