Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Ben Haugh, the owner of All Nation Restoration, Livin On Mechanical, and RepLock Marketing, to talk about what it takes to become a business owner. For most of us (or at least myself), when I hear the phrase “I own a company,” I immediately think, “Clearly, that person must have gone to college or has a degree in business.” Furthermore, if they are successful, it seems impossible to many of us proud university graduates that this success was achieved without the same background.
After meeting Ben and getting to know his story, the piece that stuck out the most to me was his background—not only does he NOT have a college education, he hardly has ANY education. This almost seemed unfathomable, didn’t it? Along with all of this, which we’ll dive into, Ben has limited reading capabilities and learning disabilities. His story truly breaks the societal norm, and the more I heard, the more I felt the need to write about it.
In today’s world, the belief that a college degree is the only path to success is increasingly outdated. Many entrepreneurs build thriving businesses without traditional higher education, relying instead on real-world experience, resourcefulness, and, most importantly, the willingness to ask for help. Ben Haugh’s story is a testament to this truth.
When I find out someone owns a successful company: I immediately think, “I wonder what University he attended?”
While education can be a powerful tool, it is not the sole gateway to entrepreneurship. The idea that college is the only route to success often reinforces societal norms rather than fostering individual potential. Ben’s experience challenges this narrative, illustrating that success often hinges more on resilience, adaptability, internal “drive,” and community support than on formal credentials. Most of all, as I learned more about Ben, I truly believe that his success is based on humility, intelligence, and the drive to work hard at his dream.
Ben’s early life was marked by significant educational limitations. Raised in a religious cult in Waco, Texas (yup, it’s still up and running), that avoided formal schooling, his exposure to education was minimal and strictly controlled. His reading was confined to religious texts, and while his mother tried to teach him basic literacy skills, the lack of structured support left him struggling with illiteracy and undiagnosed dyslexia.
Despite these challenges, Ben’s limited formal education became a hidden strength. Without the conventional roadmap, he developed alternative strategies for learning—most notably, the ability to ask for help. This skill became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey, allowing him to bridge knowledge gaps and build a successful business.
“And hey, if Ben can do it while juggling dyslexia, illiteracy, and cult baggage, what’s stopping the rest of us?“
For Ben, the ability to ask for help wasn’t just a skill—it was a lifeline. In the early days of running his business, he faced overwhelming challenges, especially when navigating complex paperwork. His initial reaction was frustration and self-doubt—emotions familiar to anyone battling illiteracy or dyslexia.
A pivotal moment came when a woman he worked with, noticing his struggle, simply advised, “Ask for help.” That moment was transformative. It reframed his mindset: asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness—it was a strategy for success. This realization became a guiding principle in his business, leading him to seek mentors, financial advisors, and legal experts who could support his growth.
One of the greatest gaps in traditional education is the lack of practical financial literacy. Schools may cover economic theories, but they often fail to teach essential skills like budgeting, investing, and managing debt—knowledge that’s crucial for entrepreneurs.
For Ben, understanding money became a cornerstone of his success. Without formal education, he had to actively seek out resources and experts who could teach him the fundamentals of financial management. Through mentorship and self-education, Ben highlights the following as keys to financial protection and success in your business:
• Put Himself on Payroll – Treating his business as a separate entity ensured financial stability and protected against IRS issues.
• Find Trusted Advisors – Surrounding himself with CPAs, legal counsel, and seasoned mentors helped him navigate complex decisions.
• Use Strategic Financing – He learned that loans aren’t just debt; they’re tools for growth when used wisely.
• Plan for the Future – Operating with a long-term vision, whether scaling or selling the business, guided his daily decisions.
“Financial literacy wasn’t just about numbers for Ben—it was about gaining control over his future.”
• Don’t Let a Lack of Formal Education Stop You – Real-world experience often teaches more than a classroom ever could.
• Master the Art of Asking for Help – Build a network of trusted mentors and advisors.
• Invest Time in Financial Literacy – Understanding money is key to growing and sustaining a business.
• Leverage Your Unique Strengths – Challenges like dyslexia can foster creative problem-solving and resilience.
• Plan with the End in Mind – Always consider your long-term goals and structure your business to align with them.
Ben Haugh’s journey proves that success isn’t determined by a college degree but by adaptability, determination, and the courage and humility to seek help. His story exemplifies the importance of financial literacy and finding support from those around you in building a sustainable business.
“As Ben says, he never stops learning from those who know more than him.”
Entrepreneurship is about more than credentials—it’s about the intense drive to succeed, growth, and the willingness to learn from others. Whether you have a college degree or not, the key is to use every tool available and never hesitate to ask for help along the way. The tools of college education, though valuable, are not what make successful business owners—it’s much more complex. Those who figure this piece out have a bright, long future ahead of them.
Stay in Driven, Stay Focused and Stay in Business
– Benjamin Haugh
