#162: Kankakee's Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Conversation with Jesse Erickson of Pathfinder

In this episode, Jake LaMore sits down with Jesse Erickson, the COO of Pathfinder, for a candid conversation about his personal journey and the challenges he faced during his formative years. Jesse opens up about the significant life changes he experienced, including his parents' divorce, and the impact it had on his personal and academic life. He shares his struggles with the transition from high school to college, realizing he lacked the necessary study skills and felt overwhelmed by the workload.

As the conversation delves deeper, Jesse reflects on his time at the University of Illinois, where he initially pursued electrical engineering, influenced by his father's background as an entrepreneur and engineer. However, the culture shock and academic challenges led him to drop out after two years. Undeterred, Jesse enrolled at KCC to continue his engineering studies, but personal challenges continued to impact his performance, ultimately leading him to leave the program.

The discussion takes an insightful turn as Jesse shares his experiences as an entrepreneur, highlighting the frustrations and disappointments that come with building a team. He emphasizes the rarity of finding dedicated employees and the constant struggle with retention. Drawing parallels between entrepreneurship and building on sand, Jesse stresses the need for grit, time, and energy, and the realization that others may not share the same passion, work ethic, or knowledge base.

Throughout the episode, Jesse's resilience shines through as he recounts facing public failure and the permanent change it brought to his approach to life. He explains how maintaining a broader perspective helps in making forward-thinking decisions, while emotional attachment can hinder progress. The conversation also touches on Jesse's entrepreneurial journey, including the formation of Pathfinder through mergers and acquisitions.

As the episode winds down, Jake and Jesse engage in a lighthearted moment, discussing the presence of pop tarts in the Pathfinder office.

This episode offers a raw and honest look into the life of an entrepreneur, showcasing the challenges, failures, and triumphs that shape one's path. Jesse's story serves as an inspiration to those facing personal and professional obstacles, reminding us that growth often comes from the most difficult experiences.

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