Tell us a little about yourself. Background, accomplishments and something no one knows about you.
I am a Christian, husband, father, and entrepreneur. My background represents the culmination of every experience I’ve ever had. I’ve never received a paycheck in my life; I’ve always been self-employed, and been paid when I’ve served, or have been useful to solve problems, or deliver joy.
In terms of my accomplishments, I’ve built businesses that have allowed me to focus on my truest priorities: my family, my faith, and my happiness. For example: To this date, I have never missed a single medical related appointment from the day we found out we were pregnant with our now 20 month old daughter, and THAT, is one of my greatest accomplishments.
From a very young age, I’ve accomplished a lot of things professionally. I could throw out all kinds of numbers, stats, titles, book mentions, and accolades – but honestly, the kind of client I want would care a lot more about the RESULTS of my accomplishments, such as being there for my family, being deeply happy, and deeply aligned with my purpose and identity. That’s what we all REALLY want, right? To love, be loved, and be WITH the ones we love.
As it relates to my accomplishments, the number one thing I want you to know is this: I have created the life of my dreams, through being faithful, and serving others from the deepest levels of my head, my heart, and my integrity.
One thing no one knows about me: I secretly love when I destroy people in board games like Rummikub, Scrabble, Monopoly, etc. In my head I’m like “Yeah, that’s right” but out of my mouth, I’m like “Yeah, good game!” I know, quite sinister.
How did you get started in your business?
One Sunday, when I was 9 years old, our Sunday School teacher failed to show up. So, instinctively, I went to the front of the class and began to lead. We started with prayer, tithe, and an exercise on being thankful. What I didn’t know, was that my Mom happened to peek through the door and witnessed what unfolded. If you have a 1-2 minute conversation with her about me, you’ll hear this story. I have always felt the call to lead, and serve.
Throughout my professional career, and even with things like hobbies, I become bored when I reach 85-95% proficiency. When I was around 22 years old, I had a course-altering epiphany: I feel more successful helping others become successful, than simply earning my own individual success. As I began examining my passions, my strengths, and even my past, I realized that I am never bored when I’m involved in helping others succeed, and create the life they desire.
My first “big” business(which I started at age 15) was teaching guitar lessons – I taught around 12,000 individual lessons over 5 years. This was part of the foundation that would later build my coaching practice, as I spent countless hours learning how to assess someone’s individual needs, and design a solution and method of teaching that worked proficiently for hundreds of different students. (Fun Fact: The original Excel accounting system that I built for my guitar lessons is the one I currently use for my coaching business!)
I then became the youngest real estate agent in the state of Missouri at age 18, selling residential real estate. A few years later, I went on to specialize in commercial real estate, became a broker at age 23, and opened my own firm.
After I had my most successful month in real estate(monetarily) I decided to “retire” from the brokerage world, to focus on my wife and I’s wedding photography company(A passion equally meaningful as coaching, and something I get to do WITH my wife – we shoot 20 high end weddings per year, and build incredible relationships with each couple we serve), and take my coaching practice to a new level. I began with coaching real estate agents and photographers, and then entered a variety of industries from custom knives to wellness and finance.
Who is your target client?
Individuals who are looking to up-level personally and professionally, through commitment, integrity, and creativity.
What is the solution you provide to their problem?
My A.G.A.P.E™ system, centered around: Alignment, Growth/Goals, Accountability, Productivity, Efficiency. This system applies to both personal and professional development.
What is one thing that your potential clients need know about regarding choosing your service?
I tell every client that I do not offer a miracle “pill” but a miracle “shovel” and the depth of their results will depend on how deep they dig.
Give us an example of a client success story
During the first week of April 2016, one of my 1 on 1 clients, who, by the way, was able to quit his full time job 3 months into coaching, adopted the following strategy, and booked a $7,000.00 project on his third phone call:
- Joins local Chamber of Commerce.
- Becomes active and starts calling every member to connect.
- Uses my “Pitching without Pitching™” script
- The Chamber member on the receiving end REQUESTS to hear his pitch.
Before creating his business, he made $1,300.00 per month BEFORE TAXES at his local grocery store. I will never forget the joy and excitement in his voice when he made 5.5 times his previous monthly pay, in one sale, after 3 “cold calls”. (Proud of you B.E)
What do you do in your spare time?
I work in my spare time, because the majority of my time is spent being a husband and father, playing the guitar, visiting my favorite coffee shop, shooting guns, driving my RC car, and going to Church. My life apologetically revolves around my family, and I have created a business that can operate successfully while I maintain my priorities.
What is the latest book you read that you would recommend?
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
How can anyone interested in more information contact you?
Visit austinjholt.com or email me at a@austinjholt.com
