In the world of entrepreneurship, every success story carries a unique journey of struggle, triumph, and perseverance. On this week’s episode of “Business Story of the Week,” hosted by Joshua Lori, we dive into the incredible story of Fred Bas, a man who turned life’s greatest challenges into his greatest victories. 🌟

Fred Bas is not just any entrepreneur; he’s a serial entrepreneur who has faced and conquered one of the toughest battles life can throw at you—Stage 4 cancer. But Fred’s story doesn’t stop there. From battling depression to building a successful painting business, Fred’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and an unyielding mindset.

The Unexpected Diagnosis

Fred’s journey took a drastic turn when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. The discovery was shocking—Fred had no prior symptoms, and the cancer was found almost by accident during a dermatology appointment for his son. What began as a simple check-up turned into a life-altering moment when Fred was told he had Stage 3 cancer, which quickly escalated to Stage 4 after further tests.

Fred underwent intense treatment, including a cutting-edge drug therapy that, while potentially life-saving, came with severe side effects. The treatment took a toll on his physical and mental health, leading him into a deep depression. Fred described the experience as battling a chemical storm in his brain, one that left him feeling isolated, fearful, and nearly suicidal.

The Mental Battle

The physical battle against cancer was just the beginning for Fred. The real fight was against the mental and emotional turmoil that followed. The drug treatment he received, which was necessary to combat the cancer, triggered severe depression and anxiety. Fred experienced intense fear and a sense of impending doom—a side effect of the brain’s chemical imbalance caused by the treatment.

Fred’s mental health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer continue his work as a church leader. He had to step away from the church he had planted and grown, which added to his feelings of failure and hopelessness. This period marked one of the lowest points in Fred’s life, as he struggled to find purpose and direction amid his health crisis.

Rebuilding and Reclaiming Life

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Fred’s story is one of incredible resilience. After battling cancer and depression for two years, Fred slowly began to rebuild his life. He turned to teaching, focusing on STEM education, where he developed a deep interest in how the brain works. This curiosity led him to discover powerful techniques for rebuilding his mindset, techniques rooted in both faith and science.

Fred began to apply these principles to his life, using positive affirmations and gratitude to combat the negative thoughts that plagued him. He learned that the key to overcoming his mental struggles was to focus on the positive aspects of life, a principle he now teaches as part of his coaching.

From Teaching to Business Success

As Fred recovered, he realized that his calling had shifted. While teaching provided stability, it wasn’t enough to support his family, especially with the financial strain of his illness. Fred returned to his roots in painting—a job he had held in college—and started a side business. What began as a small venture quickly grew into a thriving painting company, generating over $1.6 million in revenue within seven years.

Fred’s success in business wasn’t just about making money; it was about applying the principles of faith and mindset that he had developed during his recovery. He built his business on these principles, and they proved to be the foundation of his success.

Principled Success Coaching

Fred’s journey from cancer survivor to successful entrepreneur led him to a new passion—coaching. People began asking Fred how he had managed to rebuild his life and achieve such success, which led him to create “Principled Success Coaching.” His coaching focuses on helping others apply the same principles that transformed his life.

Fred’s coaching is grounded in faith-based principles, but it also incorporates practical strategies that can be applied in any business. One of the core principles he teaches is the “Gratitude Principle,” which emphasizes the importance of focusing on what’s good in life to attract more positivity and success. Another key principle is the “Good Soil Principle,” which is about surrounding yourself with the right people and nurturing the right mindset for growth.

The Wilderness Principle

Fred also teaches the “Wilderness Principle,” which is based on the biblical story of the Israelites who had to wander in the wilderness before reaching the Promised Land. Fred believes that everyone goes through a wilderness period—a time of hardship and struggle—that is necessary for personal growth and preparation for the next level of success. The key, Fred says, is to learn the lessons the wilderness has to offer and to keep faith that better days are ahead.

Conclusion

Fred Bas’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s greatest challenges can be the catalyst for incredible growth and success. His journey from battling cancer to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and a principled approach to life.

If you’re looking to learn more about Fred Bas and his coaching, you can find him on LinkedIn, or visit his website at Principled Success Coaching. You can also check out his podcast, “Fred Talk,” available on Apple Podcasts and other platforms.

Remember, as Fred says, “Every day is an opportunity to step into who you are meant to be.” 💪✨