What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Kingpins

Inspiration for entrepreneurship comes from all kinds of places. For me, it’s often a mix of traditional resources—like business books—and unconventional ones, like documentaries on infamous kingpins. Watching how these individuals built their empires has been an unexpected but fascinating way to understand the principles of structure, strategy, and leadership.

Take a moment to think about it. These kingpins weren’t just hustlers; they were strategists. They sought out cheaper suppliers without sacrificing quality, utilized focus groups (even if informally), mastered branding, and fiercely protected their “territories.” Sound familiar? These are the same principles taught in MBA programs and business books.

Of course, their enterprises were far from legal, but from a structural standpoint, there are parallels between their world and legitimate business operations. For example:

• Efficiency in Supply Chains: Just like any business owner, they constantly searched for ways to improve their margins by cutting costs while maintaining quality.
• Branding and Recognition: Think about the infamous reputation tied to certain names or products—they understood how to create demand and maintain a strong presence.
• Territory Management: Their form of competition was ruthless, but the lesson is clear: knowing and owning your market is key to thriving.

For me, growing up around hustlers gave me a unique perspective that many business books just don’t cover. My life experience added another layer to my understanding of entrepreneurship, teaching me lessons about resilience, negotiation, and adaptability that no classroom could replicate.

Still, I’m always open to learning. I’ll pull out my notepad and take notes wherever inspiration strikes—even while watching American Gangster. Because at the end of the day, entrepreneurship is about finding ways to innovate and grow, no matter where the lesson comes from.

So, whether you're reading a bestselling business book or watching a documentary, keep your eyes open for insights. Every experience has something to teach if you’re ready to learn.