Sean Castrina is a serial entrepreneur, having started more than 20 companies over the last 20 years. He is an investor, teacher and highly-sought-after speaker who has guest lectured on entrepreneurship at some of the nation’s top colleges. He is also the author of several books, including 8 Unbreakable Rules for Business Startup Success, The Greatest Entrepreneur in the World, and World’s Greatest Business Plan.
What industries do you work in?
I’ve started businesses in lots of different industries, including retail, property management, direct mail, consulting, and home services. Going into industries I’m unfamiliar with is intimidating, but I’m not afraid to learn as I go if I think it’ll be successful.
What made you realize you wanted to be self-employed?
I was fired from my dream job just after my child was born, which was possibly the worst time to be unemployed. The stress of it made me realize that I never wanted to depend on someone else to be able to support myself and my family.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of the businesses I’ve started. Many of them have far exceeded my expectations for success. I’m also proud to have written three books — a lot of people say they’d love to write just one and never get around to it, so writing three feels like a win!