Never Too Big To Do The Small Things (feat. Shawn Meaike)
47:37 Share

It's finally time for summer travel. We're looking forward to taking a couple months off to spend with the kids. And Booking.com offers so many possibilities across the U.S. Booking.com's wide breadth of places to stay across the U.S. makes booking whoever you want to be this summer so easy. Whether you want to party it up in Vegas or you want some island vibes in Hawaii, explore the plethora of options from boutique hotels to oceanfront resorts on Booking.com. What are you waiting for? This summer you can book whoever you want to be on Booking.com. Booking.yeah. Book now with Booking.com.

Welcome back.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Unlocked. I have a really special guest on today. It's actually a first for me too. Whoa. And it's Sean Mike. I got his name right this time. Yes, you did. Sean Mike. So, first for me, I don't think I've ever had anyone in the business world on my podcast. Really? Yeah. Wow. It's been...

musicians, comedians, politicians, but never someone that has built a gazillion companies. So you've come down to our level. You went all the way up here. You're like, I'm done with a lot of these really awesome people. I'm going to come down to the business people. I'm glad I made the cut. Yeah, you made the cut. I'm here. For people that don't follow you, you're an interesting follow. Okay. Do you take that as a compliment or no? Very much so.

I don't want to be like everybody else. That'd be uninteresting. So like, why would I want? Yeah. But no, I, I take that as a compliment. Yes. So you are a very interesting follow. I will say at first I was like, wow, this guy seems to be like a real just dick. Okay. Fair enough. I've heard that before. And,

I started watching more videos and I was like, wait, like there's a reason he's so successful. Like it's so easy to say, like be threatened by someone's success versus being able to look at it and say, well, this is why they're successful. But then your story. So I watched you had gone on Fox business and you did a video that was basically just kind of like talking about your life and how you grew up and your mom's views and how you were in basically like what,

subsidized housing? We're poor. Okay. Correct. And then what was it? So that's how you grew up. And what was it that caused you like something to flip in you that you were like, I can't do this anymore.

Like I need to be better than what I've come from. Well, I mean, first of all, thanks for having me on. I really appreciate it. I mean, it's an amazing show. You're an amazing person. Love following what you're doing. You know, at a very, very, very young age, and I don't pretend like people are like, man, do you remember this? I'm like, dude, how do you remember that much about your childhood? Like I barely remember anything. But what I like, really. But I do remember thinking I never wanted to replicate anything.

the way I was raised I knew I I never ever wanted to be in that like I wasn't it was fine it wasn't and it wasn't a thing like I didn't think I was less than but I was like I have I'm watching how stressful this is for my mom and I love my mom with all my heart you know what I mean so I'm like I don't want my mom so the first thing for me was like I'm gonna do well enough to take care of my mom

So I was like, you know what? I'm going to my deal was like I'll play professional baseball and that's what I'm going to do. And that's how I'm going to take care of my mom. And they're going to pay me a bunch of money. Now, growing up, I liked a lot of things. I liked cocaine. I liked alcohol. I like to smoke crack. I'm not going to lie to you. I like to smoke weed and I like to eat mushrooms. So basically you did not discriminate. I did not discriminate unless it was a needle. I don't put a needle in my arm outside of that. So I was really, really fucked up. So what led to that?

- Oh man, I was just-- - Because you don't just, I am a firm believer that you don't just get into drugs just to get into it. - Everybody around me that raised me had some kind of substance abuse problem.

I think that I took it further than they did. I was very aggressive. It was an escape for me. So I didn't want to deal with as much as I say, I didn't feel like I was less than, I think I probably felt like I was less than right. So growing up and I, we, we moved quite a bit. So I was like, I was trying to find my way and I realized other people had better stuff than me. They were more refined than me.

like they had parents together, you know what I mean? They go to, cause you understand back then most people weren't divorced. So like you just stayed in it. You stayed in it. So, and I didn't understand that, but I was just like, why does everybody have a mom and a dad that are there present going to everything? Right. Um, so for me, I watched a lot of that and I watched a lot of just crazy psychotic behavior. Um,

around substances, I couldn't wait to start drinking. You know, like my father drank a lot and he's been sober now. So good for him. And we built a relationship back and talked to him for like a decade, like really at all. And but I remember being like nine. This I remember I was like nine or 10.

And I'm like, I just can't wait to like, I can't because all boys idolize their dads in some capacity. You know, there's this idolization, demonization, humanization. They're just superheroes. Correct. And as much as I didn't like certain things he was doing, I'm like, I want to do what he's doing. So I remember I started drinking and

And then I found other people, right? I found other dudes. I'm like, okay, that kid's fucked up. Like he'll hang out with me. Cool. And it was hard because I played ball. So back then, a lot of the guys that played ball didn't party hard. So I'm like, I got to fucking hang out with these dudes, but then practice with these dudes. Then I'm like, eventually I'll find some guys that play ball and party, which I did. And, you know, but my childhood was just like, kind of like, I always worked really hard. I partied really hard.

