Jim Scott’s life defies easy categorization. He began his career in the trading industry and then as an engineering consultant.
This is the path that led him to become a “self-made millionaire”.
Scott has a diverse range of experience and a wealth of untold stories.
His memoir, Seventh Son: My Road to Success, hits bookshelves on July 21, 2023. This book invites readers to explore the fascinating moments that shaped his life.
Scott quit school in the eighth grade, driven by a determination to help his mother and a thirst for knowledge not available in the classroom. He learned his life secrets through his practical experiences.
Scott found himself in the trading industry. Here he honed his skills as a millwright and learned the value of hard work and patience.
“Each obstacle I encountered became an opportunity for growth,” he said.
The turning point in his life came when he moved into the role of an engineering consultant. Scott said he used this as an opportunity to push the limits of his own abilities. It was at this stage that Scott achieved his first significant financial milestone. This was the beginning of his rise to self-made millionaire status.
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Scott’s initial motivation to write the book began with a simple desire to share his adventures and stories with his family and close friends.
After completing the first draft of his memoir, Scott envisioned it as a specific book that would resonate with a broader audience. In an attempt to refine his work, he decided to seek the help of a professional editor.
Little did he know that this decision would set him on the path to becoming a published author. Under his editor’s guidance, Seventh Son: My Road to Success was transformed from a personal project to a publishable memoir.
20 questions
1. What is your full name?
James (Jim) Duncan Scott.
2. When and where were you born and where do you currently live?
I was born in March 1962 in Grand Falls but grew up in Windsor. At that time they were two separate towns. Now I live in the city of paradise.
3. What do you want people to know about you?
No matter the situation, I never gave up and I was never afraid to take risks. I always tell people to put themselves out there and step outside their comfort zone. You’d be surprised what happens to you if you do that. People will respect you for it, but it will also make you grow and become a better person. Having different perspectives from all levels will make you a better person.
4. What would people be surprised to know about you?
It depends, but I’m hesitant about this because if I asked my younger self, he would be surprised at what I’ve accomplished. But now people are very surprised when they find out how I grew up. Most people thought I was lucky, but at the same time I knew how we grew up, and I will never forget that and always stay grounded because of that. Ta.
“If you asked me when I was younger, he would be amazed at what I accomplished.”
— Jim Scott
5. What is the most difficult thing you have ever done?
The hardest thing for me was leaving my wife. She left her with her son and I decided to be independent. It was tough and I tried to support her and do whatever I could for her girlfriend. It was harder than she expected because she had never felt like that. She should have asked for help. That was the hardest thing for me.
6. Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
It was a big surprise for me to go to an engineering company, move into a project manager role, and suddenly find myself doing a multi-million dollar job. It helped me realize that I was capable of so much more and started seeing the future I had envisioned for myself.
7. What is your greatest reward?
help people. Someone helped me and I’ve never forgotten it. Just try it and see how much better you feel.
8. What is your favorite book?
John Grisham’s “A Time to Kill.” I have his entire collection in hardcover.
9. What is your favorite movie or TV show?
I like watching Golf Channel. When it comes to programming, I like the History Channel and various news networks because I like to stay informed about current events.
10. What kind of music do you like to listen to?
blue rodeo.
11. How do you like to relax?
golf. But when it comes to relaxing, for me it means traveling somewhere down south. I’m heading to Australia in a few weeks and would love to go to Antarctica someday.
12. What are you reading or watching right now?
I’m currently rereading John Grisham’s novels. At the time, I was obsessed with the drama “SUITS,” so I also read a lot about law.
13. What is your biggest fear?
I’m not really scared, but what scared me was having to write about my past relationships. It was a difficult request to get OK from people.
14. What is your greatest joy?
For me it’s about helping people and outside of that it’s golf.
15. What is most important to you?
That must be my son. However, as a toy, I got his ’67 Firebird convertible. I took it and rebuilt it from scratch. Everything is new.
16. What is the best advice you received from a parent or mentor?
It must have come from my father. He used to say, if he doesn’t have anything to say, he shouldn’t say anything. Another was that if he couldn’t help someone, he shouldn’t hurt them. He didn’t call it a mantra, but I say so, it’s something to live by. I’m always careful about what I say.
17. What do you think your best quality is? And what do you think your worst quality is?
One of my strengths is understanding problems and finding opportunities to help. When people tell me I have a problem, the first thing that comes to mind is how can I solve this? What I can improve on is that although I know how to write, I am not good at penmanship. Second, I love musical instruments and have several, but I never take the time to play or learn them. I always try to improve myself, and every year I have the same resolution to stop swearing. So, for me, that’s my best quality and there are some things I can improve on.
18. Where is your favorite place in the world?
This is my home, St. John’s. No matter where I go or how much I see the world. I’ve been all over Europe, all over Asia, all over Tibet, North America, southern Central America, and a little bit of South America. I’m not from here, but I love St. John’s. I love this place, the restaurant scenery, and the people. Being among one’s own people brings satisfaction.
19. Who do you follow on social media?
I recently started Instagram and am following Katherine Taylor. She’s from Grand Falls and she interviewed me and I follow some of her activities. I’m not very tech savvy so I guess that’s the only thing. Now I’m on Facebook, and for me it’s like a newspaper, where I see little articles by and about people I actually know.
20. Which three people would be at your dream dinner party?
There are several people, but if I were to choose three, I would choose them. I choose my father. He died when I was young and I was raised by his mother, the matriarch of his household. She was a huge influence on me and I loved spending time with her. The three I choose are my father, my mother, and my Uncle Charlie. Because he is also someone who has had a big influence on my life.
(Note: Answers have been edited for length and clarity.)
