Ever wonder what it takes to go from rock bottom to the top of the business world? Meet Adam Marburger – who’s been there, done that, and wrote the book on it – literally. His journey from small-town paper boy to multi-business mogul isn’t just another rags-to-riches story. It’s a masterclass in turning personal setbacks into professional comebacks.

From Paper Routes to Business Acumen

Marburger’s entrepreneurial story began in the modest town of Wood River, Illinois, where at the age of 13, he was already displaying the grit that would define his future. While his peers were doing typical teenage things, young Adam was juggling three paper routes, learning the ropes of salesmanship and customer service that would later become the cornerstones of his business empire.

“I learned salesmanship at a very young age,” Marburger reflects. “I knew how to ask my clients, ‘Hey, did you receive your paper on time every day? Was it wrapped even when it wasn’t raining?’ I would ask those questions on purpose with intent.” This early experience instilled in him the value of hard work, the importance of going above and beyond customer expectations, and the art of the soft sell – skills that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.

As Marburger transitioned from his paper route days through the restaurant industry and into automotive sales, he continued to hone his business acumen. By the age of 22, he had ascended to the role of finance manager in a car dealership, a position he held until he was 37. It was then, in 2017, that Marburger took the leap into entrepreneurship, founding Ascent Dealer Services.

Turning Personal Tragedy into Professional Triumph

However, Marburger’s path to success was far from smooth. The year 2019 brought a series of personal tragedies that would have broken many. In rapid succession, he lost his stepfather to a stroke, his best friend and business partner to suicide, and his grandfather to cancer. Amid these losses, Marburger also faced a painful divorce.

“I found myself living in a spare bedroom at my mother’s house, who had just lost her husband. She’s grieving. I’m grieving. I’m a mess. She’s a mess,” Marburger candidly shares. It was a dark period that could have easily derailed his ambitions and sent him spiraling into despair. Instead, this crucible of personal tragedy became the forge in which Marburger’s true entrepreneurial spirit was tempered. In a moment of brutal self-reflection, Marburger had an epiphany. “I looked in the mirror one day and told myself, ‘You’re the effing problem,’” he recalls. This raw moment of self-awareness became the catalyst for both personal and professional transformation.

Marburger made the difficult decision to cut ties with negative influences, embrace personal responsibility, and focus on building positive connections. “You are not your past,” he now advises others. “You are a unique child of God with special gifts and talents. Identify those talents and spend your life blessing others.”

Armed with this new perspective, Marburger threw himself into his work with a fervor that bordered on obsession. “I worked crazy, psycho mode from that moment in August… for three years,” Marburger says. “I’m talking insane, psychotic work. I didn’t stop. I worked Saturday, Sunday. Worked till midnight. I got up at 5am and I just grinded.”

Building an Empire and Inspiring Others

This period of intense focus and hard work bore fruit in the form of multiple thriving businesses. Today, Marburger stands at the helm of an impressive business portfolio that includes Ascent Dealer Services, providing insurance products to automotive dealerships; Marburger Investment Group, focusing on real estate investments; Alton Family Martial Arts, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy; Marburger Coaching and Development, offering personal development and speaking engagements; and Dental Protection Group, an insurance firm for the dental industry.

Central to Marburger’s success is his masterful use of social media, a strategy he considers “magical” in building his business empire. Unlike many who use these platforms purely for sales, Marburger focuses on sharing relevant content and building relationships. “Serving good quality information that’s relevant, that will help people, is how you build an audience,” he emphasizes. “I challenge people to understand that failure is an opportunity to grow, and it’s an opportunity to learn.”

Marburger’s achievements extend far beyond the boardroom. He’s a proud father of three daughters, an Automotive News 40 under 40 award winner, a bestselling author of “You’re the Effing Problem,” and a multiple-time world medalist in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This last accomplishment holds a special place in his heart. “My Martial Arts Academy provides the least amount of income with the most amount of joy,” Marburger admits, highlighting his commitment to balancing professional success with personal fulfillment.

As he looks to the future, Marburger is focused on strategic growth and delegation. His latest venture, Dental Protection Group, is revolutionizing the dentistry industry by offering practitioners unique opportunities to create legacy wealth in tax-preferred environments. But beyond business growth, Marburger’s goal is clear: to help as many people as possible, both professionally and personally.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Marburger offers this sage advice: “Slow and steady is the way to win this race. Keep promoting, keep learning, and keep studying.” He encourages budding business owners to brand themselves on social media, emphasizing that what you share today will pay dividends tomorrow.

Adam Marburger’s journey from a small-town paper boy to a multi-business owner and inspirational figure is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. His story teaches us that with the right mindset, unwavering determination, and a willingness to learn from setbacks, it’s possible to not only overcome adversity but to use it as a springboard to extraordinary success. In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, Marburger stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of self-reflection, and the transformative potential of embracing one’s challenges head-on.

*Article from Renegade Business Success Winter 2024