Podcast Summary
An Entrepreneur and Powerlifter's Journey: Travis Harwood, an accomplished entrepreneur and powerlifter, started a pest control company in Boise, sold it to TerminX, and runs a custom Christmas lights business. He's achieved impressive bench press numbers and faced challenges in powerlifting, but continues to push forward.
Travis Harwood, a guest on the Power of Lifting podcast, is an accomplished entrepreneur and powerlifter. Born in Montana but raised in Idaho, Travis started a pest control company in Boise in 2013, which he later sold to TerminX in 2019. He also runs a custom Christmas lights business. Travis's introduction to the podcast came through his involvement in powerlifting, where he has achieved impressive bench press numbers, exceeding double his body weight. In 2018, Travis competed in a powerlifting meet but was not randomly selected for drug testing, leading to a current issue with USA Powerlifting. Despite these challenges, Travis continues to make strides in both his entrepreneurial and powerlifting pursuits.
Importance of Communication and Adherence to Rules in Powerlifting: Clear communication and adherence to rules are essential in powerlifting competitions to avoid suspensions and maintain fairness. Door-to-door sales experience can help powerlifters develop necessary skills for entrepreneurship and powerlifting success.
Communication and adherence to rules are crucial in powerlifting competitions. A powerlifter, despite performing exceptionally well, was unfortunately suspended due to a missed drug test. Despite being frustrated, the lifter and his coach are working with the organization to find a solution. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and adherence to rules in such competitions. Another interesting topic that emerged during the discussion was the powerlifter's experience in door-to-door sales. He shared how this experience helped him develop essential skills, such as resilience, communication, and problem-solving. These skills later proved valuable in his powerlifting journey and beyond. Starting a pest control company involves various challenges, including acquiring the necessary licenses, purchasing equipment, and building a customer base. The powerlifter shared how his experience in door-to-door sales provided him with the necessary skills to overcome these challenges and build a successful business. Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into the world of powerlifting and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience, communication, and adherence to rules.
The power of persistence in sales: Persisting through initial setbacks and rejections can lead to successful sales, even if the results are unpredictable
Persistence pays off in sales. The speaker shares his experience of struggling to make sales during his first summer selling security systems door-to-door. Despite initial setbacks and rejections, he didn't give up and eventually closed a deal by being persistent and not taking no for an answer. This experience taught him that sales can be unpredictable, and it's important to keep pushing through the tough times. Even though he didn't make as much money as he had hoped, he still earned significantly more than in his previous job. Sales may not be for everyone, but for those who persevere, the rewards can be substantial.
From door-to-door sales to success: Starting in door-to-door sales in high school led to buying a townhouse in college and eventually starting a company. Building a connection and genuinely caring for the customer is key to success.
Door-to-door sales can be a transformative experience for young people, instilling confidence and teaching valuable communication skills. The speaker shared his personal story of starting in door-to-door sales in high school, which led to his ability to buy a townhouse in college and eventually starting his own company. He emphasized the importance of genuinely caring for the customer and building a connection, even when faced with rejection. For those starting in door-to-door sales, the speaker suggested that training beforehand is helpful but not a substitute for actual experience. The first door can be intimidating, but with practice and the right mindset, one can learn to relate to people and effectively communicate the value of the product. The speaker's approach was to treat sales as a casual conversation and to show genuine care for the customer, rather than using high-pressure tactics. Overall, door-to-door sales can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and the skills learned can benefit individuals throughout their careers.
Sales skills require hands-on experience: Managers should lead by example, observing and guiding new salespeople, while salespeople learn from their mistakes in the field to build confidence and succeed in the Christmas light business or other sales roles.
Sales skills, like golf or any other skill, require practice and experience. Theorizing and reading about techniques are important, but nothing beats actually going out and doing it. Managers should lead by example and train new salespeople by observing them and providing guidance, rather than constant criticism. This approach fosters confidence and allows salespeople to learn from their mistakes. The Christmas light business, for instance, can be a profitable venture for those who are willing to put in the effort. Despite the common dislike for hanging Christmas lights, it's an opportunity to provide a valuable service to customers and create a successful business. The sales process involves going door-to-door, building relationships, and offering customized solutions to meet each customer's unique needs. As the holiday season approaches, it's an excellent time to consider starting a Christmas light business or improving existing sales skills by embracing the hands-on learning experience.
Starting a successful door-to-door Christmas lights business: Persist and refine your approach, offer discounts, save customers time and money to grow a door-to-door Christmas lights business.
