By: Ed Mercer

At just 22 years old, Jared Curry has already traversed an entrepreneurial journey that many only dream of. From founding and scaling multiple companies in the digital space to now pivoting toward physical, brick-and-mortar businesses, Jared embodies the spirit of a young entrepreneur driven by a passion for business and a clear vision of where he wants to go. 

A Journey Rooted in Entrepreneurship

Jared’s entrepreneurial drive was instilled early on. Growing up, he was immersed in his father’s business, learning the ropes of running a company from a young age. “If I didn’t work with him, I wouldn’t be able to see him,” Jared recalls. “At the age of four, I was working in his businesses, and that’s where I developed my entrepreneurial spirit.”

This hands-on experience shaped his mindset, leading him to dream of running his own business one day.

His journey took a pivotal turn at 16 when he read the influential book Rich Dad Poor Dad. Inspired by its teachings, Jared began his first venture by purchasing a vending machine, diving into the concept of passive income. This experience sparked his pursuit of knowledge in the business world, leading him to invest in a course by Billy Wilson on running a marketing agency. Borrowing $500 from his father to buy the course, Jared started his first agency. The initial years were challenging, with Jared making just a few thousand dollars.

However, his determination and focus soon paid off.

Mastering the Online Space and Moving Beyond

Jared achieved significant milestones in the digital world, rapidly growing his marketing agency to impressive monthly revenue figures. Later, with a partner, he scaled another business to even greater heights. Despite these successes, Jared viewed the online business world as a stepping stone rather than a final destination.

“I got into the digital space because I knew it would allow me to get into real estate, which is what I wanted to do from a very young age,” Jared explains.

He sees online businesses as the modern-day equivalent of a lemonade stand—a great way for young people to start making money, but not necessarily a long-term pursuit for those passionate about business in a traditional sense. In his view, while the online space is excellent for generating quick income, building a lasting, tangible business that impacts a community is where true entrepreneurial fulfillment lies.

The Shift to Brick-and-Mortar Businesses

Now, Jared is channeling his energy into micro-private equity, focusing on local businesses like laundromats and franchises. He has already started acquiring franchises, including a chicken franchise, and plans to expand his portfolio with other small businesses. 

“My intention is to get completely out of the online space in the next year or two,” he says. “I want to build a portfolio of local businesses that have a lasting impact.”

Jared believes that building a physical business offers unique challenges and rewards. He finds immense value in meeting customers and employees face-to-face, something he feels is missing in the online world.

As Jared explains it, “If you genuinely enjoy business and have a passion for it, being in person and actually meeting your customers and employees is such a cool thing.”

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Drawing from his experiences, Jared has three crucial lessons for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs:

1. Revenue is Vanity: “It doesn’t matter how much money you make; it matters how much you keep,” Jared says. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on profit and cash flow rather than just top-line revenue. In the beginning, entrepreneurs may invest heavily to grow, but eventually, the bottom line becomes crucial.

2. Mission Over Ambition: Jared urges entrepreneurs to understand why they have certain goals. “At the end of the day, on your deathbed, you won’t care about achieving revenue targets unless they align with your true mission,” he says. He believes that chasing revenue numbers for the sake of competition leads to becoming a slave to the business. Instead, every action should align with a deeper purpose. For Jared, that purpose is building local businesses that can eventually support his goal of entering politics.

3. Sometimes You’re Up, Sometimes You’re Down: Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster, and Jared encourages others to keep going despite the highs and lows. “You have to keep playing,” he says. Persistence is key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.

The Road Ahead

Jared Curry’s journey is far from over. Focusing on building a portfolio of brick-and-mortar businesses, he is carving a path that aligns with his passion and long-term vision. He advocates for entrepreneurship grounded in reality and purpose, viewing physical businesses as a more challenging yet rewarding avenue. Jared’s commitment to creating lasting value through local businesses reflects a mature perspective on what it means to be an entrepreneur in the modern age.

Through his success and vision —one that goes beyond profit and toward creating a legacy.

Published by: Josh Tatunay