When we talk about success, we often focus on individual effort—grit, resilience, and determination. But what I've learned over two decades of entrepreneurship is that family support isn't just emotional; it's a tangible force multiplier.

Family and friends do more than just encourage; they plant seeds of potential, inspire action, and push you beyond your perceived limits. They see things in you that you sometimes cannot see in yourself. As Pastor T.D. Jakes once said, “You can be too close to the mirror to see what I see.”

The Power of Early Believers

My entrepreneurial journey didn't start in a boardroom—it started on a baseball diamond fence at JJ Rhodes Elementary. In the second grade, I met my first business partner, Yancy. We started off with something simple: selling bubble gum. I had ideas, but no money. Yancy, on the other hand, had the resources but no plan. His first investment was $3 so we could buy a multipack and sell individual pieces.

By the third grade, we were leveling up—buying leftover cookies from the lunch line and selling them in the afternoon when kids craved sugar the most. We even brought in an additional partner, Michael Jackson (one of many at our school during the MJ era). Together, we pooled our money and scaled the operation.

This was my first lesson in collaboration—leveraging the strengths of others to build something greater than myself. It also showed me that sometimes, your greatest supporters are right beside you; you just have to recognize their potential.

Research shows that entrepreneurs with strong early support are 2.3 times more likely to persist through challenges. I've lived this statistic through every stage of my journey. Studies consistently show that businesses with active family support show 30-40% higher success rates. But these aren't just numbers—they're stories of real impact.

Understanding the Support Equation

Early in my journey, I didn't always understand this. Sometimes, I felt like my loved ones were trying to discourage me, as if they didn't believe in my dreams. But time taught me something powerful: their caution came from love, not doubt.

My mother was my first and most loyal customer. She believed in me so much that she’d buy anything I sold—whether she needed it or not. Beyond financial support, she also gave me the confidence to step out and take risks by encouraging me to participate in public events like spelling bees and speeches, knowing that I thrived under pressure.

My brother, Quinton, was another key supporter. He didn't just invest his money but also his time. When I got my first cleaning contract for 360clean, a $250/month floor cleaning gig at the Apple Store, we pooled our money together to buy a $750 floor machine. He was right there with me, scrubbing floors and handing out flyers. My sons cleaned buildings when I was short staffed. My friends pitched in after work and on weekends to help me start new projects. That support helped me scale my business to over $7 million in revenue today.

Lesson: Your first customers are often those closest to you—but they need to see your commitment and results before they fully buy into the vision

Recent studies in entrepreneurship psychology reveal that family involvement in early business stages increases survival rates by 25%—precisely because they provide both support and necessary reality checks.

Take my uncle Ronnie, for instance. He was a tall, handsome Army sergeant who looked like he stepped straight out of a GI Joe cartoon. He spoke with calm intelligence and dressed to perfection. He was one of the first people to tell me there was more to life than South Dallas and struggle. That vision he planted? It changed everything.

Harvard Business Review research suggests that entrepreneurs with structured support systems are 45% more likely to succeed long-term. Over the years, I've seen this play out through what I call my Personal Board of Directors. Just as every successful company needs a board of directors, entrepreneurs need their own personal board. Here's who you need:

1. The Visionary

   • Someone who sees beyond current limitations

   • Often the first to believe in your "crazy" ideas

2. The Truth-Teller

   • Keeps you grounded

   • Offers honest feedback when needed

3. The Supporter

   • Provides emotional backing

   • Helps maintain work-life balance

4. The Connector

   • Links you to opportunities

   • Spreads the word about your venture

5. The Devil's Advocate

   • Asks tough questions

   • Helps strengthen your plans:

From Ideas to Impact: The Power of Support

Studies show that regular family involvement increases business survival rates by 35%. I've seen this firsthand. Almost every successful venture I've started was backed by friends and family. When I launched 360clean, my brother Quinton worked with me on my first contract—a $250/month floor cleaning gig at the Apple Store. We put our money together to buy a $750 floor machine. Today, that business has crossed the $7 million mark.

That's the power of support—it turns small investments into massive returns. My family and friends didn't just believe in me; they put in the work. They scrubbed toilets, distributed flyers, and helped with COVID cleanings during the pandemic.

Creating Boundaries Without Burning Bridges

Pursuing entrepreneurship often means sacrificing personal time, which can create tension with loved ones.

I struggled with this balance when building 360clean. Long hours and relentless hustle meant missing family events, but I found a way to balance expectations by:

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Your Support System

Looking back, I realize that my success isn't mine alone—it’s built on the foundation laid by family and friends. They were my cheerleaders, accountability partners, and sometimes my biggest critics.

If you're an entrepreneur or pursuing a new venture, take a moment to recognize and celebrate your support system. Their role in your journey is invaluable.

Reflection Question: Who has been your biggest supporter in your entrepreneurial journey? Share your story and celebrate their impact.

Building together, 

John Thomas

P.S. Next week, we'll explore how veteran organizations can amplify your impact. Don't miss it!

The Foundation: How Family and Friends Shape Entrepreneurial Success

Take Action Now

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2. Connect & Share

•    Share your support system story using #StrongerTogether

•    Tag someone who believed in you early on

•    Join our community of builders and supporters

3. Start Building Today

•   Identify your Personal Board of Directors

•   Schedule one support conversation this week

•   Document your journey

What's Coming Next

Next week, we'll explore how veteran organizations can amplify your impact. You'll learn:

• How to leverage veteran support networks

• Keys to successful military-to-business transition

• Strategies for building professional communities

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About the Author:

John Thomas is a veteran entrepreneur and advocate for community-powered success. Through Alternative Programming, he helps veterans and entrepreneurs transform challenges into opportunities. His insights come from two decades of experience building multi-million dollar businesses and supporting veteran entrepreneurship.

Keywords: entrepreneurship support, family business support, veteran entrepreneur, business mentorship, startup support network, business success foundation, entrepreneurial journey, family support in business

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Building success together,

John Thomas

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