Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Ridenour.
Tell us about what you’re working on at the moment that you would love the world to know about. Give us as much detail as possible!
Right now I am building Positivity Newsletter. I started it last year, but this year I am slightly rebranding it as I began losing focus. While the overall point of the page is for positivity and happiness, I was trying to be all things to all people, and that was frustrating me, I was losing the passion behind the idea. I am retooling to get back to what originally inspired me, to help primarily men, because I am a man, but also women, who are struggling against their demons and doubts to find strength and happiness. There are a lot of men, especially young men, who see no purpose or value in themselves and it holds them back. I see it happening to one friend and his son now. Both are afraid to really launch and believe in themselves. There are thousands more who are in a similar place. While I am not the person with all the answers, I am on a path of self-discovery, and my goal is to share my personal lessons and successes with others in hopes I can inspire others, or maybe some people can take what has worked for me and apply it to their lives. Why roam in the darkness when you can have me go first for you with a flashlight? I may not know where I am going either, but I can find some of the doors for everyone else.
Is there anyone in your life you’d like to shout out that has helped you get to where you are? How have they helped you?
My wife and children. I owe everything to them. I mean, of course, there are my employees Steve and Jessa, who always do quality work, others in the industry that have supported me, I have noticed that my ‘competition’ is more invested in my success than even many friends and family. I used to believe that business was filled with unethical people who would trip you and step on you to climb over you because of what is always shown in the news. What is not shown is the other 99% of people who understand a rising tide lifts all boats. I have had other entrepreneurs offer to help me, give free advice and help me solve most of the problems that have given me most of the success I have. I have more people to thank than I could possibly imagine. I did not get here by my own skills alone. I got here through some of my own hard work and dedication, sure. But without the support of the business community, especially Holly and Greg Johnson of Frugal Travel, who got me started in this business, my wife Ibett whose support and help with the kids has made this possible, without her I would get nothing at all done. This is half hers. And finally, my father Richard Ridenour for raising me with ethics and my brother Brian Ridenour for helping me improve on them by example.
Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share with our audience?
Always be thankful for what you have, work hard to make it better. Never accept that you are stuck where you are. You will only be there if you believe you belong there. I know mindset is not everything, but one thing is certain, without mindset you have no chance. Also, while hustle culture may be valuable when first starting, or for important periods in your business, for the vast majority of people, it only leads to burnout. Have a balanced life, but don’t be opposed to those 18 hour days when you need them. Finally, give back to the community that brought you up. Some people believe they got where they are all on their own. Nobody does that. Bezos would be broke if it were not for thousands of employees earning it for him. Stay humble, remember other businesspeople who helped you, gave you advice, employees who gave you more than 24 hours in a day, nobody gets where they are all alone.
Finally, how can people connect with you and learn more about what you do?
I can be reached on Facebook and Instagram at @postivitynewsletter, visit the website at https://positivitynewsletter.com, and by email at eric@positivitynewsletter.com
