When people think about entrepreneurship, they often picture business plans, late nights, strategy meetings, and bottom lines. And sure, those are all important parts of the journey. But for me, the most important lessons haven’t come from boardrooms—they’ve come from volunteering. Giving back to my community has shaped who I am as a leader and a person. If you’re an entrepreneur—or someone thinking about becoming one—my advice is simple: volunteer. Not once in a while, not when it’s convenient, but consistently and with intention. It will change the way you lead, the way you build, and the way you think.

How It Started

My roots are in Florida, and from a young age, I was exposed to the importance of community. Whether it was beach cleanups, neighborhood events, or helping out local nonprofits, service was part of the culture I grew up in. But I’ll be honest—when I first started out in business, I got caught up in the hustle. I was focused on building something from the ground up, and like a lot of young entrepreneurs, I thought I didn’t have time to give back. I was wrong.
It didn’t take long to realize that entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about building a life and a legacy. And that includes what you give to others. Once I started making time to volunteer again, everything shifted. I began to see my work in a new light. I found inspiration in people outside of my industry. I made connections I never would have made otherwise. And most importantly, I reconnected with my values.

Seeing the Bigger Picture

Volunteering forces you to zoom out. As entrepreneurs, we spend a lot of time looking inward—at our ideas, our growth, our goals. But service pushes you to look outward. It introduces you to challenges you may never have faced and people whose lives are very different from yours. It brings you face-to-face with the needs of your community, and that changes you.
One of the organizations I’ve worked with supports underserved youth in gaining access to career opportunities. Spending time with these young people has reminded me that access and opportunity are not evenly distributed. As an entrepreneur, that insight is powerful. It influences how I hire, how I build culture, and how I define success. Suddenly, it’s not just about profit—it’s about purpose.

Skills You Can’t Learn in Business School

Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough: volunteering sharpens the same skills you need to be a successful entrepreneur. Leadership. Communication. Problem-solving. Empathy. These are things you can’t always learn in a classroom or from a book, but you can learn them in a soup kitchen, at a local shelter, or mentoring a high school student.
I’ve learned how to be a better listener through volunteering—because when you’re helping someone who’s vulnerable or struggling, you have to really hear them. I’ve learned how to pivot quickly when plans don’t go as expected—because nonprofit events don’t always follow a script. I’ve learned how to work with people from all walks of life—something every entrepreneur needs to be good at if they want to grow a meaningful business.

Creating a Culture of Service

At CDI Utilities, where I currently serve as COO, we believe in building a culture that values service. I encourage my team to volunteer, and I make sure we support organizations that are doing real, impactful work. But it’s not just about writing checks—it’s about showing up. When people see their leaders volunteering, it sets the tone. It sends the message that giving back isn’t extra—it’s essential.
This kind of culture attracts the right people, too. When your business is grounded in purpose, you draw in employees, partners, and customers who care about more than just the bottom line. That’s when real innovation starts to happen—because you’re working with people who want to make a difference, not just a paycheck.

Staying Grounded and Grateful

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. There are highs and lows, wins and losses. Volunteering helps me stay grounded. It reminds me of what really matters. It keeps me humble and grateful—two things every entrepreneur needs, especially when times are tough.
There’s something deeply centering about helping others. It puts your challenges into perspective. It reminds you that even when your business is struggling, you still have the power to create change. That kind of mindset doesn’t just make you a better human—it makes you a better leader.

The Real ROI of Giving Back

Volunteering isn’t a side hustle. It’s not something you should squeeze in when things are slow. It’s a foundational part of being a well-rounded entrepreneur. Giving your time, your energy, and your heart to causes that matter will pay back tenfold—not just in your business, but in your life.
If you’re just starting out, find one organization and get involved. If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, use your platform to lift others up. Either way, make service part of your story. You’ll be amazed at how much it gives back. I know I am.
Because at the end of the day, the true measure of success isn’t just what you build—it’s what you give.