During his time as an irrigation specialist and representative at Forever Green, Inc., in Charleston, South Carolina, Seth McAlhany oversaw the promotion and sale of various irrigation products. He also assisted clients with irrigation product support and troubleshooting. Seth McAlhany gained particular experience with commercial sector clients.
Moreover, Seth McAlhany gained considerable customer relations experience as an irrigation product representative at Forever Green. He excelled at providing tailored product solutions that prioritized the unique water efficiency needs of commercial clients.
Before gaining sales experience at Forever Green, Seth McAlhany served in customer service and customer relations roles at Harris Teeter and Chick-fil-A. He has also worked as a line cook at Charleston’s Swig and Swine.
Mr. McAlhany maintains a forklift operator, units moving, and portable storage certification. Apart from his interest in sales and customer relations, Mr. McAlhany continues studying to become a commercial pilot. He also enjoys spending time outdoors skiing, boating, and fishing.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day for me starts early, with a morning and gym routine from 5:30 to 7:00 am. From 7 to 8, I focus on answering emails related to leads and work. Then, I spend the bulk of my day, from 9 to 6, at work. Afterwards, I take time from 6 to 8 to have dinner and relax. Evenings from 8 to 10 are reserved for spending time with friends, and I wrap up my day between 10 and 11 by reflecting and winding down before bed. This routine helps me balance productivity, social time, and self-care.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life begins with gaining clarity. Understanding exactly what you want to create and why it matters. Once the vision is clear, the next step is to break it down into manageable parts or actionable steps. From there, it’s important to start building early, even if imperfectly, to create momentum. Seeking feedback along the way helps refine the idea and align it with real-world needs or expectations. Consistent action is key to progress, as is learning to navigate resistance, whether internal doubts or external obstacles, with resilience and adaptability.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me is special computing, particularly spatial computing, which involves technologies like augmented reality (AR). By 2026, this field is expected to surpass $200 billion in value. Spatial computing promises to create seamless worlds where virtual and physical realities merge, transforming how we interact with technology and our environment.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
A habit that helps boost my productivity starts each morning by asking myself what one to three most-important tasks I need to tackle that day. Focusing on these key priorities helps me stay organized and ensures that I make meaningful progress, ultimately making my day a success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self advice, I would say never stop dreaming big. Life is not a straight line, and you do not need to have everything figured out right away. It is okay to feel uncertain or uncomfortable, as that is often where the most meaningful growth happens. Embrace the journey, trust the process, and keep pushing forward.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Something I believe that many people don’t is that boredom is a superpower, not a problem. It’s a gateway to creativity and deeper thinking. Most good ideas come when your brain isn’t overwhelmed with constant input or distractions. Boredom creates the mental space needed for curiosity to grow and for new connections to form. When you stop trying to numb the boredom with endless scrolling or noise, your mind begins to wander—and that’s where real innovation and insight often begin. It’s in those quiet, unoccupied moments that your brain starts searching for better questions, deeper thoughts, and more meaningful work.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I do that I highly recommend is listening to motivational videos on YouTube. It’s an amazing way to start the day with a positive mindset and a sense of purpose. These videos help set the tone for the rest of the day, keeping me focused, energized, and ready to take on challenges. Just a few minutes of inspiration in the morning can make a big difference in how you approach your goals and handle obstacles.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed, I do a simple three-minute reset, along with a short prayer. I stop everything I’m doing, take a few deep breaths, and give myself a moment to pause. During this time, I ask myself what’s actually important right now. This quick reset helps me calm my mind, refocus, and regain perspective, so I can move forward with more clarity and intention.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy I use that has really helped me advance is documentation. I make a habit of writing down literally everything I learn. This practice not only helps me stay organized but also plays a big role in helping me retain information. By putting thoughts, lessons, and insights into writing, I’m able to review, reflect, and build on what I’ve learned over time. It turns each experience into something I can reference and grow from.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure that stands out is when I took on a big project without fully understanding the scope or recognizing my own limits. I was overly confident and didn’t take the time to properly assess what was required. As a result, I became overwhelmed, missed important deadlines, and ultimately let down some people who were counting on me. It was a tough experience, but it taught me the importance of preparation, honest self-assessment, and setting realistic expectations.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A strong business idea is to develop and market smart gutter lighting systems that combine sleek, invisible design with advanced smartphone control. This product addresses the common frustrations of traditional outdoor lighting, such as seasonal installation hassles, bulky fixtures, and limited customization. By offering a year-round solution that is easy to install, energy efficient, and fully customizable via a mobile app, the business can tap into a growing market of homeowners who want stylish, hassle-free lighting to enhance their home’s curb appeal and security.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that’s really helped me is Notion. It’s an all-in-one workspace that offers everything you could ever need to keep track of your notes, manage tasks, and organize databases. Notion’s flexibility allows me to customize it to fit my workflow perfectly, whether I’m planning projects, storing important information, or tracking daily to-dos. Having everything in one place helps me stay organized and productive without juggling multiple apps.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
My favorite book is Atomic Habits by James Clear, which teaches the powerful idea that tiny, incremental changes can lead to massive transformations over time. The core message revolves around the habit loop—cue, routine, and reward—and how understanding and shaping this loop can help build lasting, positive habits while breaking negative ones. This book offers practical strategies for making small improvements every day that compound into significant success, making it an inspiring and valuable read for anyone looking to create meaningful change in their life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Novocaine is a unique film that stands out for its blend of wit and mystery, making it one I always enjoy watching.
Key learnings
- Establishing a daily routine help you balance productivity, social time, and self-care.
- A clear vision, actionable steps, early action, and consistent feedback and refinement form the foundation for bringing ideas to life.
- Consistent productivity and meaningful progress are the combined result of establishing a routine, prioritizing tasks daily, and embracing boredom.
- Commitment to continuous learning yields personal and professional gains.