What makes a self-made entrepreneur succeed again and again?

Miguel “Mike” Fernandez recently shared his entrepreneurial journey with Florida International University (FIU) business students, alumni and leaders in the business community. Speaking about what he referred to as his “super” life, Fernandez went on to tell the colorful story of his successes—and failures—as an entrepreneur in the healthcare industry.

Fernandez exemplifies the repeat success story. His message to current and aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: You may not always succeed the first time, second time, or even the third time, but if you stay focused and persistent and are always honest, humble and ethical, you will ultimately succeed. Follow that formula and you will succeed in business more than once.

The event was the latest in the ongoing Herbert A. Wertheim Lecture Series, a program that has brought distinguished speakers and experts in business leadership and entrepreneurship to FIU since 1993. Wertheim himself introduced Fernandez.

Elam Rosenberg Fernandez Wertheim — Joyce J. Elam, dean emerita, College of Business; Mark B. Rosenberg, FIU president; “Mike” Fernandez; and Herbert A. Wertheim

Future entrepreneurs, take note.

Both a friend of Fernandez and a regular Wertheim Lecture attendee, Tony Argiz (BBA ’74), chairman and CEO, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC, found this to be a particularly motivating talk.

“Fernandez spoke openly about when things have worked well—and when they have not,” Argiz said. “His message to current and aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: You may not always succeed the first time, second time, or even the third time, but if you stay focused and persistent and are always honest, humble and ethical, you will ultimately succeed. For a true entrepreneur, the ‘light bulb’ of inspiration is always on.”

Argiz said that Fernandez also encouraged people to “stick with the ideas you believe in.”

Wertheim Lecture Series inspires again and again.

Argiz believes in the power of Wertheim Lecture speakers to “re-energize your outlook.”

He said he always walks away from a lecture with one or two points that he can apply to his own business endeavors.

“I encourage College of Business alumni to make time to attend future events in the Wertheim Lecture Series,” he said. “It is always inspiring to hear other people’s ideas and to learn what made them successful.”