Living The Red Life

What happens when a creative mind refuses to stay inside the box? In this episode of Living The Red Life, Adria Nicole Laxson shares the mindset, persistence, and unconventional decisions that helped her build successful brands, acquire businesses, and create a one-of-a-kind destination in Oklahoma. From teaching herself web design during the early days of the internet to becoming the owner of a nationally recognized product brand and launching multiple ventures, Adria reveals how creativity became her greatest business advantage. She discusses product innovation, entrepreneurship, branding, authenticity, and the lessons learned from decades of building businesses across retail, design, hospitality, and e-commerce. This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to turn bold ideas into lasting success while staying true to who they are.Key Takeaways• Creativity can become a powerful competitive advantage in business.• Success often comes from persistence long after others would quit.• Learning new skills creates opportunities that compound over time.• Authenticity becomes a strength when you stop trying to fit into someone else's expectations.• Great entrepreneurs combine vision, execution, and adaptability.Notable Quotes• "I just always feel like I want to accomplish something."• "I can't fit in this box."• "I just gave up caring about that stuff and became authentically me."• "Never let fear be a decision maker."• "When you find your passion, don't just follow it. Grab it at every corner."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Most entrepreneurs follow the rules. Jennifer Witmyer decided to question them.As the founder of Archwood Soapery and Filthy Vegan, Jennifer built a fast-growing clean beauty brand by challenging everything she thought she knew about skincare, haircare, and the products consumers trust every day. After facing thyroid cancer, chronic health issues, and years of unanswered questions, she began noticing patterns others ignored. Those discoveries led her down a path that exposed misleading marketing claims, hidden ingredients, and the surprising realities behind the beauty industry.In this episode, Jennifer shares how resilience, pattern recognition, and relentless curiosity helped her turn personal adversity into a mission-driven business focused on transparency, sustainability, and consumer trust.Key Takeaways• Why pattern recognition became Jennifer's greatest entrepreneurial advantage• How personal health challenges inspired a business mission• The truth behind common beauty industry marketing claims• Why transparency creates stronger customer trust than branding• How questioning accepted norms can uncover massive opportunitiesNotable Quotes• "Look for the patterns."• "There is a pattern to every single thing in life."• "Eco-friendly is not a measurable thing."• "Strength isn't something you're born with. You build strength one hard day at a time."• "There is a better way."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

What happens when an ambitious fashion merchandising major refuses to fit the traditional mold of the legal industry?In this episode of Living The Red Life, Veronica Townsend shares how she transformed an unconventional path into a thriving legal career, becoming a law firm owner before the age of 30 while building a brand rooted in authenticity, positivity, and community impact. Instead of blending into a profession known for tradition and rigidity, she leaned into what made her different and discovered that standing out became her greatest advantage.Veronica discusses the realities of building a law practice, navigating a male-dominated profession, developing a powerful personal brand, serving local communities, and creating lasting relationships with clients through trust and authenticity. She also shares her perspective on entrepreneurship, leadership, gratitude, and the importance of lifting other women as they pursue ambitious goals.Whether you're building a business, pursuing law, or learning how to turn your uniqueness into your competitive edge, this conversation offers practical lessons on success, confidence, and creating impact.Key Takeaways• Why authenticity became Veronica's biggest business advantage• How she became a law firm owner before turning 30• The power of building a personal brand that attracts ideal clients• Why gratitude is a critical leadership and business growth tool• How women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated industriesNotable Quotes• "The more that I let my true colors shine, the more clients I attract."• "It's not about what I have to do. It's about what I get to do."• "I really want to be a voice for female attorneys."• "You never know what life could bring your way."• "It's really about what feels authentic to you."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

