Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Petit-Frere.
Hi Alberto, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The vision started in 2015 with Win or Go home. It was all about getting the community together by doing sports events. Along the way, I realized I had a bigger vision and wanted to do more than sports events. I wanted to give back to my community by feeding the people in need of the Collision Center. I never like to refer to others struggling as homeless. Instead, I refer to those struggling as people in need because when you say in need, it means it’s just temporary and their situation can be fixed. I empathize with others because I understand what it’s like to come from nothing. Growing up, I only had my older brother and my mom. We came from an impoverished neighborhood. They were times when we struggled financially and didn’t have food on the table. Where I came from, there weren’t a lot of resources for kids like me growing up to be successful in life. You either were playing sports or were doing things you shouldn’t, which as a result, left many I knew in prison or dead.
Although I loved sports, I struggled with fitting in, so I surrounded myself with the bad crowd. I ended getting myself into trouble so much in school that I got kicked out of Orange County Public Schools. Many people felt that I was a bad kid and gave up on me. I’ve done things that I wasn’t proud of, but the real issue was the fact that I had no guidance. I thought my life was over, but my mother didn’t give up on me. My mother is a God-fearing woman, and she always prayed over me and believed that I would do great things in life even when I didn’t believe in myself. She went out of her way to make sure that I graduate from High School by paying a lot of money to get me into a Christian Academy. I ended up graduating from the Christian Academy and the tears that came from my mother’s eyes that day was something that I will never forget. I decided that I wanted to attend Devry University.
About a year into Devry, I realized that college wasn’t for me. I worked for a couple of companies which I was doing really good for a while. Eventually, I ended up getting laid off of work which made me realized that all the hard work I put into the company wasn’t worth it since a company could replace you at any moment. However, I learned quite a few things while working for a company. I learned that business is business at the end of the day, to be successful, you have to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart, expect failure, trust yourself, build a great team, and last but not least just do it. By that I mean, there is never the perfect time to follow your dream and start your own business. Life will throw obstacles at you and fear will continue to make you think now just is not the right time. Put that all aside and take the chance. I became a full-time entrepreneur in 2018.
I am currently the owner of Koupe Dwèt Cafe and Berto’s Pressure washing. It wasn’t easy, but I must say I haven’t looked back since. The Entrepreneur road is not easy. People make it look like it’s a walk in the park. There is days and months I have no work, and I get discouraged, but there is times that make up for the days and months that I didn’t have work. People will praise you and congratulate you when you’re winning, but never around when you are trying to figure it out. I never begged for support. My favorite saying has always been, “they are not going to believe in you until you believe in yourself.” No one is obligated to support you. That’s why we have to be our biggest supporter/fan. I work hard to provide for my family. My share of troubles did not stop me from being who I am today. Without fear, without judgment, I gather the community that is dear to my heart to come together and bring joy, awareness, and help those in need. I created Heart of a champion to do my part as a member of the community. I couldn’t achieve such a goal and dream alone. I have a team of amazing individuals who also reside in Orlando, Florida. Together, they volunteer their time with the youth in the community. The goal of Heart of A Champion is to help guide our youth today and create a positive and fun environment throughout our community. H.O.A.C. vision is to create unity within our community while devoting our time and efforts into giving back.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ll say it has been smooth so far. I can’t lie. There’s been some bumps along the road. There’s been months where both of my businesses have been slow. It has discouraged me a little, but then I think of how far I’ve come and tell myself that I cannot allow negative thoughts to creep in. I know if I gave up on myself, there was no hope. And I know we all go through things for a reason. I don’t blame anyone or life itself for my business not going how I want it to go. I knew what I signed up for when I became an entrepreneur. I figured that there would be seasons where my businesses would be booming and other seasons where it would be going slow. I don’t let frustration take control of me because I know my God controls my life and he has a plan for me.
What pushes me to persevere through slow times in my businesses are my family, my community, and my faith in God. I have a lot of people that look up to me, and I have to make sure to set an example everywhere I go so that others may realize that despite things not going as planned, we have to persevere and keep going. What I think is crazy is that life is quite similar to a marathon. Marathon is about endurance and just stand down for like not giving up on your goals and aspirations. Life is about accepting the ups and downs also whatever goal or dream you commit yourself to just keep pushing. That’s the reality of success that it comes with a rollercoaster ride. That’s why I do not beat myself up when my businesses aren’t going the way I think it should. It’s all a part of the process. Everything takes time to build back up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Heart Of A Champion?
I am the CEO of Heart Of A Champion. Which is located in Orlando, FL. I find myself passionate to help my community. My long-term goal is to create a positive impact on the community while following my vision of togetherness. With optimism being one of my characteristics. I’m sure to accomplish many great things in our community. I’m known for bringing the community together by doing sporting events. There will be roadblocks but we will overcome it. Our mission is to bring inspiration and innovation to everyone around the world.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
“I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali
Contact Info:
- Email: Info.heartofachampion@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.heartofachampions.com/
- Instagram: HeartOfAChampions
- Facebook: Heart Of A Champion
Image Credits
Flashionable.Inc MyGame Ent DlowStudio
