Interview with Young Entrepreneur Warren Cassell Jr.

Today, Warren is consistently in front of young entrepreneurs, educating them on the need to start early in whatever their adventure in life could be. His ultimate goal is to use the lessons that he learned at the Abella Group to start an investment bank for minorities and provide them with access to the place where the rich get richer – the world of investing. It is his emphatic belief that one should maximize their potential, and that money can be used as fuel to further explore one’s passion and purpose.

Warren Cassell Jr.

Recently, Warren was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions from The Total Entrepreneurs, and we know you’re going to get a lot out of what he has to say. So without further delay, here is the interview:

1. I already know you Warren but I will still like you to introduce yourself to my readers and fellow young entrepreneurs. So please could you please tell us about your humble self and business?

I am a fifteen-year-old on a mission to reach my highest potential in the shortest amount of time possible. There is something about this thing called potential that I am completely obsessed with. Quite frankly too many people do not maximize their time, energy, talents, and resources and as a result, they live miserable lives. Having realized this I’ve therefore dedicated my life to inspiring others to make the most out of their life.

The Abella Group LLC is my investment holding company. It manages my investments in a number of globally diverse sectors.

2. How did you build up an entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age, do you believe you were born with it or you develop it?

As far as I can remember I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I love helping people and that’s what entrepreneurs do. They provide a product/service to help solve a consumer’s problem. I don’t believe anyone is born an entrepreneur, however, I believe that the type of environment I grew up in allowed me to develop and nurture my passion for business.

3. What were the main challenges you faced at the early stages of your business? And do you still encounter them to this day?

The main challenge I faced and I think a lot of entrepreneurs face when they first start out is not being taken seriously. As you can imagine an eight-year-old (the age I started my business) telling people to purchase his product may not always go well or a ten-year-old (my age at the time of running a web design agency) charging thousands of dollars for a website may not be taken seriously. I’ve overcome that challenge by offering my services to my family and friends first and then using that as a track record to get outside the business.

The biggest challenge I face now is obscurity. Remember I am on a mission to inspire others to reach their true potential. If no one knows me I can’t fulfill that mission.

4. I guess you own Abella Group Investment Company? How did you come about the idea?

I formed the Abella Group LLC when I realized that wealth creation was important. In looking at the world’s wealthiest I found that wealth is created by owning and investing in businesses. Wealth creation is a taboo topic but if I don’t create wealth I’ll never have freedom. Basically, Abella is my vehicle to create wealth through investing in high-quality businesses.

5. How long have you been in business?

I started my first business almost eight years ago.

6. Are you the only one managing the business or do you have staff?

I play an active role in the managing of my business but over the years I’ve contracted many people to help push my businesses further into the marketplace.

7. If you could turn the time, what would you love to do in regards to your business?

The biggest mistake that I made in my first few years of entrepreneurship was setting the bar too low. Instead of focusing on a large customer base, I focused on selling to my island’s small population of only five thousand people. My small goals confined my sales targets and made me operate way below my potential.

Now, my business goals are expanded. I prefer to fall short on a seemingly unrealistic goal than to achieve a mediocre one. By making my goals larger, and focusing on serving a larger geographical space, I have been able to work with clients on four continents!

8. Well, this question might sound funny; do you think it is easy to be an entrepreneur?

Yes! Anyone can be an entrepreneur, but not everyone can be a successful entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs solve problems for consumers by offering their products and services. Successful entrepreneurs try to solve a big problem and have the ability to persevere.

9. Which books motivate you as an entrepreneur?

The Money Master by John Train (published in 1980, out of print)
Sell or Be Sold by Grant Cardone
Toilet Paper Entrepreneur by Mike Michalowicz
Start With Why by Simon Sinek

10. What keeps you going even in hard times?

My big goals. Most people are uninspired because they either don’t have goals or their goals aren’t big enough. Grant Cardone said it best, “Have goals so big that your problems pale in comparison.”

11. What are your thoughts on entrepreneurship for young people especially in an economy where jobs are harder to find?

Entrepreneurship rewards those who preserve and think big with freedom. It’s not for everyone but it’s a great option if your goal is to be free.

12. How do you define success; do you believe you are a success?

For me, success is being able to have freedom as a result of maximizing your potential. The truth is I’m not chasing wealth or fame, I am chasing freedom. Freedom to go where I want, when I want, help as much as I can without restriction, provide for my loved ones without restriction and even be able to not depend on one customer.

Despite whatever I’ve achieved I don’t think I have achieved large amounts of success because I don’t have that freedom. Success is about what I’m going to do next and not what I did yesterday. What I achieved last week and last year is not a success anymore. It’s history.

13. What do you think it takes to succeed in business?

Perseverance and a hungry attitude. The reason why you see a lot of successful people failing after they attain their success is that the hunger that made them successful is no longer there. Without hunger, you will never be successful.

14. What two pieces of advice can you give to someone who wants to become an expert in their chosen field?

Invest in yourself. You have to always keep learning if you want to become an expert. That may mean purchasing books, reading articles, interviewing people, etc.
You must also learn from experience. You cannot become an expert without having your share of failures and success in that field so start now.

15. What is the last ‘one word’ advice you will give to my readers when it comes to succeeding as an entrepreneur?

Think Big, Persevere and Take Massive Action.

End

Thank you very much Warren for your time. We really appreciate you and your work. We hope to have you some other time to talk to The Total Entrepreneur’s Network.

I Recommended You Read:

• Startup Lessons for Young Entrepreneurs
• How to Discover Your Purpose
• Causes of business failure
• Principles of Financial prosperity
• Business Lessons from Warren Buffett
• Principles of Entrepreneurship

©FrancisNwokike