Who has helped you along the way and how?

Understanding my inherent lack of experience in my fields, as well as entrepreneurship in general, I really try to get support from those who have done really cool things. I learned very quickly that mentorship is vital, so I am always actively seeking wisdom and advice from those who have come before me. Mentorship manifests itself in very different ways and can be represented by a weekly phone call, the frequent email chain, or the occasional meet-up.

Two mentors that come to mind could not be more different. One of my great mentors is a 70-plus-year-old strategic management consultant who was around during the expansion of ATMs in banking. He has helped me understand the innovation process and how to strategically plan for growth. At the same time, I seek counsel from a 19-year-old author and activist, who I consider a peer mentor. While most would envision a mentor as the former example, I heavily value peer mentorship, as those more similar to you can provide truly relevant perspectives and empathetic advice. He has helped me understand personal branding, both online and off. I also rely heavily on my family for support and guidance because I am confident that their intentions are aligned with my best interests. My brothers, Aaron and Josh, and my parents, Sandy and Jeff, are my biggest critics, but greatest teachers. It is foolish to believe that success can be achieved alone.