Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Corrin Haskell moved Oakland, California in the mid-nineties to pursue a teaching career after graduating from the University of Washington. Currently, he has been teaching 5th grade at Brookfield Elementary in Oakland, CA for the past 25 years. He also coaches a variety of sports teams and is involved with many community programs surrounding the school. Recently he was recognized as an “All-Star Educator” by the NBA Cares programs and has done a lot of work with the Learn Fresh non-profit education company. In addition, he founded and ran the reggae/dancehall record label, Lustre Kings Productions, for 2 decades, before moving into the world of children’s literature. Passing Gas in Class is his second novel, as he published he debut book in 2020, entitled The WaterHole. This is one of many children’s books he has written and hopes to release in the coming years.
Where did the idea for Haskell’s Hustles come from?
I started the Haskell’s Hustles site to combine my various businesses into one location and to shine light on the sale of the kids’ books I have written. (based on my last name). The name Lustre Kings productions’ (record label) name came from a parking garage in downtown Seattle, WA that my friends used to park in in high school. Noted by sign stating “reserved for Lustre Kings”.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My days are action packed. I get up early and get my daughter ready for school (solo parent). Then I go to my school and teach elementary school all day. After school, I coach sports. Then I pick up my daughter and take her to her events, cook dinner, and then grade papers, etc. I have no choice but to make it “productive”, as there are a lot of people depending on me.
Don’t ask me where I have time to squeeze in all other creative endeavors. (usually in between the routine, or on holidays, weekends, and summer breaks)
How do you bring ideas to life?
Nothing to it, but to do it. Block out everything and manifest my ideas.
Then make a step-by-step checklist on how I will make it happen.
What’s one trend that excites you?
To be honest, I try not to follow “trends”. I am hoping to create them instead, that will really excite me.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
My work ethic, and focus. When I am locked in, nothing can sidetrack me. I don’t stop until I am where I want to be. Establish a routine and a checklist. This has been successful as an approach.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t listen to your insecurities, you are capable of anything.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
You can do whatever you want to do. Gotta believe and put in the work, and it will happen.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Stay persistent. establish a routine, and surround yourself with good support.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Build a solid team. Give it attention every day. Don’t listen to “nay-sayers”. If you have a good support team around you, always providing motivation and ideas, it is easier to keep pushing yourself.
Like a plant, you must give it attention every day if you want it to flourish.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Occasionally squandering limited funds.
Overcame it, and kept it moving forward. Didn’t getting discouraged, and found other ways to secure funding..
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start a business / product offering something to children. You’ll have endless clientele, and always more to come in the future.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Recently, probably all the healthy food I’ve been buying regularly. If you are well-fueled, you will have more energy to accomplish your goals.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
This is an area where I would like to expand. I am not super tech savvy, so usually have to hire folks to help with this. I will say Paypal (for lack of better idea) as they help me manage the finances of my various businesses.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Mine of course, The WaterHole & Passin Gas in Class. (Your kids will love them)
I read a lot, so it is hard for me to pick one.
What is your favorite quote?
“I’m just bout that action, boss” – Marshawn Lynch
“Don’t look back, something may be gaining on you” – Satchel Paige
Key Learnings:
- Don’t place people in a box that may limit them; you never know what people are capable of when motivated.
- Don’t make assumptions.
- Always believe in yourself and your ideas. If you don’t, who will??
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.