In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Jay Sapovits, a driven entrepreneur whose story is all about reinvention, resilience, and the real work behind success. Jay shares how witnessing his father’s unhappiness at work inspired him to never settle for a job he hated, fueling his journey through various industries. He reveals the true foundation of entrepreneurship—courage, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to take action, even when it means making hard choices or facing failure. Jay discusses how fear holds many back and emphasizes the power of starting imperfectly instead of waiting for the perfect plan. He also busts the myth that you need an elite education or a world-changing idea to succeed, stressing that execution and perseverance matter most. The conversation is packed with honest insights on failure, resilience, and finding happiness by chasing what matters to you—not what the unicorns of the world achieve. Jay closes by sharing his favorite quote, “We rise by lifting others,” highlighting the power of humility and generosity in any hustle.

Get To Know Jay Sapovits

Jay Sapovits is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, renowned for his ability to transform challenges into opportunities through creativity, resilience, and an unparalleled knack for building relationships. As the founder and CEO of Ink’d Stores, Jay has carved a unique path in the business world, shaped by a diverse array of experiences that reflect his relentless drive and adaptability.

Originally from across the country, Jay made a bold move at 18 to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where his entrepreneurial spirit began to take root. Starting behind the counter of a Las Vegas dry cleaner, he gleaned invaluable life lessons that fueled his journey through eclectic roles, radio engineer, sports talk host, and golf course cart manager. Each experience honed his ability to connect with people and seize opportunities, ultimately leading him to travel with the UNLV basketball team and launch his business career with a pivotal one-day event alongside golf legend Sergio Garcia.

Jay’s philosophy centers on betting on relationships over chance, a mindset that has guided his remarkable career. He has mastered the art of balancing personal identity with professional ambition, avoiding the trap of being defined solely by his work while using it as a powerful motivator. Today, Jay Sapovits continues to inspire as a trailblazer who thrives on reinvention, leading Ink’d Stores with the same passion and ingenuity that have defined his journey from the dry cleaner’s counter to the forefront of entrepreneurship.

LinkedIn Instagram 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Courage Over Comfort: Jay Sapovits shares that true progress comes not from fearing the leap, but from fearing stagnation. He emphasizes that for many entrepreneurs, the real risk isn’t in stepping out, but in staying put in unfulfilling roles. His journey illustrates that courage—rather than a perfect plan—is the first step toward meaningful entrepreneurship.

2. Execution Trumps the Big Idea: Jay dismantles the myth that only world-changing ideas guarantee success. Using relatable examples like local pizza shops, he explains that business growth is fueled by relentless execution and incremental innovation in already existing markets, rather than waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime inspiration.

3. Resilience and Reinvention After Failure: Jay openly discusses a public business failure, revealing that perceived setbacks are often not viewed as harshly by others as by oneself. His story underscores the importance of taking imperfect action, rebounding quickly, and redefining personal success by staying humble and adaptable in the face of adversity.

Show Overview 00:00 Discovering Entrepreneurship Through Problem Solving

03:45 Entrepreneurship: Solve Problems with Courage

08:35 Desperation as Motivation

11:00 Rebuilding After Setbacks

16:23 "Start the Right Business."

16:59 Execution Over Ideas

21:35 Alternative Education for Struggling Students

25:27 Embracing Reality Over Dreams