The Lie We’ve All Been Sold

"Go to college, get a degree, find a job, and everything will work out."

That’s the narrative we’ve handed down for generations. We told our kids that a college degree was the only path to success. That a steady job at a faceless corporation would bring security and fulfillment.

But here we are.

A generation burdened with debt. Degrees that don’t match the job market. Skills that don’t translate to real life. And a growing feeling of purposelessness. We’ve steered too many away from the trades, entrepreneurship, and military service—the very backbones of our nation.

It’s time for a reset.

The College Default (And Its Real Cost)

College isn’t the enemy. But making it the default path for everyone is a mistake.

We now have:

• Skyrocketing tuition subsidized by taxpayer dollars
• Degrees that leave graduates underemployed
• A national student loan crisis with no end in sight

And for what? Many graduates finish college without knowing how to change a tire, budget their finances, or navigate basic adult responsibilities.

There are incredible alternatives that have been overlooked for too long. And small business is one of them.

For me, the path was a bit different. I served in the Marine Corps Infantry before attending Drexel University, where I earned my BS in Business Administration. That education gave me a strong foundation in the principles of running a business. But it was my time in uniform that taught me discipline, grit, and leadership—qualities no classroom can fully instill.

We Stopped Teaching Real Life Skills

Our children should know:

• How to file taxes
• How to manage money
• How to fix basic things around the house
• How to think critically and communicate clearly
• What rights they have as Americans

Instead, we fill classrooms with theory and politics, while ignoring practical, life-building tools. We owe our kids more than debt and directionless degrees.

The Stigma Around Service, Trades, and Starting a Business

Somewhere along the way, we told lies:

• "Only criminals or screw-ups join the military."
• "Trades are for people who can’t make it academically."
• "Small businesses are too risky."

All false.

In reality, these paths build character, resilience, and real-world impact. They build America. And they deserve honor, not shame.

Small Business: Hard as Hell, But Worth Every Minute

Being a small business owner isn’t glamorous. It’s long hours, tough decisions, risk, and sacrifice. But it’s also:

• Freedom to create
• Opportunity to grow
• A chance to serve your community
• A legacy worth leaving

More than anything, it’s a platform to lead by example.

Fake Connections, Real Isolation

We thought social media would connect us. But we’re more disconnected than ever.

We’ve lost:

• Face-to-face relationships
• Local community involvement
• Generational mentorship

Small businesses are deeply human. They bring us back to local. To real conversations. To belonging.

Let’s Redefine Failure for the Next Generation

We’ve created a culture terrified of failure.

Don’t try unless you know you’ll succeed? That’s a recipe for paralysis.

We must teach our kids:

• Failure is feedback
• Struggle is part of success
• Tenacity matters more than talent

Entrepreneurship is the best classroom for these lessons. Let your children see you fall—and get back up.

Rebuilding America, One Family Business at a Time

We need to stop outsourcing purpose.

You have the opportunity to lead right where you are:

• Share your journey—failures and all
• Let your kids participate in the business
• Teach them why it matters to serve and build

America was built by families who worked, created, and stood for something. That spirit still lives in small businesses across this country.



The Bottom Line

We’ve pushed our children toward a one-size-fits-all idea of success. But it’s time to bring them home.

Home to:

• Purpose
• Hard work
• Real skills
• Deep roots in community
• Pride in building something that matters

Small business isn’t just an economic engine. It’s a moral and cultural one too.

And it’s more important now than ever.