Take a step back, evaluate your situation, then move forward.
John McCormick is a native of Virginia Beach & Chesapeake with deep roots throughout Virginia.
He is passionate about entrepreneurship and business development. He has personally launched multiple new ventures and ideas. Like many entrepreneurs, some ventures have succeeded while others have failed. A true believer in “failing forward”, John looks for new opportunities in every situation. This mentality allows John to connect with entrepreneurs and business owners in a meaningful way to help them navigate difficulties and grow their success.
Outside of his practice of law, John serves as Chairman of the Board for Roc Solid Foundation, a local non-profit that builds hope for families fighting pediatric cancer. John also served the City of Chesapeake as a Planning Commissioner for five years, including leadership roles as Secretary and Vice-Chairman. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with his wife, three kids, and two yellow labs.
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Table of Contents
Let’s learn a little about you and really get to experience what makes us tick – starting at our beginnings. Where did your story begin?
John McCormick: I love business and entrepreneurship. Five years ago, almost left the practice of law to pursue my passion for entrepreneurship. Instead, I decided to launch my own law firm in July 2019. Since launching, we have grown from 2 employees to 7 employees and increased revenue nearly 100% each year.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
John McCormick: My dad, who died of cancer when I was 5 years old. Even when battling cancer, he pursued his passion for teaching law and never quit. From a young age, I understood the value of pursuing your passion and fighting through adversity.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lessons you learned from that?
John McCormick: I launched a business that was supposed to be the Airbnb of hunting and fishing. It was my first venture and I was completely naive on what it takes to launch a company. Without any funding, we thought we could fake it until we make it. Well, needless to say, there was another company with million-dollar backing launching the exact same business at the exact same time. Our venture failed but I learned a lot of valuable lessons.
Resilience is critical in critical times like the ones we are going through now. How would you define resilience?
John McCormick: Not losing momentum even if you receive a “no” or hit a brick wall. There’s usually a solution. Take a step back, evaluate your situation, then move forward.
In your opinion, what makes your company stand out from the competition?
John McCormick: We provide the best customer experience in the legal experience. Other lawyers are focused on their billable hours. We are focused on our customers.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
John McCormick: My answer would be:
- Empathy – understand your customer and their concerns/struggle
- Service – it’s not about me – it’s about the customer
- Be relentless – do not settle for the status quo. Be better. Be different.
Being a CEO of the company, do you think that your personal brand reflects your company’s values?
John McCormick: We have five company values: Put the client first, Communicate frequently, Commit to excellence, Execute with efficiency, Do not sacrifice integrity.
I try to live every one of these values on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to our younger readers that want to become entrepreneurs?
John McCormick: Take that first step. It’s the hardest and most intimidating step. But, you must take that first step. Even if you fail, you are further forward than remaining stagnant.
What’s your favorite “leadership” quote and how has it affected the way you implement your leadership style?
John McCormick: “So what does it take to win? Yes, you have to be determined. Yes, you have to be driven. Yes, you must have the unconquerable will to win. But to really win, to truly win at all cost, requires more flexibility, more creativity, more adaptability, more compromise, and more humility than most people ever realize. That is what it takes to win.”
― Jocko Willink
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank John McCormick 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 John McCormick or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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