What happens when a U.S. Marine survives war, multiple brain surgeries, a life-changing diagnosis, and the loss of his ability to walk?In this episode of Living The Red Life, John Patricio shares the mindset, leadership principles, and relentless resilience that helped him build Patricio Systems into a successful government contracting company while navigating challenges that would stop most people in their tracks.From serving in Desert Storm and leading Marines in combat to becoming a paraplegic and launching a thriving veteran-owned business, John reveals how the Marine Corps philosophy of "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome" became the foundation for both his personal and professional success. He breaks down the realities of leadership, government contracting, project management, overcoming failure, and building a mission-driven company that delivers results.This episode is a masterclass in resilience, accountability, entrepreneurship, and turning adversity into opportunity.Key Takeaways• Why successful people become solution-driven instead of problem-focused• How military leadership principles translate into business growth• The mindset shift that helped John overcome becoming paraplegic• Why celebrating small wins creates momentum for long-term success• How "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome" can be applied to entrepreneurship and lifeNotable Quotes• "You are not a result of what happens to you. You're a result of how you respond to what happens to you."• "Since you can control your response, you can control your result."• "Every person who's successful wasn't just successful and it wasn't easy."• "I focus on what I can control and what I can do to make this world a better place."• "The difference between those who succeed and those who don't is how they respond to failure."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Austin and Hannah Rief are proving that entrepreneurship doesn't have to come at the expense of family. In this episode of Living The Red Life, the founders of Midwest Outlaw Garage and Lil' Grease Monkey Childcare reveal how they transformed a small-town dream into two thriving businesses while raising three children side by side. From overcoming difficult childhood experiences and criticism from others to building a 22,000-square-foot operation from humble beginnings, they share the mindset, work ethic, and relentless determination that fuel their success. This conversation dives into small-town entrepreneurship, family business growth, automotive innovation, leadership, and the realities of building companies together as husband and wife. Their story is a powerful reminder that success belongs to those willing to embrace discomfort, solve problems, and keep moving forward.Key TakeawaysWhy being comfortable with discomfort is essential for entrepreneurial growthHow Austin and Hannah built two businesses while raising three children togetherThe power of solving real-world problems instead of chasing trendsWhy self-belief matters more than other people's opinionsHow small-town entrepreneurs can compete through reputation, integrity, and hard workNotable Quotes"You got to be comfortable being uncomfortable.""If you say we're going to do something, we're going to do it.""Don't sit there and ask somebody what they think about your idea. Just do it.""You have to have that self-love that you are worth it, you are strong enough, and you can succeed.""Failure teaches you more than success ever will."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Most companies say people come first, but few truly build their culture that way. In this episode of Living The Red Life, Tracy Jackson, founder of My HR Confidant and HR E-Z, shares the mindset, leadership principles, and bold decisions that helped her become one of the most respected voices in human resources. From being the first woman and person of color on an executive leadership team to launching innovative HR technology for small businesses, Tracy reveals why loving people more than rules creates stronger organizations. She discusses leadership, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, employee engagement, and the importance of building trust at every level. Through powerful stories, faith-driven values, and practical business lessons, she challenges conventional HR thinking and offers a blueprint for creating workplaces where both companies and employees thrive.Key Takeaways• Put people before policies to build stronger organizations and healthier cultures.• Great leaders learn to distinguish between mistakes and intentional defiance.• Trust, honesty, and accountability create long-term employee loyalty.• Entrepreneurship begins when you identify problems others overlook.• Faith, resilience, and mentorship can shape career-defining decisions.Notable Quotes• "I consider HR to be resources for humans."• "You have to love people more than you love rules."• "Mistakes should be opportunities to learn."• "The company is the humans who work there."• "When you don't know what to do, do the right thing even if it's not easy."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Luxury interior designer and entrepreneur Jaque Bethke joins Living The Red Life to reveal how some of her greatest challenges became the foundation of her success. As the founder of a nationally recognized interior design and design-build firm, she shares the mindset that helped her transform discomfort into growth, build a business centered on emotion and experience, and create environments that influence how people think, feel, and connect. From leadership and entrepreneurship to luxury design and personal development, Jaque explores the power of frequency, presence, creativity, and resilience. This conversation dives into what separates good design from unforgettable experiences and why the most successful entrepreneurs learn to thrive outside their comfort zones.Key TakeawaysGrowth happens when you intentionally embrace discomfort.Great design is about creating emotional experiences, not just aesthetics.Entrepreneurs must learn to recharge and manage energy intentionally.Stillness and self-awareness are skills that require consistent practice.Alignment with clients and values creates stronger long-term success.Notable Quotes"Growth only comes from being uncomfortable.""I lived in uncomfortable for so long, it became the place I was most comfortable with.""It's not what it looks like. It's about how it makes you feel.""You have to evoke all five senses in design.""Being in that stillness opens up parts of us that we never knew existed."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Manuel Aragon spends his days helping entrepreneurs keep more of what they earn, but his path to becoming a respected tax strategist was anything but conventional. After facing 17 felony charges as a teenager and navigating years of personal challenges, Manuel refused to let his past define his future. In this episode of Living The Red Life, he shares how resilience, financial education, and relentless self-improvement helped him build Aragon Tax Return Services into a growing tax planning and advisory firm. He discusses tax strategy, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, implementation versus information, and why many business owners unknowingly leave money on the table. Through powerful lessons from the streets, the boardroom, and his upcoming book, The Tax of Life, Manuel reveals the mindset shifts that changed everything.Key TakeawaysYour past mistakes do not have to determine your future success.Tax strategy can be one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for entrepreneurs.Information alone is not enough; implementation creates results.Financial literacy is a skill that can transform families for generations.Building assets and long-term wealth matters more than simply accumulating cash.Notable Quotes"Give me a corner and a calculator and I'll hide behind the scenes.""Taxes can make or break a company.""My goal is to make taxes fun, informational, and educational.""You made a bunch of money. Now let's shelter it, move it, or invest it.""We have the freedom to change this perception of how people look at taxes."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

