Meet Michael Moreno | Dad, Inventor, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Moreno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how do you think about risk?
This is a thought-provoking and interesting question. I view risk as a subjective concept, varying for each individual. Interestingly, during my tenure in several large corporations, I found myself unable to fully commit to the businesses, resulting in a lack of genuine success. One particularly disheartening experience involved being laid off by a company shortly after taking paternity leave for my beautiful red-headed daughter. At the time, with a wife at home and five children, the situation was far from ideal. However, this setback ultimately led to unforeseen opportunities.

Unable to secure a new job, I discovered the time and space needed to fully invest in entrepreneurial ventures. As the saying goes, “Bad things happen for good reasons.” Since then, I’ve embarked on the journey of starting three businesses, with Black Beard Belts holding a special place in my heart. This venture allows me to leverage my aerospace background to engineer and create innovative products. Over the years, I identified a word that had been holding me back— “try.” Eliminating this word from my vocabulary removed any excuses for potential failure. To reinforce this mindset shift, I coined a personal quote: “Trying only commits oneself to failure.” This shift in perspective has proven to be remarkably effective in my pursuit of success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

The decision to launch my own business was driven by the dissatisfaction with the existing belts in the market. I struggled to find one that met my specific preferences and fulfilled all the necessary criteria. Recognizing a shortage of innovation and quality in the available options, I established Black Beard Belts with the goal of creating a high-quality product that was missing from the market. This led me to develop my own belt system, and the risk has been highly rewarding, resulting in many satisfied customers.

Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world?

I firmly believe that my products benefit a wide range of individuals by prioritizing quality, comfort, and reliability. While my belts are essential tools for military, law enforcement, and civilians, providing a secure means to control and access firearms, they also play a vital role in the daily lives of numerous blue-collar professionals such as those in construction, welding, plumbing, and electrical work. The durability and high-quality materials used in the production of these belts make a significant positive impact on diverse fields, offering lasting value to users.
Furthermore, the cleanability feature of my belts is particularly valuable for healthcare professionals, including EMTs and paramedics. The ability to easily wipe and sanitize the belts enhances hygiene standards, aligning with the stringent cleanliness requirements of those working in emergency medical services. In essence, my business extends its positive influence to various sectors, fostering safety, efficiency, and well-being across different professions and communities.

If you are a parent, what do you think is the most important thing you’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children?

I believe a significant aspect of my parenting is teaching my kids about business and instilling in them the belief that hard work can lead to success, regardless of challenges. I emphasize the importance of persistence and consistency in unlocking their potential. Despite having less-than-ideal jobs, I’ve made it a priority to convey that true success is having the freedom and control to shape your life and find happiness.
I also stress to them the value of pursuing happiness over just chasing money. This approach makes life more satisfying, allowing for the enjoyment of time and mental well-being. While my kids might get tired of my talks about assets and liabilities in spending, it’s something I practice, evident in my 1997 Crown Victoria with cloth seats, haha.
Beyond continuously reinvesting in my business, I consider one of the most important investments to be creating memories, like dance classes and ballet for my children. These moments hold greater significance for me, and I want my kids to always remember what truly matters in life.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

I think the big thing is recognizing the great opportunity in bringing back top-notch products and excellent customer service. In a world where most things are throwaway, and warranties are often forgettable, it’s refreshing to offer something that’s not only high-quality but also backed by a lifetime warranty. That’s what I provide to my customers—a purchase they can trust, with the added bonus of wearing one of the most comfortable belts around. I stand by it with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and so far, I haven’t had a single belt returned due to any issues with function or comfort. Having zero returns means a lot to me!
It’s really humbling to read the reviews and see that customers appreciate what I’m doing. It gives me a small sense of purpose, especially when I see people proudly wearing my belts and telling me how much they love them. That’s a fantastic feeling!

How to know whether to keep going or to give up?

While I’m all for taking big risks, you won’t catch me trying my luck at a casino. One thing you’ll never see me do is give up on myself, especially in business and most endeavors. Quitting is a guaranteed path to failure. The thing is, you can’t predict how close you are to success or how many steps are left until you reach your goal. If you keep pushing forward, success may not come as quickly as you’d like, but it’s always worth it in the end.

