In this episode of The Grit Mindset, the Texas A&M legend gets raw about the "silent season" following retirement and the mental fortitude required to pivot from professional athlete to elite entrepreneur. We dive into:
-The Undrafted Mentality: How to outwork the "sure bets" when no one is looking.
-The Post-Game Pivot: Navigating the identity shift and mental health challenges after the cheering stops.
-The Bullitt Experience: How he’s scaling grit, leadership, and community through his premier training facility.
-The 1% Philosophy: Why incremental daily wins are the only way to survive high-stakes environments.

Whether you're an athlete, a business leader, or someone in the middle of a major life transition, Melvin’s story is a masterclass in staying dangerous when the odds are against you.

In this episode, George Digianni joins Matt Rosen to break down the framework of “Strategic Discomfort”—the intentional pursuit of friction that transforms slow growth into massive momentum. George pulls back the curtain on his journey from a $487K first year to a seven-figure powerhouse, proving that scaling a business requires more than just a better strategy; it requires a harder mindset.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Goal Compression: The tactical shift needed to turn a decade-long vision into a 12-month reality.
• The Grit Factor: Why hiring for core values and internal drive beats technical skill every single time.
• Navigating the Friction: How to handle the culture clashes and tough decisions that come with rapid scaling.
• Mission Alignment: Protecting your company’s soul while aggressively pursuing its growth.

If you’re ready to stop avoiding the "tough stuff" and start using it as a catalyst for transformation, this episode is your blueprint.

But the real story is what happened after the West Wing. Grant discusses how observing leadership at the highest level provided the blueprint for founding and scaling a premier national photo and video agency.

We dive deep into:

- The High-Stakes Classroom: What working with a U.S. President teaches you about composure and professional excellence.

- From Solopreneur to CEO: The gritty transition from being behind the camera to leading a national team.

- The Psychology of Adversity: How to handle personal and business "dark moments" without losing your momentum.

- Mentorship & Movement: Finding the right voices to help you build resilience and a "never-quit" culture.

Whether you are a creative professional looking to scale or an entrepreneur navigating a high-pressure season, Grant’s unfiltered insights offer a masterclass in building a business—and a life—with absolute grit.

In this episode, Matt Rosen sits down with the Global CIO of Associa and CEO of HOAM Ventures to deconstruct a career path that defies the standard corporate trajectory. From his early days in East Tennessee to high-stakes finance roles at Kraft Foods and PepsiCo, Andrew reveals how he successfully navigated the leap into technology leadership.

In this episode, we dive into:

- The Hybrid Mindset: How a dual upbringing in science and art built a foundation for innovative problem-solving.

- The Finance-to-Tech Leap: Navigating career pivots and overcoming the "imposter syndrome" that often follows.

- Leading Through Friction: Andrew’s strategies for building resilient teams and driving digital transformation in established industries.

- Grit in Action: Why "trusting your gut" is a measurable leadership skill, not just a cliché.

Whether you are an aspiring executive or an entrepreneur looking for the mental toughness to scale, Andrew’s journey offers a masterclass in perseverance and tactical authenticity.

The Intel: In this episode, we strip away the Hollywood version of Special Operations. As the Chief of Staff at the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Nate is now at the forefront of a different kind of mission: advocating for the elite operators who live in the shadows.

What’s Inside:

- The Crucible: Why the "Q-Course" and Marine Corps Infantry are designed to find your breaking point—and what happens when you hit it.

- Rural Discipline: How a childhood in Northern California built the foundation for a life of service.

- The Advocacy Mission: The high-stakes work of the SOAA and why the "Quiet Professional" needs a loud voice in Washington.

- Failure as Data: Why Nate views his biggest setbacks as the most valuable intelligence for his next move.

- The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a "rah-rah" motivational speech, this isn't it. This is a masterclass in the mental cost of elite performance and the reality of staying effective when the stakes are at their highest.

