From Selling Gyros to Sharing Stories

My first job was selling gyros at the Saturday Market when I was 14.

I didn’t grow up around entrepreneurs.

I grew up around survivors.

People built something out of nothing using their hands, instincts, and grit.

So when I stepped into business, I didn’t have a roadmap…

But I did have mentors.

Usually older, a bit wiser, sometimes just passing through, but they offered small lessons that made a big impact.

I started learning people.

Their behaviors, their body language, their buying patterns.

Selling gyros taught me attention.

Selling t-shirts taught me story.

Running businesses with teams taught me leadership, systems, and strategy.

That old 1985 VW Van had a story in my mind before I purchased it and started going to events and selling T shirts out of it.

It looks like the one they used to toss toys out of in the refugee camp I lived in.

I bought it as a reminder.

Of where I’ve been, and what I’m building now.

Today, that van is the mobile studio for The Rising Author podcast.

And recently, I drove it up to Phoenix to sit down with Dr. Pete Patterson a two-time author who just released Living a Whole Life.

What unfolded was one of the most deep, thoughtful, and grounding conversations I’ve had.

Philosophy, health, faith, resilience, the kind of stuff that lingers.
I’m grateful for people like Dr. Pete.

I learn just by listening.

Their perspective shapes mine in ways I’m still unpacking.

New episode is live here.

#risingauthors #gardenwarrior