XLA CEO Gary Slack is no stranger to entrepreneurship and working for what you want. In fact, he got the business bug around age 8, and it stuck with him ever since. In this episode of “Humble Beginnings,” the Northern Virginia native shares about his family ⏤ his father who didn’t graduate high school and worked at a nearby naval research center, and his mother who worked in retail ⏤ and how his upbringing shaped him. Slack’s family was comfortable, as his parents worked hard to provide what they needed. Still, Slack decided to start working for those “extras.” He sold donuts as a kid, took on a paper route and worked throughout college. Slack’s future father-in-law would also heavily influence his interest in business at a young age.

Eventually, Slack’s drive and business acumen opened doors and opportunities ⏤ ultimately, leading to his position as CEO.