Jay pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes world of global technology, discussing the impact of AI in clinical trials and the discipline required to make tough decisions with imperfect information. But the conversation goes far deeper than the boardroom. Jay opens up about facing devastating personal loss, the journey of becoming a single father to three sons, and the "grit" required to keep moving forward when life hits hardest.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

- The Career Pivot: How to turn "accidental" opportunities into a C-suite trajectory.

- Leading Through Adversity: Practical wisdom on maintaining leadership during personal crisis.

- The Future of Tech: How AI is realistically reshaping clinical trials and global health.

- The Mentorship Mindset: Why building a team is more about people than pixels.

Whether you’re navigating a career transition or looking for the strength to overcome a personal hurdle, Jay’s story is a powerful reminder that grit isn’t just about working harder—it’s about staying the course.

Ryan didn’t climb a corporate ladder—he built one out of scrap metal. In this episode of Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen digs into the transition from a struggling student and Audi technician to the head of a multi-location automotive powerhouse. This isn't a story about luck; it’s a masterclass in what happens when your back is against the wall and the only way out is through.

In this episode, we break down:
• The Survival Phase: The exact moment Ryan nearly saw his dream collapse and the mental shift that saved the business.
• The Blue-Collar Advantage: Why starting in the "grease" of the trades provides a competitive edge that an MBA can’t touch.
• Tactical Resilience: How to move from being a technician in the business to a leader on the business.
• The Mentorship Pivot: Why you can't go it alone, and how the right guidance changes the trajectory of growth.

If you’re currently facing a "near-death" experience in your career or business, this conversation is your field manual. Ryan proves that when you have enough grit, nothing is truly impossible.

In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with Landon Smith—a "recovering accountant" who traded the corporate ladder for the grit of entrepreneurship. From his humble beginnings in West Texas to founding and scaling Riveron, Landon reveals the raw reality of building a business when the odds are stacked against you.

In this conversation, we dive into:

- The EY Leap: Transitioning from an auditor mindset to an owner mindset.

- Recession-Proof Resilience: How Landon launched and scaled a firm during one of the toughest economic climates in history.

- The Parent-Founder Balance: Staying grounded and leading with purpose while raising a family.

- The "Flip-Flop" Pivot: The surprising story behind his latest venture and what it teaches us about staying agile.

Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a leader navigating hard times, Landon’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, practical wisdom, and the power of staying the course.

Jeremy Thompson spent 22 years as a Green Beret Intelligence Officer, but his journey of resilience began long before the military. In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) to discuss the evolution of an "Operator" and the grit required to lead after the uniform comes off.

From the childhood tragedy that forged his early resolve to the high-stakes world of Special Operations, Jeremy shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to serve, sacrifice, and successfully pivot into a new life of purpose.

Key Takeaways from the Mission:

- The Identity Shift: How to prevent your career—no matter how elite—from becoming your entire identity, and the secret to a successful transition.

- Psychological Body Armor: Tactical advice on building mental resilience and using a faith-driven mindset to navigate civilian life and entrepreneurship.

- The Next Generation of Grit: Insights into raising grounded children and Jeremy’s ongoing mission to advocate for the Special Ops community through the SOAA.

- Whether you are a veteran looking for your next mission or a leader seeking to build a more resilient team, Jeremy’s "Horse Soldier" perspective offers a masterclass in turning service into lasting impact.

Support the Mission: Learn more about Jeremy’s advocacy work for our nation’s elite at SOAA.org.

From a turbulent childhood to the high-stakes worlds of the oil patch, professional arm wrestling, and global event production—including Will Smith’s legendary 50th birthday jump in the Grand Canyon—Donnie’s life is a masterclass in the "Grit Mindset."

In this conversation, we dive into:

- The Power of the Pivot: How to transition between industries without losing your edge.

- Logistics Under Pressure: Behind-the-scenes lessons from high-profile event production.

- The Mentorship Model: Why finding the right guides is the shortcut to success.

- Balanced Ambition: The "unpredictable path" of juggling a growing business with a dedicated family life.

