The road to business success is rarely a smooth one. Every entrepreneur faces challenges—financial struggles, setbacks, and even moments of doubt. But with resilience, the right strategies, and smart decisions, success is not only achievable, but it can also be built from the ground up. Just like Joseph Thompson did with his two thriving businesses.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joseph on my podcast, where he shared his inspiring story of building a popular haunted attraction and an exotic car rental business in South Carolina. His journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come overnight, but it’s the result of hard work, passion, and, of course, a lot of grit.

Turning Passion into Profit: A Journey of Building Businesses from Scratch

Joseph’s journey to success is about turning what he loves into something that brings joy to others. It all started with a dream and a vision that seemed impossible at first. But Joseph proved that with hard work, resilience, and a little bit of grit, passion can become profit!

Bootstrapping a Haunted Attraction from the Ground Up

Joseph and his brother, Tim, started Madworld Haunted Attractions with very little experience and even less money. Their only real advantage was their passion for horror and Halloween.

From a young age, Joseph had always been fascinated by haunted houses and the thrill they provided. But when he and his brother started visiting local attractions, they realized something—there was room for improvement, and they could do this better!

They found a piece of land off I-85 in South Carolina, which was crucial for their business’s location. With no real budget to speak of, they used their savings, rallied some volunteers, and got to work.

In the first year, they barely broke even. The first few years were tough, with no big profits and plenty of uncertainty. However, their resilience paid off!

Today, Madworld has grown into one of the region’s largest and most popular haunted attractions. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance and believing in your vision.

Launching an Exotic Car Rental Business in a Small City

Joseph’s love for exotic cars also led him to start Greenville Exotic Rentals, a luxury car rental service in a city that wasn’t necessarily known for high-end vehicles.

However, Joseph saw an opportunity. He knew people wanted to experience driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens, not just for the thrill, but also for the status and excitement they bring.

Starting in a smaller market presented unique challenges, but Joseph was up for the task. He worked hard to build a customer base, focusing on tourists, business travelers, and locals who wanted to experience the luxury lifestyle.

As a result, Greenville Exotic Rentals has seen tremendous success. The cars stay booked out, and the business continues to grow.

How to Overcome Business Setbacks and Keep Going

For Joseph, some of the toughest moments were in the early days of Madworld. They dealt with vandalism, theft, and a devastating fire that destroyed part of their attraction. The emotional toll was heavy. They even questioned whether they were just sinking money into a hobby.

But through it all, Joseph and his brother stayed focused. They had a vision, and they weren’t going to let anything stand in their way.

Joseph shared how important it is to keep pushing forward even when things seem impossible. According to him, setbacks are inevitable, but how you handle them will define your success.

Why Passion and Purpose Beat Profit Every Time

One of the most important lessons Joseph shared was about the true meaning of success. For him, it’s not about money. It’s about passion and purpose.

Both Madworld and Greenville Exotic Rentals were built with a deep love for what he does. He’s creating memories for people who visit Madworld and excitement for those who drive his luxury cars.

Joseph believes that if you follow your passion and build a business that aligns with your purpose, success will follow!

What Success Really Means—And How to Find It

Joseph defines success not by the size of your bank account, but by your happiness and fulfillment. He points out that many billionaires, despite their wealth, are not happy. On the other hand, a person with a modest income, doing what they love and living a fulfilling life, can be far more successful.

It’s a powerful message. True success comes from finding joy in the work you do and being content with your life.

The Power of Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Growing up, Joseph was influenced by his father, who was an entrepreneur. His father’s guidance shaped his approach to business and instilled in him the work ethic he carries today. Joseph also continues to learn from successful figures, like Elon Musk and Kevin O’Leary.

Whether it’s through reading books or listening to real estate podcasts, growth comes from staying curious and open to new ideas. This mindset will help us navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and continue to grow our businesses.

Want to hear my full conversation with Joseph? Listen to the podcast episode! 

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Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you make, but about how you get there. His insights into resilience, passion, and the importance of learning are invaluable.

If you want to hear more stories from successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, like Joseph, subscribe to HomeBrew Podcast.

And, if you’re looking to buy or list a home in South Carolina, JW Martin Real Estate is here to help. Contact us, and let’s make your real estate dreams a reality!