Let’s play a game of dominos. The only thing about this game is it takes place over the next 10 years and it’s not really a game. It’s my life. I will be 30 next month and I took the time to write down how I see the next 10 years of my life playing out–year by year.
As most entrepreneurial types, I have ideas for days. I even have a section of my Evernote notebook dedicated to such ideas that I have. The true difference (at least I believe and read) between a person that has numerous ideas and one that actually becomes successful comes down to execution. I’ve heard and read that ideas are “shit” but I don’t think that’s the case. I think ideas mixed with focus and and execution are where the Facebook, Ubers and Air Bnb ideas emerge. However, these don’t usually start by trying to change the world.
They start by just solving a problem. A small problem usually.
But how do you solve that problem. The answer for me is setting up a game of dominos. This past Thanksgiving, my father taught myself and my cousins how to play but I’m not talking about those dominos. I’m talking about the dominos where you hit one and all of them fall over step-by-step.
As the girl from the video said, it took 25 hours over 8 days to accomplish what she did in the video and that’s what it takes to line up dominos to topple over. It takes time, patience and dedication.
It took me really doing a lot of self-evaluation over the past 10 or 11 years from understanding that I didn’t want to be an attorney and I wasn’t really a good editor. It took me really doing a lot of self-reflection and doing an honest assessment of who I am and what I do well. It’s not something that happened over night and I’m still in the process of laying down the dominos. The good thing though is I have the vision for how I want to execute and as I said on Facebook, “the table is set.”
Now it’s time to get ready to flick the first one.
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
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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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Email: gresham@bluestarfranchise.com
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