And I just knew I didn't want to replicate what was happening. And then I was probably, I was sick. But in a way you were replicating. A hundred percent. But in my mind, in my mind, it was all, as long as I handle the financial stuff, I wasn't thinking about not drinking, not doing drugs. I'm like, I just want to live this way. Yeah. And at 17, I wanted to join the Marines because I thought that was my solution. And, um,

I went to the armory, took ASFABs, the whole deal. And my father had served in the military. And my mother was like, because I wasn't 18 yet. She's like, no, I graduated high school really young. And then I'm like, I was getting recruited to play baseball. And these guys are like, why don't you come here and play baseball? I'm like, sure, I'll go there and play baseball. And I played for a year, transmitted to school for a year and realized like my life was going nowhere. So I was just sitting there one night and I'm like, you know what? Either I'm going to drop out of school and get a job or I'm going to finish this degree.

and do something my life and i i didn't change everything in my life but i started like kind of going all right you know what i'm gonna like actually take my classes seriously my gpa my freshman year was a one seven and they're like they're like you can't my biggest fear for my 17 years old tell you what i'll tell you what one seven's hard to replicate you know what i mean what i love is you said even when you were in college you were

Looking at these professors and you were like you're you're teaching me about business, but yet you don't have a successful business Yeah, you had what a counselor a professor say like I don't blame you I I went to the the head of the business department. She was super nice lady She's now the president of a university in Connecticut and I said I hate this and she said why I said because with all due respect none of you were in the field and

you're just teaching me and i said you're an accountant so you would teach an accounting kind of makes sense to me because you but the rest of them nobody's in the field and what thankfully for me back then like we could have an opinion they had an opinion we could debate we didn't have to we didn't have to agree on everything people didn't cry and scream and hide in the corner if you didn't agree with them pee all over themselves like we had adult conversations so she's like challenge me she said then find a major that does

I said, okay. So I started looking around. I was like, social work. And I went to, I looked at some of the classes. I said, let me, I started asking people. They're like, yeah, that guy, he works during the day, but comes and teaches at night. And that guy works at night. And that one, he works over in the probation department and she's a counselor. And I was like, all right, so those people are actually doing something. And then also most people,

people that have really fucked up backgrounds make really good social workers. Because we're going to fix everybody else. That's what I was about to say. Was part of the reason you did that, was that in a way doing something for your younger self? 100%. Because you wanted to be what you never got. 100%. I am going to stop things that happen to me and people around me. And I'm going to become a social worker. And somehow I'm going to fix me, even though it's impossible because I already had my stuff. And it really, I wanted to save...

And then I became this big guardian of people I thought were being mistreated. So I got out of college. It's funny because when I got out of college, my buddy was taking the police exam. So he's like, we have a police officer. I'm like, dude, I've been arrested like eight times. Like there's no chance they're going to, which was all just because I do. It's important. Drinking, fighting. I fight men, not women. Men that fight women are not men. They're just fucking assholes. So I fight other men. Thank you.

and you know, drugs. And so I, I was like, dude, they're never going to hire me. But I went for fun. My buddy, Mike Gillette, he's like, we went and took, we ran, did the pushups, the whole thing. These guys are in terrible shape. I was like, dude, these are in awful shape. So I did really well in that. Then I took the exam, which is like not hard at all. And I was like,

Looking around like dude. This is weird son, and I'm so simple So I got done with that and then I started interviewing the police departments I interviewed at one of them the guy said um, he's looking through the paperwork He's like you've been arrested before I said yes. He goes no. I mean here I go Yeah, you all arrested me probably six years ago. He's like we can't hire you then I might do why'd you interview me me and he's like I guess he was very cool He's a guy that's never looked but I end up getting a job. I

One of them offered me a job and I was like, these guys are psychotic. And I went to the police academy for about four months and a week, last four and a half months. And after about last week, they're like, dude, you're like way too out of control. I was still drinking, using drugs. I was a wreck. And then I found a job as a social worker. Kevin Hart here. With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can cash back 3% of drug stores, 3% on dining, including takeout, 5% on travel purchase through Chase, and

and 1.5% on everything else. So the card you use for travel with friends works at drugstores for your contact lens. It's good for nights out, ordering in, pizza on the couch, or something more high-end. How do you cash back? Learn more at ChaseFreedom.com. Chase, make more of what's yours. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank and a member FDIC. Making your cat happy is a number one priority. Priority number two is keeping a clean litter box.

Fresh Step Outstretch Litter helps you do both. Fresh Step Outstretch Litter traps waste at the surface with less crumbles and absorbs more waste and odor compared to Fresh Step Multi-Cat. Find Fresh Step Outstretch Litter at a store near you today. Fresh Step is a registered trademark of the Clorox Pet Products Company. Certain trademarks used under license from the Procter & Gamble Company or its affiliates.

Apartments.com has more rental listings than anywhere else. So finding the perfect place is easier than ever. And so is finally moving in together. Just the two of you. It's a big step. I know lots of new responsibilities, lots of adjustments. Most likely they'll wake you up at odd hours to go to the bathroom and you'll most definitely find yourself in trouble coming home late for dinner. They might even be able to help you out.

even unroll all your toilet paper next time. It's just what happens when you two find a new place together. But you're not doing it because you feel like it. No, you're doing it because you love them, because they're family. And that's why Apartments.com has the most pet-friendly rental listings on the internet so that you and your furry family can find the perfect new place together. Apartments.com, the place to find a pet-friendly place.

