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From Struggles to Success Lessons Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear w/Chad Bennett & Braiden Belnap

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Entrepreneurship is often painted as a glamorous path filled with freedom, success, and endless possibility, but the truth is that it comes with just as many challenges as it does rewards. In this episode of Journey to Authenticity, I had the privilege of sitting down with Chad Bennett to talk about his inspiring journey into entrepreneurship. Chad shared the reality of what it looks like to build something of your own, including both the exciting highs and the difficult lows that shape the process. We also explored the story behind his company Heroic, the motivation that fueled its creation, and his commitment to growing it while staying aligned with his values. Finally, we touched on a topic that impacts every single one of us today—online safety. Chad offered practical advice and tools that can help us protect ourselves and our families in a world where digital risks continue to grow. In this blog, I want to highlight the lessons from our conversation and share how you can apply them in your own journey of growth, purpose, and protection.

The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is often misunderstood as a straight path to freedom, but in reality, it is a road filled with peaks and valleys. One of the most valuable takeaways from Chad’s story is his willingness to talk openly about the highs and the lows of starting and running a business. Too often, we only see the highlight reel—the success stories, the wins, and the moments when things seem to fall perfectly into place. But real entrepreneurship requires perseverance through seasons of doubt, financial uncertainty, and moments when walking away might feel easier than pressing forward.

If you are considering starting your own business or pursuing a passion project, it is essential to prepare for both the wins and the setbacks. The highs are exhilarating, and they give you the fuel to keep going, but the lows are where your resilience and character are tested. Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, begin to view them as opportunities for growth. When setbacks arise, ask yourself: What is this moment here to teach me? How can I grow through this?

Practical tools can also make the journey easier. Building routines around consistency and reflection can help you stay grounded when things get tough. Create space to celebrate small wins, even if they feel insignificant compared to your bigger vision. At the same time, allow yourself the grace to feel discouraged without letting it consume your drive. Remember that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and that persistence is often the factor that separates those who succeed from those who give up too soon.

Building a Vision with Purpose

Chad’s story of building Heroic is a reminder that successful businesses are rarely built by chasing money alone. His vision for Heroic came from a desire to make a difference and to create something that was not only profitable but also purposeful. This is an important lesson for anyone stepping into entrepreneurship. When your vision is rooted in values and a bigger mission, it gives you the motivation to keep moving forward when the journey feels overwhelming.

If you are in the process of building a business, spend time clarifying your “why.” Why do you want to start this venture? What impact do you hope to make? Who do you want to serve? Having a strong “why” will keep you aligned when outside pressures, competition, or internal doubts try to throw you off course.

Another key part of building a purposeful business is staying true to your values. It can be tempting to cut corners, to compromise, or to follow trends just to stay afloat. But integrity is what creates long-term success and trust. Customers, clients, and communities want to support businesses that are consistent and authentic in their mission. Instead of chasing every opportunity, focus on building something that reflects your true self and the impact you want to have.

Finally, give yourself permission to think long-term. Building a business is not just about what you can achieve in the next year but about creating something that can grow, adapt, and continue making a difference over time. Set goals that challenge you, but also allow space for flexibility as your vision evolves.

Staying Safe in a Digital World

One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was Chad’s advice on online safety. In today’s world, where so much of our work, connection, and communication happens digitally, online safety is not just an option—it is a necessity. Many of us spend hours every day online without considering the risks that come with it. From identity theft to scams to protecting our children, digital safety impacts every single household.

Chad shared simple but powerful tips that can make a big difference. One of the first steps is becoming more aware of your digital footprint. The information you share online, whether it is on social media, websites, or even through everyday browsing, can be accessed by others. Being intentional about what you share and setting boundaries can protect your privacy.

Another important tool is using strong passwords and security measures. It may seem basic, but many people still rely on weak or repetitive passwords, making them easy targets for hackers. Invest the time in creating unique passwords for different accounts and consider using a password manager to keep them secure. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, as it adds an extra layer of protection.

For families, conversations about online safety are critical. Children and teens are especially vulnerable, and it is essential to create open dialogue about what is safe to share and how to recognize red flags online. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter something suspicious or uncomfortable. Building trust and awareness in these conversations is one of the best ways to protect them.

The truth is that online safety is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Make it a habit to review your digital security regularly, update your privacy settings, and educate yourself about new risks and scams. By taking small but consistent steps, you can create a safer environment for yourself and your family.

Conclusion: Embracing Growth and Protection in Every Season

Chad Bennett’s story is one that combines the pursuit of dreams, the creation of purposeful business, and the wisdom of protecting ourselves in today’s digital age. His journey as an entrepreneur reminds us that while the highs of building something are exciting, the lows are equally important in shaping resilience and strength. His vision for Heroic highlights the importance of anchoring our businesses in purpose and staying true to our values. And his advice on online safety is a call to action for each of us to be more mindful and proactive about the ways we live and connect in a digital world.

As you reflect on this blog, consider where you are in your own journey. Are you stepping into entrepreneurship and needing encouragement to push through the hard seasons? Are you building a vision and needing to clarify your deeper “why”? Or are you in a place where prioritizing online safety could protect your family and give you greater peace of mind? Wherever you are, remember that growth and protection go hand in hand.

If you want a more in-depth look at Chad’s journey, his company Heroic, and his powerful advice on building a purposeful business and staying safe online, be sure to listen to the full episode linked below. It is a conversation full of wisdom, honesty, and encouragement that you will not want to miss.



Connect with us!

• Chad’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwbennett/ 


• Braiden’s Website: https://www.braidenbelnap.com/ 

• Braiden’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidenbelnap/ 

• Braiden’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraidenBelnap 

• Braiden’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@braidenbelnap 


 
 
 

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