The $27 Millionaire: How Mario Kelly Turned $27 into Millions by Revitalizing Communities and Cleaning up the Business World

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First published in the United States of America.

All rights reserved. With the exception of brief quotations in a review, no part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may it be stored in any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

The advice contained in this material might not be suitable for everyone. The author designed the information to present his opinion about the subject matter. The reader must carefully investigate all aspects of any business decision before committing to him or herself. The author obtained the information contained herein from sources he believes to be reliable and from his own personal experience, but he neither implies nor intends any guarantee of accuracy. The author is not in the business of giving legal, accounting, or any other type of professional advice. Should the reader need such advice, he or she must seek services from a competent professional. The author particularly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk taken by individuals who directly or indirectly act on the information contained herein. The author believes the advice presented here is sound, but readers cannot hold him responsible for either the actions they take, or the risk taken by individuals who directly or indirectly act on the information contained herein.

Published by 1BrickPublishing

Printed in the United States

Copyright © 2024 by Mario Kelly

ISBN 978-1949303421

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the dreamers, the doers, and the believers—those who see possibility where others see obstacles, who have the courage to take that first step even when the path ahead is uncertain. To the people of Detroit, whose resilience and spirit have been a constant source of inspiration. To my family, friends, and mentors who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. And most importantly, to every person who has ever felt overlooked or underestimated—may this story remind you that your potential is limitless, your voice matters, and your dreams are valid. This is for you. Believe in yourself, for in that belief lies the power to transform not just your own life, but the world around you.

DEDICATION REQUEST

Please share this book with anyone who you believe could benefit from its message of hope, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Pass it on to those seeking to unlock their potential, make a difference in their communities, or find purpose in their work.

Table of Contents

Introduction: From Detroit to the Business World

Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings

Chapter 2: Hitting Rock Bottom

Chapter 3: The $27 Cleaning Job

Chapter 4: Building the Staffing Business

Chapter 5: Securing Big Contracts

Chapter 6: Cleaning Up the City

Chapter 7: Keys to the City

Chapter 8: The Future is Bright

Conclusion

Acknowledgement

Introduction

From Detroit to the Business World

From the streets of Detroit to the pages of this book, my journey has been one of perseverance, self-discovery, and unwavering faith in the power of the human spirit. As a young man growing up in the Motor City, I faced countless obstacles and setbacks that could have easily derailed my dreams. But through the grace of God and the support of my community, I found the strength to turn my struggles into steppingstones towards success.

My name is Mario Kelly, and I am the founder and CEO of Believe Cleaning, a company that has not only revolutionized the commercial cleaning industry but has also become a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking a second chance at life. But my story is not just about building a successful business; it’s about discovering my purpose and using my Genius-level Talent to make a difference in the world.

Growing up in Detroit, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of poverty, crime, and lack of opportunity on my community. I saw talented, hardworking people being forced to the margins of society, their potential left untapped and their dreams unfulfilled. It was a reality that I refused to accept, and I knew that I had to do something to change it.

As I navigated the challenges of my own life, from homelessness to divorce to financial hardship, I began to realize that my struggles were not unique. They were the struggles of countless others who had been dealt a difficult hand in life but refused to give up. It was through these experiences that I discovered my own Genius-level Talent – the ability to see potential where others saw only problems, and the drive to turn that potential into tangible results.

This book is not just my story; it’s a guide for anyone who has ever felt like the odds were stacked against them. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of self-discovery, and the transformative impact of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Through the pages of this book, I will share the lessons I have learned along the way, the principles that have guided me, and the tools that have helped me turn my vision into a reality.

At the core of my philosophy are a set of guiding principles that I call ISMs. These ISMs are not my own creation, but rather a set of powerful philosophies I’ve adopted and adapted from Rocket Companies®, founded by the visionary entrepreneur Dan Gilbert. The culture found at Rocket Companies® is based on these philosophies, which they call ISMs. Pronounced iz-emz, these sayings are the core principles that drive all their decision-making and unite them around a culture of excellence.

I’ve been deeply inspired by these ISMs and have incorporated them into my own business and life philosophy. From The Inches We Need Are Everywhere Around Us to Do The Right Thing, these ISMs have helped me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and stay true to my values in the face of adversity. I’m grateful to Dan Gilbert and Rocket Companies® for sharing these powerful principles, which have now become a cornerstone of my own success story.

But the ISMs are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly unlock your potential and find your purpose, you must also discover and nurture your Genius-level Talent. This is the unique combination of passion, skills, and abilities that sets you apart from everyone else and allows you to make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether you are Word Smart, Body Smart, or Life Smart, your Genius-level Talent is the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your dreams.

Throughout this book, I will guide you through the process of discovering your own Genius-level Talent and show you how to apply it in your personal and professional life. You will learn how to identify the environments, experiences, and relationships that have shaped your talents, and how to leverage those talents to create value for yourself and others.

But this book is not just about learning; it’s about taking action. That’s why each chapter includes practical exercises and actionable items that will help you apply the lessons learned to your own life and business. From reflecting on your personal background and experiences to brainstorming creative solutions to problems in your community, these exercises will challenge you to think differently, step outside your comfort zone, and take concrete steps towards achieving your goals.

As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship, I encourage you to embrace the power of purpose. Purpose is not just about making money or achieving success; it’s about using your talents and resources to make a positive impact on the world. It’s about creating value not just for yourself, but for your community and for future generations.

This is the path that I have chosen, and it is the path that has led me to where I am today. Through Believe Cleaning, I have been able to provide opportunities for individuals who have been overlooked and undervalued by society. I have been able to help rebuild communities, revitalize neighborhoods, and restore hope in the hearts of those who had lost it. And I have been able to do it all by staying true to my values, the ISMs I’ve adopted, and my Genius-level Talent.

But my journey is far from over, and I know that there is still so much work to be done. That’s why I am sharing my story and my insights with you – because I believe that together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to discover their purpose and unleash their potential.

So as you read this book, I challenge you to reflect on your own journey and the experiences that have shaped you. What are the moments that have defined your life and your entrepreneurial spirit? What are the challenges that you have overcome, and