T Shane Johnson, a former Marine Corps warrior and motivational speaker, shared his journey from surviving a near-fatal gang attack to building a successful coffee business with his daughter, Charlie. Shane discussed his upbringing on a ranch, his military service, and the challenges of launching "Big Guns Coffee." He highlighted their recent struggles, including a cease-and-desist order and inventory issues, and emphasized the importance of resilience, perseverance, and maintaining strong family bonds. Shane also stressed the significance of fundamental skills like handshaking and communication in today's fast-paced, technologically advanced world.
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Episode Highlights
T Shane Johnson's Journey from Marine Corps to Entrepreneurship
- Daryl Urbanski introduces T Shane Johnson, highlighting his background as a Marine Corps warrior, motivational speaker, and best-selling author.
- T Shane Johnson shares his family's history of cattle ranching and orange grove farming in Florida, describing it as a brutal upbringing.
- Shane explains how his Marine Corps training helped him endure the rigors of ranching and how his daughter's idea led to their coffee farm venture.
- Shane discusses his motivational speaking career, including running across America multiple times to raise awareness for various causes.
Transition from Military Service to Entrepreneurship
- Shane describes his transition from the Marine Corps to the corporate world, focusing on mortgage banking and corporate social responsibility (CSR) platforms.
- He highlights the importance of family involvement in children's lives, especially in the context of homelessness and fatherless households.
- Shane shares his experience of writing a book called "Done by 230" to help people become better CEOs of their home lives.
- He emphasizes the need for a strong support system at home to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship and business failures.
Impact of Near-Fatal Gang Attack
- T Shane Johnson recounts a near-fatal gang attack during his time in the Marine Corps, where he was targeted by MS-13 for gang initiation.
- He describes the severe injuries he sustained, including broken bones, lacerated organs, and the multiple times he flatlined during medical treatment.
- T Shane Johnson details his long recovery process, including losing 54 pounds in two weeks and learning to walk, talk, and breathe again.
- He reflects on how this experience changed his outlook on life and gave him a competitive advantage in his subsequent endeavors.
The Role of Family and Daughter in Business Ventures
- T Shane Johnson shares how his daughter's desire to start a business inspired their coffee farm venture, "Big Guns Coffee."
- He explains the significance of the name "Big Guns Coffee," which was chosen by his daughter to symbolize strength and resilience.
- Shane discusses the challenges of running a business with his daughter, including the recent struggles with launching their product in 900 stores.
- He highlights the importance of having a strong support system and a clear purpose, which in his case is his daughter.
Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
- Shane talks about the recent challenges they faced, including a cease and desist order from their small town and issues with inventory.
- He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and having a clear "why" to overcome business challenges.
- T Shane Johnson advises entrepreneurs to seek mentorship, join a supportive community, and be open about their failures to learn from others' experiences.
- He stresses the importance of having good interpersonal skills, such as firm handshakes and eye contact, to stand out in a competitive market.
Future of Coffee Farming and Business Strategies
- Shane discusses their focus on indoor hydroponic coffee farming and the importance of transparency and local sourcing in the food industry.
- He highlights the role of technology and AI in improving agricultural practices and maintaining quality control.
- T Shane Johnson reflects on the changing consumer behavior and the growing interest in healthier, locally sourced food products.
- He shares their plans for expanding their business and the importance of staying adaptable and innovative in the face of industry challenges.
The Importance of Fundamental Skills and Values
- Daryl Urbanski and T Shane Johnson discuss the importance of fundamental skills, such as good communication, handshakes, and maintaining promises.
- Shane emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to be proactive, prepare for rainy days, and have a clear understanding of their business's financial health.
- They reflect on the impact of technology on human interaction and the importance of maintaining human connections in business.
- Shane shares his belief in the power of storytelling and sharing personal experiences to inspire and connect with others.
Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- T Shane Johnson advises aspiring entrepreneurs to find a mentor, join a supportive community, and be open about their failures.
- He emphasizes the importance of having a clear "why" and maintaining a strong support system, especially in challenging times.
- Daryl and Shane discuss the importance of resilience, perseverance, and having a deep understanding of one's purpose in business.
- They conclude with a reminder to stay focused, work hard, and never give up, even in the face of adversity.
Expertise: Business Growth, Sales, Marketing Automation, Leadership