I mentioned that I think I lost my oxygen mask. I’m not sure exactly when but I noticed that I started to get overextended which is a common theme in my life it seems. Here’s a little of what I was involved in and I wrote it down on my mirror.
- Condo Board Member
- West End Business Association Board Member
- Dream Queen Board Member
- Path for Her Board Member
- Arlington Chamber Member
- Young Entrepreneurs Academy Committee Member
- YPP Circles Leader
- Charles Houston Recreation Center Committee Member
- Blue 16 Media
- Podcast Host
- CBNation.co
- Dog dad 🙂
- Other smaller projects I’m working on
This was in addition to having 7 team members and of course working with clients. In other words, just a tad bit overextended. The one thing that I never assumed was that as I became more and more active, I would have to say “no” even more.
I’m in the process of scaling back many of these responsibilities or in other words reapplying my oxygen mask. First I had to look for it an now I’m putting it back on.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.131 posts
https://iamgresh.comGresham W. Harkless Jr.
Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Helping founders and aspiring owners find franchise opportunities that match their purpose, finances, and lifestyle. Host of the I AM CEO Podcast with more than 1,600 interviews.
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About Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise broker based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As founder of Blue Star Franchise, he helps aspiring and established business owners discover franchise opportunities aligned with their goals, skills, and long-term vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresham brings a consultative, client-first approach to franchise matching. Through his media company, Blue 16 Media, and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured more than 1,600 interviews, he has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners to accelerate growth and build scalable business models.
His mission is simple: to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.
Credentials & Affiliations
Certified Franchise Broker - Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder - Blue Star Franchise
Founder - Blue 16 Media
Host - I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise & Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S., Business Administration - Howard University
How Gresham Helps
Franchise discovery & matching consultations
Franchise investment and financial fit analysis
Franchise development guidance & onboarding support
Speaking engagements & media interviews
Business growth advisory through Blue 16 Media
I AM CEO Podcast
With more than 1,600 episodes, the I AM CEO Podcast features conversations with founders, franchise owners, authors, and business leaders.
Gresham shares real, actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and lead.
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Contact & Bookings
Email: gresham@bluestarfranchise.com
For franchise inquiries, speaking engagements, or media interviews, send an email or use the consultation link.
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Connect with Gresham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluestarfranchise
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bluestarfran
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueStarFranchise
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bluestarfranchise
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluestarfranchise
