Follow your heart and do whatever your instincts tell you. Take risks or be conservative, but always do what you believe in. Don’t second-guess yourself.
A.D. Dolphin, grandson of 1940’s and 50’s music mogul John Dolphin, launched his company, Dherbs Inc., in 2004. Dherbs catalyzed an evolution in the use of herbs as a clear pathway to excellent health, healing, and an improved way of life. A.D. explains, “I always knew I would be an entrepreneur. Everyone in my family owned their own businesses and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
He pursued a career as a professional basketball player and found success overseas in Australia. Upon returning home from Australia A.D. began coaching and professionally training. His reputation grew rapidly and amassed 300 private basketball students in under 2 months. “I saw how clients learned and what worked for them,” Dolphin says. “I trained each client not only according to their desires, but also to their needs.” Dolphin became a trusted ally, friend, and mentee of his high profile clients.
Sideline conversations propelled A.D into real estate & music, but he found the most success with his herbal supplement business, Dherbs. A.D. road tested what is still the company’s #1 product to date, the Full Body Cleanse. Within 7 days of the 20-day cleanse, Dolphin felt that his energy increased, his sleep was better, his thoughts were clearer, and he kicked his soda addiction. Dolphin decided to launch Dherbs as an online company. ‘I didn’t even have an email”, he laughs.
Since 2004 when A.D. and his 2 partners opened the virtual doors of Dherbs.com, they have not looked back. After over a decade of growth and success, A.D. is in the herb business to stay. “There is nothing like the feeling you get when you start helping people.”
Dolphin’s philosophy is simple and clear, “The body can heal itself if it has the right fuel.” Dherbs has over 400 herbal products that can help remedy a variety of health ailments. A.D. does not rest on the laurels of financial success. He has a thirst for knowledge and information to share with clients that distinguishes him as a leader in the field of health and wellness.
Where did the idea for your business come from?
After my career as a basketball player, the training lessened I began gaining weight. A friend introduced me to cleansing, which changed my life for the better. After experimenting with different cleanses, I felt that I could create a better cleanse that wasn’t on the market. I hired an herbalist and the rest is history.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I meet with my team of advisors and we go over daily objectives for every aspect of the business. If we aren’t meeting your goals, then action must be taken to ensure success. I like to be involved in every aspect of the company, so I always check in with every sector of the company.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Not every idea comes into being the same exact way, so it’s hard to give a concrete answer. The best thing I can say is to never stop working until you see them through. If you aren’t actively trying to get things done, then your chances of bringing ideas to life aren’t as high.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Social media. There are so many avenues and possibilities when it comes to online strategies, and if done right, it is essentially free promotion for your business.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I become obsessed with my work and go to great lengths to see something through to the end. There have been many sleepless nights, but that happens when you’re determined to accomplish things.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I have always been an entrepreneur. I have owned a vending machine business, bought and sold real estate, and coached basketball, so I have never worked for anyone. There has never been a worst job, so to speak, but my entrepreneurial endeavors lead me to a something I am passionate about.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do a single thing differently. Everything worked out, one way or another, and I’m completely happy with the path I chose.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Follow your heart and do whatever your instincts tell you. Take risks or be conservative, but always do what you believe in. Don’t second-guess yourself.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
It is important to surround yourself with a great team of people. Having the opinions of people you can really trust is one of the most important aspects of a successful business.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Every failure has helped me succeed. If I can pinpoint one thing, it would be when I decided to trust a business partner who didn’t share the same vision as I did. This is why it is crucial to surround yourself with trustworthy people who share your vision.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start an Internet company because of the technological world we live in. Online businesses are the future, and you always want to be moving forward with the times. Plus, it doesn’t take that much upfront money to get an online company going.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Since fitness and health are integral aspects of my life, my recent $100 purchase was a pair of Nike Air Max. I work out in them all the time and they are absolutely great.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
As an online company, you always have to explore different web services. We currently use WordPress, various social media channels, online advertisement, and Internet radio. Each one provides a different service that allows us to interact with different demographics.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I recommend Steve Harvey’s book, Jump. It is all about trying to attain your goals. He explains that succeeding in life comes down to self-motivation, the ability to stay focused, and a desire to constantly better whatever it is you are doing.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
Michael Jordan, Howard Deutchman, Mark Attanasio, and William Barnum.
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.