Invest in people. You can only do so much by yourself and you need help from others to grow and succeed.
Jackson Harris is the managing agent for HB Bail Bonds, LLC and has been a bail bond agent for 8 years. He graduated from the University of Findlay in 2003 with his bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. With his experience and education he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the bail industry and the criminal justice system.
Where did the idea for HP Bail Bonds come from?
The idea of the company was simple. I saw that in this line of business, the majority of the companies were not only taking from there customers but their employees as well. So I designed my business to run at a low cost which allowed not only our clients to use or service but to be able to afford legal counsel as well.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts the night before when I get the list of the people going to court. I research them to determine leads. Starting at 8 am the battle with the other companies begins, which consists of who can go lower in order to close the deal. This part of the job can get pretty aggressive. Once the bond is secured it is pretty much just the push and filing of paper from on place to the other. The interesting work happens when the person does not go to court. Then we go in investigation and capture mode.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I simply change my process and make it more effective.
What’s one trend that excites you?
In this business there is no trend that excites me. A positive trend for me is really bad for the community.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
You have to have more self-determination then anybody, I will fight until I win. That is my mindset and that’s helped me succeed as an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Take your time and learn everything you can about the business. The more knowledgeable you are, the more likely you’ll be to succeed.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Working 40 hours for someone else is worse than working 80 for yourself.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Do not expand too fast. The extra push can lead to a lot of unneeded stress.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Invest in people. You can only do so much by yourself and you need help from others to grow and succeed.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I wish I invested into internet marketing earlier in my career. This could have expedited my growth.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I’m a former college and professional football player. Business is no different than preparing for a big game. In addition to executing on the field, you must prepare beforehand in order to succeed.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I invested $100 in Facebook advertising to promote a recent video. We’ve received great exposure from this.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Bail Books, which helps me keep track of all my clients.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Bible. You’ll find good business plans in the Bible and of course, a good way to live your life.
What is your favorite quote?
“Going in one more round when you don’t think you can. That’s what makes all the difference in your life.”
Key Learnings:
Hard work and perseverance combined with industry knowledge is what separates your business from a competitor’s. Don’t ever get complacent either. The day this happens, there will be a competitor trying to overtake you.
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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.