Welcome to The Kitchen Table, a podcast hosted by Ken Baden. Every week, Ken speaks with inspiring people who have overcome hardship and found success. Joining Ken today is Steve Apodaca, the founder and CEO of Doctor Close. Steve shares his story of growing up in Las Vegas, and how, at age 15 he moved back in with his mom in Louisiana, only to have her fall into a life of drugs and end up in prison. He had to find a place to go and ended up living with his dad until he turned 18.
Steve then tried his hand at landscaping before deciding to join corporate America, where he was offered a significant salary. Unfortunately, he was laid-off shortly after and felt crushed by the experience. However, it inspired him to take control of his life and start his own business. Now, Steve advises listeners to recognize their own intrinsic value and to make full use of their 24 hours a day. Steve is very transparent and people can learn more about him online. Tune into The Kitchen Table to hear more of Steve’s journey and other inspiring stories.
Key Takeaways:
Growing Up With A Parent in Prison
Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health
The Cost of Procrastination
Overcoming Objectives to Maximize Your 24 Hours in a Day
The Value of Mentorship and Guidance for Personal Growth
Topics with Timestamps:
[00:03:52] The Impact of Growing Up With A Parent in Prison
[00:07:05] Social Media and Its Impact on Mental Health
[00:10:12] Rejection After Acceptance: Dealing with the let-down of losing a job after being promised one.
[00:13:26] Leaving a Failed Career in Landscaping for Corporate America
[00:16:35] How Losing His Job Led to a Fulfilling Career
[00:20:03] The Cost of Procrastination
[00:23:06] Overcoming Objectives to Maximize Your 24 Hours in a Day
[00:26:22] The Idea of Hard Work Among Young People
[00:29:22] The Value of Mentorship and Guidance for Personal Growth
[00:32:33] Harassment and Retaliation Against Independent Agents
[00:35:48] The Impact of Opportunity on Financial Success
[00:39:15] Providing for Family from a Humble Upbringing
[00:42:15] The Data Revolution: How Data Has Replaced Oil as the World's Most Valuable Commodity
[00:45:31] The Potential of Digital Business Cards as a Lead Sourcing Tool
[00:48:42] The Value of What You Do and Offer
[00:52:15] Getting to Know Steve: An Exploration of Transparency.
Notable Quotes:
“We know there's a lot of chaos and disorder in this world. We lack leadership and good parental guidance. And so whatever's gotten me to where I've gotten, I'm sure it it can help somebody else along the way who who's walked in similar shoes as me”
“If you guys aren't gonna appreciate me for the output that you guys are expecting, I'm out. So as soon as I literally fired my boss right there, that was the last time I had ever worked for somebody. That was pretty much the start of my entrepreneurship journey. I was just like, It's like when you bust out a prison in the movies and then the rearview mirror, they see all the lights and they're like, I'm not going back. That was me. I was like, I'm not going back. Never gonna work for somebody again.”
“One of the biggest sales skills that I always tell people to perfect and master is the art of asking the right questions. When you believe that what you do has intrinsic value, you can now ask those heart wrenching punching questions that are more curious and genuine in nature, and you don't sound like a salesperson. Mhmm. Right? You sound like you're asking the right question that helps them realize that if they were to take advantage of your offer, their life would be a lot better.“
Resources
Connect with Ken Baden
Connect with Steve Apodaca
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