Summer is just around the corner. It's time to get ready for the season ahead with quality shades that are built to last. I have sensitive eyes, so I always have to be wearing sunglasses. Our friends at Shady Rays have you covered with premium polarized shades that won't break the bank. Shady Rays is an independent,

Thank you.

choice for all outdoor adventures. They have hundreds of options to choose from so you're bound to find the perfect pair to match your style. Plus, if your shades ever go missing or take an unexpected hit, don't sweat it. They have the most insane protection in all of eyewear. Every pair is backed by lost or broken replacements and if

If you don't love your shades, exchange them for a new pair or return worry-free within 30 days. No risk when you shop. Their team always has your back with personal and fast support. Exclusively for our listeners, Shady Rays is giving out their best deal of the season. Head to ShadyRays.com and use code UNLOCKED for $20 off polarized sunglasses. Try for yourself the shades that are rated 5 stars by over 3%.

300,000 people go to shady s-h-a-d-y rays r-a-y-s.com and use code unlocked for $20 off your polarized sunglasses so at this time like when did you become clean when did like was there a point in your life that you were like I can't keep doing this yeah I was in um I was in Florida

And we were at a I was outside of Tampa and I was playing when you get done playing college baseball. A lot of the guys that play pro baseball, we played slow pitch softball. We cut our sleeves off in our shirts and a big ball underhand, which is embarrassing. But I did it for about, I don't know, way too many years, traveled the country, played in these national tournaments, whatever. And we were at a hotel and my brother was in a altercation in the parking lot.

And it was a little dive hotel. And I jumped off like the third floor of the hotel onto a car. And I bust him. I don't remember that part, but I woke up in the morning.

And my sheets were, I mean, I couldn't peel them off. I was in the bathroom. Have you ever woken up like when you bleed? Cause that's no good. Like your face, you're going to fight. You're like, Oh dude, my pillow stuck to my face. You're trying to pull it off. So at that moment in time, Savannah, to be honest with you, I've always had a deep faith. I don't think I was living the way I was. I'm sure I wasn't living the way I was supposed to be living, but I never thought like God gave up on me and I'm not going to, all I can tell you is this.

I had thought a lot about quitting before and never quit. I thought a lot about everything. I'm like, here are all the reasons I should quit. People around me told me I should quit. I would listen for a minute and I would, I never had. And I got up that morning and I almost went to like laugh, right? Like, cause I'm still really, you know, fucked up from the night before. Yeah.

And something overcame me and I'm like, dude, it's just over. Like it's over. Like this part of your life is over. And I just, not to be weird, I just surrendered to it. I was like, this is over. Like I'm done. This is done. You know, I, I, we were playing, obviously couldn't play. I mean, like my legs were gashed up. I was pretty banged up and we got in the flight and I remember there was like five or six guys on my team in the flight and they're like, Hey, uh,

You know, you want a drink? And I'm like, dude, I'm not fucking around. Like, I'm done. And they just laughed, which I understand. I would have laughed too. And that was it. Never drank again. Never used a drug. Nothing. Wow. Ever again. I mean, cold turkey. September 24th. And I said, this 24th will be 24 years. It was crazy. That's amazing. And, you know, from there, I decided to, if you have problems with substances and you're an addictive person,

The greatest gift we have is our addictive personality. And if we can take our addictive personality and find a healthy addiction, which mine was business, I decided, you know what? I have all these. I know I'm addictive. I can gamble. I can drink. I can use drugs. But what if I just find a healthy addiction? Now, people would argue maybe that, man, you work too much. Well, you know, that's what I got addicted to. And I got addicted to putting myself in a position where this will sound really weird, but

I wanted people that had nothing to truly not pretend, truly know they could go from nothing and do really well. So like, I was like, I'm doing it for me without a doubt, but I'm doing it for a lot of other people too. Cause I'm so tired of hearing him say we can't do it. And I'm tired of people talking shit about us. Who cares? Our dad was there. Who cared if we had ever owned a house? Who cares if they had fucking cars? It doesn't matter. We can do whatever we want. And I just started getting around really wealthy people and

And I did that early in my life through athletics. But once they were done with me, they were just done with me, which I kind of learned that relationships were very transactional. They're very transactional. And the moment you realize that people really don't care about you. Yeah.

the much life will be so much easier. Correct. And I think because they were so transactional, you know, I'd play in your team, you'd talk to me and then season was over and I was like, whatever. And I also realized I was at a point in my life where,

I believed if the other people could do it, like I'd meet people that are wealthy and I'd literally start taking, 'cause I was so psychotic about it. I'm like, okay, I'm gonna listen to like, how do I get around? Okay, that guy's over there and he works there. What if I go and I'm gonna intern there and let me go over here and do this. And while I was working as a social worker, I worked with abused and elected children for 14 years.

And while I was doing that, I was all, when I got my real estate license, when I got a mortgages, started on a bunch of property, built a real estate company, which I eventually sold that I built away. So I built companies, sold them, but it was, I kept getting around wealthy people and I'm like, Hey man, they're not that smart. They're not. And I'm not just, they're not that smart. Like I'm not smartest guy in the world, but I'm not dumb either. Like, and I'm like, I'm smarter than most of these people. They're wealthy as shit. I don't have anything. I was trying to figure out what do they have that I don't have. And I realized it was nothing.

And it was nothing. So I just, I went crazy. I built a, and I had a guy at the state when I worked there. I loved my job at the state. Like I really did. I loved working with it. - That's a very impactful job. - It was, yeah, it was impactful. Most people didn't make it that long. 14 years was a long run. - Yeah. - I loved working with the families with everything I had. I loved protecting kids. And I'll never forget my first appointment. You know, I'm 21.

