Meet Kris Mathis | Speaker | Author | Serial Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kris Mathis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my businesses was simple. As a kid, I grew up surrounded by poverty, gangs, drugs, and violence. After growing up in this environment my thought was nothing is worst that going back to what I come from. This thought became my motivation to help my family and I create a better life. Nothing else mattered, but changing the trajectory of my future and becoming what I call “the one” who would decide to make the changes needed to create the life that I once dreamed about as a kid. I was willing to do whatever it takes, no matter what the cost. Either I’m going to win or I’m going to go to my grave knowing I gave it everything I had. Thankfully, it worked out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say I’m a serial entrepreneur to the core. Ha ha! I love everything about business! Today, I own six different businesses and a number of brands ranging from real estate plays to tourism to a reality t.v. series. I love what I do and there is no doubt this business is my calling.

What sets me apart from others is my dedication to my craft and my will to win. Losing is not an option. My discipline and my ability to be focused has been a big part of my success. I’m proud of what we’ve built and I’m excited for our future!

I got here by doing the work! No secrets, no magic potions, no fancy tricks, or handouts. I simply buckled down and knew that no one was coming to save me. So I had to save myself from my situation. If I want to win I’ve got to do the work! Plain and simple. So I began to learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. I read the books and I studied some of the greatest thinkers in the world! I then applied what I learned and it worked! The rest was history from there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, our city is great! Ha ha! I’d start with one of our Raise A Glass Wine Tour experiences. Not only do I own this business, but it’s consider one of the top experiences in the city by tourists, wine lovers, foodies, and some media outlets. This will allow a person to see multiple sites while trying great wine, food, and culture over a few hours on their visit.

I’d also say visiting during ArtPrize, the worlds largest art competition would be a pretty cool experience! We could walk the city and see over 2,000 pieces of art all strategically placed around our downtown Grand Rapids area. We get about a million tourists during ArtPrize so this is a pretty cool experience.

Grand Rapids is also known as Beer City, U.S.A. so we have to try some of the many breweries that we have around the city! Tons of small breweries to pick from all while tasting amazing small plates that go along with them.

Then we’ll catch a show or concert at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, MI. This could be a pretty cool way to end the trip!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to start by thanking God. Without the support of a higher power I’m nothing.

My wife Chawntrell has been there since the beginning of this journey. She’s seen it all and stood with me through it all. I’m thankful for her support.

My kids, Laila and Kristofer. You are my motivation and you inspire me to be better each day.

Both of our mothers, Deborah Mathis and Ella Gill. There is nothing greater on earth than the strength of a praying mother. I’m thankful to have both of them behind us.

My team is amazing! This is to all of my business partners and team that help make our businesses a success. I could never do this without all of you sharing your gifts to help make things a success!

Last, this is to every single person who has ever read my work, seen me live, and/or allowed me into your life to be a positive influence and to help you achieve the success you’re after. I am thankful for your ongoing support and for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of your journey!

Thank you to all of you!!

Website: www.krismathis.com

Instagram: @krismathis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krismathis1

Twitter: @krismathis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kris.mathis.98/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrisMathisSpeaks

Other: www.storiesonaboard.com www.letshelpherwin.com www.raiseaglasstours.com

Image Credits
Credit: Alfield Reeves Credit: Pauly Cunningham