Whether you're navigating a career change or looking for the mental toughness to keep pushing forward, Donnie’s story provides the blueprint for what it means to stay gritty when the path gets steep.

It’s a sentence most leaders are terrified to say out loud. But for Andrew Snow, getting fired from a major leadership role wasn't the end of his career—it was the birth of his company, Track15.

The secret to his rebound? It wasn't "white-knuckling" it or grinding harder. It was learning how to lean on others.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, we’re tearing down the myth of the "Lone Wolf" founder. Andrew and I discuss why the highest form of grit isn’t just perseverance—it’s the courage to be vulnerable when things fall apart.

In this powerful episode of The Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Charles Haley opens up like never before, sharing the raw story behind his greatness. From growing up struggling in school and battling undiagnosed bipolar disorder to playing through pain, winning five Super Bowls, and losing his identity after football, Haley’s journey is a masterclass in real grit.

He breaks down what grit truly means, why failure is part of success, and how shifting from problems to solutions can change your life. Haley also shares the mission behind his Tackle Tomorrow Foundation, his faith, and the lessons he’s passed on to his children about discipline, resilience, and purpose.

This isn’t just a football story. It’s a conversation about mental health, faith, leadership, and finding strength when life hits hard.

If you want motivation that’s real, raw, and unforgettable, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🎧🔥

Becky oversees thousands of employees —yet her road to leadership began far from the boardroom. From her early years as a competitive gymnast who moved away from home at just 11, to the injury that first sparked her interest in healthcare, Becky shares how resilience, discipline, and faith shaped her path.

She opens up about:

Her unlikely entry into the hospital world—starting as an administrative assistant after being the “backup hire,” and eventually becoming Texas Health’s first internal resident selected for its leadership fellowship.

Rising through the ranks by embracing ambiguity, building new programs from the ground up, and leading major system-wide innovations in ambulatory and emergency care.

Leading through COVID as a hospital president—navigating fear, scarce resources, and emotional exhaustion while keeping her team grounded through transparency, teamwork, and sheer grit.

Being a female executive in a male-dominated field, including the eye-opening moment when a state representative assumed every man in the room—except her—was the hospital president.

Family, mentors, and finding your village—and why grit must always be balanced with grace.

Becky also shares the powerful influence of her rancher father’s work ethic, the importance of role models, and how she instills grit in her own children by modeling hard work, gratitude, and service.

This is a conversation filled with vulnerability, leadership lessons, and the kind of real-world wisdom that defines The Grit Mindset.

Stay gritty out there.

Richard’s story is a masterclass in grit, adaptability, and leadership. From a humble upbringing with a single mother in Southern California to discovering coding on a vintage Tandy computer at age 13, Richard shares how early responsibility and hard work—from paper routes to McDonald's shifts—instilled the resilience that would fuel his entire career.

He walks listeners through his rapid ascent at Kinko’s (later FedEx Office), where he advanced from developer to CIO, managing a 300-person team in his mid-30s. Richard discusses the challenges of earning respect as a young leader, the importance of partnership between IT and business teams, and the lessons he learned about humility, communication, and empowering others.

Richard then opens up about his 12-year chapter at Freeman, the world’s largest event-production company. From stabilizing a broken payroll system to leading digital transformation, navigating multiple tech acquisitions, and managing through the chaos of COVID—when Freeman saw 100% of its revenue vanish almost overnight—he shares candid stories about crisis leadership, rebuilding trust, and the necessity of confronting problems head-on.

The conversation also explores his time as COO and CTO at Salad and Go, where Richard transitioned from tech into operations and supply chain—applying grit, people leadership, and decades of experience to a fast-scaling restaurant brand.

Matt and Richard dive deep into:
-What grit means in real life

-Perseverance, asking for help, leaning on your support network, and giving yourself space to think clearly.

-Lessons for young professionals

— Focus on soft skills, not just coding.

 — Don’t play politics—focus on your work.
 — Empower your team and take the bullets for them.

