You know those races where people jump over fire pits, carry 80 pound bags of sand up a hill, and crawl under barbed wire?
Of course you do. If you're ADHD, chances are you've done it. A mere marathon? That's for regular people. Am I right?
Welcome to the world of the Spartan Race. This week, we've got the founder on FTN, and, you guessed it, he's massively ADHD.
So ADHD, in fact, that he wouldn't shut off his email for the entire interview. You'll see what I mean when you listen
Joe De Sena - the founder and CEO of Spartan Race has demonstrated his entrepreneurial drive since his pre-teens. From selling fireworks at age eight, to building a multimillion-dollar pool business in college, to creating a Wall Street trading firm, and now the world’s fastest growing sports movement, De Sena is a living definition of the word entrepreneur, and proof that ADHD can truly be your secret weapon.
Following a successful career on Wall Street, De Sena moved his family to Pittsfield, Vermont to operate an organic farm, a bed and breakfast, and a general store for hikers. It was here his passion grew for ultramarathons, adventure races, and endurance events; and thus the idea for the Spartan Race was born.
With more than 200 events in 30+ countries planned for 2017, Spartan Race has more than 1 million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels and ages, as well as competitive and elite heats. The company has more than 5 million passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, and two popular NBC television series, making obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports—and lifestyles— in the world. As a leader in the sport, Spartan Race is the first obstacle racing company to feature timing and global rankings.
Enjoy the episode! It's a wild one!
Hi there, gang! As this episode publishes, I'm in a plane somewhere above the Pacific Ocean, as I take what I'm pretty sure is my last flight to Asia this year. Two days in Hong Kong, then back to NYC.
But that gives me lots and lots of time to write, and as you know, my best writing and best ideas come to me on airplanes.
Our guest this week had his game-changing idea come to him in the drive-through line at a McDonald's. Yes, seriously!
Brian Scudamore is the Founder & CEO of three franchise companies; an entrepreneur recognized for his passion, vision, and faith in people.
Brian started (and is best known for) his first business, 1-800- GOT-JUNK? in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 18. He went on to revolutionize the junk removal industry. Today, 1-800- GOT-JUNK? has more than 850 trucks on the road throughout 170 locations in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Accolades include Fortune Small Business’ Best Bosses Award, Globe & Mail’s Top 40 under 40, the International Franchise Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007, and induction into the Young Presidents Organization in 2014, as well as Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization CEO Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement in 2012. 1-800- GOT-JUNK? is a three-time winner of a prestigious “Best Company To Work For” award in British Columbia.
And yes... As you guessed, Brian is massively, massively ADHD.
Enjoy the interview! It's a good one!