Meet Michael Jones

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was an Allstate insurance agent in NY. Yet I knew I was supposed to be doing something else. In the spring of 1986, I moved my family to Atlanta, where I was promised a job. Shortly after my arrival, my prospective employer informed me that he had changed his mind and would not be hiring me. So, I ended up starting self-employed by default. My initial mindset was survival and taking care of my family.

While I was learning about the mortgage industry, I jumped in the deep end of the pool and learned while doing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am extremely relational. My clients mean more to me than money.
I’ve had ups and downs like any other business owner. But I have always tried to put relationships over money.

I don’t let my current limitations stop me from pursuing what I believe is mine. It takes stretching, many learning curves, rejection, and self-determination. But our vision and passion can defy the current facts, and create change.

I’ve come to realize that the journey is what makes you, not the destination. Many times, the journey of successes and losses actually empowers us to handle the weight that comes when we reach that sphere of influence that we so desired.

When Life serves you lemons, don’t settle for lemonade.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like good food, and Capital Grill would be at the top of the list. Atlanta is a beautiful place, with many attractions I’d love to share, such as the botanical gardens and the Atlanta night lights. And if Hamilton was showing at the Fox, we’d have front row seats.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been blessed with mentors throughout the years, many of them have never met me. One of the strongest influences was Dr. Robert Schuller. I attended a conference and heard.

-There is never a shortage of money, just ideas!
-Ready, fire, aim; don’t be afraid to make little mistakes because in making little mistakes it prevents you from making big ones.
-If you don’t let people know that you’re hurting, don’t be surprised if it seems like nobody cares. (from there I adopted, if you don’t let people know you want to do business with them, don’t be surprised if no one calls on your services.

These are the three statements that pushed me into the decision to start a business: no money, poor credit, and being unknown in this new business environment.

Website: https://www.beyondlemonade.club

Instagram: @beyondlemonade1

Linkedin: Michael A. Jones

Facebook: @beyondlemonade

Image Credits
Black and white photo Keir Chapple