🎙️ Welcome to "Live Life by Design with Jeff Mendez," a podcast for personal and professional growth!
👤 Jeff is a seasoned leader with a strong background in sales, operations, and investment, known for transforming a company's revenue from $30M to over $1B. He’s also provided affordable housing to 41,000+ families, co-owns Green Light Restaurant Group, and is a fervent supporter of early-stage investments.
🎧 Join us as Jeff interviews experts, sharing insights and strategies to propel you forward. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking growth, this is your resource for inspiration and practical advice.
🔗 Subscribe, connect in the comments, and follow us on social media for more!
🎯 Live your life by design, not by default. Join Jeff Mendez on this journey, and let’s build a life and career that truly reflects your aspirations and potential!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ Welcome to "Live Life by Design with Jeff Mendez," a podcast for personal and professional growth!
👤 Jeff is a seasoned leader with a strong background in sales, operations, and investment, known for transforming a company's revenue from $30M to over $1B. He’s also provided affordable housing to 41,000+ families, co-owns Green Light Restaurant Group, and is a fervent supporter of early-stage investments.
🎧 Join us as Jeff interviews experts, sharing insights and strategies to propel you forward. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking growth, this is your resource for inspiration and practical advice.
🔗 Subscribe, connect in the comments, and follow us on social media for more!
🎯 Live your life by design, not by default. Join Jeff Mendez on this journey, and let’s build a life and career that truly reflects your aspirations and potential!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What drives a 41-year-old husband, father of three, and CSO of a $300M brand to willingly get punched in the face—on purpose?
In this raw and riveting episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Dan Gardner, Chief Sales Officer of Bucked Up, to unpack his decision to enter a professional bare knuckle boxing match. From the blood, stitches, and mental battles to the business lessons and parenting insights, Dan shares why this fight wasn’t about victory in the ring—but triumph over complacency.
This one’s about showing up for your goals, leading by example, and becoming your best self—even when it hurts.
This episode is a masterclass in mindset, legacy, and leading with action.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Dan’s fight aftermath
01:30 - Why bare knuckle boxing at 41?
06:24 - Training, diet, and mental prep
10:22 - Doers vs critics mindset
14:12 - Bucked Up’s $300M growth story
23:14 - Will Dan fight again?
29:15 - Mental battles & defining moments
34:04 - Becoming a better father and leader
38:26 - Sales mindset & hospital bed closing story
44:12 - Final advice on excuses & legacy
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.