August 5, 2011 87 Comments

From Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur

From the title, you might think I was talking about some famous hip hop artist. But no, in this case, I’m talking about an extraordinary young man named Ryan Blair, who faced some incredible challenges in his life, and went on to become a successful multimillionaire entrepreneur.

But what struck me most in this interview was how Ryan put as much passion and effort into the process of writing his book as he has his entire life and career. Ryan’s book is called Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I Went from Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur (amazon affiliate link). I’ve read the book cover to cover twice, and it has more good advice and motivation than most of the books penned by fancy executives with silver-spoon backgrounds. This is a must-purchase book. If you’re interested in being a successful entrepreneur, check out this book, and watch this interview.

Here’s the interview:

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  • http://www.i95dev.com Henry Louis

    Nothing comes easy in life. Read some new caption today “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain”. Thanks Chris!

  • http://about.me/sukhrajbeasla Sukhraj Beasla

    Haha! I did think you were talking about a hip hop star. Oh my misconceptions. Thanks for sharing and what a great story Ryan Blair. 

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  • http://e1evation.com Todd Lohenry

    Chris, what software do you use to do these side by side interviews?

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      I use call recorder for Skype on a Mac. 

      • http://e1evation.com Todd Lohenry

        Thanks, Chris! Nice work as always…

    • Constance Hammond

      Thanks for asking this question, Todd…that was exactly the first thing I thought of too!

  • Dr. Bob Clarke

    Sounds like an awesome success story, thanks for sharing it with us Chris. 

    Just picked up the book!

    • http://twitter.com/LynnandLindy LynnandLindy

      Ryan is even more incredible when listening to him in person. 

  • http://www.unlockthedoor.net Stuart Mills

    I can attest to this interview. The values shown here by Ryan stand out from the crowd, and they definitely stand out from the standard entrepreneurship tips and tricks which have less chance of working.

    The truth is, if you aren’t prepared to get mucky and get involved, then don’t expect a share of the pie.

    Thanks for introducing Ryan to us Chris :-)

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  • Anonymous

    Great interview and it’s great to hear stories from self made people. 

    Ryan clearly not only has street smarts but book smarts, and from his own acclamation, he only has a GED education. Reading, and devouring content on business related materials, or niche is what seems to have given him both his education, and his edge.  As a business owner myself, and entrepreneur for the last 6 years, I can say it’s definitely been the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I spent the first 5 years with many sleepless nights. I put everything on the line, made some dangerous mistakes, but now am finally able to sleep, and am really enjoying what I do. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Once I get through Trust Agents, I’m looking forward to checking out what Ryan has to say.
    Geordie

  • Barbara Oliver

    What a wonderful interview…and so resonant at the present time. Thank you.

  • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

    Even though my amazon wishlist stands at 50+… done! Can’t wait to dive into it.

  • http://www.bradmarley.com Brad Marley

    This book was delivered to my house as a free gift from the author. I guess I should read it now, eh?

    • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

      Hey Brad. The freebie actually came from me. :) You and a few others entered to win a free book (from a different author I was working with a while back- Stan Slap). I had a few copies of “Nothing to Lose” available to give away and randomly gifted a few people that I knew were part of Chris’ community. Hope you enjoy it!

      • Claudene

        Hi Daniel,

        I was lucky enough to receive this book as a gift, too, about 48 hrs ago (see my other comment, here).  The package bearing the gift book was from Books.A.Million — is that coming from you? :)

        • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

          Yes indeed. I had about 50 copies to give away and instead of doing another contest, I just decided to do some random giving. Christmas in August so to speak. You’re welcome.

          • Allison Jacobsen

            I got the book in the mail today too.  Thank you Daniel!  It was a wonderful surprise! I’m excited to read it.

          • http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

            Thanks,Daniel! I’m looking forward to reading it…

          • Will

            Thanks so much Daniel! Looking forward to diving into the book!

          • Cathy

            Daniel, I just received the book today from Amazon! If this was you, I thank you very much. I look forward to reading the book “getting to know Ryan better.”

