Most business origin stories get cleaned up before they are told publicly. Not this one. In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and security business owner Jason Bourgeous, who shares for the first time publicly how he walked away from a dangerous civilian contractor job in Afghanistan, came home to his family, and launched a franchise using $120,000 in credit card debt as his entire startup fund. What followed was years of grinding, sleepless nights, and hard financial lessons that most entrepreneurs only learn after things go wrong. If you have ever wondered what it really looks like to build something from nothing, with everything on the line, this conversation does not hold back.

Key Topics Discussed

[00:00:31] From Afghanistan contractor to entrepreneur.

[00:01:44] The decision to start a franchise.

[00:03:00] How $120,000 in credit cards became startup capital.

[00:05:41] When the numbers stopped adding up.

[00:06:48] Invoice factoring as a lifeline and a trap.

[00:08:55] The honest pros and cons of debt-funded startup.

[00:16:29] Why coaching and community changed everything.

[00:19:09] What is coming next for Jason.

Memorable Quotes

"The pressure was so immense, it really lit a fire under me. I had to sell my way out of it, but I also had to learn really quickly how to get a lot better with managing money, managing expenses, employees, and resources."

"Even if you're not thinking about it, you still feel it every day when you have debt."

"Some people, because their business was always going up and cash was always there, they never had to learn some of those disciplines that were important for me to learn early on."

"I can't read the label from inside this jar."

"It's better to have several people because one person might give you advice based on one perspective, but when you have eight different perspectives in the room, somewhere in there you're going to find one that balances really well with you."

How to Connect with Jason Bourgeous

After serving 12 years in two branches of the military, with 2 of those years as a civilian security operator in Afghanistan, Jason Bourgeois returned to his home town in south Louisiana to begin his journey of entrepreneurship. It’s been 12 years since he embarked on his business ownership journey, and he’s successfully scaled and exited a partnership, and has begun offering coaching and consulting services to hungry entrepreneurs looking to find freedom from their business.

Follow Jason on all social media platforms by searching for the handle @semperjason and check out his website at bourgeois-strategy.com

How to Connect with Camille Diaz

Camille Diaz brings zombiepreneurs back to life! She is a connector, author, coach, speaker, podcaster, and financial professional who loves to empower people with knowledge and resources. Her desire is to see others succeed in business and in life and to help inspired individuals design a path toward happiness, harmony, and financial security.

Connect with Camille on Instagram @CamUnfiltered or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillediaz/

Download Your Free PDF: 6 Millionaire Habits Anyone Can Copy at https://camillediaz.com/habits

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