Many of the approximately 60 guests are here to learn from role models. Joey Kelly, who has competed in over 50 marathons, 31 ultramarathons, 13 Ironmans, and 5 Races Across America, is certainly one of the legends for many of those present.
The 52-year-old talks openly about his life, which did not initially point in the direction of extreme sports. Instead, it was marked by other extremes: the early death of his mother. The hard life on the road. An average of 20 concerts per week. Joey never attended school, receiving only rudimentary homeschooling from his father. For the family, there was only one plan A: music. Hard work. Music.
Becoming an Entrepreneur Through Street Concerts
And the plan worked when the Kelly Family landed in the charts almost overnight in 1994 with the album “Over the Hump.” It was the beginning of a great career. “We even sang in front of the Pope. That was a sacred moment,” Joey recalls.
Joey's entrepreneurial spirit was awakened when he walked around with a hat collecting money at street concerts. At a young age, he took on responsibility for accounting, finances, and contracts in the family business. Today, he is self-employed with four jobs and nine employees. “For a team to work, you need a good atmosphere and trust.” Joey's strategy for a harmonious team is therefore: “Give more than you take.” And: “If you want to lead, you have to be willing to be at the forefront and take responsibility.”
A Stroke of Fate as a Wake-up Call
The early death of his sister four years ago was Joey's wake-up call. “We only have this one life.” He advises his young audience: “Don't wait too long to realize your dreams.” That this is not just a hollow phrase is illustrated by the Pan-American trip he took with his wife and four children shortly after this tragic event: over three months, they traveled the famous road from Canada to South America.
Why does he take on all these challenges and, above all, extreme sports? “Because they are a balance and give me new energy.” The students are curious and ask questions, hoping that the answers will inspire them for their future. How does Joey react when something doesn't go according to plan? “Giving up is not an option,” he recommends. “You don't have to be the first to cross the finish line; the time doesn't matter. The main thing is that you cross the finish line at some point.” And what is his advice to future entrepreneurs? He has a few ideas: Surround yourself with people who have courage and optimism. Give yourself time. Take well-calculated risks. And expand your comfort zone. This includes failing and getting back up again.
Joey encourages people to face challenges not only with his words, but with his entire life. Get involved instead of standing on the sidelines. The students at TUM Campus Heilbronn are already in the starting blocks, and Joey is giving them a jump start this evening. Everyone wants to learn from this legend.