Gregg Jantz Jr

Any time I get a good idea, I implement it promptly in order to maximize on its effectiveness.

 

Gregg Jantz Jr. is the perfect example that one can make it big in business, at any age. He started Edmond Segway Tours, a Segway sale and rentals Company, at the age of 11. The company has been a huge success and for the close to a decade that it has been in existence, it has become a respected brand in the Segway business. Gregg attributes this success to discipline, focus and perseverance. Like all other startups, Gregg went through lots of challenges in the early stages of his business. It was only through perseverance, and the discipline to stay the course, that he has been able to grow this business. Gregg also attributes his success to mentorship from his parents, who are successful in their own right. When not at the company, Gregg is a full time college student. He also loves riding Segways for fun. In fact, this passion was the basis for his business. It is not uncommon to see him and his friends moving around town on Segways. He is also a very sociable person and enjoys meeting new people. Not only does this help him rewind, it also gives him an avenue to gain new insights that he applies in his business.

Where did the idea for Edmond Segway Tours come from?

I would say it was an idea borne out of passion. At age 11, I developed a passion for Segways, after a trip to Hawaii with my parents. There were lots of Segway riders there, and after riding one once, I got hooked. Unfortunately, Segways weren’t so common at the time, and after going back home, I decided to try and make them more accessible to everyone. I wrote a letter to the Segway founder and got invited to their factory in New Hampshire. This trip formed the basis for my business shortly after.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I start my day by going through the previous day’s books to get an idea of where we are going in terms of sales. I then engage the Tour team at different times of day to keep track of tours and activity.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I talk to lots of people on any given day. This allows me to get new ideas on how to grow my business. Any time I get a good idea, I implement it promptly in order to maximize on its effectiveness.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am excited by the growth of video platforms such as YouTube. They are an important avenue for us to showcase our products.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I wake up very early in the morning. This helps me organize my day before we open our doors to the public. It helps me save time and achieve more in the day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to keep doing what he is doing. I am one of those people who were fortunate enough to get into business at a very young age. I would still do it the same way, if I were 12 again.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I am one of those people that believe that cryptocurrencies are the future of money. Most of my friends think it’s a far-fetched dream.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I am always learning new things on a constant basis. I never stop learning, and I always seek opportunities to learn new things. It’s the key to staying ahead of the competition in business.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Social media marketing. Social media has become a powerful influence in everyday life. I have learnt how to capitalize on it to drive sales, and also build my brand.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

When I first started my Segway business we focused on tours which went well though we needed to develop our business model and began to do sales and repairs as we have been the only ones in Seattle doing this. We supply Segway’s and service to large security firms and this was a new niche.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would advise someone to try out Bitcoin trading. Bitcoin’s high volatility makes it perfect for trading, if one has the right skills.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I purchased treats for the 4th of July parade in which our Segway’s were a part of and we shared with the kids on the parade route.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

That would be slack. It really helps me in coordinating employees and my clients.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I would recommend Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson . The book has lots of useful insights on what it takes to have a personal mission and a vision of your future.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” by Winston Churchill. It’s a quote that helps me keep going even when I am feel defeated.

Key Learnings:

• Risk-taking
• Passion
• Perseverance

Connect: