How a Trophy Maker Built a Legacy Beyond Awards

Jim Gano, a seasoned crown jeweler and franchise owner of Crown Trophy, shares insights into his vibrant career, the ethos driving his service to others, and his battles to overcome life's challenges.Jim Gano dives into the heart of his work at Crown Trophy, detailing the joys of helping clients celebrate success—from team sports awards to corporate recognitions. He discusses the innovative techniques and programs he has developed to honor achievements, like the "Recognize, Reward, and Retain" initiative aimed at boosting employee tenure. Jim also emphasizes the importance of a positive workplace culture and the evolving creative processes, including 3D engraving, that keep his company ahead in the award manufacturing industry.In a heartfelt segment, Jim reveals his profound commitment to servicing special needs students through job and life skills programs. Additionally, he opens up about his personal experiences, including overcoming cancer—an ordeal that he recounts in his motivational book, "I'm Not Done Yet." Jim's conversation with Ray Gutierrez is brimming with wisdom, humility, and a powerful message of perseverance, leaving listeners inspired by his legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering determination.Key Takeaways:Jim Gano's dedication is evident in his intricate work as a crown jeweler and his empathetic involvement in community service, including implementing essential life skills programs for special needs students.The evolution of Jim's recognitions business includes innovative technologies like 3D subsurface engraving, offering clients unique and meaningful awards.Jim founded the "Recognize, Reward, and Retain" program to increase employee retention and satisfaction, showcasing how thoughtful recognition can transform corporate culture.His cancer journey is a testament to resilience and courage, powerfully captured in his award-winning book, poignantly titled "I'm Not Done Yet."Kindness and personal connection are at the core of Jim's philosophy, as he champions making a difference in people's lives over the pursuit of accolades.Notable Quotes:"I’m always trying to get to that best level in everything I do." – Jim Gano"I don’t do what I do for awards. It's just to leave that impression that somebody says I made a difference in their life." – Jim Gano"Never let it rest until your good is better, and your better is best." – Jim Gano, quoting his father"Be nice, and you get so much more." – Jim Gano"It's not a biography...it's more about how to navigate your journey." – Jim Gano, about his book "I’m Not Done Yet".Connect with Gim Gano:WebsiteInstagramLinkedinConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Diona Nicole Murray, a multifaceted creative, website designer, and advocate for women's reproductive health, opens up about her journey through persistent health challenges, the transformative power of her faith, and her transition from a childless designer to a devoted advocate for women's reproductive health. Her story is a beacon of hope, filled with moments of divine intervention and a call to help others walk into their purpose.Throughout the episode, Diona shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing and passion for creating, which later fueled her journey into fashion and website design. Her narrative intersects with themes of resilience, faith, and determination, as she elaborates on having faced difficult diagnoses while holding onto less than a 1% chance of conceiving her daughter, who is now a vibrant nine-year-old. Diona reflects on her faith-driven path, how her experiences shape her purpose, and the realization that her struggles were not only hers alone but a shared journey with other women facing similar challenges.Key Takeaways:Diona Nicole Murray's journey embodies resilience and faith as she overcame significant health challenges to become an advocate for women’s reproductive health.The importance of authenticity permeates Diona's work, influencing her approach to design and advocacy.Seeking balance between professional obligations and personal integrity remains crucial as Diona learns to prioritize her purpose over people-pleasing.Diona emphasizes the importance of heeding life's callings, even when they diverge from expected career paths, such as moving from fashion design to health advocacy.Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the broader impact of personal struggles and the divine purpose behind them.Notable Quotes:"My look is just an outward expression about who I am internally.""You can't serve from an empty vessel.""The concept of someone being barren can actually walk into a fruitfulness is what I get to help women do.""I'm like a special child of God. You need to get up and walk in your calling.""Her existence is my daily reminder of God's grace."Connect with Diona Nicole Murray:Instagram WebsiteConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Cait Casey, an inspiring woman of power and the CEO of Urban Homesteadings. Listen in as Cait shares her profound journey from military service to motherhood, revealing how she turned personal trauma into triumph through entrepreneurship. This episode offers a compelling narrative of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment for women from all walks of life.The conversation delves into Cait's military background and her subsequent struggle with severe birth trauma following the birth of her twins. Keywords like "resilience," "transformation," and "community" weave through the discussion as Cait recounts how she discovered her passion for baking and sustainable food practices. Cait emerged from adversity to build Urban Homesteadings, an enterprise that emphasizes community support and a return to basics through local farming and healthier food choices. Her emphasis on forging new paths and advocating for women's empowerment forms the backbone of this insightful