And I remember knocking on this lady's door and your training's like five days. Okay, you need to know this and then go help the family. Go out and help them. And I knock on the lady's door and she opens the door and she looks at me. She's probably 60. And she looked at me and she said, boy, what do you want? And I said, I got this report and I'm at your house. And she said, boy, I got underwear older than you. And I said, ma'am, I don't know how to respond to that. I said, but I do need to come in. And she's like, how old are you?

And I remember thinking like for half a second, I got defensive. I go, you know what? I'm 21. I said, I got drunk last night. I don't have any kids. I'm not married. I come from a pretty fucked up family, but I'm the only one with a social work degree here. And if you look out for your children, then I'll be your biggest, like literally your biggest fan, right? I'm your biggest, I'm your ally.

But if you're not, if you're not going to keep them safe, I'm your biggest enemy. And I don't know where that came from. And I just, at every appointment, I said that moving forward, I was just like, dude, I don't pretend to be perfect. I don't pretend to know, but I'm just telling you that I'm here. And like, I'm the one you got. I did that for, it was relatable. It was relatable. And I, and I've always realized that I was never, when you have a healthy fear of God, it's hard to be afraid of other things.

Because we're not supposed to be afraid of anything else. It's like, dude, I was loving people. Like, you know, I do this and I have this school and I do... And here's when I... And I'm like, dude, y'all pray so much, but like, I read the book. Why are y'all afraid of everything? Yeah. I don't get it. Like, what are you so afraid of? I'm just trying to... Like, where in that book does it say to be a punk bitch and be afraid? It doesn't say in the Bible to be a punk bitch anywhere. I'm not even a pastor, but it doesn't. So I'm just kind of like... You're definitely not a pastor. No, I'm definitely not a pastor. You know what I mean? But for me, I just...

You know, I didn't leave my job because I wanted to get rich. As people ask me all the time, you know, I've been very blessed to sell companies for, I never thought, I mean, it's mind-boggling. Well, yeah, you've sold companies for a lot of money. It's hundreds of millions of dollars. It's obnoxious. But that stuff really doesn't matter to me, and it really doesn't. Like, I'm not, it really doesn't. I left the state...

I had a boss, he was my boss, I had no, by the way, I love when people are like, "You, jobs are awful." I'm like, "Dude, I always had a job." - Yeah. - What's wrong with a job? - Having a job is great. - These people are online talking shit about, "If you make this amount of money," it's like, "Dude, stop running your mouth." I loved my job. - Yeah. - And I was in my 14th year, and I didn't wanna, I got promoted once, but I still wanted to be in the field. I'm like, "I don't wanna get employed anymore, "then I'll become out of the field."

And I'll make a very long story short, but they would call me when something happened, right? So like, shit would hit the fan, something bad happens. They'd call me up on the phone. I'd answer, boom, they'd tell me where the God gone. I go to the police department and there's this lady in there because she assaulted the neighbor. Well, she's like spitting at the bars, punched the bars, kicking them. And I'm just kind of like standing back. So I don't like, when I used to work in a facility, the boys that, the teenage boys that were there, they would spit. Mm-hmm.

And whenever I would start, I'd be like, bro, I'm letting you know right now, I'm 21. Don't give a fuck about my job. If you spit at me, I'm going to fuck you up. Yeah. I'm just letting you know. Like, I'm not going to spit at you. I just said something about that freaks me out. Don't do it. You know? And they would be cool. Nobody would bother me, and life was good. And she's spitting, and I'm sitting way back. She can't.

And I find out basically that her son is not her, like it's her son biologically. She hasn't seen the kid in years. He's being raised by a great family. They're awesome people. Yada, yada, yada. So we go through, I do all the investigation. The people that are raising them had some old history, substance abuse and criminal history like 30 years ago. Make a very long story short. They made me remove the kid.

and he had no, he had no bit, I mean legally, yes, they could find a way to go look what these people did. They were great people, clean 30 years, but a lot of the people that worked there had never been in the field and they were very judgmental. And long story short, put that kid in a care and some really awful things happened to him and I quit. I was like, dude, I'm out. And I kind of forced myself

to go full time. And I was already making money, but that wasn't my motive. Like I was going to a job making 80 grand a year, even though I was making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year selling like real estate. And you're like, dude, that's weird. But I'm like, no, I love my job. You loved your job. I wasn't afraid to like my benefits. I love my job. It's like, I am never too good to go out and work. It doesn't matter. I will have three different jobs. One will provide me with, you know,

Couple thousand dollars one will provide me with a hundred thousand dollars But guess what a dollar is a dollar and it all adds up and so that's why it's like when people are so hard on themselves about Well, like I'm just not making this amount. I'm not making that amount I'm like you're making a dollar correct like you and if you feel fulfilled in what you're doing then guess what? Ten steps ahead and what's your solution to it the single biggest

motivation I have in the single biggest business principle I use in all my businesses is everything we do is solution focused. We don't do anything that's problem focused. If you want to talk about something that isn't right, like if you're like, hey, I hate the wait at the airport. I go, cool, what's the option? What's your solution? Let's find the solution. I don't have one. Then stop talking about it, please.

Because now we're just bitching. Yes, exactly. If you don't have a solution. Leave it alone. And I think for me, it's really allowed me to scale and empower people. Well, yeah, because now, I mean, you have a huge following. You have built all these businesses. Have you, it just came to mind, has anyone contacted you that you did social work for since you've become now this big public figure? You know, like, have you had any...

kid reach out and say like, "I remember you." I've had, weirdly enough, a number of kids that I worked with in social work that have reached out. I've had some reach out from prison.

Like, hey, man, you know, they're like, remember me? I'm like, yeah, like, you're not going to believe it. I'm like, I might, you know, like, tell me. And but, you know, I love them. Right. Like because the most my most gratifying job there for about four years, I only worked with adolescent males.

Like they were like, hey, we're gonna put you in charge of like these kids are and I hated the way everybody talked about them And they reminded me a lot of me when I was their age You know, I mean I could really relate to him and I loved working with them Everyone just needs someone to believe 100% like you you could change someone's life by just believing in them and looking at them and having a conversation and saying like Hey, you're worth more than this, right?

And that's what a lot of people don't realize is like all it takes is one conversation. And also, if people have never had anybody believe in them, they're afraid when you believe in them. And it's OK. Like you have to continue to reinforce it. You can't just go out and believe in you. They change overnight. They've never had anybody. If I've never had anybody believe in me and you believe in me, that freaks me out because now I can let you down, too. Like I'm OK letting me down.

But if you believe in me, now I'm like, God, this is stressful. That's a lot of pressure. It's a lot of pressure. I'm okay messing myself up. But now this nice person believes in me. And that's why I see a lot of people act out at times. It's a whole attachment thing. I'm going to get you to unattach from me before you attach to me and cause me more pressure. And that's what I understood about my job. And I'm like, guys, if you would just take a step back instead of being so damn judgmental and realize why he acts that way.

I remember I walked in one day and this kid, he carved in his arm, it was Department of Children and Families, DCF. Fuck DCF. It was a fucking night. He's bleeding when I walk in. He's like an 18-year-old big kid. He's doing very well. I mean, he's obviously, he was only four years younger than me, but he's done very well in life. And I walked in and I was like, and they're all running their mouths about it. Can you believe he did this? And I was like,

"Can I ask you something, bud?" He said, "Yeah." I said, "Your IQ's high, right? 'Cause I have your report." He's like, "Yeah, I guess." I go, "Then how the fuck did you punish us by harming yourself and you hate DCF, yet now that's gonna heal." - It's on your arm. - And fricking for a year and a half, it's gonna be like scarred in, fuck DCF. You the dumbest smart kid I know. And then we just like from there got along. But I just remember like,

Dude, he's just trying to figure it out, man. You know what I realized in life? We're all just trying to figure it out, man. And I think that's what's great about business. We're all just, we're all trying to figure it out. And I think the reason that I've been blessed is we stay relatable and I want to see other people win. I think I was, you talk about not being too, too big to do certain things. I was, um, I used to get around anybody I could. And if I could pay to get somewhere, like I use my last $25,000 one year, like

early to get around Ed Bastian, who's I think still the CEO of Delta. And he wasn't the CEO at the time. And we're walking through the place in Atlanta and my man's like picking up a piece of bubble gum. And I was like, we get done and they do Q&A. And I also realized every time they would, anybody said, do you have any questions? I'm a rabid question asker. And most of my peers are terrified of everything. So they just like, they don't, they pay their money and they fucking sit there and don't do anything. And I was like, if you don't mind me asking, what was that all about?

And he said, man, if I'm too big to do the small things, eventually I'll be too small to do the big things. He said, never forget that. And the same day I met Arthur Blank, who launched Home Depot, Atlanta Falcons. He said to me, when you launch your business, it will be a massive. I wouldn't even have any business at the time. I was just trying to figure shit out. He said, if you can stay unselfish, even when the money will tell you to be selfish. Like we launched HD, he said, we weren't making money right away.

That's the way it works. But if you can set up a deal that's great for your consumer, your client, great for your employer, your contractor, and doesn't kill you, eventually do it a little bit of a lot will become a lot. And that's how I've really kind of gone back to some of those things and you go, well, that's simple. Yeah, and you have to work your ass off. Yeah. And you have to be resilient. And you are never too good to...

Do whatever it is. I never forget what it was like to be broke. I never forget what it was like to do anybody's job. And also every company I've ever run, any job I was talking to you about, I've done it. No matter what it is, I've done it. Well, that's the only way. I've done it. Real estate, I've done it. You know what it's like to roof houses? I roofed houses for years. I poured concrete. I used an excavator. I sold the house to other real estate. I went and kicked people out of the house. I did the property management. Life insurance, I sold life insurance.

When I was social worker, I'm like, dude, I'm teaching you a job. I've been doing it for all these years. You want to go in the field? That's why it's funny. Cause when they promoted me, they'd be like, well, I don't know what to do with this family. I'm like, let's go. Like, what do you mean? I'm like, let's go. My boss be like, you can't leave the office. I'm like, what rule is that? I work here. I'm like, dude, what are you gonna do? Fire me? You're not going to fire me. I'm the best one you got. I'd go in and I'd go in the field and I'd show up and show them how to talk to people. And there's also a difference. And when you have, I've

I believe that like the true definition of a leader is someone who's willing to get down and dirty with you. 100%. It's not someone who's up top saying do this, do that, do... Positional leaders. Nobody likes them. No, no one likes that. So it's like I want someone who's going to just get down and dirty with me because that's the only way you truly learn. Correct.

