Episode 70 - Journey of Diverse Experiences: The Life Lessons of Don Hurzeler

The Andrew Holland Podcast

In this episode, Don Hurzeler, an executive in C-Suite positions through much of his career in the insurance industry, working at Allstate and Zurich Financial Services, and now an adventurous entrepreneur in the photography industry, co-owning Lava Light Galleries, with his wife, Linda, and business partner, CJ, joins Andrew in studio. Andrew and Don discuss his background, his career path, all of the life lessons he would pass on to his younger self, and the 3 life concepts he lives by: Focus, Challenges, and the Future. You won't want to miss the vivacious conversation Andrew and Don share!
Takeaways

• Don's diverse life experiences have shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
• Working in the insurance industry provided stability and financial security.
• Don's time in New York City and working for a billionaire expanded his horizons and taught him valuable lessons.
• He started his own publishing company and gallery, applying his knowledge and experience to new ventures. Don't panic during tough times and make smart investment decisions.
• Embrace challenges and negotiate to get the best outcomes.
• Focus on the most profitable areas of your business and say no to distractions.
• Live in the present, think about the future, and avoid dwelling on the past. Continuous learning and staying engaged in new challenges can lead to happiness and personal growth.
• Being proactive in making career moves is important for professional success.
• Taking on too much and not delegating can lead to failures in delivering on commitments.
• Money alone does not guarantee happiness; experiences, relationships, and accomplishments are more fulfilling.
• Retirement is an opportunity to explore new passions and interests.
• Overcoming fear and taking risks can lead to incredible experiences and personal growth.

Chapters
00:20 Introduction and Meeting Don
01:59 Don's Background and Childhood
07:56 Don's Publishing Company and Gallery
10:23 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
25:22 Applying Past Experiences to New Ventures
31:47 Assistant to the Governor of Illinois
33:08 Selling the House and Making Smart Investments
34:32 Becoming CEO and Leaving Before the Crash
37:58 Moving to Hawaii and Starting Lava Light Gallery
43:24 Passion for Photography and Adventure
52:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
59:08 The Importance of Focus, Future, and Challenge
01:02:41 Continuous Learning and Staying Engaged
01:04:09 Being Proactive in Making Career Moves
01:06:01 The Pitfalls of Taking on Too Much and Not Delegating
01:10:01 Money Does Not Guarantee Happiness
01:13:32 Embracing Retirement as an Opportunity for Exploration
01:19:43 Overcoming Fear and Taking Risks for Personal Growth

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