Grant Cardone in American Press

LC native dubbed the king of turnarounds

BY RACHEL WARREN

Lake Charles native Grant Cardone has sold furniture, cars and jewelry at the mall, but for the past several years he’s sold success.

‘We’re not criticizing, we’re not making fun, no one’s getting fired. This is about helping people.’
- Grant Cardone On his new reality show that helps business owners improve their sales

Cardone, a sales expert, will star in “Turnaround King,” a National Geographic Channel reality show that will premiere at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 19. Cardone said the show will be an unscripted reality series that follows him as he works with business owners to improve their sales. He uses hidden cameras to determine a business’s problems, then uses his sales techniques to come up with solutions.

Cardone said his experience in the automobile industry led him to write about how businesses were mishandling their customers. His techniques were soon adopted by other industries. Cardone said business owners need to be well-versed in social media and online business practices, because that’s what their customers want. “Most businesses are completely outdated,” he said. “The customer doesn’t value the experience they’re providing.” Cardone has written four books so far: “Sell to Survive”; “The Closer’s Survival Guide”; “If You’re Not First, You’re Last”; and “The 10X Rule.”

Cardone’s sister, Diane, said she’s proud of what he’s accomplished. “We always expected great things from him,” she said. Diane said the television show is a way for Cardone to continue his efforts to help others. “He has worked his whole life learning, studying and trying to help people improve their lives,” she said. “This is a step toward that goal.” Cardone said he wasn’t nervous about filming because of his experience working with businesses. He said he wanted to be sure he and the business owners maintained a positive attitude during filming. “We’re not criticizing, we’re not making fun, no one’s getting fired,” he said. “This is about helping people.” Cardone said he hopes the show will encourage business owners in his hometown of Lake Charles to use some of his strategies. It’s important to keep customer’s needs in mind at all times, he said. “During recessions, people don’t spend less money,” Cardone said. “They spend money less often. It’s all about value.”