[we] get to achieve something bigger than myself,” said Anthony Geraci, managing shareholder in charge of vision  and culture at Geraci Law firm. He never expected he would get to where he is now. Growing up with not much money, Geraci knew he had to work hard to ensure his life had purpose and to eventually reach his own definition of success with those he holds closest: family, friends and colleagues.

Geraci’s journey began gaining momentum after he received his bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University at Montgomery. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law. When he took his first position at a small firm that practiced private lending law, he was hooked. In 2007, he and his partner, Christine Geraci, opened their own firm. This year they celebrate their 10-year business anniversary. What a decade it has been for them—from the growth of their practice to the launch of their magazine, Originate report, and the Geraci’s Speaker Series.

Private Lender sat down with Geraci to discuss his motivation, leadership and how he’s been able to grow his ventures during the past 10 years.

Private Lender: When did you establish your companies, and where did the ideas originate?

Anthony Geraci: The idea to start the firm with my partner Christina came from serving the ever-growing private lending market. I believed we could deliver services better and cheaper than any other law firm. Our media and consulting divisions started in 2016 to serve the additional private lending needs of deal flow and capital raising.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while setting up and running the law firm? How did you overcome those obstacles?

The biggest challenges have had to do with me. Even though I’ve been a manager since I was 17, I had never run a company before. This also was during times of huge growth for the firm. I first had to learn how to work with a team to achieve our common goals. Then just three years ago, due to growth, I needed to form a management team and then learn how to use them.

In Originate report, in the letter from the editor, you state you want the magazine to be the Playboy magazine of the loan origination industry. Do you have a plan to make this industry sexy?

I think the returns are already sexy! What I meant by that is I want Originate report to be read for the articles like Playboy. Historically, Playboy had award-winning, cutting-edge articles
that were enjoyable to read and were just as newsworthy as mainstream media. We want the same as it pertains to the loan origination market.

What is your philosophy and vision for your conference series?

To add value every way we can. It’s not just our vision and philosophy for the conference, it’s our vision and philosophy of our firm. We want to help our clients do business together in frictionless settings where they can maximize their time and do business together.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far?

My greatest achievement is my personal growth. I think the greatest search anyone can do is to get to know who they are, be comfortable with that and fully accept their flaws as well as their strengths. Then they can be at peace with themselves. I get closer to achieving that
goal every day.

What are some of the things you enjoy most about what you do?

I’ve always enjoyed teaching and coaching. I get to mentor our team and teach them
everything I’ve had the opportunity to learn. I get such a thrill out of seeing them grow and seeing how they take that seed and make it grow into a huge tree. And for me, to see the impact I have on the lives around here takes my breath away. Marcus Aurelius said, “What we do now echoes in eternity.”

We all have our rough patches. What are a few things you tell yourself when the chips are down?

Bob Parsons has had an immense impact on my life. He wrote “16 Rules for Success in Business and Life.” When times have been especially tough, I read two of his rules. In the first, he says: “Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of ‘undefined consequences.’ My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, ‘Well, Robert, if it doesn’t work, they can’t eat you.’” If it doesn’t work, they can’t eat you. In the second rule, he reminds us that no matter how difficult the situation, you can get through anything one day at a time. I would even shorten it to say you can get through anything one minute at a time.

Was there ever a low point when you almost called it quits? If so, did this influence the eventual writing of your article about grit that appeared in the inaugural issue of Originate report?

I’ve had many low points in my life. But never have I thought of calling it quits. I grew up poor and without anything, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t stay that way. There’s a certain peace and calm in not having a safety net. If you fall, there’s no one and nothing to catch me on the way down, so I better not fall.

What is your favorite quote and why?

It’s one by Marcus Aurelius: “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” There are variants of this quote everywhere, but if it has to be summed up in two words, then “carpe diem,” or “seize the day.” It’s an important reminder that all time is borrowed. I must remember to live life like there is tomorrow, because one day there will be no tomorrow.

Who are the individuals you admire, in business or in life? And why?

In business I admire Richard Branson, Verne Harnish and Gary Vaynerchuk. They have impacted my professional career many times over, and I have given Verne credit for the inspiration behind our current business expansion. He’s a great person to talk with and learn from.

Personally, I admire Swami Parthasarathy and Ajahn Brahm. I have grown so much as a person due to their writings and speeches. They have provided the personal guidance
I have needed to move to the next level.

Do you have any daily rituals that help you grow as an entrepreneur/business owner?

I get up between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. every morning and start off exercising. Afterward I’ll create a to-do list of my top three things I need to get done. Then I spend 10 minutes feeling gratitude. By this time, my kids wake up and I spend time with them, take them to school and then get into the office.

If you could offer one piece of advice to other entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Have passion for what you do. You’re going to fall, and fail, often. Even if it works out the first time, it won’t stay that way. Continue to invest first in yourself, then in your business. Only if you grow can your business grow.

Surely many individuals look at you and think, “There is no way I could accomplish as much as he can, even though I am trying!” If you could tell others one thing, what would it be?

Two things. First: kaizen. It’s a Japanese concept which to me means small daily improvements lead to a lifetime of results. Everything builds on the previous work done and is a reminder that everything can be improved. Second: habits. Accomplishments aren’t the result of luck. They are the result of doing the work every day, every week, every month and every year.

Are there one or two moments in your life that you reflect upon often for motivation or inspiration?

As I noted previously, I grew up poor. I keep a $1 food stamp from the 1990s on my desk. It’s a reminder of where I came from. It’s also a motivator for me of where I could end up if I don’t continue to put in the work.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Sicily. I would like to have a place there or in Venice. Italy is absolutely beautiful, and I am second-generation American coming from Italy.

What do you think you would be doing if you hadn’t decided to take the path you are on now?

I don’t know. I don’t spend too much time thinking about things, and I don’t regret where I am in life. I did apply for the Naval Academy and made the final cut but was likely not selected because of my vision. At the time, they only accepted 35 percent of applicants who needed to wear glasses or other vision items. If I did qualify, likely my life would be completely different today.