As I like to say, there’s nothing quite like the time I tried to use the Force to make my spreadsheet organize itself. Spoiler alert—it does not work, at least not in this galaxy. Being a Star Wars fan has always been a big part of who I am, and naturally, that fandom has spilled over into my entrepreneurial journey. I’m Kurt Tasche, and while I’ve yet to master my Jedi mind tricks, I have managed to build a business like a Jedi, lightsaber collection and all.
My Jedi path began back in 1988 when I first plunged into the world of network marketing. I was young and excited, with no idea how to use a spreadsheet, let alone make it float with the Force. Fast forward a few years, and I dove into the Internet marketing cosmos in 2001, exploring this new universe with the same wide-eyed curiosity that Luke must have felt when he first held a lightsaber. Over time, I developed skills in affiliate marketing, content creation, and crafting successful online business strategies, wielding them as mightily as a Jedi wields their saber.
As any fan would know, being a Jedi isn’t just about the flashy lightsaber battles (though that’s definitely a perk). It’s also about strategy, mindfulness, and helping others—the very tenets that have guided me through my entrepreneurial journey. Hosting the Earn With Kurt Podcast allows me to share my insights on marketing and opportunities for success online, much like Yoda dispensing wisdom on Dagobah. The idea is to help others connect the dots and achieve their own victories in the vast digital marketplace.
My husband and I have shared a love for Star Wars that’s as deep as the galaxy is wide. Our compulsive penchant for collecting lightsabers could fill the halls of a Jedi temple. We’ve built custom sabers at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland—a rite of passage for any true Star Wars enthusiast—and amassed a plethora of character-specific lightsabers. While these may not cut through steel or deflect blaster bolts, they do have the remarkable ability to ignite our imaginations, much like the perfect business idea.
Building a business has often felt like navigating the challenges of Dagobah, filled with pitfalls that need to be faced head-on with courage and creativity. The Star Wars influence has been significant, particularly in embracing diversity and the unique qualities that each of us brings to the table. Much like the varied and colorful universe of Star Wars, the business world thrives on diversity. I’m proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and have been blessed with a wonderful husband who shares my obsessions with Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel. Together, we draw inspiration from these universes, dreaming up strategies and businesses that blend creativity with compassion.
As a Certified Personal Trainer and a long-time student of Ninjutsu (that’s right, I can perform a reverse grip spin akin to Ahsoka Tano’s), I understand the importance of discipline and perseverance. These elements are crucial for any entrepreneur, particularly when things seem about as tough as outrunning the Kessel Run. In business, as in Jedi training, failure turns into an opportunity for learning and growth. My experiences have taught me the power of persistence and passion, whether I’m lifting weights or lifting a company off the ground.
The Star Wars influence has crept into my business strategies in more ways than one. Remember how Yoda counsels Luke to “Do or do not, there is no try”? Well, I’ve applied this philosophy to my work, urging myself and others to act decisively and wholeheartedly. The world of online business requires swift adaptability, much like piloting the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field. It’s those lessons of flexibility and quick thinking that guide how I approach setbacks and new opportunities.
Connecting with people is a vital part of my entrepreneurial journey. Through platforms like YouTube and Facebook, I share guidance and support to help others reach their goals. It’s akin to sending out a distress signal in the hope that others are within reach and willing to lend a helping hand—or a lightsaber. Every interaction reinforces the idea that we’re stronger together, echoing the camaraderie of the Rebel Alliance as they band together to take on seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Humor is another tool that’s served me well, and a little levity doesn’t hurt whether you’re navigating a starship or a spreadsheet. After all, as Han Solo taught us, “Never tell me the odds.” Attitude plays a massive role in business mentality, especially when tasks seem as impossible as blowing up a Death Star. My aim was to create a company environment that drew on the fun and boundless wonder of the Star Wars universe—a business sandbox where creativity has no limits and hologram meetings are as entertaining as they are productive.
Ultimately, The Star Wars influence in how I built my business boils down to a mixture of creativity, resilience, and connection. Whether I’m crafting a podcast, mentoring a new entrepreneur, or sharpening my skills in martial arts, I continue to feel that mix of Jedi presence and Rebel spirit guiding me. And while it might be some time before we have holo-technology that rivals that of Star Wars, I’ve managed to bring a touch of that galactic magic into what I do, thanks to being forever inspired by its vast universe.
By embracing those influences, from the storytelling to the diverse characters and daring adventures, I’ve found a path that merges aspiration with reality, a business strategy as dynamic as a pod race on Tatooine. Remember, much like using the Force, running a business is about feeling the energy around you, aligning with your passion, and hitting the throttle to zoom into success. Just keep your eyes on the stars, and vibe with the universe. After all, that’s how I built a business like a Jedi—one lightsaber lesson at a time.
