Sierra Smith
co-founderZorpads
The Mistake: Early on, I had a hard time filtering advice—and knowing that advice is just that, it’s advice. It’s not a command, it’s not a "you must...
If I Knew Then...
Even born leaders have learning curves. In this feature, local insiders share their wisdom and talk about mistakes that shaped their business philosophy.
Patrick Steel
Chief Executive OfficerPOLITICO
The Mistake: The mistake was enduring certain relationships for too long when your values don’t align. One of the things I wish I knew sooner is that...
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Dan DiZio
Co-founder and President
Philly Pretzel FactoryThe Mistake: My mistake was not thinking ahead. We didn’t have any sort of business plan when we first started Philly Pretzel Factory. We were so...
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Amanda Brinkman
host
small business revolutionThe Mistake: Growing up, I always knew I wanted to get into the marketing or advertising space. I was very attracted to film and storytelling and...
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Jacob Hurwitz
Co-founder
American TrenchThe Mistake: I was starting business without getting a clear statement of work that held everyone accountable. I needed something that said, “I’m...
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Ted Farnsworth
CEO
Helios and Matheson AnalyticsThe Mistake: Overplaying my hand. Back in the late ‘90s, I had a company in the internet space called Farmbid.com Which was all about agriculture. We...
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Randy Swart
COO
A. Duie PyleThe Mistake: My mistake was not mentoring people enough. At one point, we had not properly prepared people in our company for front-line leadership...
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Joe Briggs
Senior Associate
JMT ArchitectureThe Mistake: The mistake was moving on too quickly and failing to maintain professional contacts. Architecture is a project-focused effort. You work...
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Maneet Chauhan
President
Morph Hospitality GroupThe Mistake: I make mistakes all the time. I think they are very important because you learn from them, whether they are small or big errors. I don't...
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Amanda Scout
Director of Creative and Marketing Strategy
MERAKI Marketing CollaborativeThe Mistake: I took on a marketing position at a company that really didn't know what their goals were, as far as marketing went. I was previously...
