From Bullets to Business: How a Marine Gunner Became a Serial Entrepreneur with Marc Rodriguez (Ep. 43)

For veterans and active-duty members, the transition to civilian life represents a pivotal moment where one world converges with another, and the uncharted territory of civilian society replaces the familiar rigors of military life. While this crossroads can be both exhilarating and challenging, how do service members embrace this newfound world and transform the challenges into opportunities for growth, success, and purpose?In this episode, Brett is joined by Marc Rodriguez, Franchise Owner of Self Made Training Facility Dallas and CEO of Manifest Fitness Institute and Justrod Fitness Corporate Wellness Team. From institutional Marine gunny to purpose-driven serial entrepreneur, Marc talks about how he overcame his victim mentality after leaving the military, why personal trainers are as important as first responders, and what advice he gives veterans and active-duty members when transitioning to civilian life.Enjoy!In This Episode01:16 - Backstory of Marc Rodriguez06:01 - How Marc transitioned into civilian life10:15 - What Marc did to overcome his victim mentality15:22 - How Marc got past the transitional phase17:44 - Marc's advice to veterans and active-duty members25:13 - The current business ventures of Marc26:22 - How Marc addressed the lack of business education30:59 - Why personal trainers are as important as first responders35:37 - The most important transitional characteristics for service members39:29 - A summary of Marc's entrepreneurial journeyFavorite Quotes18:53 - "To any veteran or active-duty member, get your education because it means something on this side of the world. If you don't have a college degree, you're behind the power curve on this side of the world." - Marc Rodriguez31:18 - "Personal trainers are just as important as first responders because they provide longevity and teach health practices. They're teaching you to be healthier and more fit so you can live longer." - Marc Rodriguez38:22 - "I always wanted to give my Marines all the knowledge and experience I had so they could take my spot and become better." - Marc Rodriguez41:03 - "Seek out the people that you want to emulate. Seek out those you want to be and those at a level you want to get to." - Marc Rodriguez45:53 - "If you're having a hard time transitioning, it's understandable. Everybody goes through it. The difference between those that can transition into successful careers and those that don't is you only have that much time to whine, and then you need to come up with a solution." - Marc RodriguezEngage with Marc RodriguezEmailLinkedInInstagramSMTF DallasConnect with Brett Henderson:310-491-7975Swe90.comLinkedIn: Brett HendersonStrategic Wealth EndeavorListen to The Veteran Entrepreneur Masterclass PodcastApple PodcastSpotify