episode.Key Takeaways:Resilience and Renewal: Cait Casey's journey from a military career to overcoming birth trauma highlights the power of resilience and the possibility of renewal in the face of adversity.Empowering Women: Cait is a vocal advocate for women's empowerment, urging women to reclaim their personal power and challenge societal norms.Community and Sustainability: Urban Homesteadings embodies Casey's mission to promote community support and sustainable living through locally-sourced, healthy foods.The Value of Self-Advocacy: Cait emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, particularly for first-time mothers navigating complex healthcare systems.Balancing Career and Family: Cait’s story is a testament to successfully balancing professional ambitions with family life, redefining traditional roles and expectations.Notable Quotes:"The human experience can be very confusing. On one side of it, you're blessed with children, life, new love, and then on the other side, you're tested again.""You can't be anything for anybody until you show up for yourself.""I can be successful without holding myself to society's standards.""There's a power that comes from being a woman that no one can give you. It is organic.""We all have power. I think we just. It's taken, and then this shift happens where we start giving it up."Connect with Cait Casey:WebsiteConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Russell Brunson, a legendary marketer and entrepreneur, offers listeners a journey through Russell's inspiring story, starting from his early days of discovering online business ventures to co-founding the revolutionary ClickFunnels. Learn how Russell’s passion and dedication to developing entrepreneurs made ClickFunnels a significant game-changer in the digital marketing landscape.In this enriching episode, Russell Brunson shares invaluable insights into the elements of successful marketing funnels, entrepreneurial perseverance, and fostering community engagement. Delving into the DNA of thousands of successful offers, Russell provides a roadmap for increasing conversion rates and mastering the art of upselling. Learn about "OfferLab," his latest venture to revitalize collaborative marketing efforts. Through enriching dialogues, discover how Bruno’s life experiences shape his current endeavors and what the future holds for this visionary entrepreneur. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned marketer, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from one of the industry's foremost experts.Key Takeaways:Discover the journey of Russell Brunson from selling potato gun DVDs to founding the billion-dollar company ClickFunnels.Understanding the anatomy of a successful funnel through solid conversion strategies and effective upselling techniques.Explore the concept of "OfferLab" as a transformative platform for affiliate marketing and entrepreneurial collaboration.Insights into scaling a business effectively by incorporating vital operations and HR functionalities.Emphasizing the balance between personal life and entrepreneurial success as key to sustainable longevity in business.Notable Quotes:"No success can compensate for failure in the home." — Russell Brunson"The first time that somebody pays you for something you made, you're like a stranger on the Internet." — Russell Brunson"Developing entrepreneurs...they're my people, so I love to serve." — Russell Brunson"Enjoy the journey more along the way." — Russell Brunson"It's fun watching people...making insane amounts of money." — Russell Brunson.Connect with Russell Brunson:InstagramFacebookYoutubeWebsiteClickFunnelsConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Dolph Lundgren is a renowned Swedish actor, director, producer, and now entrepreneur. He is celebrated for his iconic role as Ivan Drago in "Rocky IV" and has become synonymous with blockbuster action films like "The Expendables," "Aquaman," and "Creed." With a rare mix of intellectual rigor in chemical engineering and mastery in martial arts, Dolph’s path from academia to Hollywood is as remarkable as his screen presence. A true Hollywood heavyweight. A living legend.In this riveting episode, Dolph Lundgren opens up about both his legendary film career and his bold leap into entrepreneurship. Known worldwide for his role as Ivan Drago, he shares the remarkable journey from Sweden to global stardom and, ultimately, to founding Hard Cut Vodka. We dive into the lessons Dolph has learned while transitioning into the business world, revealing the strategies that have fueled his success both on-screen and in the entrepreneurial arena.This conversation unpacks Dolph’s evolution from the structured discipline of chemical engineering to the unpredictable world of Hollywood and business. He reflects on the risks of leaving a full scholarship at MIT to pursue acting, the highs and lows of life in film, and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward. With themes of perseverance, passion, and reinvention, this episode offers a powerful look into Dolph’s life philosophy — and how it drives his entrepreneurial vision today.Key Takeaways:Dolph Lundgren's transition from engineering to acting highlights the courage needed to pursue one's true passion over a conventional, safe path.The journey to success is not linear; facing and overcoming challenges define growth and achievement in both film and business.Perseverance and adaptability are crucial traits, whether dealing with the high stakes of Hollywood or the intricacies of entrepreneurship.Dolph views life as an adventure, advocating for believing in oneself and constantly pushing forward through life's hurdles.Building a business, like filmmaking, requires a combination of creativity, motivation, and resilience amid regulatory and operational challenges.Notable Quotes:"It's a struggle. Every day is a struggle. You know, you have to get up in the morning and you have to