Lil Uzi's Role in Expanding Derrick Hayes' Philly Cheesesteak Empire in Atlanta

In this episode of EYL, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings sit down with special guest Derrick Hayes, a successful entrepreneur from Philadelphia. Known for his popular restaurant, Big Dave's, Derrick shares his journey and the role top musicians like Meek Mill and Uzi played in his success.

From the start, Derrick emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships. He thanks his friend Tac for introducing him to key players in the music industry, and it's through these connections that Derrick's business grew. He shares how he would bring food to late-night studio sessions and cater to the artists who were there. It was Uzi who sparked the creation of Big Dave's famous salmon cheesesteak, which became a hot seller and expanded the menu to include salmon egg rolls.

One key lesson Derrick imparts is the value of being beneficial to others. Whether it's being around artists, athletes, or actors, he encourages everyone to be something that these individuals always need. He stresses that being in someone's circle and having nothing to offer is a wasted opportunity. Instead, he advises finding a way to be beneficial to their system and be the something they need to purchase.

The hosts bring up an insightful point made by Rich Paul about athletes needing an ecosystem of people to support them. They discuss the importance of identifying how you can add value to someone's life and not just be a passenger along for the ride. Derrick passionately reinforces the idea of not just hanging around with no purpose but finding ways to make connections and grow together.

Ego becomes a significant hurdle in many relationships, according to Derrick. He stresses the need to let go of egos when it comes to partnerships and understand that sometimes roles change. As an entrepreneur, he explains how he has had to shift relationships from homies to employees and maintain a clear separation between business and personal connections. He believes that recognizing when someone has evolved at a different pace is crucial for the success of the individual and the relationship.

Dealing with individuals who don't add value can be draining, and Derrick shares his personal experience with this. Having gone through losing a significant amount of money, he now advises others on how to control their finances before they reach that point. He emphasizes the need to step outside of oneself and understand the bigger mission rather than being consumed by personal struggles. Being in the presence of successful individuals has motivated him to push forward and regain his financial stability.

Derrick emphasizes that he feeds off the success of others and does not engage in jealousy or hatred. He gets motivated by seeing others achieve their goals and uses that as fuel to drive his own success. He believes that the most significant accomplishments are those that are earned through hard work, not through handouts.

In conclusion, this episode of EYL provides valuable insights into the importance of networking, adding value to others, and pushing through personal setbacks. Derrick Hayes' story of building his business and learning from successful individuals serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs. So, join EYL and Derrick Hayes and learn the secrets to building lasting success in the business world. #EYL #DerrickHayes #Networking #Entrepreneurship #Success #BuildingRelationships #AddingValue #BusinessLessons #OvercomingSetbacks #EgoManagement