-Parenting with grit

— Teaching kids to earn what they want, handle “no,” and work in the service industry to build empathy and resilience.

 -Leadership Principles

From early hustle to executive boardrooms, Richard’s journey is packed with insight, humility, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom that defines true grit.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Host Matt Rosen sits down for a rare solo conversation to share the full origin story of Allata — the pivotal moments, the early supporters, the tough lessons, and the grit it took to build a company from his garage into a national consulting firm.

Matt opens up about the mentors who shaped him, the season of self-doubt, the leap into entrepreneurship, and the unexpected people who pushed him forward—sometimes intentionally, sometimes by accident. From his early years at Pariveda to navigating a difficult leadership environment, to naming the company in his backyard with his wife, this episode traces the real, unvarnished journey behind the Allata you know today.

You’ll hear:

How two founders, Bruce and John, sparked Matt’s passion for people-first leadership

Why timing mattered—and how his wife Stephanie helped build a life that made entrepreneurship possible

The hard quarter that revealed a leader’s true colors and ultimately pushed Matt to strike out on his own

The moment Allata got its name (hint: bamboo + a backyard conversation)

The first clients who took a chance and the early team members who shaped the culture

How the company survived 2020 and why Allata’s core mantra still anchors everything:
Family First. Clients Are King. Take Great Care of Your People.

A heartfelt message of thanks to his team, clients, partners, mentors, and family

This honest, gratitude-filled episode is part reflection, part masterclass in leadership, and part reminder that no entrepreneurial journey is ever walked alone.

If you’re a founder, a leader, or simply someone who believes in building something meaningful—this is a must-watch.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Grit Mindset. Stay gritty out there.

Christine shares the deeply personal and professional journey that led her from male-dominated big-agency environments to launching Spark Farm in the middle of the 2009 recession. What began as playground conversations during layoffs became a thriving 16-year agency that champions flexibility, balance, and a “no-asshole policy” that prioritizes culture over contracts.

From her early upbringing in Northern Virginia to the powerful mentors who shaped her, Christine opens up about resilience, founding challenges, hard lessons (including a costly legal one), and the value of standing firm in your values—even when it means walking away from clients. She also digs into modeling grit for her own children and supporting today’s working parents through Spark Farm’s unique flat-organization structure.

This episode is packed with real talk about leadership, motherhood, entrepreneurship, toxic workplaces, and finding a path forward—no matter what obstacles are in the way.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a working parent, or someone considering building something of your own, this conversation will hit home. Stay gritty!

Chris shares his unconventional entry into the tech world — from carrying luggage at a Houston hotel to installing one of the building’s first voicemail systems, sparking a career in telecommunications and network infrastructure. With no formal engineering background, Chris built his expertise through curiosity, problem-solving, and a relentless willingness to learn on the fly — a defining theme of grit.

Together, Matt and Chris unpack Cloud Communications Group’s origin story, born out of a grad school business plan in 2009 and built through persistence, networking, and countless uncomfortable first conversations. Chris reflects on the early days of blank office walls, unanswered phones, and refining the company pitch after 30 minutes in a meeting before realizing the prospect thought he worked for AT&T.

Chris also opens up about the moments that tested his resolve the most — including losing an entire executive client team overnight and fearing the loss of his company’s largest account. Instead of collapsing, the challenge expanded his network, strengthened relationships, and ultimately grew the business.

As leaders in enterprise network strategy and cloud infrastructure for companies $500M+, the conversation naturally shifts to the future — including:

The rapid pace of AI advancement and why adaptation is non-negotiable

The risks of “shadow AI” and unmonitored corporate data exposure

Why data hygiene and governance are the real competitive advantages

The importance of solving problems without always knowing the answer upfront

How technical leaders must carry grit in the face of constant pressure and change

Chris also shares personal lessons in parenting with an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging his kids to earn opportunities, embrace work ethic, and reject entitlement — even when it means manual labor to fund a weekend trip.

When asked what grit means to him, Chris puts it simply:

“We’re going to solve this — even if we don’t know how yet.”

