He Almost Lost Everything...: Young Salaryman turned Millionaire CEO's Journey

The Beginning of Fuse Technology
Ryan's entrepreneurial journey traces back to his roots in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Michigan University, Ryan ventured into the corporate world, laying the groundwork for his future endeavours.

The pivotal moment arrived in December 2018 when Ryan connected with his co-founder, Brandon Afari, laying the foundation for what would soon become Fuse Technology.

Fueled by their shared vision and complementary skill sets, Ryan and Brandon embarked on a journey marked by determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

The Birth of Charge Fuse: Revolutionizing Mobile Charging
One of Fuse Technology's flagship products, Charge Fuse, emerged as a game-changer in the mobile charging industry.

With Charge Fuse kiosks installed across numerous venues, including bars, hotels, and restaurants, the product offers a convenient solution for users in need of a quick battery boost.

Ryan's description of the product reflects not only its practicality but also its ingenuity, underscoring the team's ability to identify and address unmet needs in the market.

Building the Perfect Team: A Recipe for Success
As Fuse Technology expanded its operations, assembling the right team emerged as a critical priority for Ryan.

Recognizing the paramount importance of team dynamics and shared vision, Ryan emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also embody the company's culture and values.

By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose among team members, Ryan strives to create an environment conducive to collaboration, innovation, and collective growth.

Leading by Example: Valuing Team Contribution
In an industry where success often hinges on individual achievement, Ryan's leadership philosophy stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity and recognition of team contributions.

By not taking a salary during the company's formative years and ensuring that upper management employees receive competitive compensation, Ryan demonstrates his commitment to fostering a culture of equity and appreciation within Fuse Technology.

Through leading by example and prioritizing the well-being of his team, Ryan endeavours to cultivate a sense of ownership and pride among employees, driving the company towards continued success.

Navigating the Storm: How COVID-19 was a Catalyst for Ryan’s Growth 📈

The COVID-19 pandemic presented Ryan with unprecedented challenges, disrupting their business operations and shaking the foundation of his carefully laid plans.

Initially, he faced supply chain disruptions, plummeting demand, and the abrupt transition to remote work. However, rather than succumbing to despair, he embraced the crisis as an opportunity for innovation and adaptation.

Swiftly pivoting his business model, he leveraged technology to transition online, explored new revenue streams, and capitalized on shifting consumer behaviours.

Additionally, he streamlined operations, cut expenses, and fostered a spirit of collaboration within his team. Through strategic decision-making and resilience, they not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, showcasing the adaptability and determination essential for entrepreneurial success in the face of adversity.

All of Ryan’s success wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t have any investors. To hear how he gained their trust, as well as maintain it in the dark times, check out the full podcast now!

Get a grip on your Emotions: A full Guide

Ryan talks about getting a grip on your emotions, while this may sound ‘wishy-washy’ to some people it is crucial for all entrepreneurs.

Getting too hyped over a win you just had can lead to some poor decisions that are fueled by adrenalin, but the opposite is also true.

If you don’t begin to enjoy the high then all your work can begin to feel mundane and lack a sense of purpose. So here is a step-by-step list of how to master your emotions:

1. Balance Empathy with Decision-Making: 
The conversation highlights the importance of empathy in business but also cautions against letting it overshadow the need for making firm decisions.

While empathy is crucial for understanding clients and employees, there comes a point where it can hinder progress if not balanced with pragmatism.

2. Avoid Entitlement: 
Excessive empathy can lead to entitlement among employees and clients.

This sense of entitlement can ultimately undermine the effectiveness of the business and may require corrective action, such as restructuring or even letting go of certain individuals.

3. Understand Empathy's Boundaries: 
Empathy shouldn't be confused with sympathy or weakness. It's about understanding others' perspectives without necessarily taking on their burdens.

Recognizing this boundary helps maintain a healthy balance between empathy and assertiveness in business interactions.

