Several months ago, The Washington Post profiled a man who did what he needed to in order to accomplish his goals.  Even though Payam “Peter” Tabibian might not be a billionaire, he has found major success in his life.

Nearly three decades ago, Tabibian and his family fled from Iran and eventually found themselves in the United States.  Tabibian appeared to have learned quickly that opportunity is never far out of reach.

When he was in middle school, he started his first business – selling candy bars to classmates.  By the time he was 14, he started working at Burger King. His work wasn’t glamorous by any means, as he took out the trash, washed dishes and cleaned the parking lot. That didn’t deter Tabibian, though.  He spent years working at several Burger King restaurants and became the youngest manager at the L’Enfant Plaza location.

Tabibian had a hectic schedule, by anyone’s standards.  He went to school during the morning, worked in the afternoon at Burger King and then continued with an evening shift at the grocery store. It is easy to conclude that his strong work ethic and drive are what eventually led him to success.

There is a lot to Tabibian’s story, including that he founded Z-Burger, which has two locations.  These restaurants are now grossing millions every year. Tabibian is a true example of where hard work and determination can take you in life.

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It is hard to imagine that someone would be able to sell trash cans for a hefty price tag of $100 to $200, but that is exactly what Mr. Yang’s company, simplehuman, has been able to accomplish.  The company has grown over the last ten years and now employs sixty people and utilizes two warehouses.  In addition to selling high-end trash cans, simplehuman also produces automatic soap dispensers, dish-drying racks and shower caddies.

Don’t be afraid to tryout an idea.
How exactly did Mr. Yang get the brilliant idea of creating a trash can that is more of a piece of art than an average everyday waste basket?  In college, Mr. Yang came up with the idea of creating a high-end trash can and in 2000, decided to take a go at it.  He used his father’s garage as a workshop and presented his design at a house wares trade show.  Shortly after, the orders came flooding in.

Today, simplehuman products are sold at The Container Store, Bed Bath and Beyond, Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel.

Recognize an opportunity and be willing to change.
A lot can be learned from this 38-year-old entrepreneur.  He recognized an opportunity and wasn’t afraid to go after it.  Mr. Yang has also understood the importance of changing with the times.  According to a USA Today article, “Lowly trash can gets respect at Frank Yang’s simplehuman,” the company has an entire floor in one of its warehouses devoted to research.  Even though the economy might be slow, Mr. Yang and his company are still looking for new products to create and sell.

For Mr. Yang, focus is crucial.  simplehuman focuses on select products and works hard to ward off companies that offer cheap, imitation versions.

Are you a Northern Virginia business owner?

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When it comes to problems and mistakes, it isn’t so much how they occurred that is going to draw attention; it is how you handle them.  In Dan Kennedy’s article, “Pressure-Prosperity Link,” (which is excerpted from his new book, No B.S. Wealth Attraction in the New Economy,) he talks about how the “world watches and responds to the way you handle these situations.  If you blame others, blame circumstances, offer up excuses, you telegraph weakness.”

If you are going for immediate sympathy and pity, then go right ahead and give as many excuses as you want.  However, don’t anticipate that you will gain respect by doing so.  According to Mr. Kennedy, “wealth is never transferred based on pity.”

The way to garner respect is not through excuse making.  It comes from taking responsibility, even if there was nothing you could have done to prevent your problems.  Don’t be one of those business owners who blames the economy, government, competition and who knows what else, for his or her circumstances.  Take ownership.

Here’s what you need to do – “step up, accept responsibility, offer no excuses, and roll up your sleeves and work.” That is how you will draw strength and respect.

To find out where the smart Northern Virginia business owners are gathering, visit Glazer-Kennedy-Virginia.com.