The Daily Valet. - 9/10/22, Saturday
✔️ Weekend Reading: The Entrepreneur's Morning Routine
Weekend of September 10th
The latest in our “Morning Routine” series is a man who’s started multiple successful businesses and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Weekend Reading
The Serial Entrepreneur’s Morning Routine
Gregory Lowe gets stuff done (and looks good while doing it)
Gregory Lowe isn't the kind of guy who's content with “pretty good.” He's a striver. Admired in both business and tech circles, he's an award-winning entrepreneur and CEO of Lowekey—a start-up studio focused on scaling independent businesses with innovation and bold ideas. The self-made businessman taught himself code to kickstart his career—developing and launching several mobile apps. That led to other ventures and opportunities with multiple Fortune 500 companies. His latest project is 100 Coconuts, a stylish coconut water that's making waves thanks to its all-natural, pure formula. Not only is it packed with nutrition and electrolytes (without any added sugar), but it's also available with tequila or CBD when you're looking for a little something more. What I really appreciate about Lowe is how down-to-earth the guy is. He's willing to put in the work, but understands the benefit of taking time off to refresh (you can find him on the golf course when not working). And he knows that quality doesn't always have to cost a lot. We caught up with the always on-the-go Lowe to see how he starts his day and stays motivated to keep dreaming up new ideas.
I’m a natural early bird.I'm usually up by 6 am, but some days I'll by on the phone by three with my Vietnam factories planning production runs for my coconut water brand, 100 Coconuts. I like to work out in the morning and meditate early as well.
So that means I get to bed as early as possible too.If at all possible, I aim to get a full seven to eight hours of sleep. It makes a big difference in your productivity during the day.
But I rarely use an alarm clock.I actually have a pretty reliable natural alarm clock that wakes me up every time without fail.
I’ve got only the essentials on my nightstand.My eye mask and my nightly read. Currently it's two—Principles by Ray Dalio and Undaunted by Kara Goldin. I used to keep my phone there on the charger as well, but now at night I put my phone on “do not disturb” and leave it in my office.
I always make the bed.Yes, every morning. You have to. I don't feel like my day has started properly without the bed made.
Before I do anything, I drink a vitamin C cocktail and take my vitamins.Then I'm in a deep meditation to map out my day for the next 30 minutes until it's workout time.
I’ve gotten much more deliberate about my meditation practice.The pandemic allowed everyone, I feel, a chance to slow down and take everything in stride. My meditation practice is the most important part of my morning. It allows me to focus on the day's task and analyze the mistakes and successes of the day before.
I don’t have to mediate outside, but if I can ... I will.Whenever I can, I love to meditate on my balcony overlooking New York. I miss it when I'm traveling.
It’s good to get the blood flowing.I usually get a solid 45 minute workout in. Fitness is incredibly important to me—I feel ready to attack the day after—but I keep it pretty simple, too. At the moment, I'm really into calisthenics and running for focus.
I like coffee, but I don’t drink it every morning.I'm very fond of Nespresso because you get a big energy pop in a small package. My employees laugh at my small espresso cups.
I’m not a huge breakfast person.Even though I'm up early, I actually don't like to have breakfast early or even a large breakfast at all. I'll usually have a plant-based sausage and an apple in the morning after my workout.
Instead, I’ll tackle a few emails.I don't get to all of them. But, depending on the urgency, I usually try to knock out essential emails in the morning if I can.
I combine some journaling with my to-do list.Everyday, I'll journal the day's tasks and other important items under the same date. This allows me to check off each item that I finish, and to see the items that are still in progress or need more attention.
My life is pretty busy these days so I keep my grooming routine simple.I stick to what works for my skin, especially as a Black man. If I change up my products, my skin reacts causing breakouts so I make sure I'm staying consistent for clear skin. I cut my hair daily, and focus on just cleansing and moisturizing my skin with quality products. But they don't have to cost a lot either.
Clockwise, from top left:Age Defense serum, $11.99 by Bulldog; Even Tone soothing moisturizer, $11.99 by Urban Skin Rx; Sensitive skin body lotion, $9.99 by Raw Sugar; Ambre Nuit cologne, $125 by Dior; Vertuo coffee and espresso machine, $209.95 by Nespresso; High Endurance deodorant, $10.49 (for 3-pack) by Old Spice; Men's multi-vitamin gummies, $20.25 by One-a-Day; Cleansing bar, $24.25 by Urban Skin Rx; SPF 30 lip balm, $10 by Salt & Stone
I get dressed for the day based on that day’s task.Now that we aren't working from home as much, it allows me to break out the suits to wear to the office. I can usually plan my looks in my head the day before. My style is monochromatic, so it makes it easy to get dressed and roll.
Never leave home without ...
My AirPods. Music is a big part of my mental stability and clarity. When my AirPods are on blast with my favorite music, I’m focused and ready to take on the world.
3rd generation AirPods, $179 by Apple
See you Monday.
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