Selling Christmas lights door-to-door can be a fun and successful business venture, especially when you find a winning pitch or script. The speaker shared his personal experience of starting this business as a side project and growing it year after year, even expanding it to different regions. He mentioned the importance of persistence and trial-and-error in finding what works best, as well as the benefits of offering discounts and saving customers time and money. Despite initial challenges, the speaker found success by refining his approach and sticking to it. He also mentioned the potential for expanding the business by training and delegating to others. Overall, the discussion highlights the potential for entrepreneurship and innovation in even the most unexpected areas.
Starting a Christmas light installation business: Provides customized lighting solutions using commercial-grade equipment, offers efficient services, emphasizes family and teamwork, operates from Oct-Jan, and offers discounts early on
A Christmas light installation business involves providing customized lighting solutions, using commercial-grade equipment, and offering efficient services for installation, removal, and storage. The business owner shared his experience of starting the business, the challenges faced, and the systems put in place to streamline the process. He emphasized the importance of family and having a great team to run the business smoothly. Despite the upfront cost, the business offers value through the use of high-quality lights and professional installation services. The business operates from October to January, with discounts offered during the early months and regular rates during the busiest period. The owner takes pride in having a good family and a successful business.
Learning essential skills through door-to-door sales: Door-to-door sales teaches kids communication skills, perseverance, and mental fortitude for life and future careers
Door-to-door sales experience can be a valuable life lesson for kids, teaching them essential communication skills and the ability to persevere through rejection. The most successful salespeople tend to be those who approach the experience with a higher purpose, rather than just the money. The ability to overcome objections and persist through challenges is crucial for both sales and life in general. Parents can help their kids by encouraging them to push through difficult times and offering support when needed. The mental fortitude gained from facing and overcoming sales challenges can be invaluable. While some may find it tough at first, the transformation and growth that comes from the experience can lead to significant success.
Overcoming challenges in sales through adaptation and creativity: Adapting to cultural differences and finding creative solutions can lead to success in sales despite initial struggles
Experiencing failure and struggles early in life can be valuable for personal growth and success, even if it may not seem that way at first. The speaker shares his experience of selling security systems in rougher areas and encountering cultural differences, which led to unexpected challenges and opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of adapting and finding creative solutions to make connections with potential customers. The stories of his experiences, including being mistaken for a relative and dealing with non-functioning doorbells, highlight the importance of staying positive and finding humor in difficult situations. Ultimately, these experiences helped him become a successful salesperson and taught him valuable lessons that he carried with him throughout his career.
Staying Calm in Unexpected Situations: Unexpected events can lead to unique opportunities. Staying calm under pressure and finding creative solutions can turn a negative situation into a successful venture.
Unexpected situations can lead to unique experiences and opportunities. In the first instance, the speaker found himself in an uncomfortable situation during a sales call, but managed to stay calm and close the deal. In the second instance, an experience with using ammonia poppers during powerlifting led to the idea for a portable and leak-proof ammonia product, which eventually became "no slap." Both experiences demonstrate the importance of staying cool under pressure and the potential for turning unexpected situations into successful ventures.
From challenges to success on TikTok: Perseverance and innovation can lead to unexpected success. Keep experimenting, be open to new opportunities, and don't give up.
Perseverance and innovation can lead to unexpected success. The speaker shared his experience of developing a product, facing numerous challenges, and eventually launching it on TikTok, which resulted in an impressive number of views and orders. Despite initial difficulties, such as finding the right formula and bottle, the speaker didn't give up and kept experimenting until he found a solution. He also mentioned the importance of timing and being open to new opportunities, as a random video posted before the official launch gained significant attention and helped kickstart the business. Ultimately, the speaker's determination and willingness to adapt paid off, leading to a successful product and a significant online following.
Quick and effective wake-up solution: The portable wake-up inhaler offers a quick, effective, and convenient alternative to energy drinks or caffeine for people experiencing drowsiness or lack of focus.
The discussed product, which is a portable wake-up inhaler containing ammonia, offers a quick and effective solution for people experiencing drowsiness or lack of focus, especially when driving or during late hours. The product's small size, instant effect, and portability make it a convenient alternative to energy drinks or caffeine, which can impair sleep quality due to their long-lasting caffeine content. The product's mission is to help people wake up and stay alert, improving their safety and overall well-being. The user shared his personal experience of using the product during a camping trip and feeling more alert and focused after taking a whiff. He also emphasized the potential lifesaving benefits of the product, as drowsiness while driving is a significant issue, leading to numerous accidents each year. Although the exact mechanism of how the product works is not fully understood, its ability to irritate the nasal passages and potentially increase oxygen absorption is a plausible explanation. Overall, the discussed product presents a unique and effective solution for people seeking a quick wake-up without the negative side effects of caffeine or energy drinks.
