Kennedy’s Intro – March

Once again I’d like to thank everyone who’s given us feedback on our first two magazines, especially the folks who’ve commented on the piece about my late dog, Hannah. I didn’t necessarily mean to make anyone “misty-eyed,” as I’ve heard from several, I just wanted to share the memories of my dog and the insights that came from having her. A gentleman understands that life is partly about finding a path between the extremes – and sometimes that means letting out a little emotion. For a couple new Members, that story humanized our brand and was the reason their wives bought them gift cards or said, “Go ahead and become a Member. I approve.”

You know, the women in our lives kinda like it when we can have elements of both extremes in us: the burly man who protects and also hunts what his family eats (metaphorically-speaking OR for real); and the sensitive man who goes to the occasional “chick-flick” and takes care of himself and his appearance.

Speaking of manly things, March is a month named in honor of the Roman god of war: Mars. Back then, it was considered the start of a new year and still is in many parts of India and much of Central Asia. In honor of this new month and new year, I think it’s time we declared war on just settling for a routine haircut place… on just accepting the usual multi-blade razor you scrap your face with, half-asleep, most weekday mornings… and on just tolerating a less-than Kennedy’s experience… where they don’t “know your name,” let you get unlimited services, and always hand you a cold drink. It’s time for you, dear reader, to Go Public about Kennedy’s – how we’re transforming the state of men’s grooming. It’s time to start telling your buddies, your father, and your brothers about the best-kept secret around. We can’t conduct this campaign all by ourselves. We need your help to tell the men of the world about our better alternative. Even with the economy as it is, “small indulgences” and “inexpensive luxuries” like what we offer at Kennedy’s can help you not just survive, but thrive. Invite the men in your life to join our Club — they belong with us — and declare war on those less worthy!

In keeping with Kennedy’s NOT just being “a great place to get a haircut and/or a shave,” but being much, much more, I also think we should declare war on the pessimists and doom-sayers around us. Yes, we’ve been through a lot over the past 18 months, economically-speaking, but it’s time to start doing what Americans are notorious for: shrugging it off, adapting, and moving forward. This is the philosophy of a Kennedy’s man, and it is what’s needed now more than ever.

Ultimately, YOU control what happens to YOU. Too many people under-estimate themselves so they get much less done than if they naively, perhaps, believed a bit more in themselves. Any successful businessperson I’ve ever spoken with has some variation of not really believing there’s such a thing as failure. Regular failures that you learn from and evolve from pave the way to success. This is never more true any time or anywhere else in the world, than in America right now.

I bring all of this up because lots of people will flirt with the idea and superstition of luck, however briefly, due to St. Patrick’s Day being upon us. I won’t dispute the possibility of luck, fate or whatever you want to call it existing at some level, but Kennedy’s men believe in that old adage, “you make your own luck.” So, as much as it pains me to suggest this (being partly Irish), THIS St. Patrick’s Day and all month long, for that matter, how about not chasing rainbows for pots o’ gold and hoping for the luck of the Irish? Instead, make your luck – create your own. Not happy with the state of your personal economy? What are you prepared to do about it? How will you control your destiny? Simply wishing for change will do you no good. Hope, as they say, is a pretty poor business strategy.

Always believe YOU can have a dramatic impact on your success. A Kennedy’s man creates his destiny; he isn’t controlled by it. Start over-estimating your abilities instead of simply second-guessing them. Take calculated risks. Have some faith in the outcome. Dream bigger. And above all else… Take Action… NOW!

I hope you have a wonderful and lucky St. Patrick’s Day!

Chris Hurn is currently President, CEO, Cofounder and Board member of Mercantile Commercial Capital (MCC). His company was recently added to the 2007 Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies in America, number 245 with 951% growth over the past 3 years. Chris is well-known for his innovative marketing achievements and continues to coach and consult with various business owners and entrepreneurs. To date, MCC has closed commercial loans in 31 states for over $350 million in total project costs – one business owner at a time, and has been voted “Best Place to Work” by the Orlando Business Journal for 3 years running.

A few other business achievements Chris has received:

• Reader’s Choice Award for “Most Respected Executive in Central Florida” and “Best Small Company in Central Florida.”
• “SBA Marketing Guru of the Year.”
• NADCO’s Banker of the Year.
• SBA Financial Services Champion.
• Top Twenty Most Influential People in Small Business lending.
• Hallmark Award for Top Producer in Mortgage Lending.
• “Top Male, 40 Under 40″ in Orlando.
• One of the “100 Most Influential People” in Orlando.

Throughout his career, Chris has been in various leadership positions, including his background as business consultant and financier with GE Capital and as CFO for the NAI RealVest group of companies. Chris’ educational achievements are equally impressive. He graduated from Loyola University with two magna cum laude Bachelor Degrees; earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Center (formerly at the Wharton School of Business); and only spent one year at Georgetown University Law Center before wising-up about becoming an attorney. Chris is a frequent speaker and writer and has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Inc. Magazine, LA Times, the Sacramento Bee, the Orlando Sentinel, Scotsman Guide and many other regional and nationally-recognized trade publications. He maintains a busy civic calendar as a Board member with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Board and the Florida Hospital Foundation Board, as well his involvement with many other esteemed community organizations. Chris is married to his wife of 12 years, Shannon, and has two children, Reilly and Julianna.

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