137. Kris Goodrich | Don't be an Entrepreneur

12 Oct 2023 · 39 min
BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books

12 Oct 2023 · 39 min

0:00

In this episode of the Book Thinkers Life‑Changing Books podcast, host Luke (with co‑host Nick Hutchison) interviews entrepreneur and author Kris Goodrich about his journey from a dyslexic high‑school teen who built a $30,000‑a‑year fire‑starter kit business to a seasoned serial entrepreneur, author, husband, and father. Goodrich explains why he started his first venture (solving puzzles, need for money, and a love of fire‑starting kits), how his dyslexia shaped his learning style, and why he chose to attend college to work on a NASA‑related Mars water‑processing project. He emphasizes the critical role of mentorship—parents, teachers, Boy Scout leaders, and industry figures like Mike Michalowicz—and shares a concrete outreach formula: reach out, accept “no,” and keep trying. The conversation delves into the provocative title of his book, Don’t Be an Entrepreneur Unless You Play a Different Way, which challenges the solopreneur myth and argues that entrepreneurship is a team sport. Goodrich describes the book’s unique visual design—video‑game‑style graphics and a Konami‑code Easter egg—created to engage dyslexic readers and make concepts memorable. He stresses the importance of building a personal foundation (self‑knowledge, “why,” and embracing puzzles) before scaling, and illustrates this with his 2008 acquisition of a niche deer‑damage‑control service business during the recession, highlighting how downturns can create footholds. The interview also covers his partnership with his wife, the dynamics of working with a spouse, and how family background influences entrepreneurial resilience. Goodrich shares his top gifted books (Rich Dad Poor Dad, Never Eat Alone, The Machine) and offers practical mentorship tips for finding mentors. He talks about teaching entrepreneurship to his children, especially his daughter’s Sun Cards venture, and concludes with his single piece of advice: be vulnerable and reach out to build deeper connections. Listeners are directed to his website, the book’s site, and the Easter egg for further engagement.

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