In business, there’s a misconception that the “big success stories” are entrepreneurs who struck out on their own and scoffed at their education. That a strong foundation in learning and discipline aren’t as important as being wily or “just working hard. But a solid education is one of the most essential foundational elements of any modern businessman. Just ask James Sansone.
James’ time at school has played a central role in the progression of his work as an entrepreneur, and his successes in the years since. Born and raised in Orange, Connecticut, his academic journey is distinctive, setting the stage for everything he’s done since.
Early Education and High School Years
James attended Hamden Hall Country Day School, a private institution known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on leadership. It was here that James would grow in the solid foundation of both quality academics and athletics. As a result, this was where James not only began excelling in his studies but also nurturing a profound passion for football, playing for the school team and honing his teamwork and leadership skills.
It’s not hard to see the beginnings of an entrepreneur’s core qualities even at this early stage. Hard work, discipline, and a need to excel. Sansone was seeing the start of all of these, thanks to his education.
College Experience: Football and Academic Pursuits
After high school, James’s love for football led him to Ithaca College, where he initially committed to play for the college team. A continuation of his love of the game, Sansone was determined not to let his passion for sport lie dormant for too long.
His time at Ithaca was not just about sports, however; it was an integral part of his educational experience, where he began delving deeper into his academic interests. Juggling both his academic pursuits and after hours exercises appealed to the achiever in him and, after two years at Ithaca, James transferred to Salve Regina University. Here, he embarked on an independent study in business. This was a decision that would mark the foundation of his path towards entrepreneurship.
Salve Regina allowed James to custom tailor his studies toward business and marketing, aligning them with his career goals. His future was coming into focus, and this approach let him focus on business and marketing, shaping his early entrepreneurial mindset for the years to come.
Turn Towards Self-Education
Despite his structured studies, James found that real-world business trends were shifting faster than traditional education could keep up. This kind of turn in self-direction isn’t uncommon among entrepreneurs, and would lead to him exploring alternative learning paths.
Realizing that the traditional educational system was no longer keeping up with the pace of real-world business and marketing developments, he turned to self-education. This he pursued through online courses and self-study. This phase of self-directed learning was crucial; it involved purchasing courses, absorbing knowledge from figures in the business world such as Grant Cardone, whose teachings in sales profoundly influenced his career, and developing his own sense of the world.
It wouldn’t be long after this that he would start his own business: Certified Closers, LLC.
The Impact of Education on His Career
James Sansone’s educational background is proof of his belief in practical knowledge over traditional academic achievements. His decisions when it came to his studies were driven by a desire to directly apply what he learned to real-world business challenges, not chase a qualification for the sake of it. This is a philosophy that has permeated his professional life and contributed to his success as an entrepreneur.
By combining traditional schooling with self-education, Sansone built a foundation in business strategy and sales. His mix of formal education and self-directed learning allowed him to build a flexible, business-oriented skill set.
Key Takeaways
Sansone’s ability to adapt his education to real-world needs set the stage for his later success in sales and business development. This approach has not only shaped his career trajectory but also serves as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs who seek to carve their own paths in the business world.
