Next Up Columbus 2020: Myles Taylor-Hicks
Interview by Sarah Shumick
Name: Myles Taylor-Hicks
Age: 25
Profession: CEO of Friendly Ventures, LLC; serial entrepreneur
Neighborhood: King-Lincoln District
Quote: “I want to be a person to inspire and encourage other young men to know that there are so many options & opportunities. Some of those come from within, but by partnering, collaborating with others and staying focused, the sky is the limit.”
Connect: Facebook | Instagram
A self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and college dropout, Myles Taylor-Hicks started his first venture when he was just a child, providing lawn care and snow removal services to neighbors in Minerva Park and Northeast Columbus. He has always had a knack for marketing himself and finding ways to provide services that “add tremendous value” to customers. As a child, Taylor-Hicks may not have known exactly which industry he wanted to work , but he knew he wanted to be in charge of his own time and work towards his own goals. Taylor-Hicks currently serves as CEO of Friendly Ventures, LLC, which works to combat discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. He wakes up each morning at 4:00 a.m., saying, “The drive to be the best me I can possibly be gets me up in the morning.”
Give us a snapshot of your career path:
I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship. In my earlier youth, each summer I took care of the lawns in my neighborhood. I also shoveled snow in the winter. I’ve always been good at marketing myself, tailoring my products to add tremendous value to my customer. Whether it’s me covering your lawn for the summer or orchestrating a real estate deal, I strive to provide the excellence.
What gets you up in the morning? And, what gets you through the work week?
The drive to be the best me I possibly can be gets me up in the morning. With that being said, I wake up at 4 am every morning every day.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
Malon Johnson, Tarry Summers, & Austin Rutherford have been mentors throughout me being in real estate. Malon initially told me I would be good at it. I was told that with commitment, consistency and passion for the work, I would be successful. Austin is a great motivator and his success young showed me he is a great mentor for me. Tarry helped me structure my business and is still a call away today. I shot all of my Columbus deals to him and he said no to every one. I was persistent and one day he invited me to his office sat me down & helped me structure and strategize my business to get results.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
My favorite at the moment is Our Bar in Olde Towne East & BurgerIm on North High. I also love Fireproof in the Short North.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid I always knew i would someday be extremely successful. I just never knew exactly what field I would be successful in. I only knew that entrepreneurship was the path for me. I wanted to have charge of my own time, work towards my own goals constantly learning new skills along the way.
What books or podcast are you reading/listening to right now?
I’m currently reading Jay-Z: Made In America by Michael Eric Dustin. In the car I’m rarely listening to music during the day. I keep an audiobook preferably anything on Robert Greene.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It means a great deal to me to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus Award I have a ton of respect for everyone involved with this brand. & love how you all push the young entrepreneurship culture forward. This award humbles and inspires me. As a young man that faced challenges, this lets me know to keep pushing forward. Thank you.
If someone were to ask you what the ‘pulse’ of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would have to say that the pulse is vibrant in talent, diversity and opportunity. As a young entrepreneur this is my chance to grow with Columbus. Columbus is expected to double in population by 2050. I want to be in a great position by then for my future generations. And, I want to be a person to inspire and encourage other young men to know that there are so many options & opportunities. Some of those come from within, but by partnering, collaborating with others and staying focused, the sky is the limit.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in Central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. Special thanks to the Columbus Young Professionals Club, Discover Financial, and Zipline Logistics for their support of this awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2020” »
MORE PEOPLE