I don’t really believe in failure; I see it more as discovering a better way to do something. I’ve launched many businesses, and each one has given me expensive and time-consuming learning lessons (sometimes with a good laugh). I don’t regret any of them because they’ve all played a role in getting me where I need to be.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart or those seeking a quick and easy journey. It’s the opposite, requiring constant worry and evolving thought processes to stay afloat. When you have a family, the motivation reaches a higher level. Failing doesn’t just impact you; it affects those who depend on you for care and safety. As a father to six and a husband, that’s something I can’t negotiate or compromise on.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

Since I started several businesses, I’ve found that at times, I tend to lose track of distinguishing between work and home time. What I mean is that even when physically present at home, my mind may still be occupied with business challenges. It can be challenging to switch off because there are always issues that require attention. Procrastination only works for so long, and this sometimes encroaches on family time without me realizing it. While I cherish spending as much time with my kids as possible, I recognize the need to improve how I separate work and family time.
Over time, achieving balance is an ongoing process, much like managing a balance sheet of time. It involves constant refinement to make the balance more effective and efficient.

What makes you happy? Why?

What brings me joy is witnessing the happiness of my family. Being with them and sharing moments of joy as they experience new things, witness new sights, and see the excitement in their eyes, brings me unparalleled happiness. This naturally includes my wife. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing my children engage in new activities, like their recent attempt at ice skating, or when we embark on a family vacation. For me, that’s the essence of it all. With age, I’ve come to understand how little is truly needed to find happiness. Nearly everyone can experience genuine happiness by opening their minds and hearts to what truly matters.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I sought a belt that I felt was missing from the market, at least for my needs. I don’t claim to have the ultimate belt solution, but I value the feedback from my customers. Actively seeking input, I’ve made a deliberate effort to send my belts for testing and evaluation to renowned professionals in the tactical and law enforcement fields. It’s genuinely gratifying for me to hear their appreciation for my belts, especially considering they are the stars of the industry, as I often refer to as tactical athletes. However, I don’t disregard any feedback, appreciating insights from all customers, including those in blue-collar professions like construction and farming. Knowing that hardworking individuals trust my belts for their durability and reliability is incredibly meaningful to me..

How do you define success?

To me, success can be summed up in one word: freedom. It’s the freedom to follow your desires without worrying about vacation constraints or upsetting a boss when prioritizing family time. It means not being confined by the amount of vacation time granted by a job and not adhering to a fixed schedule. True richness, in my opinion, lies in having control over one’s life and time. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the majority of our children’s growth, from their first words to their first steps. Recognizing how uncommon this is, I don’t take it for granted. While I may not be wealthy in the traditional sense, I see wealth differently—time and health are true wealth to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As newcomers to Oklahoma, there’s still so much to discover and explore. We’ve had the chance to visit some incredible places. A must-see is the Oklahoma City Memorial – the garden and memorial pool are stunning, and the museum is exceptionally well done. Medicine Park in the Wichita Mountains is another beautiful spot, and the botanical gardens in downtown OKC, especially during the holidays, are simply breathtaking.

Venturing further south, a visit to historical buildings in the Devon Tower is a must, followed by lunch or dinner at the top in Vast. During the holidays, the First National Bank of Oklahoma and Tellers offer a festive atmosphere. The Bricktown Canal ride is a great way to explore the Bricktown area, and Midtown offers fantastic art areas with a fun stop at Fassler Hall for German food and beer.

The Deep Deuce Grill has the best lobster roll ever, and the Cowboy Museum is another wonderful place to explore. The zoo, science center, and the aquarium in Jenks are also great attractions. Oklahoma surprisingly boasts some fantastic lakes, providing a refreshing escape during hot summer months. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are opportunities for horseback riding, shooting ranges, and hunting.

Heading south to Davis, Turner Falls & The Arbuckle Wilderness Park offer spectacular views, and don’t forget to grab some fried pies. On the way back to OKC, a stop in Chickasha to see the enormous Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story is a quirky delight. Guthrie, a quaint town north of OKC, is perfect for antiquing and enjoying local shops and eateries.

Small towns hold a special charm, and places like the Farmers Daughter in Tecumseh, Butcher BBQ stand in Wellston, Eskimo Joes in Stillwater, and Kendall’s in Noble are delightful small-town eateries.

Although we haven’t explored Pawhuska and Tulsa yet, we’ve heard great things about them. Our all-time favorite place to eat in Oklahoma is Louie’s, a little sports bar – we’ve tried many, but it’s always our go-to spot. We’re eager to continue our exploration and discover more gems across this beautiful state.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my gratitude to God and Jesus; without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Life has been a journey filled with more failures than successes, with numerous ups and downs. Throughout it all, their guidance has been my constant. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my wife, mother, father, and cousin Richard. Their unwavering belief in me and my sometimes unconventional ideas has been a source of immense support. Special people like them are rare in life, and I deeply cherish them.

Website: www.blackbeardbelts.com

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