Startup Fortune, July 6, 2020: Running a successful company is a huge responsibility. When it happens at just 20, after the traumatic loss of your father, it can push you into a space that’s hard to come back from. It’s the way Devin Wills’ story goes, and it would have kept going down a darker path if he hadn’t managed to kick his drug and alcohol habit, pick himself up by his bootstraps and take on the responsibility of running his late father’s company.
What businesses have you run before, and how did they help you get to where you are now?
Growing up my dad was my best friend. From an early age, my mother wasn’t in my life, so my dad and I relied on each other. He ran a successful roofing business – one of the best in Georgia. When I was 20, he had a heart attack. I tried multiple rounds of CPR, to no avail. I inherited his company, but I was nowhere near ready for that. Although I was the owner of a successful business, my passion was in real estate.
What made you choose this business/industry?
With regard to the roofing business, I didn’t have much choice. My dad had started the company from the ground up and he poured his heart and soul into it for 25 years. The people who worked with him had been there for almost as long. We were family and there was no way I could abandon them. The real estate aspect has always been an interest of mine, so I had to find a way to balance my passion with what my dad had built.
How important is mindset when starting your own business?
After my dad’s death, I struggled to cope and process the loss. I ran away from it by turning to partying, drugs, and alcohol. I probably would have continued running if I hadn’t changed my mindset. Some things that helped me then and continue to motivate me now include:
- Know your why: Why are you in this business? Why is it important to you?
- Develop your daily practices: Your daily routine can set the tone for the entire day, so cultivate a solid routine into your life.
- Stay in learning mode: Always be hungry for knowledge. It helps your mind stay in better shape.
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