George Gellert on Why Starting From The Bottom Is The Only Way To The Top

If there is one person who truly embodies the theme of this podcast, it is George Gellert. We talk a lot about the myth of the overnight success, and George is the living, breathing proof that the "top" is built on decades of grit, early mornings, and a level of drive that most people just aren't ready for.George is an absolute titan in the food industry, but his story starts way before the global boardrooms. We dive into his childhood in upstate New York, where he was already a seasoned entrepreneur by age eight. You’ll hear about the wild lengths a twelve-year-old George went to to gain a competitive edge in track, and how milking cows before sunrise shaped the relentless work ethic that he still carries today.We also get into his legendary time at Cornell, where he wasn't just a student; he was running multiple businesses and making more money than he did in his first "real" job as a lawyer for the SEC. George opens up about the friction of working in a family business, the intense risks of being one of the first Americans to trade with China during the Cold War, and the mindset required to navigate massive setbacks, from being hacked for millions to surviving a battle with B-cell lymphoma.But the real magic in this episode isn't just about the money or the scale; it is about the loyalty. George shares how he built a massive empire in food, real estate, and finance through relationships that have lasted over fifty years. Whether you are a young entrepreneur starting in the mailroom or a veteran leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, George’s wisdom on why you must "start from the bottom" is something you cannot afford to miss.00:00 – Intro: The Reality Behind “Overnight Success”00:45 – Early Hustle & Work Ethic (From Age 8 to Farm Life)05:45 – Cornell Years: Entrepreneurship, Athletics & Education10:00 – Early Career: SEC, Army & Global Exposure12:00 – Joining the Family Business (And Taking a Different Path)18:30 – Leadership Challenges & Taking Over the Business22:00 – Scaling the Business: Risks, Politics & Major Obstacles25:00 – Building Culture: Loyalty, Family & Long-Term Success28:00 – Taking Big Risks: China & Global Expansion30:00 – Personal Adversity: Battling Cancer & Staying Strong33:30 – Sustaining a Family Business Across Generations41:00 – Final Advice: Start at the Bottom & Outwork Everyone44:00 – OutroJon on Socials: IG: @thejonschultzpodcastX: @JonSchultzPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jon-schultz-podcastwww.jonschultz.com