006: Michael Gonzales Lost 100lbs and Gain a Great Business Idea




Podcast – Go Fire Yourself show

Summary: DIQ 006: Michael Gonzales (ActiveNOW) When you talk to Michael Gonzales, the founder of ActiveNow, you can’t help but notice that he’s extremely passionate about his business. When Michael was working as a Senior of Innovations at Healthways, he lost an impressive 100lbs which ended up changing his entire life. That sparked his idea for ActiveNow—an online one-stop-shop platform for healthy living for the people and corporations of Nashville, TN (and maybe beyond one day). In 2010, Michael decided to run with his idea, quit his corporate job (after being there 8 years), and start this company alongside his wife Christa. The husband-and-wife duo make an inspiring team and have quickly grown their business over the last few years. Hear Michael’s story about running a “family” startup business, raising two little kids and miraculously staying happily married along the way… In this episode of The Day I Quit, you’ll discover… How Michael’s journey losing 100lbs inspired him to create his own business that’s a one-stop-shop for other people trying to get healthy What made him feel comfortable quitting his corporate job only a few months after developing his business idea Why it’s important to regret something you’ve done versus something you haven’t done How Michael used the best and worst of his corporate experience to create the perfect business for himself The importance of going very lean with your finances during the start-up phase of your business Why he decided to write a product roadmap for his business instead of a formal business plan How he strategically planned his business so he didn’t have to pay all the start up cost all at once Michael’s #1 tip for running a successful business as a husband-and-wife team What helps him keep the faith in his business idea even though he’s claims it’s “scary” not getting a regular paycheck What Michael’s had to sacrifice in his life along the way to be his own boss How starting your own company is completely different than working for someone else and how to stay “level-headed” Why believing your business idea will work is much different than just thinking it will work The importance of starting your business for the RIGHT reasons (which doesn’t involve making lots of money) Why it’s crucial to surround yourself with good people who “get” what you’re doing   Items mentioned in this podcast include: ActiveNow.com   The post 006: Michael Gonzales Lost 100lbs and Gain a Great Business Idea appeared first on Go Fire Yourself.