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

Hi Will, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success was understanding that I was in charge and in control of my own success and had to define and create what that looked like for me personally. Helping people is what made me excited to get out of bed everyday and push forward. That genuine feeling I get in giving my entire heart and devotion to others is where my success comes from.

Society pushes a conventional outline of success based on social media highlights, lifestyles, and materialistic items. I knew right away that wasn’t me nor the reason why I wanted my business to be successful. I wanted to help people break societal norms and not only think outside the box but break the box, while they built their business and their success. This is why we started #wegrowtogether. At The Hustle, we didn’t care about your gender, race, or cultural beliefs or even your background. I wanted to share my passion for people and help them define their idea of what success looks like for them. If having a fancy car, or designer clothes is your dream, great, then let’s help you achieve that! If providing a financially stable life for your family is your definition, or edge, then let’s help you get there! If being able to retire at the age of 40 and travel the world and do what you want on your own terms is your definition, fantastic! My advice to others is to to decide what your personal definition of success is and what makes you get out of bed every morning, and help inspire you to work towards that.

Everyday the motivation and fire in my heart grows from knowing we are going to help someone bring their vision to a reality.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

I started this company with a dream of supporting business owners and corporations streamline their marketing efforts during hard economic times. I constantly try to inspire people with our ideology and provide them with strategies to achieve their milestones; no matter how difficult it is.

The Hustle is a team of marketing and advertising professionals working day and night to make sure your brand and business gets the attention and the recognition it deserves in the changing world of digital media. The branding, product launch parties, grand openings, and awards, we are here to support you achieve these along your journey.

We enjoy our hands on approach, being on the ground level with a business and really trying to understand their vision so we can share the same passion to help them grow and fulfill their dreams!

Because of our motivation and success we have been able to offer a scholarship that is for students that are interested not only going to college, but trade school, or completing a startup. #wegrowtogether

Building a business is never defined as easy. It is always a rollercoaster ride but those are the experiences that allow you to grow and appreciate your accomplishments. Overcoming the challenges is always an easy task if you remind yourself why you started. Keep that passion and motivation and you will always figure a way to resolve any issue you have.

A big part of where I am at today is because of networking which I believe is one of the the most underused methods of helping and growing your business and contacts. Get out and meet people. Be passionate and understanding. Make friends and converse with them about your brand and theirs and support each other. Never be scared of constructed criticism, it’s always an opportunity to grow. It is another way to just learn and look at situations from a different point of view.

The biggest lesson I have learned to date, is that anger is a wasted emotion. Never make decisions in anger. Take the time to gather thoughts, process your emotions and really understand whats best for you and your brand.

My dream is for the world to know, The Hustle, and for everyone to understand and define their own success and what that really means. Break out of society’s expectations and do what makes you truly happy. You do not have to graduate college, get married, have a kid, and buy a house in your 20s. Don’t ever let’s expectations box you in. Be creative and think outside the box, maybe even breaking the box, with not only your brand but your life as well. Never forget your vision, passion and what makes you unique!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Only living in Dallas for the past year, this would be my plan.

Definitely start the days off at Bread Winners Cafe! A great way to start the day.

Then you cant go wrong with White Rock Lake to rent a boat and pack drinks and lunch and enjoy a beautiful warm day.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden with a high tea lunch to ease the mind and relax is always a winner.

Bishop Arts is a hipster’s haven and it used to be a favorite hangout of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. Great coffee shops, restaurants, and funky shops will be a must.

Trinity Groove is a restaurant incubator with the most amazing food, and an incredible view of the Dallas skyline.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, one of the most unique buildings in Dallas, the exterior design is nothing compared to anything you have seen. A great place to visit!

Spend an afternoon or day at Klyde Warren Park built over Woodall Rodgers Freeway. The one of a kind park is lined with food trucks, so you can enjoy some time outside and everyone gets to eat exactly what they want and live music to end the night while laying on the grass.

Having a Bluemania and checking out places like Palms and Bottled Blonde for a night out!

Enjoy some Texan Bbq which is the best! Lots of options to choose from.

Catch a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium, the world’s largest domed structure or baseball at the Rangers at the brand new Globe Life Field. Or catch a musical or concert. There is always something going on in this amazing city!

Start your day at one of the best places to visit in Dallas for foodies at the Dallas Farmers’ Market. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, this farmers’ market has been in operations since 1941!
Grabbing a cigar and talking shop at Casa de Montecristo is always a way to go!

Dallas World Aquarian and Fort Worth Zoo are one of the best in North America! A must.

And do not forget ending a night at The Canopy Hilton with one of the best views of Dallas.

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?
So many people have affected my life in a positive way, even if it was defined as a negative experience with that individual.

I consider everything a learning experience in my life that made me who I am today! First and foremost, my parents, who taught me to never settle and to always want more in life because I had the capability of making great things happen.

To my wife who taught me to never change who I really was no matter who judged me or had doubts.

To the college professor who was surprised I graduated because he didn’t think I would make it, yes he told me that.

To my dear friend Tim who fired me from managing his business because he knew I was going to do and be so much more.

To all of my friends who were in my life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime….the conversations, advice, and experience was needed to take things to the next level. They were inspiring and fulfilling.

As we all know when it comes to any business journey, stress comes with it, so the book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, was very helpful in understanding how to manage it.

Special thanks to all of my clients and podcast guests. Hearing their stories and assisting with their journey has truly been a blessing. Thank you for letting me be part of your success story and helping me share it with others to inspire them to their best self too.

And last but not least, a lot of my motivation came from the people who doubted my ability. As I tell clients that are beginning their start up…. the negativity people have for you is free motivation. Prove them wrong and show the world what you are capable of so much more.

Website: www.thehustlemarketinganddesign.com

Instagram: Willing2Thrive

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-harris-956871a0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.harris.3597

Other: email – Will.Harris@thehustleoriginal.com

Image Credits
Felix Quinones – CEO of Qthaphotographermedia – Photographer Eric Warfield Doc Wright Sammy Moniz SeMarion Humphrey

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.