Interview with Super Bowl Champion Ndamukong Suh about expanding into entrepreneurship, learning from mentors, and lessons from Warren Buffett.
Key Takeaways
Indulging in High-Quality Treats
Kinnamōns is a high-quality, one-of-a-kind cinnamon roll experience that Ndamukong Suh has invested in. For Suh, the quality of ingredients is what sets this establishment apart from others like it.
Learning from Mentors and Experiences
Ndamukong Suh has been coached for the majority of his life. As a budding entrepreneur, he also sought quality coaching, mentoring, and experience from the likes of Stephen Ross and Warren Buffett.
Lessons from Warren Buffett
Being a former star at University of Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh has built a fruitful relationship with Nebraska’s most famous alum, Warren Buffett. Through many conversations and ongoing mentorship, Suh has learned valuable lessons in patience and choosing the right people.
Building a Portfolio
Ndamukong Suh, celebrated NFL Superbowl Champion, has seamlessly transitioned from the gridiron to the world of business, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.
Suh has taken the tenacity that led to success on the field into his business ventures and has amassed an incredible portfolio of businesses, including restaurants, real estate, and tech ventures.
Entrepreneurship in Food & Hospitality
One such venture into the culinary world includes investing in Kinnamōns, a unique cinnamon roll experience known for its high-quality ingredients. Kinnamōns embodies fun and quality, offering cinnamon rolls that delight without sacrificing wellness.
"If we're going to indulge, let's indulge with high-quality products." says Suh to Room for Seconds host Gregg Majewski.
Finding Quality Mentors
Drawing from his years as a successful athlete, Suh actively seeks mentorship and coaching in his business as he did as an athlete. He credits The Related Companies founder and Miami Dolphins principal owner Stephen Ross for invaluable guidance and experiences that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. From shadowing office meetings to attending Berkshire Hathaway meetings, Suh's thirst for knowledge and exposure drives his ambition.
“To be able to have that experience and just watch and learn,” says Suh. “That's what is the driving force to be able to eventually, hopefully build something similar.”
Learning From a Legend
A pivotal figure in Suh's business education is Business Tycoon Warren Buffett, a renowned investor and mentor. Buffett's teachings of patience, the importance of aligning with exceptional individuals, and the emphasis on quality management resonate deeply with Suh, who values building ventures with the right people at the helm.
“I think the biggest thing that I learned from Mr. Buffett is patience. He's always told me, one, have patience and then two, be able to work with good people,” says Suh of his relationship with Buffett. “I don't care how good the company is, if they don't have good quality people running and operating it's gonna be a dud.”
Ndamukong Suh's transition from NFL stardom to business entrepreneurship has already been filled with success and lessons. With his multifaceted talents and determination, and through ambitious investments and strategic mentorship, Suh exemplifies the intersection of passion, dedication, and vision in the business world, much like he did as an NFL All-Pro and Superbowl Champion.
“This is how I get to be able to push forward and work on things that keep me excited to wake up every single morning.”
About Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh is a household name for sports fans across the country. His tenacious approach and domination on the defensive line both in college at the University of Nebraska and the NFL afforded him a 13-year career that saw him reach five Pro Bowls, be named to the All-Pro team five times, win Defensive Player of the Year, a member of the 2010s All-Decade team, and a Superbowl.
As a youngster in Portland, Oregon, Suh knew early that he wanted a life beyond football. Now, as a businessman, he is the Founder of House of Spears Management and the Generals Restaurant Group. Suh currently resides in Portland with his wife and twin boys.
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ABOUT GREGG MAJEWSKI
Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.
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