0 (2s):
What's shaking fire nation. J L. D here with an audio master class on what drives Successful people to drop these Value Bombs. I have brought in Dr. Michael Rhea and Brad Bromlow on the mic Michael founded RX Savings. Solutions a prescription drug Savings software tool that is used by health plans in fortune 500 employers to help their members better understand the pharmacy benefits and make more informed decisions. Brad is a former nuclear submarine officer. He worked in cost estimator, the engineering for B a S F Chemicals in 2018. He left the corporate world to start his own Cookie company Fat and Weird Cookie Co and fire nation.

0 (42s):
Today, we will share what Brad and Michael would give as a piece of advice to themselves in their twenties. They'll talk about it is difficult to say, hungry and focus. And once you've gotten that little first piece of success, and of course, we're going to focus on the essential traits that successful people have and so much more fire nation. When we get back from thanking our sponsors A degree from Creighton Heider college of business will empower you to think boldly lead confidently and shape your future. For more program info, or to schedule an appointment with an enrollment specialist, or to start an application today, go to grad school.creighton.edu Michael Brad say what's up to fire nation and share something interesting about yourself that most people don't know.

1 (1m 28s):
Now, most people do not know that my wife and I got married six months before we actually got married in front of all of our family. So we had a cer a ceremony or just me and her with a pastor and got married. And then, and then six months later had our actual wedding.

0 (1m 45s):
I hope some of your friends are listening to this right now. I'm being like no way. I had no idea. And by the way, fire nation, that was Brad. So Michael, what's something interesting about yourself.

1 (1m 55s):
Hey, fire nation. This is Mike. Let's say something interesting about myself is a guy that I love Las Vegas. And most people think all that we'll, that must mean that you loved to gamble or shop or eat. And it's actually a, it just, I just love the energy. That's that's roaming around the strip. Everyone's getting off a plane excited for some reason or another. And that, that energy is palpable. I, I love the feel of it or are there,

0 (2m 20s):
Or getting into a taxi to go back to the airplane. And I was so devastated and one of the town is always one of the,

1 (2m 26s):
Yeah, those are those as well. That's a 48 hours later.

0 (2m 30s):
Well, fire nation, as I shared any introduction are going to be talking all about what the heck Drives a successful people. And I have two successful people on the mic today. And I want to start with you Mike and talked to us a little bit about the importance of role models in your life. Like how have they shaped you as an entrepreneurial or a break that down?

1 (2m 48s):
Yeah, of course. Yeah. A good question. I would probably kind of classify my role models into two buckets. I think that my parents served as really The, you know, kind of foundational a foundational role models of my life. You know, setting values at a young age, you know, the small things and treat other people like you wanna be treated, do what you say you're going to do. And, and really, you know, kinda of questioning asking, are you willing to work harder than everyone else to achieve whatever it is you're trying to achieve? And I think they know they really help me do that. They have helped me appreciate the correlation between hard work and financial reward and a to balance that all with, you know, really a question of ethics, are, are you comfortable with whatever you're doing, being, you know, information that could be shared widely and, and it's a delicate balance, but I think it's one that they helped me understand.

1 (3m 40s):
And in my kind of younger years, I would say that the second set of, of, of mentors that I've had are really probably a business mentors. There's two individuals that I, I would kind of a label on that category. And I think the, the help that they've provided has really, you know, guidance from a, an entrepreneur's perspective that it's invaluable. You know, they've lived a lot at the same situations. They've dealt with the tough problems. A lot of times they can provide perspective that makes whatever it is you're dealing with. Not seems so daunting. And probably the last thing on the, on the business mentor site is just the accountability to someone from a business perspective.

1 (4m 22s):
A lot of times when you're running your own business accountability, you know, it is not as easy to come by because there's no one to answer to. So having those folks two, you know, say something out loud too, and have them check in and question and see how you're doing is, has been something that's been really helpful.

