Michael Gush

 Michael Gush owns Adams Dearborn.  Adams Dearborn is a staffing firm that works with startup companies to Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries.  Their main focus is on energy and manufacturing companies.  He opened his company is 2009 with his business partner. 

Michael grew up in England and always wanted to live in the US and own his own business.  When he arrived in the US he started working at Domincks making pizzas.  He soon then started taking accounting classes.  He quickly learned he didn’t like accounting much but found how business and accounting will give you a good foundation on how to own your company.  In 2006 he worked as a recruiter, and he took his knowledge he learned in school and opened his own company with a coworker at the time in 2009.

Michael has grown the most throughout his career with the position he currently holds.  He enjoys running his own business and learning.  He has taken on many different roles and activities during his current position which keeps him on his toes.  Managing his self-doubt has been a struggle and obstacle he has had to overcome.  Would his business be successful?  How do you make your business stand out from the rest?  Will people trust me?  Are all questions that have run through his head.  And they are all questions he has had to address to run his business.

Michael doesn’t have a direct mentor.  However, he does have a couple of individuals he will ask questions to or seek advice when needed. When he needs to learn something, new Michael isn’t afraid to reach out and ask a variety of questions to different individuals.  One of the biggest lessons he has learned along the way is to make sure you have enough financial resources in the event your company fails to survive and try a different approach.  You may need to cut costs in different area, but it will be worth it and beneficial at the end.  Along the way you will make mistakes.  Don’t think of it as failure but as a learning opportunity.  If a certain approach is out of your comfort zone it is ok to try it.  Owning your own company is a life experience and a life lesson to gain knowledge from. 

Wearing different hats and taking the time to ask multiple questions has helped Michael run his business successfully.  Along with the freedom and aspects of owning his own business.  Having continual growth is the strong motivator for him.  He has found that often it is hard to work away and concentrate on his personal life.  Over the years he has found “tricks of the trade” that have helped him.  Often you need to listen to your body as your body will inform you when to slow down.  When that occurs take some time out of your day or week to put a hard stop to work.  Go for a walk, grab a cup of coffee, or read a book.  Enjoy your “me” time as much as your “family” time.  And taking vacations are always important as well.  You will come back with a fresh clear head and have the energy that you might have been lacking before.