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Today, we sat down with Brad Womack, a true testament to what grit and resilience can do for your life. We dive into Brad’s story of building success in entrepreneurship, fitness, and personal growth—all rooted in a blue-collar work ethic that’s hard to find today. We get into the raw moments of starting a business from scratch, battling financial hardship, and the grind it takes to overcome adversity.
In this episode, we cover:
- The power of grit and a blue-collar work ethic in achieving success
- Building a business from scratch and overcoming financial struggles
- The critical role of fitness and mental health in personal growth
- Mentorship, leading by example, and the importance of guidance
- Brad’s experience on The Bachelor and how it impacted his life
- His approach to fitness, including training routines and contrast therapy
- Transparency around using TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in his fitness journey
Who is Brad?
Brad Womack is a self-made entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast who went from working in the oil fields for a decade to running Texas’ highest-grossing bar, The Dogwood. Today, he’s on a mission to inspire men and women over 50 in their fitness journey, using the same grit and relentless drive that got him to where he is now. His story is a blueprint for hard work, overcoming challenges, and always pushing for growth.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Brad Womack on Blue-Collar Work Ethic
(12:07) Building a Successful Bar Business
(24:37) Balancing Work, Life, Reality TV
(30:33) Social Media Impact and Inspiration
(37:22) High-Intensity Training and Personal Coaching
(44:45) Training Environments and Performance Enhancement
(57:45) Lessons in Hardship and Perseverance
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Creators & Guests
What is The Meat Mafia Podcast?
The Meat Mafia Podcast is hosted by @MeatMafiaBrett and @MeatMafiaHarry.
We're two guys who walked away from the typical path to carve out something different. Based in Austin, we’re on a mission to figure out what it takes to live a fulfilled life in a world that often pushes us away from meaning.
We have conversations with people we believe can help us, diving deep into the pillars of health, wealth, and faith, as the cornerstones of our mission.
Whether it's challenging the modern food system, questioning conventional health advice, or building something from the ground up, we're here to explore the tough questions and share the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
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Brad Raw Video
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[00:00:00] Brad Womack, welcome to the meat mafia podcast. Thanks for that. We've been waiting to say that for a while. Yeah, I doubt that actually. But I'll acknowledge man this. Um, I think I'm low hanging fruit for you guys. But to me, this is the big league. So meaning I've been waiting to do this with you guys.
Thank you very much for the invite. It's exciting. This is genuinely One of the most excited episode, or this is the most excited. We've been in a long time for an episode. We were talking about this as soon as we booked it with you and Jay and Steph helped you get involved in this too, because you're someone that we, we truly look at is a close friend, a mentor.
We admire a lot of the different ways, really how you live your life ultimately. And then for our get, for our listeners, We like to tell them a little bit about how we met our guests and like, kind of the origin story behind that. And so the three of us have a very close mutual friend, Natasha, Amanda, Vander Merway, who's an amazing triathlon coach in town.
And so when Harry and I first moved to Austin, she invited us to start going to these open track workouts on Wednesday. So Harry [00:01:00] and I show up Wednesday, 6. 30 a. m. See this frickin Hulk looking dude with a beard. You know Seth Feroci? Oh yeah, I do. I think you, I thought you looked like him when I first met you.
I just saw something that reminded me of him. And then we, you and I got paired together. So we, so we were running the whole time. Yup. Getting our asses kicked because I think it was like August or something like that 2022. So it's probably 9, 500 on the track. Sure. And um, I just remember during that run, you didn't tell me anything about yourself.
You were just digging in and asking questions about me because you really wanted to learn. And I, I really think that that's how you are and we'll, we'll get into that. But afterwards and Tasha was like, do you know who that is? That's Brad him and his twin brother, Chad had like some of the biggest bars in Texas.
He was the bass surfer too. She was just raving about all your accomplishments. And I'm like, you didn't bring up one thing about yourself. You just wanted to learn about me. And then flash forward a year, Harry and I launched this protein powder company, noble. And so we had just gotten connected to Jay and Steph who were in the room.
Shout out Jay and Steph for helping to make [00:02:00] this happen. Love you guys. And um, we gave them a bag of protein powder and I think you might've seen Jay in the locker room, but you didn't realize that it was us. I think Jay told you that it was our supplement brand. And so you immediately reached out, we got on a call and um, you were either the sec, I think you were the second investor that we had had.
And just for you to, to believe in us like that, it was, it was jet fuel to the mission. So. It's a long winded way of saying, like, we've had some unbelievable experiences with you and we'll always be appreciative of just the support that you've given us from the start, man. So, thank you so much. Jesus, man.
I want to hug both of you guys, man. That, uh, I'm not worthy of that introduction. Thank you so much. And, and, you know, I'll make it quick. I remember the first time I met both of you guys. Wildly impressed just by the human beings you are. But, as far as Noble goes, you know, that was an easy one. I'll tell you why.
Um, one, I believe in the products, right? But so much more importantly, I mean just from um, what little I had learned about both of you and your drive and just that Tenacity [00:03:00] and i'm just talking in training, right? And so I didn't know what you guys were like in business um, but but again, it was just a no brainer and and I love to invest in people that I believe in right?
And so, um I mean, I mean again, let's face it. I don't want to this isn't an all shucks Thank you product is going to skyrocket. And I'm, I'm so proud of you guys. But more importantly, man, it just felt, I felt fortunate to just be a very, very small part of your mission. And just to say, Hey man, I know those guys.
I want to watch you guys just explode and just don't forget about the little people when you guys are all over the world selling your supplements. Anyway, I'm, I'm proud of you guys. Proud to be a part of you guys. Small part. Dude, you're the man. Well, I still, uh, I still remember us two sharing a swim lane one day for triathlon workouts, and that was the most challenging day because it wasn't necessarily about the swim.
It was, how do I get around Brad without hitting him? Cause his shoulders are so high. [00:04:00] Well, you know what, man, I, uh, I've got to say this, um, and I admire triathletes so much. I'm not trying to detour this, but, uh, you mentioned Natasha. I think, um, she is true, truly one of my favorite human beings on this planet for so many reasons.
One is for her patience. And, and so meaning, um, yeah, the swimming is not my forte. I do remember that day, like it was yesterday. Uh, thank you for not pushing me under and drowning me. Um, it's so funny with you guys and how hard you train and, and, uh, Yeah, it's a light day. Okay, good. I get excited. Yeah, we're just going to do 15 miles in the morning.
Another, uh, let's do a 1600 meter swim at fast pace. Oh yeah, we're going to ride this afternoon. Like, wait a minute, man. I'm stopping at the run fellas. I don't But, um, yeah, I remember those days fondly and just a good times. There's something about sharpening, sharpening up around other people who are outside doing other really cool things.
But you, like Brett was [00:05:00] saying, like, you don't even need to necessarily know the person. You just know they show up to that track and they're putting in hard work. Like, there's something special, especially around Austin, so many people doing that. So just being able to plug into a community like that is so cool.
You know, you touch, we were just talking about this outside the Austin community I've found is the most welcoming as far as fitness community, most welcoming. I'll be the first to say, I don't know anything about it. I just try to emulate what other people do that I admire and look up to, you know, and so it feels good.
It's an intimidating thing to show up at a track and you're seeing people that have quite literally podium and one Kona and, and, you know, and then there's me. And so, but every single one of you guys was so welcoming. And again, I've found that throughout the fitness community in Austin. That's why I just love this city.
I love the community as a whole. And, and, um, yeah, anyway. Um, so yeah, again, thank you for welcoming me. welcoming me in the pool. And so that was [00:06:00] a struggle buddy. That was a struggle. We got through it. We got it. We got it done. You two silverbacks sharing the same name. Well, look at this dude, man. It's trying to keep up with you.
It was fun. Well, I feel like hard work is, uh, definitely probably one of your ethos or two words that I would use to describe you. It also seems like you kind of have that like blue collar work ethic, I would say. And we've, we've talked, I've heard bits and pieces of, of your backstory, just building Dogwood and your time in the hospitality and bar space.
But I think for the listeners, just learning a little bit more about your backstory and where you come from and how it kind of led to everything you're doing now would be a really cool starting point. Sure. I appreciate the question, man. Um, I am very proud to say I'm a blue collar guy through and through.
And at, you know, um, where I came from, we came from nothing. I mean literally nothing. And so, You know, in my town, you either go to college or you get a blue collar job. I was fortunate enough. I tried college didn't work out so well. And so I got into oil [00:07:00] fields. And when you get, when you step the first day, you step out there, you're measured by your work ethic.
I care maybe too much what other people think of me. Right. But another thing is, man, I I'm a firm believer in earning your keep. And so from day one, man, um, I mean, I'm talking, this isn't an all shop store, but. 16, 17 hour days, whether it was in swamps, deserts, forest, jungle, everything just working all day every day.
That's why I'm so impressed with your step up challenge. This is the same thing every day. It's gonna be hard. It's gonna suck. You're gonna do it. You're just going to do it. And so, um, but I value people with work ethics so much. Um, And frankly, I don't think I have the intellect to be a white collar guy.
You know, let's put that out there. I don't want to build myself up anyway. But, um, but I really, really respect people that roll up their sleeves and just get it done. And, um, that's how I feel [00:08:00] fulfilled. And, and so anyway, worked in the oil fields for about 10 years. Um, and then my, uh, my twin brother, business partner for over two decades had called me.
This dude had talked about Chad the bar business since we were kids. And I was just thinking, Hey, man, it sounds good. You just want to chase girls. I know, but it was the exact opposite. He was so focused and so driven. And, and in fact, had to talk with me that if we do this, this is going to be our business period and, and we're not going to mess around at all.
And we need to start from the bottom. And that's exactly what happened. I got out of the oil fields and we started bussing tables, working at the door and Um, other venues and then kind of the rest is history. So, but I appreciate the acknowledgement because I am very, very, very proudly blue collar. Yeah.
What's, what sort of things did you learn out in that oil field other than just like putting your head down and working hard? You know, um, lead by example, um, you know, I had guys, some mentors, um, the guy that owned the [00:09:00] company I worked for, uh, loved him like a father. And, um, was a mentor to me, um, for most of my life and adult life.
And so seeing him, I would see him actually, he wouldn't say what to do. He would do it. And so to me, that's the biggest lesson I've ever learned in my life. I have never in my life asked anyone to do something that I wouldn't do, you know, and so I think you need to lead by example, but more importantly too, he taught me, you know, um, to me.
Anything worth a damn is never easy. You know what I mean? And so, and look man, we're talking about the oil fields here. There was no big reward. There was no, I mean, like, no, I'm sure you guys one day want some private equity firm to come in, write you a check, and you celebrate. There's no reward like that in oil fields, man.
And so, so you kind of have to just say, my reward is doing the best I can every single day. And I learned that from him. And, and so, um. [00:10:00] And also, I think it just builds character, you know, I'm big, man. I almost get embarrassed. Cause I, I swear to God, I'm not trying to sound like these David Goggin type people, right?
I'm really not, I'm really not, I'm nothing, but, uh, you know, being uncomfortable, uncomfortable to me is almost a welcome feeling and, um, just from working hard. And so that's another thing I learned from him is life isn't easy, man. Um, so. Whether you're working for something or just doing your job do the best you can.
Um, yeah get comfortable with being uncomfortable I would imagine that you and chad starting off bussing tables was probably like a superpower when you guys started building out bars Yourselves because you truly learn the industry from scratch. Do you look back on that time as a superpower as well every day?
And and i'll tell you, um the way I was brought up if someone gave me a job Was was gracious enough to hire me [00:11:00] I was going to work for that person like that was my business. Okay. And so absolutely what you just said. Um, there is nothing that was considered menial to us. And, and so I look at those days so fondly and guys, I got to tell you, man, and this is something I'm really proud of, but you know, we were in that industry for 23 years and, and, For about I want to get this right for at least 17 or 18 of those years We were in those bars every single day, you know And still bussing tables and still cleaning the bathrooms and still mopping the floors And only because you know, I took so much pride in that but yeah to answer your question directly.
Um, I just I take immense pride that that uh, well hell we cared, you know, and and but it's more about maybe we were we were Just fulfilling our own. Um You I don't know desires to be the best we can. And I know you're thinking mopping the floors is the best you can. Yep. Because we presented our [00:12:00] best product to our customers on a daily basis.
I was really proud of that. Whether I was working for someone or for myself. How do you teach that? Like just that drive to be excellent at everything is so rare. Well, I'll tell you, I'm not excellent at everything. I promise. And in fact, I'm far from it, but I damn sure work to be my best at everything.
And so. I don't know if it's something you can teach, you know, um, I really don't. And, and, um, all I know is again, maybe it's inherent, but I'll revert back to my mentors and other people that I look, I'm again, I'm going to turn it back to you guys. I looked at people like you guys, you guys are striving to be your best.
And so can you teach that? I don't know. Um, but I know there is something within me that just always wants to live up to my potential. And I would hope that everybody out there is like that. Can you teach that? I don't know. I know some real good people that are downright lazy. So, but I don't know, maybe they're fulfilling their own, [00:13:00] I don't know, um, idea of what they want to be by being lazy.
I don't know. So, um, it's a hard question to answer. So I don't know if you can teach it, but. I thank god every single day that I was blessed with that. Yeah, i'm just wanting to be my best So fail miserably I'm trying but we're trying though. Oh, we're in charge. I know you guys are it's impressive. Yeah, man Um, how long did it take you and chad to go from busting the tables to actually opening up the first bar?
Was it the dogwood or was it a was it a different bar? No, man. I'm so proud to say so it took us. Uh, About a year and working for somebody. Yeah, man. Yes it is. And, and, and I say that so humbly, but we got lucky. So there was a bar on sixth street at the time it was Lucy's retired surfers bar. And, um, and I'll back up a little bit.
We were given swag, sweat equity into a bar, um, with two other partners. And, and we just didn't, our visions didn't align. I'll put it that way. And so anyway, the first opportunity we got [00:14:00] Lucy's retired surfers bar was shut down by the comptroller. for not paying their taxes. And so it was a perfect opportunity.
We jumped all over it. A guy brought us the lease. We had a mutual agreement. We did our part. He did his thank God was split ways. We didn't see eye to eye, but anyway, and that was the first foray into the bar business. And it was so much fun. I mean, we had nothing. We built that bar on credit cards. I think we borrowed some money from my grandfather to eat.
True story. Um, we were bartending at a competitive or competing bar to earn tips while we were building ours. They were, they were so cool and shout out to the guys over at the blind pig. It was a long time ago, but they were really cool to allow us to do that, you know, but, uh, but we were so adamant. We had a business plan of our business model of we wanted to buy one bar per year, every year.
And so when we started working, I think I've told you guys this, we didn't take a single salary check at all. We earned tips, of course, and we started building a small [00:15:00] staff and we just saved our money and thank God. It's almost exactly a calendar year later. We bought our second bar, third year, same thing, fourth year, same thing.
And then we, we kind of started growing so much that we wanted to control growth. Um, we've never had investors and so it limits growth obviously. Um, but it also kind of taught us to watch our finances a little bit long, long, long story short, that's kind of how to. How it started on 36 and then, um, dogwood came down the road and, um, that kind of just erupted everything.
It was, it was a lot of fun. Who are some of the first people to believe in that vision outside of just you and Chad? Well, and I will, so my business partner, Jason carrier and my little brother at one time was also our business partner. So as a four of us, I never want to leave them in the shadows. Help Jason's doing much better than all of us.
Now he's continuing on as a restaurateur. Anyway. Um, I looked to other local guys. Um, Jeff Van Delden was doing big things [00:16:00] aquarium at the time. I mean, he's, he's all over the place. I literally can't name every single one of his bars would be here an hour. Uh, Bob Woody of all people, um, was, would offer advice.
Um, and then, uh, Matt Lucky, Michael Gerard, some of the old school guys that had multiple venues that in my opinion, they were doing it right. Um, whatever that may mean. But again, Those people that just name looked at those bars as businesses. I want to make that very clear because our vision was not to get into the bars, chase girls drink and have a party every weekend.
It was no man. We're going to work seven days and this is a business just like you're walking into an office at a time. We wanted to take it seriously. So, but no, I pulled from inspiration from other guys that were, um, solid operators. I'd have to imagine that having chat in the trenches with you was such an amazing, just a incredible blessing because Harry and I talk about this a lot.
I can't [00:17:00] imagine being a solo founder, just the adversity, the sleepless nights, the stress. Also, it feels great to celebrate the wins with someone. And also when you're getting kicked in the teeth, it's great to have the other person there just almost laugh about the situation. So I'd have to imagine you and Chad probably pulled so much strength from each other, right?
Brett, I couldn't have, nor would I have done it without my twin brother. And, and he, he led the charge for all four of us. And again, meeting Jason and Wes too, but, um, You hit the nail on the head. I mean, there were times, and I'm sure you guys have gone through it. I don't want to get into your business, but you know, sometimes it's feast or famine, man.
And, and, you know, times we're wondering if we're going to make rent on the, um, venues and payroll and all of that good stuff. And, um, heck yeah, to have somebody as a support system and the bar business, I would challenge anybody to show me a more difficult industry and people might laugh out there, people might laugh.
But. When you care so much about the product you're [00:18:00] putting out right and there's liability involved you're selling alcohol There's you know, I mean there's safety involved there. There's all these things. Are you staying relevant? The hours never end you're there till 3 a. m. You have to get up at 7 a. m Because you have a liquor order coming in.
I mean there it's non stop. And so absolutely man Um, I want to make this clear again I could not do it alone, nor would I have even attempted to. And so, um, yeah, man, um, the reason that we were even mildly successful is because I had family to lean on and Um, who I consider to be one of the best operators in the industry, which is my twin brother.
Was there an inflection point when things really started to take off? You mentioned buying one bar a year. Was there a point where it was like, Oh, maybe we can buy two, three, four this year? Yes, sir. There is. And, and, um, you know, and, and again, I really want to say this humbly, ma'am, but, um, you know, we had, when we started operating the four bars at a [00:19:00] time, Um, humbly speaking, we had some significant, we have life changing revenue coming in, right?
I mean, life changing for us. I mean, I just established we came from nothing. So, I mean, 100 would have been life changing. Anyway, but when we looked around and said, okay, okay, are we suited to handle this? Um, we're not the best businessmen. We're damn good bar guys. So, we had to learn. We had to learn along the way.
But to answer your question, um, yeah, when we started rolling on a consistent basis, um, we started having like, uh, you know, developers from around the country call us and asked to put spaces. Um, the biggest one, I kid you not the Harris casinos group flew us out to Vegas and of all things wanted to put a chugging monkey in Harris casino in Vegas because they wanted a dumbed down sophomore bar.
I get it. Just people to let their hair down. It didn't work out. They wanted too much control from the [00:20:00] past venues that we had and our entire future. So we just didn't do it. But things like that, absolutely. We started realizing, okay, man, um, things are actually coming to fruition. We need to be really, really wise here and, um, kind of force ourselves.
Stop, just stop. Don't get ahead of yourselves. And, um, it felt damn good. And then the time when we opened the dogwood for whatever reason. It exploded, man. And, and then we were like, okay, buckle up. We're going to enjoy this ride. And that's when we started branching out, you know, Houston and then Nashville came along and, um, just again, life changing.
It's amazing. Thank you very much. Um, I wear that very proudly. It's incredible to hear that story from the oil fields to bussing tables, living off credit cards and tips to, you know, I can't even imagine what that feeling must have been like when revenue was just exploding and you guys are sitting there being like, this is working [00:21:00] beyond our wildest measures.
But you see a lot of people start to make money for the first time and it really does change them. Sure. What did you, is there anything that was helpful to you to just kind of stay humbled and rooted? Not let that success get to your head because so many people struggle with that, man. You've done such a good job staying balanced and thank you for that.
But, uh, but I'll tell you when I started smiling, man, I almost got a little sideways. Yeah, I did. And, and, and not anything, you know, um, I think the word is nefarious, right? But, you know, I had my eyes on certain cars and stuff like, look, dude, don't just don't do it. But, uh, but yeah, there's a story I'll tell very, very, very quickly.
Just, you mentioned the oil fields, but this is a true story. Chad and I were working in the oil fields. We're dead broke, literally dead broke. And there was a day that on our lunch break, the only thing we could afford is a 99 cent cheeseburger from McDonald's. That's a true, we had to split it. And so we not think about that story so often.
And you know, there were times that we [00:22:00] were sitting, that's what we would celebrate. It's not, hey, yay, we're making all this money. Um, I've said this a million times, To me, the money was, or money period is just a byproduct of doing something that you really love. And so thank God we could pay our bills. It was never of, Hey man, we hit X amount of dollars in the bank account.
Swear to God above. I mean that, but I always revert back to that story. Think of that. I think with tax was a dollar three, right? And we had to split that. And there were times that we'd celebrate the wins that you mentioned at a good state dinner, which I know you guys love. And look around and just say, we did it.
And that's the best feeling in the world for me. Um, I could care less about my bank account. In fact, it's pretty low right now. And so, but anyway, no, it's a stupid joke, but, um, yeah, just celebrating those wins, I hope in a humble way. Um, how can you forget having to split a cheeseburger? Right. So anyway, that's a God's, I mean, that's a true story.[00:23:00]
When you put yourself back in the headspace of when you guys were bussing tables, starting the restaurants. Was there stuff that you were doing on a personal level, the workouts, the, you know, just things to take care of yourself so you could actually perform at the job? Cause it's so easy for entrepreneurs to just pour themselves into the business.
And then it's like, you know, you look up and you're just, you're not the person that you were. Harry, I'm so glad you asked that, man. Another famous story that I tell all the time. Um, I have some real good college friends of mine. And one in particular, I know his dad really well. And his dad is like all of you guys.
I mean, he just gets the job done. After it no matter what he's enrolled in into business, but I mean this guy's a physical specimen So I always tried to emulate what he did. Anyway, um, we were knee deep in our first bar chugging monkey, right? Um, and no I was not working out. Um, we could I mean i'm telling you 17 18 hour days We were painting the venue we were in there Anyway, I hadn't seen him for about a year and a half and he [00:24:00] came in to have dinner When he, when I opened my door, he gave it, they'd be up.
When I opened my door, his first words were you're emaciated. I remember that. And I think about that because no, I didn't have time. I didn't allow myself time to do that. We poured ourself into that. And that's another reason I take fitness so seriously right now, because I can only imagine if I was what I consider to be my best self, how I would handle the inevitable issues that come up when you're starting a business.
And failing miserably, you know, but at the time, yeah, his, I'm telling you, you're amazing. So no, I did not find the balance. And that's why I try so hard to look to all these guys out there that find balance. Uh, best example, Nick bear and, and trust that dude, what he has done, and he's seemingly good guys, seemingly good father, seemingly good husband, but in business and still trains like he [00:25:00] does and all of that, he gets it done.
And so I don't know how they do it. I don't know how they do it. And I'm trying, trying to learn. Um, and, and towards the end, yeah, I've forced myself. It was almost like a meeting. Okay. From 11 to one, I'm my meeting gym. Yeah. And, uh, but there were times, no, man, I mean, I, uh, I just couldn't keep up. Do you think that you guys would have had the type of success that you would have?
Like, you know, there's a trade off there too, where you're pouring into the business and it's actually working. We know us. No. I mean, I just mentioned people like Dick, it can be done. And that's, it, it shocks me. It, it, I look for that. Uh, and we'll look at, um, again, I keep turning it back to you guys, but you were in the gym this morning at 6 AM.
You were doing your steps daily. You guys get it done too. Right. But for us, no, I do not. I, um, I think our formula for whatever reason, just, I mean, put your blinders on and work period. Um, personal [00:26:00] relationships suffered. Family relationships suffered. No free time at all. Obviously, I just acknowledged my mental and physical health suffered, but it worked for us.
And but that's all we knew. You know, like I said, oil fields, you go to work and so no balance. If you ask the foreman in the oil fields for balance. And you'll get a boot up your butt. So that too, I'm telling. So anyway, you're lucky to eat brunch out there. But um, yeah, so anyway, it um, It served us well, but I wouldn't recommend it at all.
You know? Yeah, and it makes sense, because if you're, you know, Nick's a good example of. you know, he has a supplement company. So he becomes that proof of work. He's going to sell more supplements by being in great shape. It's very counterintuitive with the bar business. It sounds like where you guys came from, you just had to eat shit to get to where you were.
And then eventually you were able to make up for lost time. Yes, sir. Absolutely. And, but you know, that's life, right? That's life. And you know, those hard times, they build character. I wouldn't trade anything. Not a single day in my life. [00:27:00] Would I change? I genuinely mean that. And I've had some dark days, but.
I wouldn't trade a single day of my life for anything in this world. Um, because I pull from different experiences, both good and bad. It's gotta be an amazing feeling. It is. It is. It, um, it gives me confidence that I did it right. And you may disagree with that. You may disagree with that. To me, I'm very confident I did it right because I would I would do it all over again, the same exact way day to day, same exact way.
So you guys are building out the restaurant business businesses, and then you go on the bachelor during that. Here we go. You knew it was going to sneak. You know, we were going to see. Here we go, man. I thought we were friends. No, I'm kidding. No, the segment will only last 60 seconds. My man. Okay, please. I hope you have a good editor.
Um, I'll make a long story short, man. That came out of nowhere, [00:28:00] um, literally out of nowhere. And I was telling this story the other day, but, um, true story. We were all day drinking on a Sunday and I was pretty lit up. I'm just going to acknowledge that. And we walked into a local restaurant and we saw something going on.
They were casting for the girls. It was before they recycled people from like bachelorette and stuff. We were eating. A woman comes up, taps me on the shoulder and said, Hey, this is going to sound crazy. We're casting for the bachelor. We're casting the girls. We haven't found the guy yet. Are you familiar with the show?
Of course I was and she said would you be interested my exact words were hell? No, I was laughing I mean, it was a really really pleasant exchange. But anyway, she said well, give me your information We can be really convincing the next to the following tuesday. That was a sunday tuesday I was on a plane to la and and interviewing with you know, president of abc anyway, so so that came around um The first time was 2007 And so, um, I guess there was a [00:29:00] story there cause we have four venues at the time that were highly profitable, um, humbly speaking.
And so, um, yeah, it's some dude from Austin, some random dude for Austin. They just threw up there. So, um, I made jokes about it, but I wouldn't trade that either. Um, you know, it's part of my identity. Um, I met some amazing people and, um, some of the experiences, of course, the travel and everything. And, um, And one of the main reasons I did that was I'm a shy guy by fault And or yeah I mean to a fault and I just wanted to break out of that zone a little bit and it helped me do that and Also helped me develop some really thick skin talk about getting uncomfortable.
Oh my god. Yeah. Okay Yeah, put my money where my mouth is. Okay, be comfortable or get comfortable being uncomfortable Jesus, Jesus, guys. That was, that was uncomfortable. But um, but also a lot of fun came with it. And, um, it's undeniable the effect that it had on people. Business and then other [00:30:00] personal relationships, you know, some things came about and it was a lot of fun and I felt honored to be the chosen one so to speak Twice twice.
I know second time. I don't know what i'm thinking man. Maybe I don't learn So but uh good times man. Yeah, we can talk about anything you want to talk about I just like I said, I start sweating a little bit. Yeah well, what's cool about that is um When we first got connected you really I don't think you were on social media at all You And so I, at this point you've been cranking on Instagram.
The content's amazing, by the way. So it's cool to see you public was part of, were you off social media? Was it just kind of after the bachelor, you just wanted to decompress and be more private and focus on other things? Yes and no. Um, I'm telling you when I mentioned I'm shy to a fault, that's a true story, you know, and so a lot of times, man, I don't want people in my business and I'll, I'll address the social media thing.
Cause that has been fun. I'm going to admit it. But, um. I really, I find comfort, frankly, in flying under the radar, [00:31:00] you know, and, um, I don't need to grandstand. I don't want to, I don't want people knowing my business, really. I'm really doing a U turn now, fellas. But I was so fortunate, you know, um, Jay and Steph with Phase Six, we had a discussion and, you know, the whole social media thing, it's In no way am I trying or am I capable of being any kind of influencer or anything?
One, it's a good way to, um, stay in touch with people. Um, I do want to put some content out there. I'm gonna sum up the best experience from that. I've only been on it maybe two and a half weeks or something like that. And with, uh, their guidance, um, I'm pointing to you guys phase six, they're in the room.
Everybody . Um, with their guidance, it's been phenomenal. But I'll make a long story short. Guys, um, I posted a picture that is 10, 10 cringe worthy. I'll admit that all day long, which picture it's a shirtless picture of me standing in front of [00:32:00] my sauna. And, and you, you don't understand how far that is out of my comfort zone.
Right. Yeah. And, and I mean like my family's calling me like, okay, I think they think I'm going through a midlife crisis. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But anyway, I posted it two days later. I get a text from an old friend of mine. I'll try to sum this up. And it was the screenshot of that, and he said, Hey, ma'am, I want to tell you, this is my screensaver on my phone for motivation.
Mm. I'm 30 days away from my 50th birthday. I found myself becoming complacent. I'm, I'm going for it. I'm going for it. That guy also happened to be the first personal trainer I ever hired to show me how it's done. Wow. To me, that's a win. I'm done. The social media thing. I want, you know what I mean? It just proved itself out one person.
And I'm telling you, if I can inspire anybody because I'm not a coach, I'm not a trainer. I'm not an expert. I'm far from it. If I can be a vessel to show that all of the [00:33:00] experts out there that if you follow what they say and just be consistent, um, maybe people my age and even younger like, Hey man, this dude's doing it.
I want to do it too. That's a win for me. And that felt like a, I felt like a million bucks. And so, yeah, so I'll step out of my comfort zone. I'll post it. What are the cool kids call it? Thirst traps, whatever it is. But man, I'm sweating thinking about that too. But anyway, um, it was a huge win. And, and again, humbly speaking, I've had at this point in the short two, three weeks, Countless messages like that from strangers and friends alike and let's go because I get inspired by all the things that you guys are doing To you think I I mean if you're telling me I can return that let's go And I don't want to do it for that's that's gold right there.
And I would imagine Your humbleness despite your success has probably been a superpower in a lot of ways to just being so grounded. But the downside of that is the imposter syndrome. And that's something that I think both Harry and I [00:34:00] felt too, because you're, it's so natural to be like, what do, what do I know?
How do I don't know more than these specialists. I don't know more than these experts, but I think if the shift that you've learned is just instead of feeling like you need to create this like overly curated piece of content, let me just offer value and just kind of document my life. And you're, you're getting countless DMS from people because they want to know.
Oh, Hey, who do you use for your meal prep? What are you doing for your workouts? How do you sauna cold plunge? Just by you basically documenting your life too. So probably feels so good to get over that imposter syndrome because imagine how many people you'll hopefully impact over the next couple of years.
Man, I hope so. And I, and I really appreciate that sentiment, you know, only because I can genuinely say that's the only reason I'm doing this right. And um, it feels really, really good. And so I've been very open and trust me, I'm not going to take the podcast in a dark direction, but I've been very open about it.
struggling with certain mental health issues and stuff like that. I go through dark periods. Me personally, I've found movement can eradicate a lot of those [00:35:00] dark days, right? And so I want so badly for people to say, I promise you, man, if you get off the couch and if you can, in whatever way, when you look in the mirror and like what you see, I promise you, man, that's gonna win your day and I want to win my day, you know, and so all of that's a non negotiable.
So thank you for acknowledging that. So when people tell me, man, I was going to go to happy hour, I was going to go and have brunch with a girl. I'm trying to talk to, you know, but I'm going to get this done first because of you. Man, come on, man. Yeah, that's that's the best feeling in the world, because I damn sure need it from other people.
It's cool. I think like when I was really a consumer of social media, instead of someone who's starting to put stuff out there. Yeah, you don't really look at social media as something that can be positive. And then you start seeing the one person who reaches out to you and says, Hey, you're actually you've changed my life in a big way.
Yes. And you've only been doing it for You know, a few [00:36:00] weeks here. So it's just cool to, to think about the impact that you can have. And I'm curious to, like, are you thinking just like fitness stuff or is it going to be the business stuff too? Because you could talk about so much, so much cool stuff. Well, I appreciate that.
And, and, you know, I hope it's multifaceted, but I got to tell you, going back to imposter syndrome, I still struggle with that, you know, and, and, um, I think I mentioned this earlier, but I'll be the first to say I'm not a good businessman at all. Not at all. But what I think I am, and again, humbly speaking, um, I think I can outwork most of the people that I know, at least, and, or at least be side by side with them.
So meaning I don't know what advice I can give, except roll your sleeves up and get it done, you know, and it's such a, it almost sound like a simpleton, right? But, um, but yes, absolutely. If people, if there's a desire for that or demand for that, sure. Um, I'll tell you, we posted something about, um, The service industry of the short reel and the [00:37:00] messages I got from that just talking about serving people feel so good.
Past employees were reaching out and saying, Hey, I want you to know you guys set a good example. I'm doing this in my life now because of that. What better feeling there's no better feeling if we're in any way helping people become productive members of society and community. Let's go, man. So yes, to answer your question, I tend to ramble, but, um, Absolutely.
I'll post anything. Yeah. I'm, I'm, I'm telling you the thirst, the thirst traps far between. That, that one. Yeah. Anyway, I'm going to post another, you're going to post another one today. One right here on the podcast. No, it's um, but yeah, man, I appreciate that because, um, hopefully, um, people will look for some kind of advice, but all it's going to be is roll your sleeves up, man.
And Um, get ready to sacrifice and just do it just feel that hard work motivation. Yes, sir Just go to work. Just get it done. Yes, sir What I think is that I think there are going to be a lot of [00:38:00] guys in their forties and fifties that are going to draw inspiration from your content. Cause it really is this, um, it's an unfortunate misconception of like, Hey, I hit 45 and it's all just downhill from here where I feel like even since we've known you, you're continuing to level up physically, mentally, et cetera.
What have been some of the biggest levers for you to pull either in terms of the way you train, the way you eat, you know, contrast therapy, whatever it is, What are those like pillars that you make sure you try and get in every day or every week to make you feel as sharp as you feel now? So I absolutely some non negotiables at this point in my life.
I have to train and train really, really hard. And so I want to give credit to my coach if I can, um, one lay all over it on it. And, and, and, you know, I think having a coach, but much less one that is personally invested in your wellbeing, you. can help you. I joined, I teamed up with one maybe five years ago and I had to take a hiatus when I moved to Nashville.
Right. But that kind of was a pivotal turning [00:39:00] point in my mind or my life only because you know, I just established I'm not an expert, right? But to have somebody that is so okay, so you tell me what you want to do. You want to work hard, you want to leave everything on the table with our our session, right?
You're gonna get it. And that guy is not, um, um, wavered from that. Right. And so anyway, so training with one changed my life. And so I love that dude. I truly think he's the best coach in the country. That's a non negotiable is to train hard because I learned from his example. Another one contrast therapy these days.
And I'll tell you some days, I don't feel like doing it. If I'm being honest, some days I feel the physical effects, but also it's almost like it's, Literally, which is impossible clears the cobwebs in my mind. Right. And so I love that. So that's a non negotiable these days, but also just, um, I don't know, man, practicing what I preach, you know, I damn sure I will never be a guy that just talks.
I want to walk the walk, you know? And so I have to check myself. [00:40:00] You're not going to be a fraud today and check those certain boxes and let's get it done. And so, but training, it fits first and foremost, I have to do it. Yeah, I absolutely have to. It's not a meathead thing. I have to for It's funny, there's so many misconceptions around hiring a personal trainer.
But I think about, you know, we played baseball in college, that's how Harry and I became friends. Why are coaches so important in sports, and then you just get kind of shot out into the real world, and you don't have a coach? For fitness, just to be able to outsource that decision, where you're like, I'm gonna get my ass kicked, but I don't have to think about it, I just have to show up, and I know that this specialist is gonna teach me everything I need to teach.
impactful. It was huge to me. And I don't know about you guys. I can't push myself. I tried to push myself really hard alone. But, um, but I'm going to say this again. My particular coach one is so personally, we're the best of friends. And I just really admire who he is. But anyway, he's personally invested in getting me better.[00:41:00]
And I can tell that on a daily basis. And so, to your point, um, It's good that it's almost like when you asked having Chad in the bar business right to leave. It's the same thing with a good coach in my humble opinion. And there are days I don't want to give my ass whips use the language on a daily basis, but he's not going to let me fail.
And so those are the times that um, uh, and I want to put out there I feel privileged to be able to afford a coach as consistent as I do. I feel very lucky being Um, but that man, um, he just will not let me fail. What more could you ask for? You know what I mean? What more could you ask for? And so is there any workout in particular that you just dread when he, when you see him write up the workout and you're just like, Oh, one, why, why are you putting this on for today?
He, uh, I'll try to make this one quick. I was training for something. Um, there's a crucible event and I've talked often about, I won't bore you guys, but. It's led by Navy SEAL [00:42:00] guys, and they put you through, essentially, their whole week. Long story, I'll leave it at that. Kokoro? Kokoro. Mark Devine, right? Yes, sir.
Yes, sir. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hardest thing I've ever done most fulfilling. Oh, by far Harry. I mean the oil field. Harder than the oil. It makes the oil fields look like a vacation in southern california with the prettiest girl by your side Feed you grapes and champagne, buddy. I'm dead serious. I'm dead serious.
It's uh, it's buds for civilians That's literally what it is You're spot on how they started this they started it for young men that had contracts going to the seals They wouldn't let civilians do it They had such a high success rate of people going through buds from their program. They said, okay, we'll let civilians do it.
They don't take it, take it easy. They don't back off. And so it's 53 hours. You don't sleep a wink. You go out to Southern California, you do the whole surf torture, uh, sands, logs, everything that those guys do. You do true story. They have. 25 or 30 percent completion rate. Anyway. [00:43:00] And I mean, yes, it's, it's by far the hardest thing.
And in fact, I would highly encourage you guys to do it. Um, when we secured that event, I vividly remember, I swear to God, I felt taller walking through the San Diego airport coming home, knowing that I did rhabdo for four days and then came back and did it. Anyway. I didn't mean to ramble, but it's, it's so, so, so good.
That's wild. It's so good. But back to one, um, the one workout, this is how good he is. He, he heard I wanted to train from that. We talked about it and he said, well, send me footage of what they do. And you can, uh, you can't find it because it's so secretive, right? Well, you can find seal training. So Juan took it upon himself to find actual seal training and this guy and, and, and, you know, without being a meathead, I won't, But we had, I mean, combination supersets of like 20 reps with 225 on the squat bar, immediately followed by a sled push, 20 yards there and [00:44:00] back.
And then log presses, weighted log presses. And I remember at the end of those workouts, um, physically thinking I was going to die. And you think I'm joking. There were three times I literally thought I was going to die in on it and, and, but shook his hand. Thank you. I think I love you. I hate you. I'll never do that to me again.
We'd go for them. I'll see you Friday. It's like that type of workout where your heart rate gets to a point where it almost feels like you have like battery acid in your throat. You know what I'm talking about? It's um, I don't want to gross out your, I do know what you're talking about. I won't gross out the listers.
I can't count the number of times I've ran out back of on it. And lost my breakfast and come right back and he won't, I mean, cool. You're good. Go, let's go. Let's go. Oh yeah. Yeah. So it's tough. Does that environment in on it help kind of spur that competitiveness of pushing yourself to the point where you're throwing hump?
Like, man, I, um, I would, I would, I would go as far as to say there's not a fitter or more fit [00:45:00] community than on. And, and the programming is world class. The community is world class. It's competitive, but not to the point that it's exclusive. Okay. It's, it's about very welcoming environment. So yes. Um, and there have, I love a lot of gyms out there, all that good stuff.
That is my heart and soul because those guys daily, you can look at 115 pound woman. You can look at a 230 pound, uh, UFC fighter. Literally you can look at a pro athlete all in the same room and they're all doing their best. And so you walk through that door. And your BPMs go up and it's fine to go. I love it.
That's on the environment that you put yourself in is so important. And I even feel that with collective, you know, it might not be the same caliber physically as on it, but there's so many people there that are doing incredibly inspiring things, starting businesses high up in the corporate ladder, and you can't not feed off of that energy when you're there.
Man, I can't, I'm glad you brought [00:46:00] collective up because I'm obviously a huge fan of collective. I'm a member there too. I love it. See you all the time just getting after it. But, uh, and yeah, you're right. It's two different, um, atmospheres, but both are, you're going to do your very best in this atmosphere.
Does that make sense? I hope that makes sense. And so, and both are equally as important. So, um, are equally as good, whatever you want to call it. And you're right, man, you get around, The members of collective and you look around like I need to step myself up in my personal life my business life Um, so yeah another good environment.
I'm glad you brought it up. Yeah, it's almost like it. Um, it creates serendipity It's like like I was saying, you know, you're You were the second investor that we had. There's multiple other people that we've talked to. That's not why I'm doing it. But when you get there at 6am, you're surrounded by all these other successful people that want to be there at six.
And then they see you working hard and they're like, Oh, you have a supplement company. Oh, you're raising money. Their likelihood of [00:47:00] wanting to be a part of what you're doing is so much higher just because they see that you actually have that proof of work. And I feel like that's such good advice for someone in their twenties is.
Don't worry about the price of a gym. Just like, just put yourself in the best. So much of the battle is just putting yourself in the right room with the right people and great things will happen. Could not agree more with that man. And, and have the wherewithal to to actually appreciate that environment, you know, and, and meaning and, and, and not to be an opportunist.
It's not that at all. But there is nothing wrong with, um, capitalizing, so to speak on whatever relationships may come from that. And so again, I couldn't agree more. And. Um, there's nothing worse than a bad environment in a, uh, in any place, much less a training facility. Right. But anyway, yeah, collective has found a great way of being all encompassing, whether it's business or fitness or just being part of the social club.
Yeah, I need to get to on it. I haven't, I hadn't really been, but you, you talking about it, it reminded like the one time I went, it reminded me of the gym that I [00:48:00] went to in high school where everyone was training for baseball stuff and it was just so dialed in and everyone had programming and everyone was kind of just learning from each other.
There was such a, incredible environment. Sure. Right. You know, you don't necessarily see that collective a little more group oriented or at Squatch, which is a little bit more like outside functional, but just being around people who are programming and like truly walking through those progressions with coaches is, is so unique.
I love it. You mentioned Squatch. That's another facility. I'd love to check out. That's where we'll do the steps. Let's go. I mean, I'm telling you, I'm telling you, count me in. But at the end of the day, what we're, I think we're all saying the same thing. It's just, um, Me personally, I love to surround myself with people that are go getters.
And because I think a lot of times we need to pull inspiration from that. And, um, every single place we mentioned provides that in its own way. Do you think a lot of people see the way that you look and just misassume that you're on performance enhancing drugs or something like that? I'm really glad you brought that up and I'm as transparent as I can be.
Okay. I'm [00:49:00] really, really glad you brought that up and I want to make this clear. Yes, I do. And I've been asked more times than I can count. A few times after the thirst trap bit. One time, one time. But you know what's so funny is, and I swear to God above now, I'm very familiar with steroids. I know about them, but I never knew the term gear.
Okay. But anyway, and, and people started asking me, are you on gear? And I, and I had to look it up through that, uh, open dictionary. I swear to God, but look, I want to make this very clear. So I'm definitely not on steroids. I am on TRT. So testosterone replacement therapy. I started that about four and a half years ago, and I'll tell you why and it's all regulated by a doctor I take one milliliter a week.
Um again, I'm very transparent about that So TRT and creatine are the two supplements that tape in a high protein diet, right? For a guy my age My doctor suggested getting my blood Or my testosterone levels [00:50:00] checked And I literally outlap this. I have nothing to worry about, man. It's just do me a favor. I was in the three hundreds and I don't know if you guys know anything about that, but that's what I'm told pretty low, you know, and at the time I thought I was performing high and all that good stuff.
And so anyway, um, we did that. We immediately got on, um, TRT, like I said, about four and a half years ago, my levels now hover around 900, sometimes a thousand. Wow. The thing that I love about that is recovery. There's no denying. Sure. I'm a little bit stronger and stuff like that, but I love to train seven days a week and it has provided me the ability to do that.
What people call it a crutch. Maybe I call it just a supplement. And so maybe I'm burying my head in the sand. I think there's nothing wrong with it. I'm a huge proponent with it. So I love that question because I also love to say Thank you for accusing me of being on steroids. I'll take that as a compliment [00:51:00] all day long.
But guys, I eat, I do not. My diet is as clean as can be established. I train seven days a week. TRT. I mean, I put a lot of effort into training and so I don't think I need that crutch, but TRT definitely helps. And so I'm really, really glad that we're putting that out there because I almost want to make a post like, Hey man.
I don't want to show it. You should post that. Yeah, I will. That's yours. I'll do that. I think the transparent about that stuff is important because like, I mean, it doesn't do anything to discredit the amount of work that you're putting in. And it's obviously more impressive because I think most people are probably like, Oh, he's probably doing what like liver King is doing.
I don't know. I don't want to look like liver King. I really don't. I mean, the dude's a beast. Almost literally. Yeah, but no offense man. I don't want him to come to Austin beat me up or anything Yeah, I swear to god. I'll do it post you should Again, i'm an actual proponent Yeah, and i'm all for it man If [00:52:00] you're in your 40s in your 40s, maybe 45 and older and you're struggling you're feeling sluggish which I wasn't you know, and and still but If it can help.
Yeah, let's go. Do you think you kind of found that at the right time? Like, is it something you would have explored earlier? Or it was just like, you know, four years ago, it's kind of the right time for you. I think it was the right time. And I'll tell you, I think if it had been suggested, even a year before, you know, I'm really, really particular about what I put into my body, you know, and we all know, man, if you're on TRT, you're basically on it for life.