If you've been listening to Unlocked with Savannah, then you know that I am a huge Jenny Kane fan. So you're in for a treat because support for today's episode comes from Jenny Kane. I finally found a uniform that I'm completely obsessed with. Jenny Kane is a California brand through and through and their staples make getting dressed easier than it's ever been before. Think minimalist,

and effortless but totally refined. From luxurious cashmere sweaters and iconic accessories to elevated versions of all of your everyday basics. Not to mention the most incredible home essentials too. Jenny Kane is here to help you live your best year yet. Their sweaters y'all are

are just the quintessential must-have item. And this season especially, I can't get enough of their cotton collection. The oversized caught fisherman and cotton cocoon are the perfect everyday pieces. And as the days get warmer, you can best bet I'll be wearing them on repeat. I get compliments every time I wear Jenny Kane, no lie. Their sweaters, everyone always asks, "Where'd you get that? Where'd you get that?" Jenny Kane. They're so comfortable and I can truly live in them

all year long. In case you didn't notice, they have shoes too. The leather lug mule is everything you could ever want in a classic it girl shoe. It seriously pairs well with everything. So Jenny Kane has been my go-to brand for the past year. Everything is so comfortable, cozy, elevated, casual, you name it, they have it.

Plus, their homeware is absolutely amazing. And they have an incredible rewards program to where you can earn up to 10% back with every purchase. And joining is completely easy. So find your new uniform at JennyCain.com. Our listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code UNLOCKED at checkout. That's 15% off your first order at JennyCain.com. J-E-N-N-O-N-Y.

I K A Y N E.com with the promo code unlocked. Let getting dressed be one less thing to worry about.

This episode of Unlocked is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Most of you listening right now are probably multitasking. Yep, while you're listening to me talk, you're probably also driving, cleaning, exercising, or maybe even grocery shopping. But if you're not in some kind of moving vehicle, there's something else you can be doing right now. Getting an auto quote from Progressive Insurance. It's easy and you can do it in just a few minutes.

save money by doing it right from your phone drivers who say by switching to progressive save nearly 750 dollars on average and auto customers qualify for an average of seven discounts discounts for having multiple vehicles on your policy being a homeowner

and more. So just like your favorite podcast, Progressive will be with you 24-7, 365 days a year, so you're protected no matter what. Multitask right now. Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 28 million drivers who trust Progressive. Progressive

Your story is insane.

Insane is a good way to put it. It's insane. But like, it's awesome because I will say like, it's so easy to look at your social media. Like I said, the very beginning of this and be like, oh, wow, he's probably a dick, you know, just because the way I talk. Yeah. Just the way you're just very abrasive at times. And I'm not trying to be. No, I'm just trying to be direct. Exactly. But also I feel like my interpretation of it. That's my issue.

Like that's not your issue. And it's because maybe certain things in my life has caused me like my dad was super direct. I was like, oh, you're a dick at times, you know, like whatever it may be. But now like getting to know you, I'm like, wow, like he's freaking awesome. I appreciate that. Like, you know, and it's funny because when I started doing this, because I wasn't going to do any of this stuff on social media, the podcast, none of that.

But I had a guy reach out to me and said, you should do some mentoring and all that. And I was like, no, I'm good. And then this guy hit me up. And I'm just like running my company. I don't have anybody following me. I just have a social media platform like everybody else. And he said, can we talk? And I'm like, sure. Like, I'll talk to anybody. Give me your cell phone number. I'll call him up. And he's like a wreck. He's in tears. And I'm like, he's like, I just spent $10,000 on a mentoring program.

And he walked me through, like, we talked for probably an hour. And I was like, dude, all I can say is I'm sorry. I don't know what to tell you. And he's like, well, the guy just took my money. So I started doing some research. And I was like, dude, there's a lot of people on here that have never built any businesses. They're professional coaches. They never fucking played. They've never been in the business. They've never actually made income for themselves, let alone anybody else.

And there's this big void. So I'm like, dude, I'll help you for free. I don't know if I'm going to make you rich, but I'll help you. And I started doing stuff for people. And I'm like, dude, this feels pretty good. I actually like this. So then I started doing some speaking. And I enjoy that. And I'm like, I just love seeing people change their lives, especially when people are--

When you find people that everybody's bet against and you believe in them and you give them a little bit and when they get knocked down, you come over and grab them and go, bro, get up. It's going to be okay. Dude, you take over the world with people like that. Without a doubt. I say, like, even with my story, and I don't even know if I've said this before, but obviously when, like, the whole guilty verdict came down, basically everyone wiped their hands clean. Like, everyone turned their backs. I didn't have any opportunity I had was taken.

And that's why I was like, all right, I'll do the podcast. Like that's on my terms. So like no one can cancel me at that point. And but everyone had turned their backs. And there was a guy and there's a guy in town. He owns a bunch of bars and he knew I had my real estate license. And he was like, hey, like I'm building these seven houses. I want you to list them for me.

And in that moment, like, that's great. I wanted to cry because I'm thinking to myself, like, I have two kids to raise. And like this guy that doesn't have like, why would he give me seven houses when I'm just starting out? You know, like just here's these seven houses for you to sell for me that are total seven million dollars. Like that's a lot of money. And he believed in me and gave me an opportunity when no one else would.

And that's what some people need. Like that, giving someone else an opportunity can truly bring someone back to life instead of it feeling like someone's just beating them down continuously time and time again. And that's...