Ammonia as a Performance Enhancer: Ammonia inhalation triggers the body's fight or flight response, increasing alertness and enhancing performance through heightened oxygen intake.
Ammonia, when inhaled, provides a painful stimulus that triggers the body's fight or flight response, leading to heightened alertness and improved performance. This analogy can be compared to the first big contact or hit in a contact sport, where the adrenaline rush wakes up the body and prepares it for action. The use of ammonia before lifting allows individuals to push harder and feel more alert due to the nervous system response. Additionally, the deep breath taken during ammonia inhalation contributes to increased oxygen intake and further enhances alertness. Despite the unpleasant smell, the benefits of ammonia make it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their performance and focus.
Nose Torque: A Healthy Energy Alternative: Nose Torque is a non-addictive, healthy energy alternative that effectively combats tiredness without the negative side effects of caffeine. The company plans to release Christmas-themed flavors and a new bottle design. Excessive caffeine intake should be avoided due to potential negative health effects.
The Nose Torque product, despite its strong smell, offers a healthy and non-addictive alternative to traditional energy sources like caffeine. The speaker appreciates its strength and effectiveness in combating different levels of tiredness. Additionally, the company plans to release Christmas-themed flavors and is developing a new bottle design to ensure proper usage and prevent wastage. Unlike caffeine, which can lead to tolerance, addiction, and negative side effects, Nose Torque simply wakes you up without any crash or negative consequences. The speaker also mentions the importance of being aware of excessive caffeine intake and its potential negative effects on health. Overall, Nose Torque offers a convenient, healthy, and non-addictive solution for those seeking an energy boost.
Maintaining Effectiveness of Ammonia Popper Caps: Keep the Lid Closed: Founder emphasizes importance of sealing ammonia popper caps to preserve reaction, excited about expanding product line and meeting historical figures, looks up to Richard Branson for business inspiration
The ammonia popper caps, a unique product that provides an intense sensory experience, require proper sealing to maintain their effectiveness. The founder of the company, Travis, emphasizes the importance of keeping the lid closed as much as possible to preserve the reaction. He also shares his excitement about expanding the product's reach beyond the internet and introducing a larger size called Soul Slap. When asked about influential figures he'd like to have dinner with, Travis chose George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, expressing his fascination with history and admiration for their contributions to the country. In business, Travis looks up to Richard Branson for his entrepreneurial success.
Surround Yourself with Smart People and Seek Knowledge: Successful individuals surround themselves with intelligent and hardworking people, continuously learn, and recommend influential books like 'Think and Grow Rich,' 'Sports Talent Code,' 'Can't Hurt Me,' and 'Atomic Habits.' They value mental strength and recommend 'Can't Hurt Me' for inspiration. Hobbies and release include working out and podcasts.
Successful people surround themselves with smart and hardworking individuals, and they continuously seek knowledge and self-improvement. The interviewee shared his experience of becoming wealthy but still lacking financial literacy. He emphasized the importance of being surrounded by people who are smarter than oneself and encouraged reading and listening to books as a means of learning. He recommended several influential books like "Think and Grow Rich," "Sports Talent Code," "Can't Hurt Me," and "Atomic Habits." The interviewee also mentioned the importance of mental strength and the ability to grind through challenges. He recommended the book "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggins, which he considered life-changing. The interviewee also shared his favorite movies, including the new Top Gun and Gladiator. He mentioned that his hobby and release was working out and listening to podcasts while doing so. When asked who would play his character in a biography, he jokingly suggested Danny DeVito. Lastly, he named Jesus Christ and his father as his top role models and influences in his life.
Allow children to make mistakes and learn: Overprotective parenting can hinder growth. Balance support and letting go. Teach principles for good decisions. Trust children to govern themselves.
While it's important for parents to be involved and guide their children, they also need to allow their kids to make mistakes and learn from them. Overprotective parenting, whether it's helicopter or snowplow style, can hinder a child's growth and independence. It's essential to find a balance between providing support and letting go. The speaker shared his experience of growing up with parents who allowed him to make mistakes and learn from them, and how he now strives to do the same as a parent. He also emphasized the importance of teaching children principles to help them make good decisions. Ultimately, parents should trust their children to govern themselves and prepare them for the real world.