Make sure to have an inspiring creative project going, something that really fuels you. Something you would do no matter time or money. You have to find that.
Joshua Smith is a serial entrepreneur, rogue visionary, and CEO of numerous start-ups in the wellness and sustainable technologies field. His passions for making a positive impact have led him to develop and bring to market multiple ground-breaking companies across various industries. His global perspective and go-to-market expertise are a perfect complement to the leading-edge technologies embraced by his companies.
As co-designer/inventor of a revolutionary modular-hinge house for the residential greenhouse market. Mr. Smith and his team narrowed in on very specific barriers to purchase on a substantial home gardening market. As a home gardener, there were several barriers preventing him from buying a greenhouse for his residence. After working through each of those barriers, the end result is a work of art that will allow millions of home & community gardeners to grow several millions of pounds of organic local produce in the years to come.
Mr. Smith has been a serial entrepreneur for over 17+years and has gained extensive experience in global operations, multinational import/export logistics, compliance, customs procedures, manufacturing and regulatory approvals.
Mr. Smith is deeply committed to giving children in the world a fighting chance and founded a non-profit that works to bring greenhouses and garden programs to k-12 schools across the US.
Mr. Smith’s passion for positive change and amalgamated business approach brings forward a new era of leadership through eco-socio-capitalism. A new business structure that goes beyond the “triple bottom line” concept and utilizes a capitalistic drive to develop products and solutions that regenerate the environment and deliver actual social benefit to humanity.
Mr. Smith leads with a centered vision and excels at finding the most direct and thorough paths to market. Mr. Smith surrounds himself with the right professionals and untied teams to execute business objectives fused with the regenerative eco-socio mission.
Where did the idea for your businesses come from? What lead to you becoming an entrepreneur?
Necessity really. Everywhere I go, I’m astonished at how many things don’t work correctly or when I need to accomplish something and it seems to be a huge pain. I’ve always been interested in the way things work. When I see a problem, I also see a solution and an easier way of doing things. My journey from artist to inventor to entrepreneur has enabled me to tap my creativity as well as my expertise in global operations and management.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
As a serial entrepreneur, I have always buried myself in projects. Having several passions and not enough time forced me to only engage in activities that increase productivity. Once I had that down, then I would only engage in activities that serve more that one purpose so that I can meet multiple needs at once.
How do you bring ideas to life?
After I identify a problem and develop a solution, I then bring my ideas to life visually thru drawing. I write about the idea and then reverse engineer the process to bring it forward to market. My approach is holistiic in nature as I work to create a more productive way of living in the world.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Organic gardening and home gardening is a trend that I’m really passionate about. I’m also really interested in the speed of implementation for new ideas with 3D printing and tightening the gap between ideas and prototypes. Using technology to simplify our lives.
What is one key of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
The one key that has made me most productive is always making sure to have an inspiring creative project going, something that really fuels you. Something you would do no matter time or money. You have to find that.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy the journey more an don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you can’t do something. Don’t listen to people giving you advice on something they are not already successful at in the last decade.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
College will soon be obsolete.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Adequate digestion of reality – be ready to accept the raw, unfiltered and unscripted truth.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Willingness to adapt – and that has proven to be my number one strategy. You must be agile enough to implement good advice & information as soon as you get it. If I would have just gone with my first idea without deepening our understanding of subtle consumer needs, I would never have gone back to the design drawing board to come up with the key products that made it to the marketplace and are successful. We adapted solutions, features, and better simplicities as more information came in – and gained a better understanding of what it takes.
What is the biggest mistake you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was getting into business with the wrong people which made me almost give up business & entrepreneurship altogether. I’ve gotten better at qualifying who I go into business with and am super discerning not only in business but the people I surround myself with as well.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)
My epic days. Once a month or so I line out a day to see how epic and healthy I can make it. I’ll go for a vigorous hike, eat an organic meal, get a massage, soak at the hotsprings, and watch a good film. All for under $100…
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
I like Active.Collab with its ability to list and organize projects so they’re not overwhelming.
Also, Luminosity – it’s a fun way to your keep brain active.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The War of Art – A lot of raw truth shared – not the typical flowery speak.
The best point is, whatever BS is in your head about you not starting and doing something DOES NOT EXIST except in your own head. Far more people with less resources (no internet) have done far more.
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LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/JoshuaSmithReno
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.