From Immigrant at 18 to Doctor and Successful Entrepreneur with Dr. Ty Richardson
The Florida Forge
Dr. Ty Richardson joins us to talk about finding success on a winding path of ups and downs as an immigrant to the US. His path to success was forged doing things that fit HIS vision, not the vision or advice of the society around him. From growing up as a child of entrepreneurs to rapid advancement in the corporate world, to a doctorate and various entrepreneurial ventures, to being a mayor-appointed commissioner locally, Dr. Richardson's journey has been unique and he brings an incredible wealth of positivity and wisdom to our episode. Unpack the secret to success without all the stress in...
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What It Really Takes To Achieve "Overnight Success" with Dr. Gil Vega
The Florida Forge
Dr. Gil Vega put his intense focus to work for YEARS, only to change courses, go to medical school, and become a doctor. He finally got the job he wanted, with great benefits, no call, weekends off...DREAM job for a doctor. But then he got the itch. After years of grinding...is this what I really want? So he did something crazy, and left to start his own clinic. In this conversation, Dr. Gil and Gavin talk about discipline, work ethic, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to succeed. Join us to get started building YOUR legacy. In This Episode: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Evolve Aesthetics 3:27 Becoming a...
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From False Start To Successful AC Business with Josh Roberts
The Florida Forge
Josh Roberts started a business that he initially thought failed. He launched it, realized people wouldn't come just because you exist, and went back to get a job. Then a big life change gave him the push he needed to prove himself, and this time he never looked back. Now he owns a successful AC business in Florida, but it wasn't an easy path to get there. In this conversation, we talk about the pitfalls, the trials, and the legacy Josh wants to leave behind as he forges his own path to success. In This Episode: 0:00 Intro 1:35 The journey into entrepreneurship 5:09 From failure to success...
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From Broken Neck and Losing 8 Figures to Top 10 Disruptor ft. John Baxter
The Florida Forge
John Baxter broke his neck. Then healed it on his own...without surgery. He lost tens of millions of dollars in his 30s. Then decided to respond with goodness anyway. John is a true Renaissance Man, and we're blessed to have him on the podcast today. He's a patent-holding inventor, natural health enthusiast, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. In this episode we dive into his background, what drives him to keep building and be successful and push further into the frontiers of technology to benefit humanity, his most crushing business story, his mission to save honey bees, and more. In...
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Building A Swimming Business, Raising 9 Kids, and Focusing On What Matters with Donna Lewis
The Florida Forge
Donna Lewis is a mother of 9, grandmother of 1, and owns Guppies 2 Groupers, a business dedicated to ending accidental child drownings. We talk about her business, life, and faith journey, from wanting to be a fighter pilot, to becoming a mother, to being able to teach kids to navigate water safely (even when they're as young as 1!). In This Episode: 0:00 Intro 0:44 Guppies2Groupers 5:10 Why focus on teaching water safety 12:38 Donna's teaching background 14:54 The ability to parent is being eroded 18:33 Mother at 17 22:51 Pompano thoughts 26:09 Learning solutions, not just information 27:02...
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From Hustling College Kid To Faith-Driven VC Building Florida's Future ft. Spencer Elliott
The Florida Forge
What drives a man to build startups, fund innovation, and still keep faith and family at the center of it all? Gavin sits down with Spencer Elliott - venture capitalist, founder, and Director at Plug and Play Tech Center - to explore purpose, perseverance, and the power of gratitude. From humble beginnings in Orlando to leading one of the world’s most active VC networks, Spencer opens up about the childhood experiences that forged his character, the faith that grounds him, and the family that fuels his ambition. Together, they dive deep into entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and Florida’s...
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From Food Stamps To $100M+ Companies Amidst Grief, Loss, and Fatherhood ft. John Chiorando
The Florida Forge
Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Chiorando shares his raw and remarkable journey from growing up in violence and poverty to building multi-million-dollar companies, all while keeping one title closest to his heart: Dad. John opens up about the heartbreak and faith that shaped his life, from losing his daughter to cancer, to raising a son with Down syndrome, to rebuilding his relationship with God after years of anger and loss. His story is one of redemption, resilience, and relentless love. You’ll hear how he went from welfare and paper routes to moving billions of dollars, and why...
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From Alcoholic To Faithful $9M CEO ft. Matt Mishler
The Florida Forge
From bailing hay in small-town Michigan to building a multimillion-dollar company in Florida, Matt Mishler’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this powerful conversation, Matt opens up about overcoming alcoholism, leaving behind the corporate grind, and discovering a new path through faith, discipline, and entrepreneurship. He shares how his rock bottom moment turned into the launchpad for Lion Rock Financial Services, and why he’s determined to leave a legacy of abundance without the hustle-and-grind mentality. With raw honesty and a message of hope, Matt reveals the habits,...
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From Pregnant in Jail to Gospel-Spreading Lawyer ft. Kaysia Earley
The Florida Forge
She went from a college student in handcuffs to a trial lawyer who prays with clients, and the moment that changed everything happened in a jail cell. In this episode Kaysia Early tells the raw story of pleading guilty, being sentenced while four months pregnant, and how a solitary night lit a fire that ultimately put her in court as an advocate for others. You’ll hear how one honest letter from the son she carried helped sway a bar committee, why faith reshaped her career, and how she balances law, ministry, family and fashion. Expect courtroom war stories, spiritual candor, and practical...
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From Rock & Roll To Faith-Driven Purpose and Family Legacy with Jordan Goodfellow
The Florida Forge
Jordan Goodfellow was sick of being told he was "non-essential" by the state of Colorado, so packed up his family and moved to Florida, where his business has expanded and his faith has impacted a ton of lives. It's been just one of many chapters of his life where an adventure has brought him the chance to learn, grow, and share his faith. From touring with Linkin Park (and being the only guy not drinking and partying) to surviving COVID while running a business that relied on in-person events, this episode is packed with stories of real resilience, and a life forged by overcoming challenge....
info_outlineFrom bailing hay in small-town Michigan to building a multimillion-dollar company in Florida, Matt Mishler’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
In this powerful conversation, Matt opens up about overcoming alcoholism, leaving behind the corporate grind, and discovering a new path through faith, discipline, and entrepreneurship.
He shares how his rock bottom moment turned into the launchpad for Lion Rock Financial Services, and why he’s determined to leave a legacy of abundance without the hustle-and-grind mentality.
With raw honesty and a message of hope, Matt reveals the habits, mindset, and faith that transformed his life.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this is an episode you can’t miss.
In this episode:
0:00 Intro
2:51 Growing up in small-town Michigan
7:34 Family struggles and breaking cycles
10:42 Stepping into entrepreneurship
12:49 Rock bottom and the path to sobriety
18:13 Lessons from the Marines and discipline
21:47 Fitness, routine, and business success
26:45 Visualization, coaching, and new opportunities
31:21 Developing Into a CEO
33:11 Launching Lion Rock and early sacrifices
36:31 Faith, prayer, and trusting God’s plan
47:14 Legacy, family, and reshaping hustle culture
54:06 Closing reflections and gratitude
Resources:
LionRock Financial Services: https://lionrockfinancial.jobs/
Matt on FB: https://www.facebook.com/matt.mishler.2025/
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671027034