"Dream more than others think practical and expect more than others think possible"
Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship can be a daunting endeavor. For many, running one successful business is a commendable achievement. Eddie Wilson, however, isn’t like most entrepreneurs.
With his strategic leadership and clear vision, Wilson has transformed the concept of entrepreneurship, launching multiple businesses and guiding them to success.
As the driving force behind over 115 companies, with more than 85 successful exits to his credit, Wilson has demonstrated a knack for fostering business growth. His latest venture is at the helm of the promising Private Equity Firm, Collective Influence.
Brought up in an environment that encouraged entrepreneurial spirit, Wilson’s passion for unlocking opportunities and independence through business was fostered from a young age. His father played a significant role in shaping this passion, instilling in him the courage and determination that have become hallmarks of his successful career.
Beyond his business acumen, Wilson’s vision reaches far. His path-breaking journey in the realm of entrepreneurship promises to be insightful and inspiring.
Join us as we delve into his extraordinary career and explore his broader vision for the world of business.
In this candid interview, Eddie shares insights on company culture, character, business challenges, and his vision for success in 2023. Join us as we delve into the mind of the entrepreneur behind IceBrekr and discover what makes him tick.
Check out more interviews with entrepreneurs here.
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Table of Contents
We’re delighted to have you with us today! To start, could you please give our readers a brief introduction about yourself and your journey up until now?
Eddie Wilson: I’m a serial entrepreneur. I exist in 3 areas – I’m a corporate leader, investor, and an altruist.
After exiting over 85 companies, I am currently building a new Private Equity Firm called Collective Influence with an emphasis on taking all that we make by creating a foundation called Impact Others.
Can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and how that has influenced your life and work?
Eddie Wilson: I grew up in the home of an entrepreneur, my father, who left his corporate job and began to show me the way of creating freedom and opportunity through the creation of business.
In that home, I watched my father both impede and sail, and it removed a lot of the fear from me that many entrepreneurs face.
It’s because of that upbringing that I’m willing to create companies and opportunities for others. That helped me understand at a young age that if you’re willing to put in the work, good things will come.
Please give our readers a glimpse into your background and the unique experiences that have shaped you as a person.
Eddie Wilson: After college, I went the typical path into corporate America, and after manag¬ ing radio and television stations, I realized that I could create freedom and opportunity for my¬ self by creating my own businesses.
It was through that that I had my first exit and realized that I could create companies and sell them for exponential valuation. Through that journey, I have been able to build over 115 companies with over 6,000 employees and over 85 successful exits.
After existing in a large corporate environ¬ ment, I realized that I wanted to create a differ¬ ent environment where my employees weren’t just working for a paycheck or for advance¬ ments, but all of us collectively are making a dif¬ ference around the world, and each one of my employees gets to participate in that impact.
Please tell us a bit about the people, places, or experi¬ ences that have played a cru¬ cial role in shaping your per¬ sonal and professional life.
Eddie Wilson: Firstly, my father played the most crucial role in removing fear from the process of creating opportunities for the companies.
Secondly, it is my staff and the leaders who work for me who play a crucial role. If it weren’t for the staff and leaders around me, it wouldn’t be possible to do what I do at the scale that I do it. It is those leaders that make it possible to have exponential growth.
Could you share a memorable story from your past that you think will give our readers a good idea of who you are?
Eddie Wilson: The story I would like to tell is: In 2019, after the 85 exits, Andrew Cordle, my current business partner, came to my office and convinced me to start my second Private Equity Firm for the purpose of surrounding ourselves with great people and making an impact on the world.
The whole reason we created this current Private Equity Firm is to create an impact around the world. At the same time, we created the Private Equity firm, we also created our second foundation, Impact Others, to make sure that every bit of profit that we receive from the very beginning has a percentage that immediately goes into orphanages, feeding centers, water projects, and creating sustainable businesses in third world countries.
Can you share with our readers the key moments or influences in your life that led you to where you are now?
Eddie Wilson: The key moments for me were number 1, the first time I exited a company, I realized that I could exit for lOx the profit and not have to spend the next 10 years managing that company and putting the work in.
The second key moment was when I was in Honduras and saw thousands of children that were going hungry and realized that my businesses could make an impact on thousands of children’s lives around the world.
Are there any pivotal people from your past who have helped you become the person you are today?
Eddie Wilson: Among many people that had an impact on my life, my current business partner, Andrew, plays a key role as the visionary in our company.
My ability to create operational systems to help business come to life creates a great team that allows us to go bigger faster.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would they be and why?
Eddie Wilson: Number 1 would be Jesus. That would be pretty great – he’s the most influential figure in all of history.
Number 2 would be Winston Churchill because of the decisions he had to make when everyone was against him, and number 3would be Michael Jordan to understand his competitive mindset.
What’s a hidden talent or hobby you have that our readers might be surprised to learn about?
Eddie Wilson: I grew up playing basketball and still do.
If you were to recom¬ mend a recent book or movie that had a profound impact on you, what would it be and why?
Eddie Wilson: A recent book that had a profound impact on me was “Winning” by Tim Grover because he outlines the importance of a winning mindset in our psychology and our everyday active thinking.
How do you like to unwind and relax when you’re not busy with work?
Eddie Wilson: I enjoy spending time with fam¬ ily, watching my sons play sports, and being in¬ volved in their lives.
If you could time travel to any era or place, where and when would you go, and what would you do there?
Eddie Wilson: I wouldn’t travel to any other place but now. I feel like we live in one of the most privileged times in history with massive technical advances, and I feel like this is the era that is most exciting.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it helped you in your life?
Eddie Wilson: The best piece of advice is this quote – “Dream more than others think practical and expect more than others think possible.”
I was pushed by a former mentor who constantly said that to me and in my daily activity, so I constantly thought about this phrase. What if, in everything I did, I dreamed bigger and expected more? Intentionally I did, and I ended up receiving more.
If you had a chance to switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be, and what would you do?
Eddie Wilson: I wouldn’t switch with anyone. I feel so privileged to be in the place that I am. I don’t want to live vicariously through anyone; I want to experience and be present in my own life.
What’s a quirky or unusual item on your bucket list that you hope to accomplish someday?
Eddie Wilson: I want to ride a motorcycle and drink a cup of coffee in every country that I visit. I have ridden a motorcycle in over 80 countries so far.
Can you share a funny or memorable experience that happened to you recently that our readers might enjoy hearing about?
Eddie Wilson: Memorable – when our CEO Master¬ mind, Power Room, which has around 150 CEOs in it around the country, donated over $600,000 to our foundation to impact over 1.5 million people.
Lastly, before we wrap up, can you tell us about a guilty pleasure of yours – a food, TV show, or activity – that you just can’t resist?
Eddie Wilson: I’m a huge Ohio State fan, and I watch any sport related to Ohio State.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Eddie Wilson for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Eddie Wilson or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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