Matt and Chris close the discussion with insight on leadership, decision-making, and the mindset required to thrive when the finish line isn’t visible.

Key Takeaways:

Don’t wait for perfect information — make the decision and adjust

Entrepreneurship means solving problems before knowing the solution

AI is a tool, not a threat — adaptation beats resistance

True grit is choosing motion over hesitation

This episode is a masterclass in patience, perseverance, and staying gritty through uncertainty.

Stay gritty.

Mandy shares her journey from growing up in North Texas to building a 20-year career in banking, culminating in her leadership role. She reflects on the influence of her father’s small business ventures and her mother’s dedication to education—two forces that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit and lifelong curiosity.

Throughout the conversation, Mandy opens up about the power of resilience—both in business and in life. She recounts overcoming early career challenges and a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis at just 28 years old, which she managed to reverse through research, discipline, and lifestyle change. Her story is one of courage, optimism, and taking ownership of your path.

Takeaways include:
-How grit is both a choice and a mindset, defined by passion and perseverance.
-The importance of finding purpose in your career and aligning your “why” with your work.
-Teaching resilience to her children through sports and commitment.
-Leading teams through clear communication, vision, and empowerment.

Her commitment to community service through United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Children’s Health, inspired by her nephew’s cancer survival story.
Mandy’s story reminds us that grit isn’t just about toughness—it’s about growth, purpose, and using adversity to serve others.

 Listen to this episode to learn how to stay driven, serve with purpose, and keep pushing forward—no matter what challenges come your way.

Kyle traces his path from small-town Iowa to Dallas—hauling boxes at UPS, managing third-shift sanitation crews in meat-packing plants, repo’ing cars for a farm bank—before betting on himself in a commission-only advisory role. With no network and no safety net, he leveraged discipline, continuous learning, and “champagne moments” (visualizing future wins) to push through rejection and build a practice.

Kyle shares why his firm’s name comes from Proverbs 22:1 (“A good name is more desirable than great riches”) and how that anchors their philosophy: connect what’s on the balance sheet to what’s in the heart. Today, 22 One Advisors manages ~$500M, prioritizing impact over products—helping clients retire with confidence, steward wealth intentionally, and “die with zero regrets.” He also dives into team dynamics with his partners, community commitments (DFW Hawkeyes, Oak Cliff, faith), and a powerful story of guiding a young widow—proof that real impact goes far beyond returns.

Episode Takeaways:
Grit = perseverance with passion over time; survive long enough for progress to compound.
Start from values: character and legacy before tactics and returns (Proverbs 22:1).
Build without a network: tap shared identities (e.g., alumni), tell your “why,” and keep showing up.
Introvert edge: Mastery and preparation create confidence
Impact over products: retire earlier than you think, spend on purpose (“Die With Zero” mindset), and align money with meaning.
Community matters: design clear guardrails for family time and invest in the places you live and serve.
Website: https://www.22oneadvisors.com/team.htm

Scott reflects on pivotal career moments, including leaving Chase, joining Lockwood Financial in Dallas, and the lessons learned along the way. He explains why credentials alone don’t define success — relentless hard work does. Later, Scott discusses building company culture through shared values and how True North uses those values to guide hiring and leadership decisions.

Finally, Scott reveals the inspiration behind his drive, his definition of “opting in” to hard work, and why culture remains the heartbeat of True North Advisors.

Eric reflects on the early days — when a set of business cards gifted at Christmas didn’t feel like much of a “gift,” but rather the beginning of a lifelong calling. Over time, his heart shifted. What once felt like work became purpose, and he found deep fulfillment in running a legacy company built on creativity, grit, and vision.

He shares the story behind the name “Tractorbeam,” how his father’s “Wild West” entrepreneurial style influenced him, and what it took to professionalize and scale a creative business in a competitive market. Eric opens up about the challenges of working with family, navigating tough client demands, and staying innovative through moments of real uncertainty — including the pandemic years spent building quality work out of a WeWork office.

