[quote style=”boxed”]Save your money and make sure you know how much money you’re making. The more money you earn, the easier it is to spend more than you make.[/quote]
Justin Bankhead was born and raised in Orem, Utah. He loves being outdoors, running, biking, skiing and anything with his wife and kids. He also loves to travel, has lived in several states and travels abroad whenever he gets the chance.
Bankhead has a bachelor’s degree in business and has started several of his own companies, working in industries ranging from furniture distribution out of China to home construction in Orem, where he lives. He loves to work hard and create. In his words, “I love to dream of something and then make it real.”
What are you working on right now?
Just creating fun events that people can enjoy with the people they love!
Where did the idea for Color Me Rad come from?
Color Me Rad came from the Hare Krishna celebration in Spanish Fork, Utah.
What does your typical day look like?
Emails, two to three face-to-face meetings and a lot of time on the phone. I like to throw in an early morning run when I can, and there’s nothing I’d rather do that be with my kids and watch movies with them at night.
How do you bring ideas to life?
First, in my mind, and then I transfer them to my computer in an Excel doc and/or PowerPoint. It’s all about the people you’re working with and being with the right team. If that’s right, you’ll gravitate toward a great product or service that people will love. And, also, listen to your customers.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The club scene combining with large events like runs and adventure races.
What was the worst job you ever had, and what did you learn from it?
Door-to-door sales—but it was the best job, too. I learned to be persistent through failure in order to find success.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would save my money and avoid getting too big too fast. Bigger isn’t always better.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Save your money and make sure you know how much money you’re making. The more money you earn, the easier it is to spend more than you make.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Being sensitive and connecting with customers one-on-one. I hired a personal assistant who helps me respond to emails and spend the time I’m not willing to spend handling the dramatic and emotional side of business.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
If you want to make good money, figure out how to make a lot of money from a few people. If you want to be wealthy, learn how to make a little money from a lot of people. “Live the next five years of your life living like nobody will so you can live the rest of your life like nobody can.” I love that quote.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
I would have people be less judgmental. There’s so much in life that is missed by pre-judging people. So many of the greatest relationships I have are with people that are different and crazy. I love it. These are the people that most people would write off and never reach out to. However, these same people are the ones that add flavor and spice to life and entertain the rest of us.
Tell us a secret.
I’ve never run Color Me Rad. This is funny, because I’m always working and haven’t had a chance to run my own race!
What are your three favorite online tools or resources, and what do you love about them?
Google Calendar, Carbon Fin Outliner, Microsoft Excel. I’m OCD and I love to organize my schedule and make to-do lists. Sometimes I have to remind myself to stop making lists and start doing the stuff on the lists.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Lone Survivor. The greatest secret in life is persistence and perseverance. This book is the story of a Navy Seal who is dropped into Afghanistan with his team and is the only one who makes it out alive. A great story of persistence and never giving up, even when facing the fiercest of odds.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
1. Scott Lazerson – He is the “Super Connector.” It always helps to have him in your corner in any situation.
2. Color Me Rad – So you can know when and where to come out and have the most colorful time of your life.
3. Dirty Dash – It’s the best time you will have in the mud, ever!
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
This morning. It was my little girl, Taylor, when she crawled all over my son and then sat on his head. She’s just so oblivious to the world and so innocent. It’s fun to watch kids and learn from them.
Who is your hero?
My dad. Hardest and smartest worker I know, and I’ve seen it firsthand over the years. Always taught me by example and never gave me handouts, but instead provided opportunities. Love the guy.
What’s the most important decision of your life?
Who you choose to marry. Your partner will make or break you at every level. I’ve seen it over and over and over again. Can’t say enough about my wife for her support and endless patience.
What things do you do to stay balanced?
I run, listen to audio books and watch movies. These are things I do to keep my mind off work and escape. Doing stuff like this clears your mind and helps you think out of the box.
Connect:
Justin Bankhead on Facebook: facebook.com/justinbankhead
Color Me Rad on Twitter:
Color Me Rad’s Website: www.colormerad.com
Justin Bankhead’s Email: [email protected]
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.