face, you know, eight bad moments and then hopefully, you know, 10 great moments.""Life is short, and you have to get the most out of it... I wanted to follow my passion.""When the going gets really rough and you have no help, and it's up to yourself, and you think you're not going to make it, that's when you have to push through.""I think the perseverance, something I brought along, I think also working with people and trying to motivate people, being creative as well.""That's the gift I had—to be able to make people feel better or try to give them something and... enlighten their lives."Connect with Dolph Lundgren:InstagramIMDBHardCutVodkaConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Shannon Christian, founder and president of Shannon’s Auto Body Collision Repair Shop, turned a childhood passion for cars into a thriving business recognized for its integrity, safety, and precision. From painting Matchbox cars as a kid to mastering meticulous crafts like lawn care and dining service, Shannon developed an eye for detail that now defines his approach to automotive and marine repairs. Shannon shares how his shop stays at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry by using OEM parts, proper procedures, and highly trained technicians. He reflects on the entrepreneurial challenges of growing a reputable repair business while emphasizing the importance of customer service, safety, and community trust. Through his insights, listeners gain valuable lessons on what it takes to run a high-standard auto repair shop, as well as thought-provoking ideas about sustaining growth in an increasingly complex industry.Key Takeaways:Passion for Quality: Shannon Christian underscores the importance of integrity in car repairs, emphasizing that doing it right is essential, even when no one's watching.Importance of Customer Trust: Building trust with detailed explanations and delivering quality service is central to maintaining a loyal customer base.Modern Auto Repair Complexities: Cars now have more parts and technology, requiring advanced skills and precise approaches; Shannon emphasizes the significance of OEM parts and proper certification.Learning and Adaptability: Shannon's story showcases the importance of constant learning and adapting, both about oneself and the evolving industry standards.Sustainable Business Growth: Shannon illustrates how adhering to high standards and embracing customer-focused values can lead to enduring success and multi-generational customer loyalty.Connect with Shannon Christian:WebsiteInstagramFacebookConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Kurt Angle. Known for his laser-focused determination, Kurt discusses how he overcame significant adversity, including winning an Olympic gold medal with a broken neck and reinventing himself from an amateur wrestling champion to a professional wrestling superstar. Rudy guides listeners through Kurt's strategic mindset, emphasizing the unwavering dedication necessary to achieve greatness.Kurt Angle's life, filled with both monumental successes and challenging setbacks, serves as a testament to perseverance and adaptation. From turning down a lucrative WWE contract to ultimately dominating the wrestling entertainment world, Kurt exemplifies the relentless pursuit of dreams. His stories are not only about overcoming physical impairments but also about breaking into new arenas and leaving a legacy. This episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom, detailing Kurt's transition to Hollywood, the demands of intense training, and his current passion as a committed husband and father.Key Takeaways:Relentless Determination: Kurt's journey illustrates the power of never giving up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, like winning an Olympic gold with a broken neck.Adaptation and Reinvention: Moving from amateur wrestling to WWE required Kurt to unlearn old habits and embrace a completely new form of entertainment.Importance of Consistent Effort: Success hinges on everyday discipline and exhausting training routines that set one apart from the competition.Handling Failures: Kurt emphasizes learning from failures and how they shape eventual success.Family and Personal Growth: Post-retirement, Kurt found immense satisfaction and personal growth through his role as a family man.Notable Quotes:"I was so laser focused on the Olympics that nothing else mattered.”"Knowing that having to have to attain an Olympic gold medal... I knew I had to work extremely hard.”"I wasn't going to let anything or anyone ruin that goal.”"I never dreamed about doing it, but was like, wow, I'm succeeding at something that I never thought I'd ever do.”"Whether you fail or succeed, as long as you try,Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Preston Rutherford is a renowned brand product owner, co-founder, and entrepreneurial expert known for his role in establishing Chubbies, a successful consumer brand famous for its colorful, casual men's shorts. With a strong background in brand development and digital marketing, Preston played a key role in growing Chubbies from a startup to a public company with a $100 million run rate. Today, he continues to influence the entrepreneurial landscape with new ventures and insights into brand-building strategies.With an emphasis on entrepreneurship, Preston and Rudy discuss the trials and triumphs faced during Chubbies' growth, from initial inception to a public company. Key topics include the importance of standing out in a crowded market, maintaining authenticity, and navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape. The conversation also touches on personal insights about overcoming startup challenges, focusing on one's strengths, and making strategic business decisions. This dialogue is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to build impactful brands with sustainable growth.Key Takeaways:Embrace differentiation to stand out