Young entrepreneurs often have a difficult challenge ahead of them as they make their first foray into the business world. After all, most people aren’t sure whether they have what it takes to handle the stresses of running a business. However, young entrepreneurs like Claude Alexander Gietz are not only disproving this sentiment, but they’re also paving the road for young entrepreneurs.
Claude Gietz is a twenty-four-year-old student at EHL in Lausanne, Switzerland. He grew up in a middle-class family. Thus, he never had the luxury of going on fancy vacations annually or dining out at the finest restaurants in the city. His parents also instilled a strong family bond within him. As a result, he grew up with close ties to his siblings.
However, as Claude grew older, he often saw people drive past him on the streets in their Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and other expensive automobiles, and it made him question why those people could afford these cars but not him. He realized these people weren’t better than him. Instead, they might have been dealt a better hand in life, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their ancestors’ labors. But there was no reason Claude couldn’t build something for himself. This realization prompted him to make his legacy.
He began working when he was 14. He started with simple summer jobs during school vacations. These jobs were invaluable because they helped him realize that Claude couldn’t become financially independent working a nine-to-five job. Instead, he needed to take matters into his own hands and start a business. However, unfortunately, he was still young and inexperienced. He didn’t have the expertise to delve into the business world yet. Hence, he continued to search for new jobs. The jobs became more serious over time, and he did a few internships.
Eventually, this young man had to make another vital life decision. He needed to decide if he was going to pursue further education or jump into the real world. Despite some doubts after completing his Swiss Matura in Zurich, he enrolled in an undergraduate program at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne (EHL). Considered by many the world’s greatest hospitality school, the decision proved fruitful because Claude quickly learned that the university’s curriculum was designed to help students grow as entrepreneurs and managers. His degree outline included multiple projects and practical courses, helping him grow immensely as an individual. In addition, they also contributed to his professional development, allowing him to acquire a well-developed skillset.
According to him, he wouldn’t have become the entrepreneur he is today without the university’s help. He credits his course professors for helping him develop the skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur, which is evident by how he has utilized these skills in his business ventures. The owner of a luxury rental car company, Sports Rides, Claude has lofty ambitions for the company, hoping to scale the business and eventually own a showroom with numerous vintage and rare vehicles.
In addition to managing his luxury rental car business, Claude has extensive experience in the real estate industry. He worked with Sotheby’s International Realty, which allowed him to get more insight into Switzerland’s luxury real estate market. His experience was also beneficial because it helped him diversify further and make new connections and friends.
Despite his success, Claude Alexander Gietz still values the principles he was taught at EHL, which included leading by example. He not only tries to lead by example for his employees but also uses his experience to help fellow budding entrepreneurs succeed in the business world. He advises young entrepreneurs never to lose sight of their initial goal. Moreover, he believes passion and drive can take you far in life and recommends getting up off the floor no matter what life hurls at you.
