Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster, and Yossi Schtroks knows this all too well. The rise and fall of his first company, Zazion, is a tale of resilience and a fresh start. But here's where it gets personal... In an interview with Liba Borisute for the N’shei Chabad Newsletter, Yossi reveals how failure became his greatest teacher and mentor.
The story begins with a painful ending. Zazion, Yossi's brainchild, was thriving with three full-time employees and a growing reputation. But the tech industry's harsh realities hit hard, and soon, Yossi found himself at a crossroads. 'Should I take a job or start over?' The decision was tough, especially with a growing family to support. But Yossi's entrepreneurial spirit prevailed, and with his wife's encouragement, he chose the path less traveled.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of mentorship. Yossi realized his solo efforts weren't enough and sought guidance. He found that mentors don't always wear the label; they are often people who've walked the path and are willing to share their wisdom. 'I needed someone who had been in my shoes,' he says, and this realization changed everything.
Enter Kvation, a kosher vacation rental platform inspired by a personal struggle to find kosher accommodations. Yossi and his wife, Shaindy, named the platform, and the rest is history. Kvation simplifies booking kosher rentals, filling a gap in the Jewish community. But the journey wasn't without its challenges.
Yossi's mindset shift is a testament to his growth. He learned that setbacks are stepping stones to success. 'My experience with Zazion pushed me to create Kvation,' he says, emphasizing the value of learning from mistakes. This new perspective, gained from successful mentors, has been transformative.
Stress and pressure? Yossi embraces them. He finds focus in the eye of the storm, using challenges as fuel for productivity. But he also values spiritual practices, like daily prayers, to maintain balance. 'The real success comes from increasing our spiritual work,' Yossi notes, echoing ancient wisdom.
Yossi's journey highlights the importance of mentorship and community. 'Surround yourself with good neighbors,' he advises, referring to the concept of 'shachen tov.' He believes in the Jewish community's power, where helping others succeed is a virtue. 'Jewish businesspeople are eager to support their fellow Jews,' he says, a beautiful sentiment that fosters growth and nachas for Hashem.
The interview concludes with a mentor spotlight on Yehuda Berg, a seasoned business consultant with CHYE. Berg's work in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality is inspiring. He mentors numerous clients annually, and his impact is evident in the success stories of those he guides.
In the end, Yossi's story is a reminder that failure is not fatal; it's a stepping stone to success. It's a call to embrace mentorship and community, to learn from others' experiences, and to never be afraid to start over. What's your take on mentorship and its role in entrepreneurship? Do you agree that it's a powerful tool for growth?
