I grew up dirt poor
in Canada.
We didn’t eat every day.
We didn’t have
running water
(except for the river
running beside
the plot of land
we lived on).
That poverty
made me hungry,
literally and figuratively.
I was driven
to escape
poverty,
to ensure
my wonderful Mom
was also
taken care of.
I knew I didn’t have
the advantages
of the middle class.
I knew I would have to
work harder,
longer,
smarter.
I did that
and now my wonderful Mom
never has to worry about
being homeless
or going without food.
Louie Tolaini,
Founder of
transX Ltd.,
shares
“My greatest inspiration
has come from
my background of poverty.
When I first came to Canada
from Italy at age 19,
I promised myself
I would never be poor
and I would never eat
polenta again.
It has been a journey
of challenges and curiosity,
filled with opportunities
to learn and grow.”
Being poor can be
a great motivator
to build a business.
It should push
you forward,
not stop you.