4. Strategic Empathy: 
While empathy is valuable, it should be strategically deployed to achieve business goals.

Understanding clients' needs doesn't mean sacrificing profitability or compromising the long-term viability of the business. It's about using empathy as a tool to build relationships and create value without becoming a pushover.

5. Align Empathy with Personal Values: 
Business decisions should align with personal values and long-term goals. What works for one entrepreneur may not work for another, and it's essential to understand what fulfils you beyond just financial metrics.

Ultimately, success should be measured not only in profits but also in personal satisfaction and fulfilment.

By internalizing these lessons, entrepreneurs can leverage empathy effectively to build strong relationships, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth in their businesses.

if you want to learn more about this, here is an additional article that explains how to have full control over your emotions:

Mastering the Art of Networking: Essential Tips for Entrepreneurs
Before Ryan was able to ask his investors for some money, he had to build up his networking skills. The advice here is mainly for beginner entrepreneurs, but the seasoned businessman can still learn a thing or two from this:

1. Definite Purpose Commands Respect:
Having a clear sense of purpose and direction in life or business not only gives you a sense of confidence but also commands respect and attention from others.

When you know where you're going and what you want to achieve, you become more focused, driven, and ultimately more influential. People are naturally drawn to those who exude certainty and purpose, as opposed to those who appear unsure or indecisive.

2. Know Your Origin Story 🦹‍♂️:
Your origin story is more than just a recounting of your past experiences; it's a powerful tool for making connections and leaving a lasting impression.

Being able to succinctly and compellingly communicate who you are, what you stand for, and what you aim to achieve can set you apart in networking situations.

By mastering your origin story, you give others a clear sense of who you are and what you bring to the table, making it easier for them to relate to you and see value in building a relationship.

3. Physical Presentation Matters:
While it's true that "you shouldn't judge a book by its cover," the reality is that first impressions matter, especially in networking.

Taking care of your physical appearance, such as being in good shape and dressing well, reflects self-respect and signals to others that you are professional, confident, and attentive to detail.

People are more likely to engage with someone who presents themselves positively and takes pride in their appearance.

4. Find Common Ground:
Building rapport and establishing common ground with others is essential for fostering meaningful connections.

Whether it's shared interests, experiences, or goals, finding commonalities can create a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding.

By actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest in others, you can uncover commonalities that serve as the foundation for building strong relationships.

5. Give Before You Take:
Successful networking is rooted in reciprocity and generosity.

Rather than approaching networking as a transactional exchange where you seek to gain something from others, focus on adding value and building genuine relationships.

Offer support, resources, and assistance without expecting immediate returns.

By demonstrating your willingness to give and contribute, you create goodwill and earn the trust and respect of others, making them more receptive to future opportunities and collaborations.

6. Respect Boundaries and Egos:
In networking, it's essential to be mindful of boundaries, both yours and others.

Avoid prying into personal matters or making others uncomfortable by respecting their privacy and personal space.

Additionally, be aware of ego dynamics and strive to maintain humility and authenticity in your interactions.

Avoid coming across as overly aggressive, self-promotional, or insincere, as this can be off-putting and damage relationships.

7. Successful People Network with Successful People:
Surrounding yourself with successful individuals can have a profound impact on your success and growth.

By networking with accomplished individuals, you gain access to valuable insights, opportunities, and connections that can help propel your career or business forward.

Seek out opportunities to engage with successful people, learn from their experiences, and leverage their expertise to accelerate your progress.

8. Build and Maintain Your Brand:
In today's digital age, personal branding is more important than ever for networking success.

Your brand is a reflection of your reputation, values, and expertise, and it plays a crucial role in shaping how others perceive you.

By actively cultivating and managing your brand through online and offline channels, such as social media, networking events, and professional associations, you can establish yourself as a credible authority in your field and attract opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and advancement.

Overall, effective networking requires a combination of clarity of purpose, genuine connection, mutual respect, and strategic personal branding.

By mastering these principles and applying them consistently, you can build a strong network of relationships that support your personal and professional growth.