About Me

From Challenge to Leadership: My Journey in Business

My name is Ethan Fligge, and my journey in business is rooted in a powerful drive to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact.

My early academic years were a struggle. I faced challenges in elementary and middle school, and the discouraging words of some around me suggested I wouldn't amount to much. While disheartening at the time, this negativity ignited a fierce determination within me to prove them wrong. I quickly discovered that the more I dedicated myself to studying and learning, the more those negative voices faded. As my academic understanding deepened, I began to see how classroom knowledge translated directly into valuable real-world application. I started actively developing my leadership skills—taking charge of projects, training new team members, and consistently striving for excellence in everything I did. The energy I once channeled into proving others wrong transformed into a powerful force for helping those around me. Through this process, I forged strong relationships and, most importantly, learned to guide people toward success, both in my work and in my academic life.

A Lifelong Immersion in Enterprise

Business, for me, has always felt like a second nature. I truly believe I was born into it, having been involved in my parents' ventures in various ways throughout my entire life. My entrepreneurial journey began as early as five years old, helping my mother clean and prepare apartments in the buildings we owned. By eight, our family acquired a 6-bay manual car wash, where I spent my time cleaning bays, scrubbing walls, and occasionally collecting money from the machines after school.

However, it was at the age of ten that I had my first true immersive experience. Our family purchased a full-service tunnel car wash. From day one, my parents and I embarked on a collaborative learning curve to operate this business with our small team of employees. I quickly mastered tasks like prepping cars, managing the cashier station, and handling daily maintenance. This hands-on experience laid the fundamental groundwork for the strong work ethic I embody today.

Building a Future: Relationships, Leadership, and Impact

Through every experience, from early challenges to hands-on business operations, I've gained an immense amount. I've cultivated a robust work ethic, refined my leadership skills, and developed a keen attention to detail. Crucially, I've learned that in the real world, people and relationships are paramount in business success.

My aspiration in business is to continue building meaningful relationships, empowering others, and leading with purpose. Ultimately, my goal is to become the World's Next Best Businessman—a leader who not only achieves success but also profoundly impacts the lives of those around them.