💡 “Creative as a standalone business is challenging,” Eric admits, “but when you get the product mix right, the work becomes the mission.”

Stay Gritty!!
https://tractorbeam.com/

🌟 Highlights:
From humble beginnings to the C-suite: Joan shares how her father’s example of hard work and integrity instilled the values that guided her career.

Breaking barriers in tech: As one of the few women in computer science in the 1980s, Joan navigated a male-dominated field with grit and determination—eventually leading teams of thousands.

Defining moments of leadership: She recounts overseeing the massive US Airways systems conversion project, which required coordination across 8,000 people and critical decision-making under pressure.

Building resilience and community: Joan opens up about creating Women in Technology programs and leading Empowering Women Leaders (EWL)—a nonprofit providing mentorship and scholarships to women returning to college later in life.

Real stories of grit: From a mother of 11 escaping abuse to women overcoming homelessness and addiction, Joan highlights the life-changing impact of EWL’s mentorship model.

Lessons in courage and balance: Reflecting on her own journey, Joan shares the importance of saying yes to opportunities even when you feel unprepared—and the need to balance ambition with family and self-care.

💡 Key Takeaway:
Grit isn’t just about working harder—it’s about staying persistent, adapting when plans change, and helping others rise with you. Joan’s journey reminds us that courage and compassion can coexist at every stage of success.

🎧 Tune in to hear how grit, mentorship, and purpose have shaped Joan's extraordinary path—and how you can apply those lessons to your own life.

This conversation is all about grit, perseverance, and the hard-earned lessons that come with building and rebuilding in business.

Stay Gritty!

👉 Watch as Daniel shares his story of resilience, leadership, and grit—on and off the battlefield.

🔗 Learn more about Daniel and SOAA: soaa.org
Timecodes:
00:10- 4:30: Special Operations Association started by Daniel Elkins, Daniel Elkins is the Founder and President of SOAA, He is a Green Beret and has served in Special Operations roles
When he became a green beret he shares unique challenges he had on advocacy for veterans
There was a huge gap under represented, SOAA was created to give a voice to Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the domain of policy and legislative affairs
4:30 Daniel shares as a young boy he wanted to be in the military and why he chose the national guard. He was in boy scouts and loved being in the woods and ultimately he wanted to serve his country.
8:30 Host Matt Rosen asks Daniel about challenging times he has endured in his life as a green beret. Daniel shares about the fall of Afghanistan and his first real experience in combat
12:14 Daniel shares when he thought his career was over and had a difficult decision to make to talk to his Sergeant.
14:09 Daniel shares the rest of his deployment and the repercussions he faced
15:00 Daniel shares when his friend was shot in the face and survived and how it effected Daniel with how to have a mantra and mindset of being a shark and not being a failure and moving forward
16:30 Matt asks what does grit mean to Daniel
20:00 Daniel shares remembering getting a call from a prominent member from Capitol Hill crying with the interpreters and making decisions for who would live and who would die
23:00 Host Matt Rosen asks what the challenges have been for Daniel starting Special Operations Association, he shares the day you take your uniform off what happens after a military career

https://soaa.org/team/daniel-elkins/
Daniel is the Founder and President of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), a Green Beret, a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a member of the Atlantic Council’s Counterterrorism Project.

In Episode 29, host Matt Rosen sits down with Mark Sinatra to unpack the grit behind leadership. Mark reflects on when he first knew he wanted to be a CEO, the types of businesses he gravitated toward, and the hard truth that finding people who share your vision is rare. His advice? When you find those people—keep them.

Matt pushes the conversation deeper, asking Mark to share his most challenging leadership story. Mark opens up about building culture and relationships inside a remote company. While remote work has its advantages, fostering connection and alignment from a distance has been his toughest challenge yet.

At the heart of their discussion is what it means to embrace The Gritty Mindset: keeping an open mind, avoiding defensiveness, asking for help when needed, and creating a culture where leaders and team members alike feel safe to show vulnerability.

