Doug DuMars: How to Follow Your Passion and Overcome Fear

Taking the entrepreneurial plunge is no easy feat, especially when you have a secure job that pays well. Even scarier is knowing you have a family to support and a mortgage to pay for.

But after twenty years of working for companies like Pepsi and Kraft, I decided to take the leap and start Rebellious Infusions with my co-founder and fellow first-time entrepreneur, Joe O’Connor.

I’ve always taken an entrepreneurial approach throughout my career. I knew that my experience working for large corporate players could be applied to growing something from the ground-up. After years of toying with the idea, I couldn’t ignore it any longer.

So while doing some research on the beverage space, it became clear that there was an opportunity to bring a functional product to market. With the network I have and the team in place, Joe and I set out on our next venture.

It’s not an easy leap.

I’m lucky to have a supportive family who believed in our vision as much as we do. Their encouragement was definitely instrumental in helping make that crucial decision to start a business.

Having a co-founder like Joe was also incredibly important. Knowing I have someone in the trenches with me means I’m not doing this alone. It also means I have someone to help celebrate the wins and navigate the challenges.

If you’re considering working with a partner, I strongly encourage you to choose someone who complements your personality, your strengths, and your weaknesses. Balance is key to a great partnership. 

Are You Cut Out For It?

Entrepreneurship is one of the toughest jobs out there. Before you make your decision to start a company, there are some important things you have to truly assess about yourself and your abilities. 

• What’s your vision? Where do you want your business to be in 1, 2, 5, 10 years?
• Do you have enough passion for the product or service you’re selling?
• Do you have the motivation to keep going after receiving 100 no’s?
• Can you practice self-awareness to ensure you’re constantly reflecting on your weaknesses?
• Are you a strong communicator?
• Practice your elevator pitch. How would you rate your persuasiveness or sales skills? 
• How resourceful are you? How will you bootstrap your business?
• Are you adaptable? Can you pivot when things aren’t working out?

And finally the most important question: are you willing to bet the future on yourself? For me, there’s a lot on the line. But I believe in Rebellious, our mission, and my co-founder.

I know we have a great product. I was willing to take that bet. Question is, are you?