By: Seraphina Quinn

At 21, Connor Cahill is currently the CEO of a Multi-Million Dollar Software Company. He is inspiring hundreds of employees to work toward a unified vision. His unique journey reflects how perseverance and adaptability can drive personal and professional growth. Here’s a look at how he rose to success—and some of the best and worst moves he made along the way. For aspiring entrepreneurs, these reflections may offer valuable insights.

Tip #1: Invest in Knowledge (Even if You Have to Sneak In)

Connor didn’t wait for a degree to learn finance or business. Instead, he packed up his life at 17, drove cross-country to Tampa in a barely-running Toyota, and got to work. College classes were out of the question with limited funds, but that didn’t stop him. He spent his days sneaking into finance lectures at the University of Tampa, sitting in the back, and absorbing everything he could.

It wasn’t the traditional route, but it worked. “You don’t need to follow the rules to learn,” Connor says. “If you’re resourceful, you can find ways to gain knowledge everywhere.” While each person’s journey is different, creative problem-solving can open unexpected doors. So, the first lesson? Staying curious and seeking knowledge in unconventional ways may help you find new opportunities.

“Constantly ask yourself why. Why did I buy this coffee? Why didn’t I go to the cafe across the street? How did they get me to spend $7 on a latte? How could they have gotten me to spend more?”

Tip #2: Side Jobs Can Be Stepping Stones

No overnight success story here—Connor’s first gig wasn’t exactly glamorous. When he wasn’t learning about finance, he was working late nights in demolition, tearing down concrete to keep food on the table. It wasn’t easy, but it gave him the freedom to keep pursuing his bigger dream.

Every entrepreneur’s journey includes challenges and stepping stones, and for Connor, that meant taking whatever work he could get. He learned how to budget, how to hustle, and most importantly, how to stay resilient through tough times. “Those nights in demolition taught me how to work hard and stay focused,” he shares. For others, side jobs can provide the resources or experience needed to keep moving toward larger goals.

Tip #3: Surround Yourself with Success

At 19, Connor landed a marketing position with GoHighLevel, a startup that was small then but has since grown into a billion-dollar company. Being part of a fast-growing company exposed him to strategies and challenges that shaped his perspective on scaling a business.

“Working at GoHighLevel wasn’t just about a paycheck,” Connor says. “I watched that company grow at an incredible rate, and I learned lessons I couldn’t have picked up anywhere else.” While every company’s trajectory is unique, exposure to rapid growth can offer invaluable learning experiences.

Tip #4: Expect the Roller Coaster

Connor didn’t just wake up one day to find himself running a multimillion-dollar company. He faced plenty of setbacks along the way. When he co-founded Agency Vault, he put every penny he had into it and spent hours upon hours working on a business that didn’t turn a profit for the first year. There were times when revenue dropped to zero, and he had to pull out every bit of grit to keep going.

“Starting Agency Vault was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Connor admits. “Challenges are inevitable in entrepreneurship. While there are no guarantees of success, staying committed and adaptable can help weather difficult periods.”

Tip #5: Embrace AI or Get Left Behind

Now that Agency Vault is up and running, Connor’s looking to the future—and for him, that future is all about AI. He firmly believes companies that don’t leverage AI risk missing out on opportunities for growth.

“AI is already transforming everything, from marketing to business operations,” Connor says. His goal is to make sure Agency Vault is always one step ahead, helping other businesses use AI to streamline their operations. While the impact of AI will vary across industries, staying informed about evolving technologies can provide a competitive edge.

“AI is going to become as essential as the internet was when it first hit,” he explains. Businesses that adapt to these changes may position themselves more effectively in their markets.

What Not to Do: Don’t Get Comfortable

If there’s one thing Connor Cahill doesn’t believe in, it’s getting comfortable. Whether it was working in demolition, marketing at a startup, or leading his own company, he’s constantly pushing himself to learn and grow. “The moment you think you’ve made it, you’ve lost,” he shares.

Instead of getting comfortable, Connor’s always looking for new ways to challenge himself, keep learning, and stay humble. When he turned 19, he made a pact with himself. “No warm showers until I’ve achieved my goals. Unfortunately, as my dreams get bigger, so does the wait for hot water,” he laughs.

A Final Word to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those trying to start their own businesses, Connor has some advice: be prepared for the highs and lows, and look for the lessons in every step of the journey. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just a job,” he says. “It’s a mindset that can transform how you approach challenges and opportunities.”

His message to other young dreamers is clear: focus on your goals, remain adaptable, and embrace the learning process—even if it’s unconventional.

So, what’s next for Connor Cahill? He doesn’t have it all mapped out, and that’s exactly how he likes it. “Some days, I want to grow Agency Vault into a billion-dollar business. Other days, I think about retiring early on an island somewhere.” Either way, he’s just getting started—and if his journey so far is any indication, the possibilities are endless.

Published by: Josh Tatunay