Ken Endelman
Founder & CEO
Balanced Body
What are three things you wish you’d known as you embarked on your career?
- I wish I had better understood the value of the network of other entrepreneurs and business owners around me.
- I was arrogant. I thought I was smart, and I thought I could figure out anything. I thought I was worldly as well. I wish I had known those were all relative. I also wish I had known what was actually important to know, and what was not worth the time.
Did you have a mentor? If so, what was the most important piece of advice they gave you?
I didn’t have a mentor. I wasn’t self-aware enough at 25 to realize I needed one. I did receive a lot of valuable knowledge from the other business owners in my industrial space when I first moved to Sacramento. Just watching and talking to the other business owners I learned to be critical of my work and constantly improve.
How did/do you handle work/life balance?
I didn’t! I had an extraordinarily understanding wife. She knew that my work came first, and I made sure I met my minimum obligations. I was lucky. I do not recommend that strategy for anyone else!
Do you have any suggestions of books, articles, websites, etc. that might help a young professional?
Blue Ocean Strategy, Go Fish, Social Contract, and the Economist magazine.
How important is it to be involved in organizations outside of work (church, networking, philanthropy, alumni, athletics, etc.)? Why?
When you work with someone with the goal of helping a community organization, you get work alongside them rather than sitting across a table from them. When you work towards a common goal with nothing to be gained for oneself, you get a better understanding of them as a person.
Supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the Crocker Art Museum, and Team in Training allow me to give back to the community that has given me so many opportunities. These organizations are also an chance to build the community that will support even better opportunities in the future for myself and the next generation of professionals.
What do you love about Sacramento?
I like the people. I love the American River Parkway. I love that it offers a lot of what a big city offers without being a big city, and I love the fact that you can afford to live and do business here.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell the 40 and under business professionals in our region?
There is no free lunch. Always add value. Be positive, and stay constructive.
