The first time my dad hoisted me up into the saddle I was about three-years-old. I still remember the fear I had sitting atop that seemingly HUGE horse. I was just a kid that really wasn't all that into horses. I was raised around them, but never felt the need to get serious about them. My dad however, had a different idea.

For him, it wasn't about me being ready or comfortable getting on a horse. Instead, it was an early childhood lesson - a sort of trial by fire. 

I've always had an inclination that my "cowboy" upbringing would play a critical role in my life as an adult. I didn't exactly grow up with spurs on my boots, but I was branded with a sort of independence and self-reliance that's indicitive of the cowboy. My philosophy has always been that hard work pays off and no one owes me anything. I think this mentality can foster great entrepreneurs who aren't afraid to make the difficult decisions, take chances and be solely responsible.

Although there were many seeds of ideas and concepts, PitchEngine was my first startup. I had no experience in building a business, especially one without a roadmap or competitors. Of course, I had my reservations. It would be difficult to come up with enough money to begin production. And, I had to balance it with my current career and newly started family (I was married the summer before I launched PitchEngine). However, I knew that I was on to something. It was just a matter of pulling the trigger on an idea that had been keeping me awake for months. 

With eyes wide open, I rode up the mountain full speed. It didn't matter that there were huge risks. If I got bucked off - which I did several times along the way - I would get back on and ride thru it. I didn't take anyone's lead. Instead, made the rules up as I went. If I failed, it would be by my own doing. That, I could live with.

Today, now that I have two little buckaroos of my own, I'm reminded of those lessons that their cowboy grandpa gave to me. It's these lessons and this lifestyle that will contrbute to their success in life. 

If I could have a hand in breaking-in the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, I'd round them up and teach them the fundamentals and cowboy work ethic that I was fortunate enough to recieve - whether I liked it at the time or not. 

Cowboy Entrepreneur Lesson 1:

In Order to Ride You Must Risk Being Bucked Off.