Entrepreneurial Mindset

Jaime Hepp is the president of a successful marketing company that focuses on training and developing young professionals to become strong and well-rounded leaders.

Current Position: President of T.A.G.

Hometown: Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada

Education: 2 years at University of Saskatchewan

Your news source: CNN and Fox

Last book you read: Your Child’s Self Esteem: Step-by-Step Guidelines for Raising Responsible, Productive, Happy Children by Dorothy Briggs

Radio station: 1070 AM

Guilty Pleasure: Starbucks (daily)

Childhood ambition: Professional athlete

Passion: Helping others achieve greatness

Career Journey: Developing and leading people as young entrepreneurs

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CM: As the owner of a successful marketing company, what do you think contributed to your success?

JH: Reflection and perseverance. Taking the time to reflect gives me the chance to pause and reset. After reflecting, I try to get myself back on the right track. Perseverance means to never give up. Adversity is part of the journey to success. It is important to fail and get back up. Winston Churchill said, “Success is to go from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm.” I buy into that.

CM: What’s your style of management?

JH: Things (like machines and systems) need to be managed. People need to be lead. My style of leadership is based upon the individual. The two tools I use are direction and support. Depending on a person’s skill set and confidence, I adjust those two tools appropriately.

CM: Leadership. What does that word mean to you?

JH: Be the example and role model. Make tough decisions that better the organization and its people.

CM: What does a typical day for you look like?

JH: Wake up before the sun. Work harder than the sun. It’s a long day, and I try to stay productive in a few key areas: developing key personnel, recruiting, training, and campaign development.

CM: How do you motivate your employees?

JH: I hire self motivated employees only. I then focus on educating them. I think they would be insulted if I tried motivating them.

CM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

JH: I love being a critical part of our people’s personal and professional growth. Since I didn’t become a professional athlete, I find coaching to be a very rich experience for me.

CM: What do you consider to be the most difficult aspect of your job?

JH: Seeing people lose their confidence and give up on themselves. It’s tough when you have more faith in people than they have in themselves.

CM: Do you live by a quote, mission statement or life motto?

JH: If you help enough other people get what they want in life, you’ll get what you want.

CM: Is there any advice you can give to aspiring entrepreneurs or young professionals in marketing/sales wanting to make it to the top?

JH: 3 things: Work hard on your character—it’s the greatest asset you have. Be the hardest worker you know. Never give up.

Photo: TAG volunteers take a team of kids from the Boys & Girls Club down to the local firestation in Venice for a tour and pancake breakfast.