in the marketplace; commoditized products can succeed with the right brand story and creative marketing.User-generated content can be a powerful tool for creating authentic brand engagement and fostering a sense of community with customers.The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, but persistence and focusing on core strengths can lead to eventual success.Understanding the balance between generating demand and capturing demand is crucial for brand longevity.Collaboration and strategic partnerships, including offering equity, can be essential for acquiring the top talent needed to scale a growing business.Notable Quotes:"Everyone doesn't have to be exceptional at the best thing." — Preston Rutherford"You just have to be in the arena, constantly doing it and trying to learn." — Preston Rutherford"The opposite of apathy is memorable content; don't focus too much on pleasing everyone." — Preston Rutherford"If you're not good at it, hire, pay the money, and find the good people to do it." — Rudy Mawer"The true enemy in business is apathy, not people disliking what you do." — Preston RutherfordResources:marathondataco.comPreston Rutherford - Linkedin & XConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Brianna Banks, the determined co-founder of WakenBakery. From a life-altering injury to establishing a flourishing cannabis-infused coffee and bakery enterprise, Brianna shares her journey of resilience and innovation. Listeners will delve into how a personal health crisis led her to discover the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, which sparked the inception of her unique business model designed to normalize and legalize cannabis consumption. This episode is not only about entrepreneurship but also sheds light on the societal impact of cannabis legalization and its role as an alternative to pharmaceuticals.Brianna Banks’ story is a testament to perseverance and creativity in transforming personal challenges into opportunities. Through her venture, WakenBakery, she advocates for the normalization of cannabis use and its monumental benefits. Operating in a highly regulated industry, Brianna discusses her strategic approach to navigating ever-changing laws and maintaining the essence of her brand across different locations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike, showcasing the power of relentless positivity and visionary thinking in creating groundbreaking businesses.Key Takeaways:Brianna Banks turned her personal struggle with spinal injury and reliance on cannabis for pain relief into a successful business, aiming to destigmatize and normalize cannabis use.WakenBakery provides a welcoming space for a diverse clientele, offering a variety of cannabis-infused products such as coffee, tea, lemonade, and baked goods.The challenges of operating in the cannabis industry include navigating complex legal regulations and consistently rebranding to comply with state laws.Brianna’s resilience and commitment to innovation highlight the importance of positive affirmations and persistence in entrepreneurship.The potential benefits of cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceuticals in treating various conditions, showcasing personal testimonials of its impact on health and well-being.Notable Quotes:"I am building a safe space for everybody to come to. No. 21, to whatever age that might be, doctor to the janitor.""I push myself sometimes beyond what I think my limit is, and it has made me stronger and a better person and made the business better, too.""It's definitely an alternative. The whole point we have mojitos that are just infused with THC instead of alcohol.""If you just keep going...it is just as easy to think about the negative as it is to think about the positive."Connect with Brianna:https://www.wakenbakery.net/about-us/

Whitney Jones is a trailblazer in the fitness world, best known for winning the prestigious Ms. Olympia title three times—a feat made even more remarkable by her unconventional start at age 34. As the first mother to ever win an Olympia title, Whitney redefines what's possible in competitive bodybuilding. Her journey includes overcoming 18 surgeries, including a broken neck, while building a thriving career as an athlete, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and dedicated mom. Through it all, she’s remained focused on empowering others with her mindset of grit, purpose, and possibility.Whitney opens up about the mental and physical resilience it takes to succeed after severe injuries, why competing against yourself is more powerful than seeking validation, and how motherhood became a superpower—not a setback. She also shares how she transitioned from the advertising world to owning a gym, building a brand, and inspiring youth through fitness and self-belief.Key TakeawaysWinning While Broken: Whitney shares how resilience and mindset—not physical perfection—are what separate champions.Motherhood & Muscle: As the first mom to win an Olympia title, Whitney proves motherhood can fuel, not hinder, greatness.From Corporate to Coach: Her leap from ad agency life to gym ownership highlights the power of following passion over comfort.Inspiring the Next Generation: Whitney is committed to empowering youth, helping them break past limitations and rewrite their own stories.The Power of Visualization: Learn how visual learning and inner dialogue have been essential tools in Whitney’s evolution as both an athlete and person.Notable Quotes"If you look at everything on paper, I should have never been a pro athlete. I should have never qualified for Olympia.""I didn’t compete to impress the judges—I competed to conquer myself.""What sets champions apart is that they’ve learned how to win even when broken.""At the end of the day, I had to answer to myself. That’s what pushed me harder.""Why not be everything you dream to be—without limits?"Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter