I’ve been listening to sermons the last few days to start out my day as a way to meditate. I came across a two part sermon from TD Jakes. He mentioned lots of valuable insight including a lot of frustration come from making an investment in something (or someone). Many times we become frustrated because of the expectations we have. I was feeling some frustration and realized that part of my frustration was because I was “going to the well” again. Not remembering that the “well” may not be full anymore.
Many times in life the game changes, last year was one of those years. The pandemic changed just about everything. I remember listening to a motivational video that reminded me of the best thing I could do was to take action—any action because there’s “no refunds.” So that’s what I did. My action was to go back to what I knew and make a bet that it would change. And at the worst I expected my investments to provide some returns. It hasn’t happened as I have expected. I believe this is because the game has changed and my expectations haven’t necessarily. I was wrong and that’s okay.
In business and in life, we make assumptions and bets. Sometimes they turn our how we expect them to but not always. This is where we must recognize the errors in our ways and adjust.
I’m at this point now but I appreciate the lesson because it wasn’t clear to me. Now I know that frustration is a reminder that I need to change. And this is what I will do.
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
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluestarfranchise
