Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in Richardson, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. I was blessed with two loving parents who, although they divorced when I was young, never used me or my sister against the other and they were better friends apart than when they were married. I had a great stepdad too.

I was shaped by several things growing up, including the blessing of a loving family. My older sister and I were very close and remain so to this day. We never fought, ever, pretty crazy but true. Also, my Dad was a hard-charging businessman. He taught me the value of working hard, having a positive attitude and he taught me to go for it, whatever it was I wanted in life. He stressed character and integrity and helped me grow into a leader. My mom was loving and compassionate, tender-hearted but also strong-willed. But mostly, although we were regular churchgoers, when I was 13-years old I attended Pine Cove Christian Camp where I heard the message of salvation in Jesus Christ and I gave my heart to the Lord. It has been an ongoing 47-year journey so far and the most important thing in my life.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

I wish I had realized earlier in life that not everybody is for you. Not everybody wants to see you succeed. Some people feel comfortable in their misery, they want to stay there and they want you to join them. I will never understand it but it is true. Sometimes you just can’t help people, especially when they don’t want to be helped.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

As a sports agent of 29-years and an owner of a Sports Science company, there is a sentiment of, while it’s not said this way openly, that you should use people and love money when in actuality you should use money and love people. People are what is important in life, not money.

I have found that if you help enough people get what they want in life you will have all that you want. I have a belief I try to stress to my clients, my sons, really anyone who will listen to pursue excellence, in every area of our lives and you won’t have to pursue the things you want, they will pursue you.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

As I mentioned previously, my parents divorced when I was 8-years old. It was 1968 and divorce was not that common. It was embarrassing to me as none of my friend’s parents were divorced. Not having our Dad around on a daily basis was hard and confusing. Although, I always say, if there is a right way to get divorced my parents did it the right way. My Mom met a man at church and they married a year or two later. My Dad lived within a couple of miles from us for most of the rest of our formative years. They didn’t use us against each other and supported each other when we’d try to play the emotional blackmail game with them. My Dad would even come over Christmas mornings and was at my games and my sister’s dance recitals.

What I learned is life doesn’t always work out as you planned. But it doesn’t mean it won’t work out. I guess it taught me to roll with the punches, be persistent, intentional, and disciplined and no matter what happens you can, as my father-in-law, College Football Hall of Fame Coach Grant Teaff says, “turn a setback into a comeback.” I have learned to trust God’s plan for my life. Even if I make a mistake that could be devastating, if I trust Him, He can bring about good. Walking with the Lord is like having a GPS. If you make a wrong turn the GPS doesn’t shut down, it re-directs you.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

It’s impossible to pick just one as success usually requires many things, but I believe in the following:

• Love God
• Have a positive mental attitude
• Practice discipline
• Be intentional
• Be consistent
• Be persistent
• Pursuing Excellence in every area of life
• Don’t track success, track the behaviors that lead to success.
• Love people

What is your morning routine? 

I used to wake up earlier then I realized I could be more productive if I got more sleep so I get up at 6 am. I read the Bible, pray, and exercise. I am a cyclist so I usually try to get in some miles in the morning. I track my workouts and my food intake along with my weight every day. I generally have a plan laid out the evening before for the next day so I review my schedule for the day and get after it.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Everything mentioned above. I believe we are all made up of Spirit, Mind, and Body and we must take care of all three to be truly healthy and happy. I like to work hard and I like to have fun. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

My wife says I live in the Happy Tree. And she is right. Life goes by fast and there is no time to worry or be anxious about stuff that may or may not happen. Zig Ziglar said worry is just focusing on what you don’t want to happen. That doesn’t mean I don’t ever worry or get anxious. I just don’t live there and I try not to waste emotional energy on negative thoughts or negative people. When you get rid of the toxic emotions and unnecessary distractions you are far more productive.

I am also a big-time planner, sometimes to a fault. For me, planning makes me more efficient. It becomes an issue when a change in plans makes sense, as that is hard for me to do.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

The Bible – I try to read it daily and live by the teachings of Jesus.

First Team Dad: Your Playbook For A Winning Family – I wrote it. I didn’t set out to write a book but it kind of just happened. It has been a positive impact on me and my family and I hope it is helping families, as well.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

“You are either working on accomplishing your goals and dreams or helping someone else accomplish theirs.”

“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right.”

“For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes on Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”