The Distinct Paths of Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: A Deep Dive into the Curse of a Mind That Never Shuts Off – By Abdol Moabery

Author: gatelesis

I am constantly asked about my view on entrepreneurship.  So, I think it is important to make an important distinction first. In the world of commerce, the terms “business owner” and “entrepreneur” are often used interchangeably, yet they represent distinct mindsets and approaches to creating and sustaining ventures. Understanding these differences can illuminate the unique challenges each faces, particularly the entrepreneur’s relentless pursuit of continuous innovation, improvement, and expansion.

The Business Owner: A Steady Hand
Let’s start with a business owner who typically manages and operates a business, focusing on maintaining stability and profitability. Their primary goal is ensuring the business runs smoothly, meeting customer demands, and sustaining reliable revenue streams. Basically, keeping the lights on and having enough left over to live a comfortable life.  Because of this, business owners may be more risk-averse, concentrating on optimizing existing processes, controlling costs, and maintaining customer satisfaction.

For example, consider a local plumbing company owner who relies on tried-and-true service, meticulously manages daily operations, and builds a loyal customer base. This approach prioritizes consistency and reliability, ensuring that the company becomes a trusted plumbing company with its patrons. The focus is generally on refining the current model rather than radically changing it. Innovation might come in the form of getting new service vans rather than a new manner of providing plumbing services.

The Entrepreneur: A Relentless Innovator
In contrast, entrepreneurship is almost a cursed manner of being.  Where the mind never stops working.  They are characterized by their innovative spirit and willingness to take risks. They see opportunities where others might see obstacles and constantly seek to disrupt the status quo with new ideas, products, or services. Entrepreneurs’ minds are like perpetual motion machines, always buzzing with possibilities and improvements, even when unrelated to their objectives.

A prime example of this entrepreneurial mindset is when I saw a gap in the aviation industry and capitalized on it by creating GA Telesis, which provided an immediate solution in the aerospace sector, addressing the high cost of jet engine operations. From the very beginning, I focused on introducing an innovation, recognizing that the commercial aerospace market was ripe for a more efficient approach. 

The “Curse” of the Entrepreneur
One defining trait of an entrepreneur is their inability to turn off their creative thought processes. This incessant thinking and striving for perfection only to arrive at an objective and then decide to reset the goalposts once again. Often, it isn’t enough and can often feel like a curse. While it drives innovation, it can also lead to burnout and frustration. Entrepreneurs are perpetually dissatisfied with the status quo, always imagining what could be improved.

For instance, when I founded GA Telesis, I didn’t merely aim to create a successful company addressing one element of managing airline operating costs; I was constantly thinking about how to improve and expand my offerings. I recognized the need for greater efficiency in the aerospace supply chain, leading to innovative strategies and services that set GA Telesis apart from competitors. This desire to introduce new ideas consumed my thoughts, driving me to continually refine, enhance and expand the company’s operations.

Constant Reinvention: The Entrepreneur’s Journey
Entrepreneurs are masters of reinvention. They adapt their businesses and themselves to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape. This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced market, where consumer preferences and technologies evolve rapidly.

GA Telesis exemplifies this journey of reinvention. Over the past 22 years, I have expanded the company and grown to five divisions and have expanded well beyond the initial business thesis. I created and built a comprehensive platform that has materialized into what I call the GA Telesis Ecosystem™. This evolution showcases how I continually reimagined the business model to keep pace with industry changes and customer needs. My formula was simple: I started with what I thought my customers’ success looked like and worked my way back from there.

The Balance Between Stability and Innovation
While the entrepreneurial spirit drives growth and transformation, it’s essential to recognize that both business owners and entrepreneurs have valuable roles. Business owners provide stability, ensuring that companies can function smoothly in the present. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, challenge norms and push boundaries, paving the way for future innovations.

Successful enterprises often require a blend of both mindsets. An entrepreneur needs the grounded perspective of a business owner to bring their visions to life effectively. Conversely, a business owner can benefit from entrepreneurial thinking to adapt and grow in an increasingly competitive market.

The distinctions between business owners and entrepreneurs illuminate the diverse approaches to commerce. My journey with GA Telesis exemplifies many iterations of entrepreneurial struggles and triumphs, showcasing how constant innovation and a willingness to disrupt can lead to significant industry advancements and positioning. While entrepreneurs grapple with the “curse” of perpetual improvement, innovation, and expansion, they fuel the creative engine of the global economy. By embracing this “curse,” I have been able to help shape the future of the aerospace industry.