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Drew Brees: From Football to Franchising Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees shares his remarkable transition from the football field to the world of entrepreneurship.

By Jeff Fenster

Key Takeaways

  • Authenticity is crucial in entrepreneurship: Drew Brees emphasizes the importance of authenticity in choosing the brands and ventures he gets involved with. By aligning himself with brands that resonate with his personal values, Brees ensures a genuine connection and builds trust with his customers. Entrepreneurs should prioritize authenticity in their business endeavors to create a strong and lasting brand identity.
  • Resilience is key to overcoming challenges: Brees shares his personal experiences with failure and adversity, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. He encourages entrepreneurs to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as fuel for growth. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement, entrepreneurs can bounce back stronger and achieve success.
  • The value of the franchise community: Brees recognizes the wealth of knowledge and support that can be gained from the franchise community. He cherishes the opportunity to learn from fellow franchise owners and emphasizes the power of collaboration and shared experiences. Entrepreneurs should actively seek out and engage with their community, as it provides a platform for connection, idea exchange, and valuable insights from others who have walked a similar path.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In this captivating podcast episode, hosted by Jeff Fenster, founder and CEO of Everbowl, former NFL quarterback Drew Brees shares his remarkable transition from the football field to the world of entrepreneurship. The conversation between these two accomplished individuals offers a unique blend of insights from both the host and the guest, adding credibility and depth to the discussion.

Jeff Fenster, a highly successful entrepreneur himself, brings his expertise and experience to the table as the host of the podcast. As the founder and CEO of Everbowl, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in superfood bowls, Fenster has demonstrated his ability to identify market opportunities and build a thriving business. His entrepreneurial journey serves as a testament to his knowledge and understanding of the challenges and triumphs that come with building a successful brand.

Fenster's entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to create a healthy and delicious dining option that would cater to the growing demand for nutritious food. With a passion for health and wellness, Fenster recognized the need for a fast-casual restaurant that offered nutrient-rich meals without compromising on taste. This realization led to the birth of Everbowl, a concept that has since gained popularity and expanded to multiple locations.

As the founder and CEO of Everbowl, Fenster has been instrumental in shaping the brand's identity and driving its growth. His hands-on approach and commitment to quality have earned him a reputation as a respected figure in the restaurant industry. Fenster's ability to identify market trends, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and build a strong brand presence has been key to Everbowl's success.

On the other side of the conversation, Drew Brees, a legendary NFL quarterback, brings his own credibility and expertise to the discussion. With a career spanning two decades, Brees is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His accomplishments on the football field, including a Super Bowl victory and numerous records, have solidified his status as a respected and admired figure in the sports world.

Beyond his football career, Brees has also made a name for himself in the business world. As a franchisee for Jimmy John's sandwiches and an investor in various other ventures, Brees has demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen and ability to navigate the complexities of the business landscape. His experiences as a franchise owner and his commitment to authenticity in his business ventures further enhance his credibility as a successful entrepreneur.

Brees' journey into entrepreneurship began with his foray into the world of franchising. As a franchisee for Jimmy John's, Brees gained firsthand experience in running a business and managing a team. This experience sparked his interest in franchising and opened his eyes to the possibilities that lay beyond the football field. Brees recognized the value of aligning himself with established brands that shared his values and resonated with his personal brand.

Brees' commitment to authenticity has been a guiding principle in his entrepreneurial endeavors. He understands the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining unwavering integrity in business. This commitment not only ensures a genuine connection with his business ventures but also helps build trust and loyalty among his customers. Brees believes that authenticity is the key to building a successful and sustainable business.

But what sets Brees apart is his ability to find love in difficult situations. He fearlessly opens up about his personal encounters with failure and adversity, emphasizing the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges. Brees firmly believes that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather stepping stones to success. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as fuel to propel themselves forward. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, entrepreneurs can approach difficult situations with a positive mindset, unearthing the hidden gems within every setback.

Brees' experiences as a franchisee have also highlighted the value of the franchise community. He recognizes the wealth of knowledge and support it offers. Brees cherishes the opportunity to learn from fellow franchise owners, understanding the power of collaboration and shared experiences.

The franchise community provides a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable insights from others who have walked a similar path. Brees' experiences underscore the importance of building relationships and leveraging the wisdom of others in the pursuit of success.

In addition to his franchise ventures, Brees has also found success in expanding his Everbowl locations. Everbowl, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in superfood bowls, aligns with Brees' commitment to health and wellness. Through his involvement with Everbowl, Brees has not only expanded his business portfolio but also contributed to promoting a healthy lifestyle among his customers. This expansion showcases Brees' ability to identify opportunities that align with his personal values and leverage his platform to make a positive impact.

Brees' journey into entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of setting goals and embracing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and working tirelessly to achieve it. Brees' relentless pursuit of excellence on the football field has seamlessly translated into his business endeavors. He believes that the same principles of discipline, hard work, and dedication that propelled him to success in football are equally applicable in the world of entrepreneurship.

As Brees reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the lessons learned from both successes and failures. He understands that failure is not a reflection of one's worth but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement. Brees encourages entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, reminding them that even the greatest achievements are often preceded by numerous setbacks.

In conclusion, Drew Brees' journey from the gridiron to the boardroom is a captivating tale that offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. His entrepreneurial mindset, emphasis on authenticity, unwavering resilience, and commitment to personal values serve as a beacon of inspiration. Brees' unwavering belief in finding love in difficult situations and his deep appreciation for the franchise community further underscore the importance of resilience, collaboration, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial journey.

As entrepreneurs navigate their own paths, they can draw inspiration from Brees' experiences and apply his insights to their own ventures. By embracing challenges, staying true to their values, and seeking support from the vibrant community, entrepreneurs can conquer obstacles and achieve their loftiest goals. So, gear up, embrace the unknown, and let Drew Brees' entrepreneurial spirit guide you to victory in the game of business.

Jeff Fenster

Founder, Everbowl

Jeff Fenster is an award winning entrepreneur, best selling author, podcast host and expert in relationship capital.

His entrepreneurial success is vast - ranging from a quick serve restaurant chain, payroll and HR company, digital marketing agency and a construction company. But no matter what venture Jeff pursues, he lives by the principle of putting people first.

He was named a Empact100 Showcase Top 100 Entrepreneur in 2013, 2019's Top 40 Executive Under 40 by the San Diego Business Journal, and a Top Entrepreneur to Watch for 2020 by Thrive Global.

Jeff’s acclaimed podcast, The Jeff Fenster Show, features successful entrepreneurs, celebrities and athletes sharing their insights and stories of success. Today, Jeff speaks around the country on entrepreneurial mindset, authentic networking and vertical integration.

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