It’s a powerful reminder that grit isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about building trust, connection, and resilience in the face of challenges.

From starting college at 16, earning an engineering degree, serving in the U.S. Army, and launching his first company in his 20s—Sunny’s path is anything but ordinary. He candidly shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship: selling his business, facing a devastating setback, and ultimately buying his company back after bankruptcy.

Sunny reflects on how grit—simply just keeping going—carried him and his team through uncertain times. He opens up about the importance of empathy, leadership under pressure, and breaking down vs. breaking through. Along the way, he shares stories of lessons learned at Compaq, the impact of 9/11, and how he built his next venture, Satori Capital, over a meal at Chili’s with a vision to reshape the future.

Key Highlights:

• 🎓 Started college at 16, Army service, and first entrepreneurial ventures

• 📠 The fax machine story and a major business setback

• 💪 What “grit” means in entrepreneurship and leadership

• 🌍 Building Satori Capital and its purpose-driven origin

• 🥂 The “Gratitude Dinner” tradition

• 📖 Author of Selling Without Selling Out, helping entrepreneurs exit with integrity

Sunny’s journey is proof that setbacks don’t define you—your grit does.

🔗 Learn more about Sunny and Satori Capital: satoricapital.com
📘 Get his book Selling Without Selling Out: Amazon link

Stay Gritty!

Vimal opens up about his journey as a first-generation American entrepreneur, the two-year grind of putting pen to paper before launching Crex, and the challenges of starting a company just as COVID hit New York City. He recalls the reassurance of landing his first client, the balancing act of becoming a dad while running a startup, and the perseverance it takes to push through tough times with grit and hustle.

With honesty and humor, Vimal admits: “Had someone told me how hard this would be, I don’t know if I would have done it.” But his story is proof that grit, family, and an unshakable belief in data’s power can build something truly impactful.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:30 Matt intros Chaitan Fahnestock the founder of Sportsmo
1:00 What is Sportsmo explainer "it is gamified giving"
1:30 Examples of the Sportsmo app and how to use it play by play
2:30 Host Matt Rosen is ready with rooting on his Aggies!
2:45 With Oklahoma State in mind, Chaitan was problem solving in his own mind with Universities calling on their wealthiest donors to be successful. Chaitan says this is the "easy" button
4:00 Host Matt Rosen asks "What led you down the path through your life to become an entrepreneur"
4:10 Chaitan grew up in Wichita Kansas and he had a desire to take a high school entrepreneur class and it got his wheels turning of what could be
6:00 Chaitan was a worker at an early age! He worked in heating and air, golf corse, restaurant and a family business Fahnestock Heating and Air
6:30 Fahnestock Heating and Air details working for family and how one particular summer taught him what he didn't want to do.
7:15 Chaitan's College days at Oklahoma State, minor in French and major in Accounting.. happily falling into accounting.
8:00 Ernst & Young (EY) was his first firm, he describes being on site with clients and the excitement of this real world experience as a young man in business for 5 years
10:00 Chaitan's Accounting to Sales story, managing teams and he shares the skills that were different with rolling up his sleeves.
11:30 The changing business landscape
12:00 In 2005, Chaitan is approached to start a business and this was a wonderful decision. Chaitan had quite the journey building a company to 300 million!
13:00 Host Matt Rosen asks Chaitan about his greatest adversities he has faced in business. Chaitan shares moments of grit from the earliest days such as collecting invoices to make payroll. Growing pains as a small company are much different from the larger company problems. Chaitan shares moments of everyone getting checks and illustrates angst in digging the company out of the earth with blood sweat and tears.
14:58 Chaitan shares a story about recruiting faster than selling and becoming overstaffed. This was a business issue that caused pain and suffering for Chaitan. Business growth was put on hold and this was not his favorite chapter of his story.
16:00 Matt asks what Chaitan would "do over" and Chaitan shares he would have tapped the breaks on hiring and would have avoided this pain all together however his perspective is
17:00 Host Matt Rosen asks his famous question: What does Grit mean to you? Chaitan's response is heartwarming about his daughter's team is named Grit. He shares his personal perspective on grit means patience and tenacity.
18:00 Matt asks Chaitan what adventure he is on now in business, Chaitan shares there was some freedom however he is not built to play golf everyday. He loves the beach but he has aspirations of building.... and that is why he started the Sportsmo app!
20:00-25:00 Matt asks Chaitan about his personal hobbies. Chaitan surprises us with mountain climbing! He has climbed the snow capped mountain of Mt. Rainier. He shares an incredible story about the challenges along the way of hiking and climbing a variety of mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro which was 6 nights on the mountain along with the journey to get there. "You get to learn more about yourself than you thought you needed to know"
 25:00 Chaitan has a revelation about the adventure of the climb and he starts thinking about the first Fahnestock from the 1700's and the grit to get to America. He has flashes from his past and the grit of his parents who he says are the ultra adventurers. He shares where his name came from.
27:35 Matt asks in closing Chaitan's words of advice to listeners, Chaitan says "do your homework but JUST DO IT"

