Thoughtful Thursdays: Julie Cropp Gareleck’s Journey from Corner Booth to Corner Office | ‘Dare to Become’ Book Insights & Entrepreneurial Success

Breakfast Leadership Show

Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur. Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.), and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25-year career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue-generating strategies. Her first book, Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves worldwide on September 3 and details her journey from working for her parent’s restaurant to building a successful agency.
For millions, a significant component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s boss. The question is, how exactly does one do that? Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story to tell. Julie Cropp Gareleck, CEO, Entrepreneur, and now Author, brings a fresh perspective on confidently navigating the journey from startup to success. Whether you are a new business owner, entrepreneur, or an employee, the insights shared in this book will prove valuable on your journey.

Links:
Website: www.juliecroppgareleck.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliecgareleck
IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliecgareleck/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliecgareleck/featured
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliecroppgareleck/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f79dBf

Quick recap

Michael and Julie discussed the importance of self-realization, resilience, and adaptability in the face of challenges, particularly during the Great Recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. They also highlighted the value of early work experiences, problem-solving skills, continuous learning, and journaling in personal and professional development. Lastly, they discussed the promotion and availability of Julie's upcoming book, "Dare to Become," and the importance of networking and social media in book promotion.

Discussing 'Dare to Become' and Potential

Michael and Julie discussed the fast pace of the year and Julie's upcoming book, "Dare to Become," which aims to inspire people to reach their full potential. Michael expressed his excitement about the book's title and its message, emphasizing the importance of individuals realizing their unlimited potential to positively impact society. They agreed to keep the conversation organic and to include a summary of the interview in the show notes for those who might want to learn more about the discussion.

Launching a Business Amid Economic Challenges

Michael and Julie discussed the challenges and successes of launching a business during the Great Recession and the subsequent years of significant change and transformation. Michael praised Julie's boldness in starting a business during a difficult economic period and highlighted how both personal and working life have been significantly impacted by recent events such as wars, pandemics, and technological advancements. Julie shared his experience of launching a business during the recession and how his company managed to adapt and do well during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite the shift to remote work being a significant challenge for his sales team.

Overcoming Fear With Zoom and Sharing Journeys

Michael suggested that salespeople, who were initially uncomfortable using Zoom, should familiarize themselves with the platform by using it with their grandchildren. This approach helped them overcome their fear and gain confidence in using the app. Julie then shared his motivation for writing a book about his journey from working at his parents' restaurant to starting his own business. He found inspiration in his past journals and wanted to share the lessons he learned, as well as the ups and downs of his journey.

HVAC Industry Contributions and Family Businesses

Michael shared his conversation with Gene Slade, who has made significant contributions to the HVAC industry, particularly in lead generation and follow-ups. Michael highlighted the value of starting one's career in the family business, as it provides a unique opportunity to learn about running a business from a young age. He also discussed his own experience working in a family-owned grocery store, emphasizing the importance of understanding family and people dynamics in both professional and personal contexts.

The Importance of Early Work Experiences

Michael and Julie discussed the value of early work experiences in shaping one's career. Michael emphasized the importance of working with diverse individuals, as it teaches essential skills like communication and conflict resolution. Julie shared his experience working at his parents' restaurant, highlighting how it helped him develop a strong work ethic and provided a foundation for his future roles. Michael agreed, sharing his own experience of working in various industries and how each job taught him valuable lessons. Both agreed that these early work experiences were critical in preparing individuals for their future careers.

Embracing Challenges and Leveraging Learning for Growth

Michael and Julie discussed the importance of problem-solving skills, learning, and taking risks in personal and professional development. Michael emphasized the value of paying attention to details and continuously learning, sharing his own experiences of overcoming challenges through problem-solving. Julie agreed, highlighting his own journey of building a successful business despite not coming from a wealthy background or having an Ivy League education. Both underscored the significance of daring oneself to invest in personal growth and learning from others' experiences, particularly through reading and networking.

Journaling, Deadlines, and Mindset Shifts

Michael and Julie discussed the importance of journaling and using deadlines to manage tasks. Michael shared his experience of how writing has helped him remember his past and learn from his mistakes. Julie agreed, highlighting the value of reflecting on one's journey and using it as a source of inspiration. They also discussed the concept of shifting from a "have to" to a "get to" mindset when approaching tasks, which can increase productivity and job satisfaction. Lastly, they talked about the significance of publishing a book and the impact it can have on others.

Julie's Upcoming Book Promotion Discussion

Michael and Julie discussed the promotion and availability of Julie's upcoming book. Julie directed attendees to her website and various bookshops for pre-sale information.