In this Business Blast Podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews 18‑year‑old high‑school student and co‑founder of Great F’n Sunglasses, Jack Homesley. Jack recounts an early attempt to build an iOS app with a friend, reflecting that creating without a clear vision led to a mediocre product and a lack of enjoyment. He explains how that experience informed his current venture—selling sunglasses—emphasizing the need to seize and create opportunities, stay on the offensive, and overcome fear of failure. Jack advises entrepreneurs to be honest and purpose‑driven rather than chasing trends, warning that superficial hype leads to failure. When asked what he would tell his younger self, he stresses not worrying about others’ opinions, noting that most people are preoccupied with themselves. On happiness, he argues that the pursuit is overrated; instead, finding purpose through passion, relationships, or meaning yields satisfaction. He cites Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep as his favorite book, noting its lesson against materialism and distraction. His favorite quote, from John Shedd—“A ship in the harbor is safe. That’s not what ships are built for”—serves as a call to action to leave comfort zones. The episode concludes with Jack’s online contact points: LinkedIn, Instagram (@Jack.Homesley), and his brand site greatfnsunglasses.com.
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Welcome to the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner. This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with all the resources you need to become a successful author. You can learn more about Authors Unite and join the free community at authorsunite.com. Now let's jump into the episode. Alright everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner. Today I have Jack Holmesley with us. He's a high school student and co-founder of Great F'n Sunglasses. So welcome to the show, Jack.
Thanks Tyler, I really appreciate you having me on.
Of course, thanks for coming on and we'll dive in. The first question I have for you, Jack, is what's the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
So a close friend of mine and I, we tried to develop an app a couple years back. And I think the problem was that we wanted to make something solely for the purpose of making something. We didn't really enjoy the process. All we wanted to do was build the next platform, like the next Instagram or Snapchat. But we sort of realized that you can't start creating something without a clear vision. Or else you spend 2 years developing a pretty mediocre iOS app like we did. I mean, we learned a lot and we finished it and it's on the App Store, but we just didn't really enjoy the process. And I think that's all that really matters in the end if you're having fun doing it.
Yes. And what's the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
I mean, I wouldn't really confine myself to a specific industry, but We recently started a sunglasses company, me and my same friend. It's called Great F'n Sunglasses. So far, my biggest takeaway from that is just seize every opportunity I'm given. To expand on that a little more, you need to make opportunities for yourself as well because nothing's going to be handed to you. If you're starting a business, you got to constantly be on the offense and learn how to stop letting fear, specifically the fear of failing, get in your way.
It might tie in, but what's your best piece of overall business advice? Not necessarily industry-specific.
Yeah, probably pretty similar. Just be honest with yourself. I think most self-proclaimed entrepreneurs nowadays, they just do it to seem cool and trendy. They kind of act like they're the shit and like, "We're going to disrupt the industry." History says they're wrong. Unless you're actually doing something with a real purpose, you're going to fail. It's as simple as that.
And if you could give your— well, I know you're young, but if you could give your younger, younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
Yeah, I mean, I'm only 18, but like, if I were to talk to my middle school self, I'd probably say not to worry about what other people think, because like, everyone's obsessed with themselves, and every single person who you think is judging you is just as scared of what you think of them. Like, middle schoolers, they're like little narcissists, and like, a lot of them never grow up. So it's just being mindful of that.
In your opinion, what's the key to happiness?
I think in my opinion, I think the search for happiness is kind of overrated. There are going to be times when you're happy, there are going to be times when you're sad. I think that's just life. You can't really help it. I think personally that you need to look for something that gives your life purpose, whether it's a passion, your friends or family. You need to have something in your life that gives it meaning, and then you'll be satisfied.
And what's the best book that you've read, and what was the number one thing you learned from that?
The best book I've read is probably Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. I'm really into sci-fi, and I like that aspect of the novel. But it really taught me not to be as materialistic and just to stop obsessing over things, because it's just sort of pointless, especially nowadays. We have so many distractions. It's important to maintain focus on your goals.
And what's your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote is probably by John Shedd. He said, "A ship in the harbor is safe. That's not what ships are built for." And like, for me, it kind of serves as like a call to action because it's really easy to be passive and to not worry about your growth. But in order to succeed, you actually need to make moves and allow yourself to leave your comfort zone.
Yes, man. I actually have to chime in and say I first heard that quote like a week ago and I fell in love. Amazing quote. Thanks so much for coming on. The last question I have for you before we let you go is where's the best place for people to find you online?
You can find me on LinkedIn, just my name. You can follow me on Instagram at Jack.Homesley or contact me through greatfnsunglasses.com. It's just like greatfnsunglasses.com.
Perfect. Thanks again for coming on, man.
Thanks, man. The podcast you just heard was recorded with Anchor. If you want to make your own, download the Android or iOS app completely free from anchor.fm/podcast. That's anchor.fm/podcast.