0 (4m 39s):
Brad, let's pass it over to you. Talk about any role models you've had. I mean, you know, you were a former nuclear submarine officer, so myself being in the military, I know role models are big there, but talk about that, how they shaped you as a Entrepreneurs specifically.

2 (4m 55s):
Yeah. Going off of what he said to my parents also were a big role models. My parents are entrepreneurs. They started their business 33 years ago, which coincides with when I was born. So I kind of got to see firsthand entrepreneurial life. I think a lot of people kind of see the success of an entrepreneur, but they don't see the initial starting phase, like the struggle of the grind in that part. And I did get to see that with my parents, like I got to see the struggles financially and then obviously the rewards later on in life and with their business. So I think that is a unique circumstance. I don't think a lot of people get to grow up with our parents as entrepreneurs. So that is, I mean, they've been very important role models and, and they've still help me to this day with our, with our business.

2 (5m 39s):
But a lot of the things that we do, we wouldn't be able to do without them. And then a actually in the fitness world have a lot of role models that we've kind of, ah, we became friends with as our social media platforms have grown and I've been able to pick their brains is a really awesome feeling to be able to reach out to some of these successful people that have kind of already foraged paths forward. And you get to kind of ask them questions, but I think that role models are important regardless of, of whether, you know, there are your parents or, or, or some person. And I think social media brings the ability for people to meet role models, see someone that's doing something similar or, or even just a completely different path, but just can, I can reach out to these people and ask for information and you'd be surprised at how helpful or people are willing to be, you know, on your, your journey when they see that you're willing to put in the work with them.

0 (6m 38s):
I'm on your Instagram account right now. Fat and Weird, Cookie Co. And I can tell you fire nation, you need like 17 fitness mentors and role models. If you are going to fall his Instagram account, because I want to eat everything I'm seeing, I'm sure there's like one zillion grams of sugar in all of this stuff, but it would just taste so great in my mouth. So I loved the fact that your bringing in a fitness component into your Cookie brand, that obviously makes a lot of sense for all of those reasons. And I want to stay with you Brad here. And I want you to flash back to your early twenties. Could you ever have imagined doing right now, what you're doing today?

2 (7m 14s):
I, that my degree from the university of Florida is in electrical engineering. You know what you brought up by a military background. I did nuclear power on submarines. So this was not at all what I had planned on my card. So I think, you know, I'd planned on, you know, getting a and once I got out of the Navy taking a regular corporate job and, and kind of living that life, but sometimes opportunities present themselves and you need to be able to, I guess, take advantage of those opportunities.

0 (7m 44s):
What about you Mike, to go back to your twenty's like what you're doing right now Today could you ever have a picture of that?

1 (7m 49s):
No. And so I went to pharmacy school at the, at Creighton, and I think that, you know, the, to the best I could have expected two, you know, maybe rise in a corporate ranks at a chain drugstore or at a pharma company to think that I can combine, you know, skills that I learned in school and balance them with skills I wanted to learn in school, but then didn't, or it wasn't able to work with software. I think it's just a really cool combination, you know, all really, you know, guided by the fact that, you know, we're trying to help people, which is just a, an opportunity that I saw from a business perspective when I was out practicing after pharmacy school.

1 (8m 31s):
So it, it would, it'd be a long stretch to convince me that I would have had the foresight to see where I'm at now,

0 (8m 37s):
Staying with you, like looking back to your young self, like in your twenties and, you know, obviously, you know, where you ended up now, but when you were back there, that was an unknown road ahead. What would be a piece of advice you would give yourself? And Well,

1 (8m 53s):
I think that I would remind myself that a is easy as the magazine article is to read a about what appears to be overnight success. You know, the reality is it's a lot of hard work and outside of When in the Powerball and it's going to take a long time to build something meaningful and something lasting. But I also think that I would remind myself then that all of those little things on the journey are what make it special. You know, you're trying to build a business and you're, you're searching for a financial reward as a part of that. But all of the things that you get to experience on the way are what you really going to remember in the longterm.

