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Injured Pro-Athlete Becomes Entrepreneur, Makes Millions

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Lewis Howes lives the American dream.

Howes is an online marketing expert, sought after business coach and globally recognized speaker. His podcast, The School of Greatness, where he interviews some of the most influential people like Arianna Huffington, Tom Bilyeu, Gabrielle Reece and Miami local Chris Lee has more than 10-million downloads. Howes is also a successful author and his book The School of Greatness has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for two weeks in a row and was a top 10 seller on Amazon.

His life may sound too good to be true but it is the path that the millennial generation believes it must take because they suspect traditional ones may lead them nowhere. According to a survey by Bentley University, more than 67% of millennials want to start their own business and sense that "career success will require them to be nimble, independent and more entrepreneurial than past generations."

The shift in generational perspective is evident in the number of millennials who showed up to meet Lewis Howes at the Lilt Lounge at the Epic Hotel in Miami. A group of about 100 people gathered at the lounge waiting to listen to Howes speak, many eager to hear what it takes to make your own path.

Angie Sanchez, a health and lifestyle coach in Miami, has been following Howes for some time. She said she was unhappy in her high-powered 9-to-5 and Howes inspired her to look for a career that was more fulfilling, one that allowed her to inspire and serve others. She quit her job and started her own business. So far she says she's the happiest she's ever been and business is growing fast.

"This world needs more awakened individuals like [Lewis Howes] not just to be led to greatness, but to inspire others to create a massive ripple effect just like the one he's created," said Sanchez.

Howes admits the journey to success was not easy. At 24, he had no job prospects, no degree and no plan. His entire life was dedicated to training to someday be a pro-athlete but in a split second the dream turned into a nightmare. While playing Arena League Football, Howes suffered a wrist injury that ended his career.

Without a career, with a mountain of credit card debt, he realized he had to do something. He was homeless and sleeping on his sister's couch.

"I had to get off my sister's couch," he said.

A mentor suggested he join  LinkedIn to connect and network. He dedicated hours learning about the online community and how to leverage it to establish relationships with business professionals. Within a few months he was making a living managing his friends LinkedIn accounts.

Howes has since expanded his online marketing business and has hosted more than 500 webinars teaching entrepreneurs how to make money online.

It took a few years, but he says he did the emotional work necessary to get past his loss and acquired new skills that allow him to do what he loves most - inspiring people.

"When I was recovering from my injury, I read a book that really inspired me. I said you know I want to create this feeling for other people. One day I want to write a book that gives them the information that is a catalyst for other people to get them off the couch," said Howes.

When asked what it means to be great, he answered, "Greatness is about inspiring people."

He wrote in his book that greatness is "about sharing a message, about believing the truth in that cliché: That it's the journey, not the destination to some perceived treasure or moment of adulation."

While the skeptics may question his approach to fostering entrepreneurship, Howes' story resonates with many who are going through personal and professional challenges. Some want more than just a 9-to-5 job, others struggle to find a balance and many want to learn to become better entrepreneurs.

The School of Greatness Book Signing / Lewis Howes
Lewis Howes , gracious and patient, shook every hand, signed every book and hugged every single person at his book signing. (Courtesy: Silva Harapetian)

His impact was evident as dozens waited in line for hours to have their book signed and to tell Howes how he inspired them to make a change in their lives.

One man said he started a podcast and, another said he quit his job. One attendee was so motivated by Howes's story that she started her own ice cream business, bringing Howes samples in a white cooler.

Even the organizers of the event, MJM realtors and Brickell Living promote the need to live in "greatness."

Juan Marcos Rancano, Founder of Brickell Living said, "It is important to have these kind of events and people like Lewis in the city because it proves that Miami is growing up. The new Miami wants to network, and create, and learn, and grow."

Howes, gracious and patient, shook every hand, signed every book and hugged every single person at the event.

When asked about his success as an entrepreneur and an influencer, Howes said, anything is possible for anyone but it is important to understand that making your own way is hard and it takes commitment.

"I did the things that terrified me the most. And, I did them consistently for a very long time. I took on public speaking and I remember sweating every time I spoke to my toastmaster group. But I did anyway. To become successful at anything you must be willing to do the hard work," said Howes.

The School of Greatness podcasts are available for free on his website. The School of Greatness book is available on Amazon.

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