She was told dance wouldn’t last. That it wasn’t a “real career.” But instead of walking away, she rewrote the rules of the industry. In this episode, a former professional dancer turned entrepreneur, Menina Fortunato reveals how she built a global platform and seven-figure business by combining talent with strategy, branding, and bold reinvention. From performing with icons to mentoring the next generation, she breaks down the real business of dance, the mindset required to stay relevant, and how to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. This is a masterclass in turning passion into profit, navigating industry shifts, and building a sustainable creative career in a digital world.Key Takeaways• Talent alone isn’t enough. Business skills, branding, and marketing create real career longevity• The dance industry has shifted from auditions to social media driven opportunities• Building a sustainable career requires learning how to package and sell your skillset• Reinvention is essential when industries change or setbacks happen• Passion becomes powerful when it’s paired with strategy and monetizationNotable Quotes• “Talent is only a part of the equation.” • “You have to learn how to package and market yourself.” • “There’s no other you on the planet.” • “Life is a dance. When you hit a roadblock, pivot.” • “You can build a seven-figure business doing what you love.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Most entrepreneurs build businesses that trap them instead of freeing them. In this episode Rocco Cozza, a seasoned business attorney and entrepreneur, reveals how to systematize, scale, and structure companies for high-value exits. Drawing from decades of experience working with companies of all sizes, he breaks down why most founders wait too long to think about selling and how to build a business that runs without you. From SOPs and leadership gaps to mergers and acquisitions strategies, this conversation uncovers the real playbook behind building a sellable company and maximizing valuation.Key TakeawaysBuild your business to sell from day one, even if you never exitSystems and SOPs are the foundation of scalable companiesLeadership and operational gaps are the biggest value killersThe best time to plan an exit is 5 to 7 years in advanceAcquisitions can accelerate growth faster than organic scalingNotable Quotes"Set your business up to sell, even if you never exit.""If you fix the people problem, you fix the process problem, profit takes care of itself.""Build the company from the start without you.""Most people think about selling when it's too late.""If it's listed for sale, there's probably a reason why."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Timeka Washington goes from food stamps and survival mode to building multiple businesses and becoming the first millionaire in her family. In this episode of Living The Red Life, Timeka Washington shares the mindset, strategy, and emotional resilience behind her rise. From navigating motherhood at 17 to leading an empire through faith, discipline, and vision, she reveals how the “Bossy Blueprint” was born. This conversation dives into women in power, leadership identity, and building legacy-driven businesses while staying true to yourself. It is not just about success. It is about becoming the version of yourself that can hold it.Key TakeawaysSuccess starts with identity before strategyTurning pain into purpose creates unstoppable driveBuilding systems is the key to scaling a businessWomen must own their power unapologeticallyReal success is peace, alignment, and legacyNotable Quotes“If I wasn’t much, I wouldn’t have much.”“I didn’t just build a business. I built a blueprint.”“You have to channel in your inner beast.”“Success is peace in my spirit and power in my presence.”“I became the blueprint I never had.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

After years of narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and survival mode, this holistic trauma healer now helps others reclaim their power. In this episode, Sherry Lou Canino breaks down the truth about narcissistic relationships, how childhood trauma shapes partner choices, and why most people unknowingly repeat destructive patterns. Through her journey of arrest, emotional awakening, and rebuilding her life, she reveals the mindset shifts and healing strategies that changed everything. From equine therapy to holistic healing, her unconventional approach challenges traditional methods and offers a new path forward. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about boundaries, identity, and breaking free.Key Takeaways:• Why people unknowingly choose narcissistic partners• The difference between healthy and malignant narcissism• How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships• Why healing requires more than just talk therapy• The role of boundaries in reclaiming personal powerNotable Quotes:• "We’re picking them. They’re not picking us."• "They want you to think you have nothing without them."• "We all have to have healthy narcissism."• "Just because someone calls you something doesn’t make it true."• "Burn the boxes. Nobody puts you in one again."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

Dr. Clara Scott starts with less than $500, no backing, and a vision to redefine veterinary care. Today, she leads a thriving ecosystem built on mindset, resilience, and relentless execution. In this episode, a veterinarian and founder of My Family Vet shares how intuition, leadership, and an unshakable standard for excellence helped her scale through failure, loss, and industry pressure. From building culture-driven teams to mastering energy, communication, and client trust, she reveals the real strategies behind sustainable growth in veterinary business and beyond. This is a raw look at what it takes to win when the odds, the market, and even your own mindset are working against you.Key Takeaways• Start before you're ready. Resourcefulness beats capital in early-stage growth• Failure is feedback. Every setback is a system for improvement• Culture is your competitive edge. People and energy drive performance• Eliminate victim mentality. Ownership accelerates results• Intuition is a business skill. Awareness and presence create better decisionsNotable Quotes• “Overnight success doesn’t mean you knew what you were doing.” • “If you don’t learn and get better, you’re an idiot.” • “Animals don’t play victim. They adapt and move forward.” • “We built a legacy on treating animals like they deserve.” • “When you remove the noise, you operate on a different level.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter