What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
Know when to give up and move on vs dig in and work smarter. I’ve started my own business after quitting my day job in frustration. The business grew too rapidly. It was highly profitable so relatively easily sold.
I’ve bought a business (Three Dog Bakery) just before it went bankrupt for a modest amount of money. It’s a high performing growth brand today and my partners and I still own it.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Don’t wait. You don’t have to be a certain age to try something you want to do.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
My father started his own successful business right out of college. He never quits.
I’m inspired to meet people like Aron Ralston who cut off his arm to get out from a boulder where he was pinned then re-invented his life. I meet a lot of people like Aron since I speak professionally.
Name a person who helped you along the way? 
Dick Costello gave me my first job. I was fired before I started by Dick’s boss. Dick was a fiery ad strategy guy in DC. May he rest in peace.
What do you see as your greatest success in life, so far?
Raising three successful young adults. They are all independent and thriving in their careers.
How can people contact you?
Visit www.jefffromm.com, or connect on Twitter (@JeffFromm) or on LinkedIn.
What book would you recommend and why?
127 hours
Aron Ralston cut off his arm in order to save his life when trapped by a boulder. Each of us has “boulders” in our lives. We have to think beyond the situation in that moment and look forward to re-imaging problems as opportunities.
Writing a book presents a serious of smaller boulders which must get navigated. It’s not easy.
My goal with my book, “The Purpose Advantage,” was to help leaders re-imagine the boulders they see as opportunities to connect with modern consumers.
How do you deal with fear?
I avoid skydiving. I don’t frequently swim with sharks. Otherwise I try new things and think about how I rapidly improve and innovate to get proficient. I didn’t write my first book until I was in my mid 40s. Then I managed to finish writing 4 books over 6 years. It gets easier after the first time. There isn’t a playbook for doing new things. You just listen to other people and figure it out for yourself.
What’s a personal self-talk, mantra, affirmation or self-belief that contributes to your success?
I’m a cautious opportunist. Be prudent. Take chances.
