#17 - The $600 Hustle - Wade’s Path From College Side Hustle to Multimillion-Dollar Success

In this episode of the Peak Performance Perspectives Podcast, host Mark interviews Wade, a successful entrepreneur who started his business journey with just $600 while in college. This episode takes listeners through Wade's incredible journey from a simple Craigslist ad offering labor services to building a multimillion-dollar business with multiple franchise locations.

Listeners will learn how Wade faced the challenges of the 2009 recession while in Venice, Florida, and used his ingenuity to offer moving services. Initially starting with manual labor, Wade expanded his side hustle by transferring to the University of Florida, where he continued to grow his business network through word of mouth, working with fraternity brothers, and hiring college students. Eventually, Wade turned his small-scale operation into a licensed moving company. This episode emphasizes the importance of persistence, creativity, and a willingness to get hands-on experience.

Wade’s journey also highlights his decision to pursue a Master’s degree in entrepreneurship, which led to the formalization of his business, securing licenses, insurance, and strategically marketing his services in Gainesville, Florida. One of the key lessons Wade shares is how focusing on what he knew well — moving — rather than trying to build the next big tech platform, was instrumental to his success. His story offers a valuable reminder to entrepreneurs about the importance of simplicity and expertise over shiny, complex ideas.

Wade explains how he eventually acquired a competing business, "Two College Brothers," with the help of a $15,000 loan from his brother. He details his early missteps, such as trying to run two brands simultaneously, and how consolidating them into one allowed him to focus on scaling efficiently. Wade’s expansion into Tampa in 2015, followed by his move during the pandemic to focus on the larger Tampa market, demonstrates his willingness to adapt and seize opportunities in larger markets.

Throughout the episode, Wade reflects on the challenges of running a moving business and the grit needed to compete in an industry with a low barrier to entry but a high barrier to success. He emphasizes the importance of networking, community engagement, and building relationships with key local stakeholders. Wade also touches on his leadership style, shaped by his sports background, and how hiring like-minded, hard-working individuals has been crucial to building his business culture.

Listeners will find inspiration in Wade’s ability to overcome setbacks, such as a failed six-figure project in 2017, which could have derailed his business. Instead, Wade used the experience to strengthen his operational systems and improve his overall business strategy. His resilience and problem-solving mindset are key themes throughout the episode.

As Wade’s business continued to grow, he began franchising, starting with the sale of his Gainesville location. This episode dives into the advantages of franchising, including the benefits of a proven system, a support network, and established branding. Wade shares insights on the challenges and benefits of franchising versus starting a business from scratch, offering valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on what path may be best for them.

Finally, Wade expands on his broader vision for the future, which includes continuing to grow his business across new locations, developing a mastermind retreat for moving company owners, and revolutionizing the moving industry with innovative training and business resources. His passion for continuous learning, building an ecosystem within his industry, and helping others achieve their business goals are central themes throughout the conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting small and focusing on what you know can lead to significant success.

• Persistence and adaptability are crucial f