            If not from you, I thank whomever sent it. What a really nice surprise on hump day!

      • Liesel Nobles

        I received a copy of this book also and am looking forward to starting it today. Thank you so much, Daniel!  What a generous gift!  I can’t tell you how perfect the timing is for me to hear this message!  Thanks again!

      • Miss Charlotte

        The mystery is solved!  Thank you, Daniel, for the gift.  I just received this book today, I’ll get right on reading it as soon as I have some quiet time today…again, thanks.

  • http://twitter.com/gfriese Greg Friese

    I also received this book in the mail yesterday. Not sure why, but I am looking forward to reading it more after your recommendation. Thanks. 

    • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

      Hey Greg. See my note to Brad below. Same deal. You’re welcome. :)

  • @Mnememeaphors <Twitter

    Oh, I forgot to mention! For allot of these people I’ve come across, it has been the either or, the agony of defeat  or ESTASY !

    • @Mnememeaphors <Twitter

      Oh, think Henry Rollins!

      Think full contact sport. The fakers talk about the problems, bla, bla bla, like allot the country right now and in Washington ( they are mirroring each other ) And then there are the people who like to mix it up ( the trouble maker / difference makers ) It takes balls to blow everyone off, swim against the flow, up stream when everyone is taking the path of least resistence and say, I’m driving these Pineapples to Hawaii if it kills me!

  • http://meltzer.tel Stephen Meltzer

    I finished watching the interview and perused Ryan’s website just before checking my mail. There it was, the book from B&N and a shipping note that read “A gift for you.  Hope you enjoy the book and share it with others!” The timing blew my mind.  I guess I have to read it now.

  • http://www.internetmarketingsource.net Sam Beamond

    There’s some motivation for you. The “quitters” segment is great.

  • Tracy

    Great story, but when I went to share it on LinkedIn, the only text was the Genesis ad.  That doesn’t look good for me as the sharer and it’s not going to inspire many click throughs.  =-(

  • http://twitter.com/gfriese Greg Friese

    I really admire how Ryan leaned into the camera as he spoke. Great effect to re-engage with me as a viewer. (Daniel, thanks for the book!)

  • Felix Krusch

    A really motivating interview. let’s pick up the book ;)

  • http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

    Great interview! Wow, I’m kind of teary….he really has a great vision. I started my career working with gang members and so admired those kids who had every reason to quit, but persevered instead….They taught me more than I ever learned in school…Will pick up the book and would love to talk to Ryan more…

  • http://www.somercooper.com Somer

    Thanks, Chris! I appreciate you sharing. Just purchased the book and look forward to reading. Best, Somer 

  • Claudene

    I feel SO lucky — this book arrived on my doorstep about 48 hrs ago, with the message “A GIFT FOR YOU!”  

    I was absolutely thrilled, and took it to be a good omen, of course!  

    Does this mean that Daniel Decker is the kind and generous giver, via connection to you?

    Excellent video interview — love it!

    Thank you :)

    • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

      Yep. I’d be the one. :)

      • Claudene

        Something tells me that one day I’ll be describing to you and Chris and Ryan what happened as a result of your gift and this video interview.  

        Thank you so much, Daniel, for putting this in my hands. :)

        • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

          I personally would love to hear of your success as a result of something I had a small hand in. Here’s to wishing you a fruitful future!

    • Laurie

      I also got a gift, but the gift said it was from myself, so I called Amazon. They said this gift was from “Kristin”, so whereever you are, Kristen, thanks for the free book. After I read it, I’ll pass it along.

  • http://www.internetmarketingsource.net Sam Beamond

    Chris, what software do you use to record these video conversations? Looking to do the same (or similar). Thanks!

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      See the comment by Chris in the threads below…
      —-
      “I use call recorder for Skype on a Mac.”

      • http://www.internetmarketingsource.net Sam Beamond

        Thanks Rick!

  • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

    Initially I blew off watching the video saying ‘ya ya, I get it’. 

    Funny how a lot of this was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I was having my own pity party earlier in the week and I’m starting to get back into my flow… already did the hardest workout I’ve done in almost half a year and I’m cranking through my day. This video was just the icing on the cake.

