In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the digitalization of business led to an exciting trend: Americans increasingly sought greater independence and entrepreneurship soared to new heights with over 800,000 new businesses opening, according to Statista. While these numbers are impressive, building a successful business takes more than desire and risk-taking. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “About half of all new establishments survive five years or more and about one-third survive ten years or more.”
So, what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ryan P. Coyne was born November 12, 1987, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA. He is the founder and CEO of Olympic Media, We the People Wine, and The Working Warrior Foundation. Below he shares his views on the entrepreneurial lifestyle and how to overcome the hardships of running a business.
You’re Never Too Old, or Young, to Start
At the early age of twelve Ryan started his first business, a neighborhood gardening service that later became the RC Watering Company. It would be Ryan’s first business success.
Ryan Coyne continued his drive for excellence in every aspect of his life — from school, to sports, and business. In 2004, 2005, and 2006 he was selected for the Team USA rowing team and competed internationally. In all three instances where he represented the United States, Ryan brought home gold medals. Thanks to those achievements, the Philadelphia native was inducted into the Malvern Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019 as a three-time national champion rower.
This would only be the beginning of the journey that would bring Ryan to where he is today — the owner and leader of Olympic Media, which INC Magazine ranked as the Nation’s fastest growing Advertising and Marketing business in 2021.
Fail Early and Often
After graduating from Cornell, Ryan went to work at JP Morgan as an investment banker. He learned a lot during his time at JP Morgan but, most importantly, he learned that he didn’t want to be an investment banker. Learning that early on in his career helped set Ryan on the path to the success he enjoys today. “Don’t continue to fail at the same thing,” said Ryan. “It’s okay if something’s not a fit. Learn from your mistakes, or what you don’t like, and move on.”
Nobody is Successful At Something They Hate
In 2013, Ryan was presented an opportunity to help launch and develop Media Group of America, a Washington, DC-based digital agency and publisher. He learned that this was a space he loved, and by the time he left, the company had grown to over 100 employees.
But Ryan wanted to venture out on his own and create something new. He had an idea for a new approach to digital consulting and advertising, built on a unique model that minimized the risks clients faced when hiring an agency. This model would grow to become Olympic Media, which is now a premier new-age digital advertising agency that focuses on a broad array of business verticals, including politics, sports and entertainment, intelligence and defense, consumer brands, advocacy, and real estate.
In 2019, Ryan established the Working Warrior Foundation, which aims to help unemployed and underemployed veterans find fulfilling jobs while providing the tools necessary to transition back into civilian life.
Be The Head Chef and The Bottle Washer
When he started Olympic Media, Ryan Coyne would often joke about wearing all the hats. He handled everything from digital consulting to advertising and administration. Anything that needed to be done, he did. Thankfully, his dedication paid off. This mentality, combined with his innovative advertising and fundraising model, proved the winning formula that has allowed Olympic Media to flourish and grow.
The world’s most successful people know and practice these habits every day, and Ryan is no exception.
So, why not start today?
