Ryan Morris grew up in the small town of Warrenton Virginia by a family with conservative values. He was named a team captain in multiple sports at Liberty High School and later joined the Central Connecticut State University’s football program. After his first semester grades came in, Ryan found himself questioning whether college was the right path for him but did could not think of an alternative plan. As fate would have it, Ryan was introduced to a network of young entrepreneurs and mentors that would eventually empower him to leave college and pursue his dreams of business ownership and freedom.
At just 25 years of age Ryan is the owner and operator of two thriving businesses, iFortune Marketing and J&R Vacations.
1. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Ryan says this quote serves a reminder that you cannot build a big business without learning to build a team and delegate. He went on to say:
In the beginning I was doing literally every single element of my business, it was exhausting! One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is to allow people to do what they do best, so I can spend more time doing what I do best. Learning to partner with and hire people whose interest align with mine has been a game changer.
2. “If you help enough people get what they want, you can have everything you want”
Ryan says this quote serves a reminder to always put the customer/client needs ahead of that of the entrepreneur. He said:
The challenge is you may love your product, you may think it is the coolest thing in the world, but if the market does not demand it you will never be successful. It’s so important to understand what need you fill and how to market that idea in a way that appeals to the AUDIENCE. Learning to listen to the marketplace was an important lesson that I wish learned sooner.
3. “The harder I work, the more I live.”
Ryan says this quote reminds him to create a lifestyle from his businesses, not a prison. He said:
When I first started in business, I was under the belief that successful businesspeople didn’t have time for fun and were always focused on the grind. As I have grown on my entrepreneurial journey I have found that most successful people create a lifestyle rather than simply owning a business. This is what many of us go into business to begin with.
Ryan can be reached for inquiry on Instagram at @realryanmorris or on his website www.realryanmorris.com