30 years ago, Peter Fillat was laid off, with no warning, from his job at a Baltimore architectural firm where he had been climbing the corporate ladder for almost 10 years. When this happened, his first-born daughter, Josie, was just three weeks old. He took on a job a rival architecture firm to start a new position. This job lasted one day. This was not the time for a lateral move.
Since his days in college, Peter always entertained the idea of starting his own project. The time was right. Opportunity doesn’t knock twice.
The Cordish Company hired Peter for his first independent projects.
Since 1992, Fillat+ Architecture (initially called Peter Fillat Architects) has survived the 2000 crisis, the 2008 housing crash and the 2020 pandemic. The company is a model that shows that the fuel of success is three-fold; perseverance, determination, and hard-work. Peter believes that business is not an easy endeavor and during his 30 years as head of Fillat+ Architecture he learned a few lessons that he shares in this article:
Lesson 1: The Value of hard work
You should not take any shortcuts if you wish to achieve success. This tactic has the potential to divert you at any point along your journey. Work ethic and success are inextricably linked. If you work harder than the average person, your chances of success in both your personal and professional life are multiplied several times. So, put in as much effort as you can, and you will be rewarded with a bright future.
Lesson 2: Sacrifices are inevitable
Sacrifice equals success. Devote your time to doing the hard work of getting the job done, whatever it takes. Success is linked to steadfast adherence to being sure the job is always exactly right. It will take precedence in your life, but it is worth it.
Lesson 3: Take the risk or lose the chance
Nobody can truly know whether or not a risk will pay off, no matter how calculated it is. This should not, however, deter you from taking risks. Risks are important if you want your business to prosper. Never be left wondering what may have occurred if you had taken a chance!
