How easy or hard is it to be successful in business at a young age? As a successful young entrepreneur (he’s only 30! ), Harrison Rogers is Founder and CEO of HJR Global, a private equity company that has increased at least 200% every year for the past 4 years. HJR Global is a family of small businesses founded by Harrison that span industries including education, real estate, security systems, and more. We had an opportunity to interview Harrison and asked about his story, how he started his business and the future of HJR Global.
Tell us your story. Why did you start your business?
I have launched and grown several successful companies, and “startups” were what I initially loved. It wasn't until 2016 when one of my companies came very close to having to close its doors, that I began to discover a whole new side of business. I started HJR Global as a private equity company that specializes in acquiring distressed companies and helping them correct their issues and help them return to a healthy and profitable position. 2016 was a terrifyingly difficult year for me, but it was also an incredible learning year and I hope that HJR Global can take those lessons learned and help other business owners during their terrifying times.
How did you come up with your business name?
HJR Global is not very original, because HJR are my initials. “Global” is to articulate the lack of limits of our business. Our investments or acquisitions won't be limited by industry or geographically, so “Global” felt adequate.
Tell us about your products and services. How do you help clients?
HJR Global's product and service is to become the perfect partner to a current or aspiring business owner. Whether someone has a producing business or just an idea for one, HJR Global’s product and service is to take it to the next level. While we provide many creative financing opportunities, our main service is to help educate our partners and develop strategies for their business that will create the most efficient, quality, and profitable product possible.
What makes you unique? What is your unique selling proposition (USP)?
What makes HJR Global unique is its creativity. HJR Global does not stick to a specific industry and can find lucrative opportunities in any situation. If there is a business idea or a struggling company that could be an opportunity for a win-win for all parties involved, HJR Global will make it happen.
Where do you see your business in the next 3-5 years?
I see HJR Global continuing to be listed as one of the fastest growing companies in America but will have a much bigger footprint in the high tech, restaurant, and entertainment industries.
Any advice you would give to entrepreneurs and business owners?
Growth is crucial for any business. However, uncontrolled growth can kill a company quicker than anything. My advice to any entrepreneur is to always know what is causing your growth. If you don't know what is causing your growth, you can't control when to turn it on or off. You have to be able to pause the growth without hurting the brand in order to measure the variable costs associated with that growth. Give yourself the time necessary to analyze and decide if the increased revenue is worth the increased costs. You can't do that if you can't control your growth.
What is your favorite business quote and why?
“People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care.” I love this phrase because it is so relevant when going into new partnerships or ventures. It could be very difficult to gain trust to make decisions that could be in the company’s best interest, if future partners or any business relationship feels you only care about the bottom line.
What have been some of your achievements that you are most proud of? Why?
I am really proud at the fact that HJR Global has been listed on the Inc. 5000 two years in a row as one of the fastest growing private companies in America. We have at least doubled in revenue every year since 2012 and plan to keep the trend going. I'm proud of this because, like previously mentioned, growth can be a very difficult thing to manage and we have learned many times the harm that can be caused from not having that control over the growth. We were able to learn these lessons early enough that we can now continue to grow and help other business owners grow as well.
Anything else additional you want to tell our readers?
Learn how to fail small, often, and inexpensively. HJR Global can show you how. Check us out.