Eli shares why so many businesses and M&A deals fall apart, what strategic buyers are really looking for, and how his firm supports companies through these high-stakes transitions. He also opens up about his personal journey into entrepreneurship—why questioning whether you should be an entrepreneur usually means it’s not for you, and the defining moment he knew he had to take the leap.

In a powerful story, Eli recalls leaving his corporate role to start his own company—only to suffer a stroke two weeks later—and how that life-altering experience reshaped his mindset, resilience, and commitment to forging his own path. Matt and Eli also dive into the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face today and how politics ripple through the economy, impacting business strategy and deal-making at every level.

Matt gets real about the mistakes, the lessons learned, and how those early challenges shaped his move into consulting. Along the way, he reflects on working with his brother, why personal guarantees can be risky, and the dos and don’ts of going into business with friends. It’s an honest, entertaining, and educational look at grit, risk, and finding the silver lining when things don’t go as planned.

Ollie shares his unique journey from selling nuts and bolts in warehouses to leading one of the most respected business publications in the country. With a team of 25, the Dallas Business Journal plays a vital role in informing and connecting the local business community, as part of the American City Business Journals network across 44 U.S. cities.

🔗 Learn more about the Dallas Business Journal: bizjournals.com/dallas

In this powerful episode of The Grit Mindset with Matt Rosen, Larry opens up about his early childhood—growing up without a father, surviving a toxic step-parent relationship, and the life-changing moment when he met his birth father at age 12 and reconnecting when he himself, became a Dad in his 30's. 

Larry founded The Dad Edge movement in 2012 to help men become better husbands, fathers, and leaders. Since launching The Dad Edge Podcast in 2015, he’s coached thousands and interviewed over 1,400 guests—yet this is the first time he gets this raw about his personal story.

Now a father of four boys (ages 9, 11, 17, and 19) and celebrating 22 years of marriage, Larry is proof that you don’t have to repeat your past—you can rewrite it.

🎙 “Most men think, ‘I’m married. I should just know how to be a great dad and husband.’ But the truth is—it’s a skill. It takes reps. It takes community. And it’s never too late to start.”

👉 Watch the full episode to hear how Larry turned childhood pain into a mission to build stronger men—and stronger families.

🔗 Learn more: thedadedge.com/mastermind
📲 IG: @thedadedge | FB: The Dad Edge
Book: thedadedge.com/legendarybook
Mastermind: thedadedge.com/mastermind

From battling depression to transforming his mindset, Ted shares the raw, real journey behind rebuilding not just a business, but himself.

We dive into how Mender helps large enterprises and data centers responsibly manage their old IT equipment—from desktops and laptops to servers and networking gear. Kent explains how they handle everything from secure data wiping to environmental compliance, all while finding smart ways to remarket or recycle the gear.

If you're into tech, sustainability, or just love hearing about innovative business models, this one's for you. Stay Gritty!