A Conversation with John Maher
Thought Leader Series Podcast Episode Recap: A conversation with John Maher
About the session
This transcript is from an event call where John Mayer, founder and CEO of John Mayer Builders, shares his life journey, experiences, and insights about building his business and giving back to the community.
Key speakers
- Rebecca Melton, Executive Director, Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce
- John Maher, Founder and CEO, John Maher Builders
Takeaways
Takeaway 1: Early influences and the importance of deferred gratification in achieving financial success
John Maher credits his father as one of the earliest influences in his life, teaching him the importance of saving money and living within his means. This lesson in deferred gratification has been a significant factor in Maher’s financial success throughout his life.
“Well, number one would have been my dad. I had a paper route at age nine and I would earn $7 a week, and he coached me to save $5 of that seven,” Mayer explained. “And that’s been a big part of any financial success we’ve ever had because I developed a habit of deferred gratification and I’ve never earned a paycheck ever, where we did save a large portion of it and live off a portion of what you earn.”
Takeaway 2: The power of goal setting and the impact of coaches and teachers
Maher shared how the influence of his teachers and coaches, particularly in high school, led him to pursue a college education and set goals for himself. Their impact helped him develop the confidence and determination that have carried him throughout his life.
“I really thought I would teach and coach my entire career. That’s what I thought I would do,” Maher said. “I started reading books. I mentioned earlier the seeds that were planted in real estate related to one of my father’s employees. I found out he owned ten or twelve rental houses, and he was much wealthier than our family.”
Takeaway 3: Embracing lifelong learning and seeking new opportunities
Maher emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner, constantly seeking out new knowledge and opportunities to grow. He shared that he is currently involved in a mastermind group with entrepreneurs from around the world, which has inspired him to explore new business ventures.
“I think constantly learning, being a lifelong learner, I was a terrible student, but I’ve become a good lifelong learner,” Maher said. “I think for me, that’s been you’re always doing something new and fresh. Even though we’re sort of in the same business. We’re building commercially right now. We’re doing multiple things we’ve never done. We’re looking at storage. We’re looking at lots of other things, buying small businesses.”
Insights surfaced
- John Maher’s strong work ethic and grit were influenced by his father, coaches, and teachers.
- Maher’s success in building houses and his business is attributed to his God-given gift and the support of his wife, Margie.
- Maher believes in investing in children and the community, seeing it as a smart investment with returns rather than just charity.
- Lifelong learning and seeking knowledge are important for personal and professional growth.
- Maher highly recommends Dale Carnegie training for improving confidence and human relation skills.
Key quotes from John Maher
- “I developed a habit of deferred gratification and I’ve never earned a paycheck ever, where we did save a large portion of it and live off a portion of what you earn.”
- “One of my favorite sayings is, when the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear.”
- “I was a terrible student, but I’ve become a good lifelong learner.”