And that's like my, I tell people all the time, like if you have the chance to change someone's life or to believe in someone or to give them an opportunity, like do it. Like there's literally a guy in town that is very well to do. And he reached out to me. He was like, if Grayson wants to come in, like to any of my businesses and just watch what I do and me try to teach him, he's more than, he's more than welcome. And so it's like having people like that. I'm like, it's

It's freaking awesome. And you can always start over. That's the thing. You can always start over. And so what would you say? All right. Piece of advice for someone who's just afraid of taking that next step, who may just have a normal nine to five job making barely enough to get by. But in their mind, they're like, I want to be more. I want to do more. I want to go do this business, but I don't I don't know how.

My first piece of advice I would give you is the freedom is in sales.

You'll find something you like to sell, even if that's not the business you build. Right. And there's also no magic to sales. So for years, people write these books and like I can talk to you for hours about why people buy something or why they don't psychology. But really, I need you to change. Right. So don't be intimidated because if you find something, sales is the highest paid occupation in America. Sell something. You know, that's how I got in. I got into real estate and started selling it.

I didn't get into real estate to build a company that I could sell for obnoxious amounts of money. I got into sold real estate. I got into waste management because I was selling jobs. Like, "Hey dude, you need dumpsters. Here's how many we got. Here's how much they cost." And then I'm like, "Why don't I build something?" I did not get into life insurance to build a massive business.

I was like, oh, shit, I can call you up. It pays me this much every time I do. It takes me an hour. I'm going to do that. So find something that you can sell and don't think that anybody out there, you know, I had a guy recently, he's a Hall of Fame football player, and he was on my podcast. And he said, do you think you need ability to be a successful entrepreneur? And I said, no.

And he was like, yeah, no, we started talking. I don't know what his opinion on it was or not, but I'd hired a marketing company a couple years ago and the guy, well, I didn't hire him, I interviewed him. And he said, I will work with you, but you have to stop saying everybody can do what you do because they can't. I said,

That's the myth that you all want to perpetuate because then we need dumb asses like you to send some kind of narrative. - Exactly. - And I don't need it. The reality is anybody watching right now can go do whatever they want to do financially and business.

Now, does it mean you're smart enough to get your pilot's license? You might not be. Math and science are important when you're flying an airplane, okay? So you might not be. You might go like, can I be the world's strongest person? No, no, that requires talent. Can I go ahead and play cornerback in the NFL? No, that requires talent. But business doesn't. And you don't have to come from money either because most people want the passive income.

Bro, you get passive income by creating insane active income. Dental One Associates, redefine what it means to visit the dentist. Get top quality personalized support from committed experts that prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of you and your family.

Ah, the sizzle of McDonald's sausage. It's enough to make you crave your favorite breakfast. It's the best.

Enough to head over to McDonald's. Enough to make you really wish this commercial were scratch and sniff. And if you're a sausage person, now get two satisfyingly savory sausage McGriddles, sausage biscuits, or sausage burritos for just $3.33. Or mix and match. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer or combo meal. Single item at regular price. You go sell something.

And then to your point, find people that have done it. I got around people. I don't want to be the smartest one in the room. I want to be the dumbest person in the room. Amen. Because then I can learn to become them. Amen. And I learned a lot from people.

It's weird because there are a lot of people I was around that did everything the wrong way. But that was a great learning lesson, too. And most will just make fun of him and talk shit about my don't. Dude, what would he do? Matter of fact, when I launched one of my companies, I watched a guy do it for seven, eight years. He was smart, energetic, hardworking, but he was just a selfish asshole. And every decision he made was for him and only him.

And so when I went to make decisions at times, I didn't know what to do. I'm like, what would he do? And I just somehow would know what he would do. And I'm like, then I'll do the opposite. Like I literally, but I was always learning. So if you'll keep your head in a swivel, listen,

You don't have to quit your job either. That's the thing with people like, well, I'm going to launch my own company. Dude, keep your job until you make enough money. You know what that might mean though? That might mean you work 60, 70, 80 hours a week before you get ahead. If you're willing to do it, but hey, it's a grind. It's a mother freaking grind. I was just, we flew and he made a great point. I was flying with Shannon Sharp and I was like, man, you sleep on airplanes. He goes, never used to be able to. He said, but I start shooting a show six nights a week. Never.

never miss it, doing this, doing that. He's like, you learn to sleep on an airplane. I'm like, you are right. You're tired enough, you'll find a way. - Exactly. - And it's just, it's so true. And I was like, yeah, man, I gotta, you know, I gotta,

I gotta put in more. And that's why I always like getting around people that are doing their thing and watching them grind when they don't necessarily have to. Like, you did what you did 'cause you had to. But you're gonna keep doing what you do 'cause you want to. - Oh, without a doubt. - That's who you are. - And too, when you know a certain life, like you're not gonna go back. - 100%. - You're not going to go back. - Nope. - And that's where, like we said, you surround yourself with people who know more than you.

Correct. You create opportunity for yourself. You put yourself at the right place at the right time. And I like nice things too much to go back. Don't apologize for it. No. I'm not going back. No. No, it's hard. And all that stuff, those comforts, it's hard to go back. You talk about your kids, like...

It's so it's once you're able to say we'll do it no matter what. You're not buying them helicopters and penthouses in Dubai, but private school, the stuff they need athletically, the stuff they need for school when you don't have to go like, I wonder what that costs. Yeah. You don't ever want to go back and you won't go back.