And so I don't think I would have done that. Um, and, and ma'am, again, I can tell you with all sincerity, I didn't hear my doctor say, Hey, you might want to get on this and think, okay, let's go bros. And I'm just going to be shredded and ripped. There's nothing like that. It was like my doctor explained the health benefits, right.
Of a guy my age. And so I'm all for it. If a doctor is telling me that I'm going to do it, but yeah, to answer your question, maybe not [00:53:00] before. I don't think so. I was kind of. I don't know, man. Um, I don't know. So, um, but yeah, it's helped me tremendously. Yeah. No, we appreciate you talking about that, honestly.
And I think that's what the space needs is just more honesty and more transparency. You know, I've had bad gut issues for six years and last year I had a doctor recommend that I get on the peptide, uh, BPC 157, the Wolverine peptide. It helped my stomach so much, but there, yeah, but there's purists that would be like, Oh, you know, you took something exogenously.
Yeah. And for me, it's like combining ancient wisdom with some of these modern inventions and it works magic. And all you're doing with TRT is you're just offsetting your levels of what you need as a guy in their fifties. And your hormones are probably shot the shit of 23 years of fight or flight and entrepreneurship in the bar business.
And people don't realize that. Testosterone is so much more than just a metric on a piece of blood work. It's your internal compass as a man. So you pro I can't even imagine how good you feel, man. I, I, again, and I wish I would have thought of that, man, [00:54:00] you guys are sharp, but as far as the hormones, my hormone, I was all over the place.
And that's another thing that are regulated. I already said earlier, kind of struggle a little bit with mental health and stuff like that. And it can wreak havoc on that. And so. I found it also stabilized, not much. I mean, I have some ex girlfriends that would say, you're not stabilized, buddy. Trust me. But anyway, anyway, I had to, anyway, I really couldn't resist having them.
There's about three girls out there nodding emphatically. Yeah. Anyway, um, not at the same time, but, uh, so, but no, it regulated those, uh, those moods and recovery, help with sleep. Um, so man, um, I agree wholeheartedly. It brought my levels up to where they should be. Um, and I see nothing wrong with that. I'm going to continue to do it.
So you said you don't regret a day in your life, but if you had to or if you could speak into 20 year old brad 25 year old brad's ear like the young guys who [00:55:00] listen to this show What sort of stuff would you tell them? There's so much information out there online, but Just clear, clean advice from Brad Womack.
What sort of advice would you give them? That's a great question. Simple. Pay attention. And I'll tell you what I mean by that. Um, you know, I already said that at certain times we put blinders on and I wake up and I wonder if we allowed ourselves to enjoy even the worst of times or the best of times, man.
And, and I say this in a weird way, but I mean this, I kind of hope with Noble and again, I would never get into your business. It's none of my business. But that you guys have some times that you're panicking about lack of revenue you're panicking about supply You're panicking about you know, lack of growth or whatever.
Whatever it is, and I don't wish you would go with obviously But what I'm saying is I promise you those are the best times. I promise you man some pay attention, we're always all of us are so Concerned with the future. I've got to get here. I've [00:56:00] got to get here. I've got to get here Where you're not just looking around and really enjoying the present, man.
And, and, um, that's a problem of mine. And I look around and, and, um, or I think back, I mean, and the times that the splitting the cheeseburger, that's a monumental day, right? And as low as we felt, it built character. that I can't quantify. You know what I mean? Totally pay attention and, and really pay attention, pay attention to your family, pay attention to your loved ones.
Just, you know, pay attention and to yourself. Um, so it's a simple thing, but just, yeah, man, just slow down. And, and I know you're going, I'm here. I know you're going, but just, just accept the good is also the bad. And it really is, man. You might not believe it, but it is. So when you're, you're saying that when you're in the shit and you're busing tables and you're painting ceilings and you're working 3am nights, just reminding yourself like this, this is going [00:57:00] to prep me for the future.
I need to go through this. Yes. But not only that, you're just doing what you have to do. You're doing it. You're doing it. I mean, acknowledge the fact that, um, busing tables, that's part of my job. I'm, I'm living my dream. And people would scoff. What do you mean bussing your tables? Well, I was bussing tables at a restaurant or bar that we owned, you know, and, and so, um, I mean, none of that's fun, but, uh, just kind of just, just pay attention to what's going on around you.
Maybe not so much in the future, but like, Hey, this is, this is part of us building something. Let's see. Let's just acknowledge that it all has to be done and pay attention to that. You know, just don't let a call by the wayside. Um, again, little things. That scene will are huge. I promise you you're gonna think about or back on the little seemingly little thing I really love what you said around the good and bad because I it's we're so quick to label things good and bad It's like a rainy day.
Yes, you know rainy days can be peaceful and [00:58:00] maybe it's like just a chance to slow down I think that there's so many lessons in that hardship. Like you're not building your character necessarily during the good times But the bad times all day You Man, I hate to reference again my social media page.
It's nothing. I mean, my three followers might have seen it. Don't plug your handle. No, no, I don't. Actually, I don't. But thank you. Anyway, I posted something the other day. And I mean, this every time it was something I'm paraphrasing, but I would take the difficult road every single day over the easy one.
And I mean that man. And so, um, I don't know, man, guys like you, when you're constantly building something, It's going to really suck at times. It just is. And, and you're going to wonder what the hell you're doing it for all of that. I give you my word, man. I mean, I'm talking about a cheeseburger that I couldn't afford.
I'm not talking about the first time we broke X amount of dollars in revenue. I'm not talking about, you know, um, when we got awards for, and this is a true story, highest gross sales in the state of Texas [00:59:00] for Dogwood Houston. We did beat Minimate Park, believe it or not, swear to God, our first month open.
Wow. I'm not talking about that. I am actually, but you know what I mean? Those, that doesn't stick with me. Um, it's those times that, um, and we still trudge through and I really take pride in that. So anyway, just pay attention to what's going on. I don't think there's a better way to close out the podcast, brother.
I'm so glad we got to do this. I mean, we've talked about it for a little over a year, I think. So to actually be able to sit down and make this happen, I feel like. Harry and myself learned a lot about you that we didn't know. I think we thought we knew a lot of your story, but here in those those seemingly little details that are actually massive details that are part of your story.
And again, man, we just, uh, we really admire you and we just appreciate your friendship and your belief in us. And I just can't wait to see all the people that you go on to impact, brother. It means so much. Thank you. Um, and I'll just say thank you for having me. Um, the admiration is trust me, reciprocated.
So thank you guys. Thanks, Brad.