0 (9m 32s):
Brad give yourself a piece of advice that younger self, what would it be and why, regardless of

2 (9m 37s):
Whether you will agree on an outcome, have a situation or take what you can from that situation and learn from it and then move forward. I've said numerous times that people, when they say like, Oh, do you wish you could of done that differently? Or what would you change about your life? And I've always said, I wouldn't change anything because it's put me exactly where I am right now. And I'm, you know, there are, there are numerous things that you can say, Oh, I do this slightly differently or do that. But truthfully, if you learn from your mistakes or you learn from situations, then that's the best that can really come about. So

0 (10m 11s):
Let's stay with you now, when you've had some of that, success is a difficult to stay hungry and focus. Once you started to find success in your life in business, for me,

2 (10m 21s):
It hasn't been difficult. Now, I, we have a baby on the way. And so like, that's another motivator. I think there's plenty of motivating factors you can find in your life. You know, I want it a better life for my family. You know, I would love to be so successful that my, you know, immediate family and friends, I can take care of them. So I think that I have a, a big enough Dr that I'm not really sure that anything's going to satisfy it completely.

0 (10m 45s):
So for you, Mike. I mean, you know, obviously you had to scratch and claw your way to the top and like really work hard. And you said there was no overnight success. I mean, it was over time and they are stressed and there was an anxiety along the way, of course, but you know, now you've achieved success. Like, are you having a hard time getting up every morning and, and staying hungry and staying focused? Or is it easy for you?

1 (11m 6s):
It's quite the opposite. I think that people typically go one or two routes when they hit some level of success in, in, in, you know, the business I'm in every day software. A lot of times those hits are, you know, big hits one at a time. And I think that some people get comfortable and some people, once they get a taste, they want more. And for me, it's been a ladder. I just, I'm more bought into the mission of the company today. My wife will confirm that I'm, I'm excited about Monday morning because I love what I do. I love what I'm doing and who I get to do it with. And I think that, you know, the fortunate, the fortunate piece of this and the thing that makes me hunger is my accountability to the people that I come to work with everyday, because we're all on this mission and on this road of trying to achieve something collectively together, and that has made me more excited, not less as, as we've kind of hit those levels of success,

0 (12m 2s):
Fire nation, you're getting Value Bombs today. And we have some awesome things coming up after the break. We're going to talk about the essential traits of successful people, some unique, personal motivations that Mike and Brad have. And of course, we're going to fast forward 20 years and see exactly where they see themselves, or at least where they hope to see themselves. As soon as we get back from thinking those Sponsors, if you're ready to take your business education to the next level than a graduate degree from Creighton university's hydro college of business will empower you to think boldly lead confidently and shape your future. The hydro college of business offers multiple formats and delivery options, including part-time and full-time programs, as well as one off courses, without the commitment of a full degree, you can also choose to take courses online or on campus to fit your busy schedule.

0 (12m 52s):
Creighton's hydro college of business is also nationally accredited by the AAC, CSB and ranked at the top 2% of business schools in the world. So whether you're looking for a master's level degree or a graduate certificates, or a one year accelerated program, Heider has something for you for more graduate business program and course information to schedule an appointment with an enrollment specialist, or to start an application, go to gradschool.creighton.edu Today that's gradschool.creighton.edu. According to a recent Forbes article, working from home can transform the jobs market and create a global competition for every roll. This means that if you are an employer, you are competing with even more employers to find the best candidates for your job.

0 (13m 34s):
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0 (14m 17s):
Get the edge on the competition, go to ziprecruiter.com/fire. ZipRecruiter the smartest way to higher. So fire nation and we're back. And Mike lets stick with you right now. I want to talk about the essential traits of successful people. Over the years, you've interacted with a lot of success with people you become successful yourself. What are those consistent and essential traits that it seems most successful? People have

1 (14m 42s):
Said, there's really three things in there. I remember them because there are all start with P the first one is passion. I, there there's a quote from the book grit that says Enthusiasm is common and endurance is rare. And, and I think that really goes along. It's anonymous with passion. If you want to operate at a high level for five, 10 or more years, working on a subject, you've got to have a passion for what you do. And, and that's, that's really, really the key foundation. The next one is persistence. You know, how, how tolerant are you hearing the word? No. How sure are you that despite what everyone else is telling you that your idea is a good one and, and ultimately you'll, you'll succeed and, and you got to have persistent to fight through those tough times.

1 (15m 30s):
The last one, his people skills are communication. You know, know no one person can accomplish a goal by themselves. And so you're going to have to be able to work with people, find a players, communicate with them and get everyone rallied around an idea. Ah, if you can find, you know, if you've got the passion, if you're persistent enough and you can find good people to help a, I think that your chances for success go up exponentially,

0 (15m 55s):
Fire nation, passion, persistence, people skills, also known as communication. And I love that quote that you share. And Mike that's just so killer Enthusiasm is common and endurance is rare. And I can tell you firsthand fire nation, we run Podcaster's paradise and people joined all the time. And they're so excited because they have a great idea for a Podcast. There are so enthusiastic and we're excited for them and we support them a whole along the way. But I'll tell you those that are still, there are a year later, three years later, five years later on in the case of us entrepreneurs on fire eight years later, that endurance that's rare, but that's what the success is.

0 (16m 38s):
So Brad, I know it's going to be tough to Top this one, but to take it away, brother,

2 (16m 42s):
You find a lot of people that are very motivated. And I find that most people don't lack motivation. What they lack is execution. So many people, I have great ideas to start a podcast and, and they are very passionate about these things, but they don't do it. I think the first step in being a good entrepreneur is, is doing it like you would need to like, just start. A lot of people want to have that 4.0, to answer before they, there, they are willing to start it. And I'm sure that you can ask a lot of Entrepreneurs was what they started with the best possible thing. And, and the answer is going to be, I'd say 99% of the time. No. And it's because starting is the hardest part. So I think that the tree that you need to have it as the ability to start to be the ability to execute on, on your idea on your own time.

0 (17m 27s):
Okay. So Brad, you have a child on the way. I want to know if you have any unique motivations above and beyond that. I took away the easy one. Cause you know, that's, that's the obvious one. What's a unique motivation that keeps you going

2 (17m 44s):
To various Successful sisters. I actually, I'm the only one out of our, you know, siblings that does not have a masters degree. So I, I joked that my sister's keeping me on my toes, that I've always wanted to push and do more and be more because they're not going to slow down, you know? And, and I'll look at my parents too. And I look at what they've done. The, you know, from us being so young and I'm not being able to pay bills, we literally had the power shut off because they were just putting everything back into their company. We were younger and now, you know, my parents are very successful. I think they are literally on vacation right now. So it, it just watching That it kind of lit a fire in me because I got to see, I literally, when I say I get to see like the grind phase, like I got to see what its like to be so poor that, you know, your power got shut off.

2 (18m 34s):
And you know, we had to go stay at our grandparents house because we couldn't do, you know, we didn't have power and water at her house or no, my mom go in through the drive-through to get 10 cent cheeseburgers and sending us inside to get 10 more because the limit was 10 for a customer and they, we couldn't afford food in Tencent cheeseburgers wear the cheap way to get it. So I think my, that that's kind of, it's been always motivated to me because, you know, we S we started at a time

1 (19m 0s):
Now you're here and it really, really, we are. So dr. Mic, what about you unique motivation's to just keep you driving forward, I'm gonna go back to the easy one that you started off with, but, but hopefully my reason is a little bit unique for me. Its my son and he's autistic and has special needs. And I think that, you know, with that in mind, our family is really reliant on professionals to help him no matter how bad I want to help him. There's just some things that I'm simply not skilled a to do. And so I think what I tried to do is I try to channel that same energy and, and try to make a difference and do the things that I can do, which for me is, is helping more people Save Money on, on medication costs.

