In today’s world, higher education is often seen as a prerequisite for success. But Free-2-Grow co-founder and former Army Ranger Charlie Felker offers a different perspective. From his own experience, Felker believes that some of the most valuable lessons are learned not in the classroom, but in the arena through trial and error and resilience.
In a recent interview, Felker reflected on the traditional path of higher education and offered a pragmatic perspective. “College is crazy for me,” Felker says. He acknowledges that higher education has a role to play, especially for those pursuing specific professions such as the military or law. But for many, he argues, another route may offer more valuable life skills. “I understand if you want to be focused and go to West Point, but do you want to be an officer? Yes. Or something very focused. I understand that, but not at all. But generally speaking, I We hope someone will join the military for a few years or start a small business.”
Mr. Felker’s perspective closely aligns with the philosophy of President Teddy Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech. President Roosevelt praised people who dared to take risks, who were “scarred by dust and sweat and blood,” but who learned and grew through hard work and resilience. A strong believer in this hands-on approach, Felker emphasizes that starting a business, no matter how small, is one of the best ways to gain a real-world education.
Rather than spending years in business school, Felker suggests young entrepreneurs should get hands-on, learning how to manage cash flow, sell, and serve customers. “Learn how to move cash, how to sell, how to manage employees. Raise your hand. Maybe start a small trading business. To me, that’s much more valuable.” he explains.
Felker’s own experience reflects this belief. Although he earned his MBA after a military career, he admits that much of what he learned in business school could have been gained by diving into entrepreneurship sooner. “Looking back, I regret going to business school because if I had started something two years earlier, I might have learned more than I did in that class.”
Felker’s observations also touch on growing concerns about the rising costs of higher education. In 2023, average student loan debt in the U.S. reached nearly $40,000, while the average starting salary for college graduates hovered around $55,000. This disparity has led many to question whether the return on investment from a college degree is worth the financial burden. Felker’s observations confirm that alternative paths, such as starting a business or learning a trade, can often yield faster, more realistic financial rewards.
Felker’s story resonates with many people who feel the weight of traditional education systems. An MBA or degree may open doors, especially in the corporate sector, but lessons learned from first-hand experience are often more impactful. For Felker, true education came from taking risks, making mistakes, and growing through those experiences. “I’m certainly not the smartest person in business, but I learn a lot by failing, trying things, and improving,” he says.
For Felker and others like him, stepping into the field provides a more hands-on education than sitting in a classroom, whether it’s starting a small business or diving into the trade. . It’s about managing money, delivering value, and learning to face failure head-on. Felker says these are skills that aren’t always taught in school, but are essential for long-term success.
Felker’s message is powerful for anyone considering a career path in education or entrepreneurship. He doesn’t deny the value of education, but he does remind us that sometimes the best way to learn is to simply start. For those brave enough to enter the arena, try, fail, and try again, the rewards far exceed what a degree can offer.
Like Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena,” Felker’s journey emphasizes the value of hard work, resilience, and the courage to step into the unknown. In today’s rapidly evolving world, these lessons will remain.