You know, it's kind of funny because a lot of people say to me, man, I would kill for my kids. I'm like, dude, you won't even work full time for your kids. Not gonna. And I'm just so much I mean, but like, just take some inventory. And when I said that's who you are, that's who anybody can be. It's the thing that's it's not it's not. Well, that's just who you are. No, that's who anybody can be. But it's so easy for people to become the victim of their circumstances. You can't though. And you can't. That's what they want you to do. Exactly.

That's what they want you to do. That's why I say with us, like, why would I give the government, why would I allow them, give them one more thing. Why would I allow the people who have wronged me to destroy the rest of my life? I'm not doing it. They're motivation. Exactly. They're fuel. Exactly. They're actually one of the reasons, I tell people all the time, one of the reasons I sent, he probably won't watch, but if he does, he'll know. I had a coach who sent me this. What are you trying to say? He's not watching my podcast? Yes.

I don't know if he watches anything, okay? If he's watching anything, he's watching your podcast. I'm sorry, I was thinking I was on my own, but my own podcast, he's definitely not watching. But I had sent him a message on Facebook and basically thanked him for helping me out, which he never did, okay? And I don't know why I did it. Like, I really was like,

I part of me wanted to reach out to him and be an ass. And then he was always against me and always where I grew up. And when I played ball, he was happy with me, but he was always and he sent me a message back and was like, man, I'm so happy for you. I believe so much in you.

And I was just kind of like, you know what? He has to know that I know he's lying. But you know what he doesn't know is all the shit he said about what I wouldn't accomplish behind my back to everybody. And all the shit he talked about me-- because the area I come from is not a huge area. You know everybody.

It was fuel for me. So I actually do owe him a thank you. And not like a sarcastic one. I owe him a thank you. It's just like my English teacher said, he's not alive now, Mr. H, I'm sure. But he said to me, I wrote a poem. I don't know how. Oh, yeah. No, I'm 51 years old. I'm old. Yes. And I wrote a poem and I was trying to match and I'm not a writer. And I put the word Rolex in there.

And he was like, literally gave my paper back. And he was like, this didn't line up or whatever. And he gave me whatever grade he gave me. He said, but I also, it was about dreams. He said, also would, I'll never forget this. He was so smart. He said, I would temper your expectation, young man, because people that have your kind of background will never own a Rolex. They're very expensive.

I'm like, motherfucker, I don't even know how many I own, but I have them all. And I don't even like them. I mean, I do like them. I like wearing them. But I'm not like, I don't care. I'm just like, I just want them to misrate so that I couldn't have them. Not because they hold their value. Not because they're a good investment. Not because they look nice. Because somebody told me, and for everybody watching, somebody's told you you can't.

And you either do, oh, I can't believe they said that. Or you know what? Watch me. You know, I'm kind of like a hold my beer kind of guy. I'm just sober now. But like, oh, I can't do it. Hold my beer. I'll be right back. You know, so. That is awesome. Well, I just have to tell you, I'm now a fan. Oh, you are. I was nervous. I'm like, because if I finish podcast, she still thinks I'm a dick. This is going to be a problem. So.

really glad that I got you as a fan. Not at all. Well, thank you. Thank you for coming on. And too, like we did this from the airport. Yes. Because you literally, once again, fly in, fly out. Yes. Like you made time for me. So thank you. No, you made time for me. So thank you for me. I know it's an honor. I mean it. And I really loved hearing your story and who you are and what you do. And you had an amazing show and amazing viewers. So thanks for letting me be part of it.

Pluto TV has over 300 channels and thousands of TV shows and movies for whatever mood you're in. Just open the app and something good will already be playing, because it's curated by people who love TV as much as you do. So if you're in the mood for comedy, there's 18 channels that'll make you laugh. Looking for drama? We got so much of it, you'll cry tears of joy. Reality shows, game shows, sports, Star Trek, and even more Star Trek. No matter what mood you're in, there's something on Pluto TV. Just download the app and start streaming. Pluto TV has over 300 channels and thousands of TV shows and movies for whatever mood you're in.

Pluto TV. Stream now. Pay never.

What's good? I'm Brian Greenberg. I'm Victor Rasouk. Check out our new podcast, We Almost Made It. You guys might remember us from HBO's How to Make It in America. And guess what? We're going to have actors, athletes, fashion designers, comedians, friends. We're going to talk hustle, grind, anyone who had a dream and people thought they were crazy, but they chased it anyway. We want to talk about it. We also want to hear from you. So go follow, rate, and review We Almost Made It at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Go ahead and do it. Do it. Do it now.

Fresh Step knows you'd do anything for your cat, from getting them food that's nicer than yours to letting them take a midday nap on your keyboard. So why settle for basic litter? Switch to Fresh Step.

Fresh Step cat litter locks in liquid and odor on contact, giving you up to 15 days of odor control. Learn more at freshstep.com. Step it up to Fresh Step with superior odor control versus leading value clumping litter. Fresh Step is a registered trademark of the Clorox Pet Products Company. Febreze is used under license from the Procter & Gamble Company or its affiliates.

Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns? These are special. Reserved for the very best. The Filet-O-Fish. And you. You can have them too. For a limited time, the classic Filet-O-Fish you love is joining your McDonald's favorites on the 2 for $3.99 menu. Limited time only. Price and participation may vary. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Single item at regular price. Ba-da-ba-ba-ba.