1 (19m 43s):
And I think that just like I'm dependent on, you know, the professionals that are, that are in his life that help him learn. There are people out there that are reliant in me and our company on the same, in the same way for helping them afford medications that may otherwise have to go without. So I try to, I try to take that and I try to work hard, you know, with that in mind and, and hoping that I can make a difference for those other folks the way, the way you no, my sons, a caregiver. So we have done for him to me, like what do you see yourself in 20 years? Hopefully on a beach. I suspect, you know, I'll stay involved in Pharmacy or some other type of technology business.

1 (20m 27s):
You know, I love to mentor other entrepreneurs if I can be helpful in that way, but, but probably just trying to solve the problem with a day, either in Pharmacy or with software. I love it. What about you Brad

2 (20m 39s):
Years from now? I probably need to be retired because my I'm not sure I can keep the endurance. As we talked about earlier a at level that I have it right now for another 20 years. So hopefully we built Fat and Weird into something that's synonymous like with the great American Cookie or one of those large companies. And, and, and we retired to have a place in, in Florida and a place in Montana, which is where my wife is from. And that's going to have it just, and just enjoying the fruits of your labor.

0 (21m 8s):
Listen, man, don't stop at Florida. Take my word for it to keep coming. 1200 miles East come to Puerto Rico is paradise. I've been here four years. Florida is where you go to grow old and die. Puerto Rico is where you come to experience paradise. And Brad I want to stay with you here now. Lets have you give us your top takeaway from this episode, we've dropped a lot of Value Bombs starts to it, a lot of great stuff, but if there's only one thing that fire nation could walk away with today, what would that one thing be?

2 (21m 38s):
I truly believe that I know we didn't talk about it that much in the beginning, but it is the importance of role models. And you know, you heard Michael speak about it as well as myself is that, you know, Entrepreneurs are out there that are willing to help you, that that love what they do so that in their passionate about it. So it's easy for them to talk about it and share that. So I would say the biggest takeaway I would do would say from this whole thing would be find someone, if you are interested in being an entrepreneur, I don't think everyone is, but find someone that is willing to be a role model or mentor for you and reach out to them and start making things happen. Dr

1 (22m 18s):
I would say it's all about the People. If you look at what makes your life a good or bad, it's about the people in it, your family, your friends, but, but also your business, you need to surround yourself with a, with a players as Steve jobs used to always say, and, and, and Find people that are smarter than you. And that ultimately is w what's going to lead, you know, you to success, whether it's as an entrepreneur, leading a company or working in a corporate division in corporate America, you need to find good people in and have everyone role and in the same direction,

0 (22m 50s):
Fire nation, you're the average of the five people that you spend the most time with. And you've been hanging out with MR, BB, and JLD so today, so keep up that high heat. If you head over to eofire.com and type it Michael or Brad in the search bar, the show notes page for this episode will pop up with everything that we've talked about today. Best show notes in the biz. Michael Brad. I want to thank you both for sharing your truth, your knowledge you are Value with fire nation today. For that we salute you and we'll catch you on the flip side. Hey, fire nation today's Value Bombs content was brought to you by Michael and Brad and fire nation. I've created a literal treasure trove of free courses for you.

0 (23m 33s):
I teach you how to Podcast run a mastermind, create funnels and so much more. All you need to do is visit eofire.com/resources to start learning Today I'll catch you there or I'll catch you on the flip it flip side

3 (23m 48s):
A degree

0 (23m 49s):
From Creighton is Heider college of business will empower you to think boldly lead confidently and shape your future. For more program info mation to schedule an appointment with an enrollment specialist or to start an application today, go to gradschool.Creighton.edu.