    Thanks for the inspiration, Chris!

  • Daniel

    Good interview except for the last two minutes… Ryan Blair fell too much into this mindset where entrepreneurship is the solution to all social problems… Well, I’d ask him: Where do most social problems come from? perhaps ego taking different forms such as corporate greed?… I’ve worked in both the profit and non-profit worlds and funders are normally the very same ones who caused the problems the nonprofits they fund supposedly tackle…Thanks

  • http://twitter.com/LynnandLindy LynnandLindy

    Ryan is in the midst of creating a number of multimillionaires and he has certainly been a life changing force in the lives of my family and many of our friends.

  • http://fbadservices.com/ Justin Dupre

    Thanks for sharing this info. From what you have written I’m pretty sure that it’s an interesting read. I might just be checking this out this weekend.

  • Carrie

    Just got his book in the mail as well, and was sufficiently intrigued. Interested to see your interview…

  • http://www.online-business-virtual-assistant.com/ Virtual Business Assistant

    Great interview and thanks for the share Chris…

    Online Business Virtual Assistant

  • http://meetyole.com Yo Le

    Amazing interview with Ryan! He has such an inspiring story and I’m glad to be associated with him and the Body by Vi Challenge. 

    I just got my copy of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain the other day and I’m excited to start reading it.

    - Yo

  • Felipe Orendain

    Thank you Chris for sharing this interview. Many of us are putting everything on the line for what we believe. Great reminder for me in continuing working towards the goal I set to achieve. I agree with Ryan Blair that entrepreneurship is is the solution to help solve the economic problems in this country. I keep reminding my two sons that they will have people working for them. That they need to start a business of whatever they enjoy doing. Great interview. Thanks

  • http://www.rickyparker.com/petcarerx-com-review-and-discount-coupon-code/ Petcarerxreviews

    Well great post.. Ryan Blair fell too much into this mindset where entrepreneurship is the solution to all social problems… I really admire how Ryan leaned into the camera as he spoke.

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  • Anonymous

    I received this book in the mail out of the blue. Will probably check it out this weekend. Thanks for the extra push to read.

  • http://homeremediesmd.com Home Remedies MD

    This is a true testament that anyone with a little bit of effort and knowledge can be successful online

  • http://twitter.com/nateguggia Nate

    Killer interview.  Ordering the book now.  Super psyched!  Thanks for the reco

  • http://www.hvaccost.org/ Jim Stark

    Ryan is the symbol to everyone specially to those person who want to be a successful in the future… I love it very much, I am inspired too  

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://peterpaluska.com Peter Paluska

    Excellent interview, Chris and Ryan! One of the best I have listened to in a while. It’s the kind of conversation that fills the soul with a positive, life-affirming energy.

    I have believed for a long time now that anybody can rise up out of just about any situation, no matter how dire, and realize a new, powerful life path and enjoy success of every kind as a result.

    The part when Ryan said, “And I’m not done yet” resonated with me in a big way!

    Thank you, gentlemen.

    Peter

  • http://twitter.com/Cajun_Tisha Tisha White

    I also received this book in the mail over the weekend, after reading the comments it looks like I have Daniel Decker to thank for it. Thanks for sharing, Daniel, I love a good read and look forward to jumping into this one!

  • http://petcarerxscam.com/?p=1 PetCareRx scam

    Well I admire your post..Well said..I agree with Ryan Blair that entrepreneurship is is the solution to help solve the economic problems in this country. 

  • http://petcarerxscam.com/?p=1 PetCareRx scam

    Well I admire your post..Well said..I agree with Ryan Blair that entrepreneurship is is the solution to help solve the economic problems in this country. 

  • Darlene

    Loved this interview.  Very inspiring.  Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  • http://eventualmillionaire.com Jaime

    This is the second time I saw something with Ryan Blair’s name this week so I had to click. Great interview Chris. I’ll have to read the book to find out more!
    And I want to interview him too :)

    • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

      I can help you make that happen Jaime. :)

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