We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Chagala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how do you think about risk?
People tend to see risk only in terms of change; make a change to your life and risk of failure looms overhead. What they don’t see is the equal risk in doing nothing. Doing nothing gives a false sense of security, that somehow with a world changing all around, that continuing to do what you’ve always done will continue to bring success. The reality could not be further from the truth. Whether you make changes or stay the same, life is fraught with challenge, but only one path leads you closer to your dreams.

I took the safe path for years. I got the safe jobs at the good companies with the benefits and health insurance. I mostly sat in cubicles, spending more time in meaningless meetings than with my own family. I was bringing home a steady paycheck. I was absent from most of my children’s life, but just as important, I was absent from my own. Every time I looked at the clock, another year had gone by. But this is what you’re supposed to do, right? Maybe for some people, but not me.

A paycheck is the definition of a false sense of security. Worrying about layoffs, annual reviews, new bosses and if your next raise will cover the cost of preschool – if you get one at all. Then one day sitting in my cubicle in a windowless room, I had an epiphany that the stress level in my so-called “safe” job was no greater or less than what a business owner goes through to keep the lights on – only they were chasing a dream and I was watching the clock run out on my life.

With 2 kids and a mortgage, I quit my job. I left with a profound sense of independence – I was in control of my own success or failure from this day forward. I can’t say running my own business is easy, but the work feels different; every hour is an investment in my own future.

Was it worth the risk? Absolutely. Not only do I spend more time with my family and get to shape my future, but I get to be an example to my children of how to chase your dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my career as an unpaid intern sweeping the server room floor at a software development company. Being a “some college” box-checker meant I was fortunate just to have my foot in the door. I worked a grueling 5am shift in the restaurant industry by morning followed by my intern shift that often lasted until midnight. I was competing for a paid position against people with engineering degrees and had only sheer determination and hard work going for me. At nearly my breaking point, I was offered a paid position and quit my other job – essentially kicking off a new career.

I eventually found working with data and numbers a bit dry and moved towards web development. Web development offers a level of human interaction and creativity that, let’s say, moving digits from one database to another, does not. Over time I found myself working closer with marketing teams and found my niche as a digital marketer who could also write code. This also made me a natural fit for working with Google’s algorithm doing search engine optimization (SEO) which I have been doing since 2006.

My career has taken me from unpaid intern, to working for some of the world’s top brand such as Sony, the NFL and Huawei. Eventually I became an executive at one of the fastest growing companies in the United States helping bring a small San Diego energy company from $20 million annual revenue to nearly $70 as part of a small team of Directors.

What sets me apart from many other marketing agency owners is that I’ve been on both sides of the equation; I have extensive experience in both being the client who hires and agency, and as being the agency that needs to meet those expectations. Coming from the corporate world myself, I understand the pressures my clients are facing and know how to speak their language.

What I’m most proud of is having carved my career and business out of solid rock using my own hands. I have no college degree, didn’t follow in the footsteps of a successful parent, or take loans or investment dollars to start my business. Every step of the way required risk and hard work. In return, it has carved me into the person I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a weeklong visit from a friend, I would pull all the stops for an experience (mostly) known only to locals!

Outdoors:

Day 1: Camping at one of San Diego’s hidden gems, Dos Picos county park, only a few minutes from my home in Poway. It’s the perfect spot for BBQ by day, smores by night and a safe place to let the kids run free.

Day 2: Launching from basecamp at Dos Picos, next stop is a hike up Mt. Woodson for selfies on Potato Chip Rock. Dinner in Julian stopping by Calico Cidery along the way.

City Life:

Day 3: Stop by Convoy Street as locals know this is some of the best food in San Diego; a toss-up between ramen or Korean BBQ. Then a brewery tour through Miramar.

Day 4: What you might call a rest day. Massive fried chicken and waffles breakfast at Hash House in Hillcrest followed by an equally massive nap under the giant fig tree in nearby Balboa Park.

Day 5: Early wake up to meander through the Hillcrest Farmers Market. Fill our bellies on a glorious vegan, gluten-free, keto, cage free and sustainably sourced organic breakfast. Spend $10 on a tomato. Ethiopian dinner at Muzita.

Beach:

Day 6: Surf lessons in La Jolla at dawn then kayak out to the caves for the afternoon.

Day 7: Surf fishing at 11th street in Del Mar. All day. Two chairs, two fishing poles, and reflect on the weeks’ adventures. Catch the green flash; fail to explain why it happens. Farewell my friend, may your trip to San Diego be one to remember.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Angie Swartz – my life and business coach! She helps give clarity on what exactly I am seeking in life and which path will take me there.

Website: https://rankharvest.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rank-harvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rankharvest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rankharvest/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RankHarvest/videos

Other: Google Business Profile: https://g.page/r/CRx4v8QZkFJVEBA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.