Former 7-Eleven & Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes on Growing Up in Poverty (Part 1)

Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, opened up on VladTV about his humble beginnings growing up in a three-room house in suburban Worcester, Massachusetts, without indoor plumbing or heating. Despite these harsh conditions, Keyes never saw poverty as a disadvantage but rather a source of freedom and motivation. When his father fell ill with cancer and their home was condemned, Keyes was forced to live with relatives, deepening his resolve to change his circumstances through education and hard work. At just 15, he started flipping burgers at McDonald’s, quickly rising to shift manager by demonstrating exceptional dedication. He credited his strong work ethic and perseverance as key drivers behind his success, emphasizing that adversity taught him to control his reactions rather than see himself as a victim. Keyes’ story is a testament to how resilience and determination can transform early hardship into lifelong achievement.

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