How to Turn Your Passion into Business

Written by Allison Way, writer and videographer for Think Big Partners.

There’s no doubt about it; turning your passion into business can be a scary step in the startup process. But at the same time, there truly is no time like the present to start up a brand new, more meaningful life. I challenge you to take a look in the mirror and analyze what you see. Do you see someone who is chasing their life dreams? Is it someone who is passionate about what they do? It is someone who is happy and fulfilled? If you have answered “no” to any of these questions, it may be time to reevaluate your life goals and to start following your true passions.

The first step to a successful startup business is having extreme passion. When you start up a small business built on an undying passion, you will not only gain immense satisfaction from spending time doing what you love, but your overall improved attitude will positively affect everybody surrounding you—from friends to employees to customers to family.

I want to encourage all potential entrepreneurs out there to strive for your passions. If you see an opening , go after it. That’s exactly what Nick Morrow did.

Nick Morrow is a Kansas City firefighter who today, also owns a new pizzeria in Overland Park called Nick’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream. As a firefighter, Morrow has a “24 hours on, 48 hours off” schedule, allowing for two days of rest. These two days seemed extremely long and boring for Morrow. So, backing himself up with his true passion of owning a pizza parlor, Morrow decided to go into small business on his days off.

“I have an ambitious personality, and I thought I could make this work,” he said. This ambition and passion has led him to fulfill one of his dreams. He has finally re-created the family atmosphere of the pizza parlor he grew up with.

Nick’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream took over the former 6,087 square-foot W.J. McBride’s Irish Pub at 12030 Blue Valley Parkway in Overland Park, Kansas. As a matter of fact, Morrow’s firefighter friends with their own small business painting company recently put the finishing touches on the brand new pizza parlor, which is completed with a backdoor arcade and private party room.

Nick Morrow took a childhood dream and passion and ran with it. His firefighting schedule allowed him a true small business opening and an opportunity to chase his passions. Do you have the courage to do what Nick Morrow did? Wonderful things can happen if you truly chase your dreams, fulfill your deepest passions, and remember to always Think Big!

Nick's Pizzeria and Ice Cream is a new restaurant in Overland Park that serves
pizza, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, a salad bar, a lunch buffet, and of course, ice cream.