Shalom Lamm’s Favorite Entrepreneurship Quotes: Lessons from a Self-Made Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs. Along the way, the right words of wisdom can serve as both inspiration and guidance, helping to navigate obstacles and stay focused on the bigger picture. Shalom Lamm, a self-made entrepreneur with a career spanning real estate, nonprofit leadership, and operational strategy, is no stranger to the power of words and their role in shaping an entrepreneurial mindset.

With over 30 years of experience in building and managing companies, from real estate development to nonprofits, Shalom Lamm has lived by principles that many iconic entrepreneurs also advocate. As someone who’s overcome challenges, adapted to changing markets, and found success in diverse industries, Lamm has a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and the power of resilience.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of Shalom Lamm’s favorite entrepreneurship quotes and explore the valuable lessons each one imparts.

1. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s words hold a particular resonance for Shalom Lamm. “Action is the key to momentum,” Lamm says. “Too many entrepreneurs get caught up in planning and talking, but nothing happens until you roll up your sleeves and get started.”

For Lamm, success has never come from just thinking about an idea—it’s about getting hands-on and taking that first step, no matter how uncertain or intimidating it may seem. Whether it was starting Caruso Construction or leading projects in the nonprofit sector, Lamm has always believed that the best way to grow is through direct, intentional action.

2. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

When reflecting on this famous Churchill quote, Lamm emphasizes how the entrepreneurial path is never a straight line. “You will fail. You will face setbacks. But what matters most is how you recover and move forward,” Lamm shares.

For Shalom Lamm, entrepreneurship has been about learning from both failures and successes. His diverse ventures, including Dunkin’ Donuts franchising and owning Mercedes-Benz of Burlington, highlight his ability to persist through economic downturns, market shifts, and personal challenges.

“Courage is about moving forward when things aren’t going perfectly,” Lamm adds. “Success isn’t permanent, and failure isn’t a death sentence — it’s how you respond that matters.”

3. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Self-doubt is one of the most common obstacles for aspiring entrepreneurs, but Shalom Lamm has a different approach: confidence through action.

“When you start doubting yourself, you freeze,” Lamm states. “You lose momentum, and then you start to miss opportunities. You have to take that first step and trust that you’ll learn as you go.”

Lamm notes that the ability to take calculated risks and embrace uncertainty has been one of the driving forces behind his career. Whether launching a new business venture or leading Operation Benjamin, he believes that doubt is the enemy of progress. “You can’t let fear hold you back. Trust the process and take the leap,” he says.

4. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller

One of the cornerstones of Shalom Lamm’s entrepreneurial philosophy is the idea of continual growth. He has never settled for just getting by. Instead, he’s always pushed for excellence and long-term success.

“Settling for good is tempting,” Lamm admits. “But if you want true entrepreneurial success, you need to reach for something bigger. It’s about being willing to walk away from what’s comfortable in order to create something meaningful.”

This mindset has been evident throughout Lamm’s career. Whether it was stepping into an industry outside of his original expertise or pursuing new business challenges, his willingness to leave his comfort zone has been key to his success.

5. “Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” – Chris Grosser

Shalom Lamm wholeheartedly believes that entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities. “You can’t just wait for the ‘perfect moment’ — it doesn’t exist,” he says. “If you want to succeed, you have to create those opportunities yourself.”

Whether it’s identifying a gap in the market or seeing a need for a new service, Lamm has always believed in actively seeking opportunities, rather than waiting for them to appear. His Caruso Construction business, for example, began with hard work and foresight, and he continues to seek new opportunities in diverse sectors like automotive and real estate.

6. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

This quote encapsulates Shalom Lamm’s philosophy on entrepreneurship: don’t wait for perfection. Instead, take action and evolve over time.

“There’s no perfect time to start. You just have to start,” Lamm insists. “The first step is always the hardest. But once you take it, the path begins to open up.”

Lamm’s own journey began with modest beginnings, but through his willingness to start and keep refining, he’s built a vast portfolio of successful businesses. “You learn as you go,” he adds. “You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one.”

Final Thoughts: The Power of Persistence and Action

For Shalom Lamm, entrepreneurship has always been about action, resilience, and vision. The lessons from these quotes resonate with his journey: no matter the challenges, you must persist, create your own opportunities, and never be afraid to take risks.

As Lamm says, “The entrepreneurial journey is not for the faint of heart. It’s about grit, vision, and the courage to act — and with those three things, success will follow.”

By embracing the mindset shared in these powerful quotes, entrepreneurs can find the strength to tackle the challenges ahead and build lasting success.