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I am willing to bet, no matter how old you are, that it is unlikely that in your lifetime you’ve ever been influenced by someone named Nido.

Up until now, that is!

For close to 25 years, Nido Qubein has had a significant influence on my life. You’ll soon discover why.

Nido is a remarkable guy. He has emerged from a humble beginning, as an immigrant to the United States, to become an incredibly successful businessman, speaker and consultant to top companies in the world, author of numerous books and audio-visual learning systems, educator, current president of High Point University, volunteer to countless organizations, and philanthropist who embraces William Barclay’s philosophy, “Always give without remembering; always receive without forgetting.”

Others usually describe Nido as smart, suave, classy. He’s all of those things. Yet, I also know him to be friendly, gracious, supportive and incredibly funny. I’m proud to call him a friend.

Jeff Blackman: Nido, you’ve chosen to invest one-third of your life in earning, one-third in learning, and one-third in serving — why that ratio, and how do you make sure, you’re extraordinarily successful in each?

Nido Qubein: The ratios are approximate. They serve as a reminder that life is about balance. That life is about both success and significance. That significance is about stewardship and impact.

JB: Tell us about your humble beginning

NQ: My father died when I was six. My mother worked day and night to feed us, clothe us, and instill in us values for life and living. Her words ring in my ears all the time, “Who you spend time with, is who you become. What you choose, is what you get. To be great, walk hand in hand and side by side with great people.” I came to America with $50 and a big desire to make something of my life. I worked ten hours a day to pay for my education. Started my first business straight out of graduate school and built a thriving speaking/consulting business.

Later I bought into a number of companies. Today I serve on the boards of two major corporations and serve as chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company with 220 stores.

JB: As a boy, who were your mentors and what did they teach you? How do those lessons still serve you today?

NQ: My mother was my primary mentor. I apply her teaching every day. She taught me about building relational capital, about fiscal matters, about problem solving and she had only a fourth grade education.

JB: What are the five or more most important things you know about life? About business?

NQ: That life is what you make it.

Gratitude is the best attitude to nurture.

Learning must be in a continuum.

Fairness and justice above all.

Think lifetime value of everything.

Build equity in your business.

It isn’t how you sell, but how you buy, that will determine much of your profit.

Be productive and efficient.

Throw the box outside the window be innovative.

JB: When you wake up in the morning, what do you want to accomplish?

NQ: I have a clear vision about my work and I diligently follow it strategically and tactically daily.

Principally, I’m focused on doing good things, building solid relationships, executing methodically on my objectives.

JB: What stands in the way of most people’s success?

NQ: Their mindset. Their beliefs. Their self-imposed limitations.

JB: How can one turn these obstacles into results?

NQ: Observe and learn from achievers. Read good books and listen to substantive CDs. Set specific goals and work like crazy to accomplish them. Celebrate life.

Next week, Nido delivers insights on education, the mindset of CEOs, his biggest failure and even how to create your transformational future. Until then, be sure to visit nidoqubein.com for more ways to help you think, grow and prosper.

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Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.