Kindness & Courage: The Intersection of Prosperity, Veteran Wisdom, and Financial Mastery

Discover the ripple effect of kindness and the exhilarating leap into the unknown that can redefine success as we unpack powerful lessons from Rick Wilson and Matthew Lenig. Their stories testify to the idea that the heart of prosperity is often found in the generosity we extend to others and the bold choices we dare to make. Rick, with his YMCA background, and Matthew, a veteran turned leadership sage, weave narratives of small deeds sparking great fortune and courageous decisions leading to significant life transformations. Their insights are a beacon for listeners aiming to leave a positive imprint on the world while pursuing their ambitions.

Venture into the realm of financial savvy with us as we narrate the essential steps taken on the journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego, encountering opportunities with the Chargers and beyond. In this episode, I learned about the financial strategies that have paved my way to stability—from meticulous cash flow management to the strategic assembly of a dedicated financial advisory team. These tools can help chart a course toward fiscal abundance, shared not just from a place of theory but of lived experience and practical application. Grasp the importance of aligning your assets with your aspirations, ensuring that your financial path leads to a future rich in possibilities.

We wrap our discussion by honoring the service of veterans like Matthew and celebrating the Veterans East County Alliance for their unwavering support of those who've served. Through the lens of strategic visioning and meticulous planning, we underscore the significance of preparing for life's transitions, be it from military to civilian life or journeying toward retirement. Engaging with these strategies is crucial in realizing immediate goals and laying the groundwork for a legacy that endures. So join us, and let these stories inspire your next steps toward mastery in both life and leadership.

Special Guest:
Rick Wilson: More than just President & CEO of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, he's an architect of growth and community champion. Recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as both the 2023 Business Non-Profit CEO of the Year and a two-time SD 500 honoree, Rick wea

TalkStory Promo Intro

Chapters

• 0:03 Giving, Breakthroughs, and Paths to Success
• 10:36 Opportunities and Wealth Building Strategies
• 15:09 Financial Planning for Veterans
• 20:40 Strategic Visioning and Retirement Planning
• 33:12 Recognizing Veterans' Leadership and Service
• 41:24 Special Editions With Veteran Entrepreneurs

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:03

Trends, current affairs and pathways to success. On Talk Story Business Edition podcast. On this podcast, austin Biak, an award-winning mortgage real estate guru, and William P2, a modern-day urban Robinhood, share and simplify the latest research and best practices from award-winning business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to educate and empower you on how to make money, save money and compound the interest of earned revenue to thrive, happier, healthier and improve your business practices for greater, efficient impact. The end result is that you understand alternative pathways to roads less traveled to success that the daring duo share on the show. Together with Ignite San Diego, sparked by the BBB, we resolve the challenges and obstacles of growing a successful business to be victorious in a new era of innovation. This production is supported by the Better Business Bureau National Referral Network, countywide Mortgage Lending, business Group Resources and Kaizen Group International.

Speaker 2: 1:16

Good morning and welcome to Talk Story Media Business Edition podcast. And today we're having a special episode specifically for veteran entrepreneurs. And today we have Matthew Lenig, who is a highly decorated veteran of the Armed Forces. And we also have a special guest, rick Wilson, who is the president of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, and we're going to be talking with Matthew about his involvement and transition into civilianhood and how he's made that bridge and continues to help and impact his team. So, without further ado, matthew, rick, if you can, rick, do you want to introduce yourself first?

Speaker 3: 2:10

Sure, thank you very much, William, and great to be with you as well, matt. So my name again is Rick Wilson. I'm the president and CEO for the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce and just excited to be on the program today to share what we've got going on for our community.

Speaker 2: 2:23

Awesome, and Mr Matthew Lenig yeah.

Speaker 4: 2:26

Hey, good afternoon everybody. It's great to be here with you, will, and you as well, hey. So thank you for the programs and thank you for your leadership. I'm a former Navy Seal officer, combat-proving veteran, author, keynote speaker and contributor. My expertise is in leadership development, organizational transformation and ability to have performance teams. I really, you know, draw from about 30 years of experience in NSW to really kind of help elevate both 150 and sometimes 500 companies to the next level. So that's kind of what I'm doing now.

Speaker 2: 3:04

That's so good. Thank you so much for your service. First question, for both of you and you can jump in at any time. So giving value and path to prosperity Can you account a moment when an act of giving not only transformed your life but also created a ripple effect of abundance in the lives of others, and how can our audience harness the power of giving to initiate a similar positive cycle of prosperity?

Speaker 3: 3:37

So this is Rick. I'll jump in first here. First thing that popped my mind was my career at the YMCA of San Diego County, which was 16 years as an exec and, you know, coming into an offer pocket like that.

Speaker 3: 3:49

Obviously, fundraising is something that is very large and I've had the incredible opportunity to meet with people who do have personal wealth to give back to the community.

Speaker 3: 3:59

But personally, it really affected me and saw, how you know our board members at the time when I first got hired, how much they give to the community through fundraising. And so what I saw was I started giving at a board level as an employee and what I saw was just the transformation of our communities, our youth, giving them opportunities that really, you know, open up their mind and their life of what can really be, especially in communities where a lot of kids never leave their neighborhood. And so what I realized was the more I gave, the more I got personally in myself, personal growth, just incredible joy to watch the results of giving to something and the impact that it happens. And so that's one, william, when you just asked that question that just popped into mind of really how much gratification I get out of giving and donating to help our community, which is really part of that wonderful cycle here in the United States that we have the ability to help out those that are less fortunate than us.

Speaker 2: 5:02

Awesome, matthew. Yeah, certainly.

Speaker 4: 5:07

Hey. So you know for growing up, you know my family, you know we didn't have a lot.

Speaker 4: 5:11

You know, my mother always did her best to provide for us, but I think the thing I'm starting out the most was that she extended her generosity to her friends and the kids all over the neighborhood, like. One unforgettable moment is when she shared what little food we had, you know, with the kids that basically had less than us, and I remember that that act of giving really kind of transformed my perspective on life and it also created a ripple effect of abundance in the lives of those she touched, you know, throughout the neighborhood, their families and so on. So over the next 30 years, you know, I've traveled probably 30, 40 different countries around the world and I always make a priority to give money to charities and churches and orphanages in the neighborhoods that we were at. And you know, even to this day we support a multitude of children all around the world to ensure that they go to school, that they have food in their bellies, because to me that's one of the things that I was lacking growing up.

Speaker 4: 6:10

And you know, to give back has been important, I think. As far as the audience, I think they can harness the power of giving, you know, by just recognizing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a profound difference Now, whether you're donating to global charities, you know supporting underprivileged children, volunteering to local youth organizations, you know simply just lending a helping hand to the child in need. I think those gestures can initiate a positive cycle of prosperity that really transcends boundaries and brings hope to children's world life.

Speaker 2: 6:47

So good. As they say, givers gain right and then yeah. So so, in the pursuit of achievement, defining moments often require Extraordinary encourage and action. Could you both share an inspiring story from your journey where a bold action led to a significant breakthrough, and what can our listeners learn from your experience to overcome barriers to success? And we'll start with you, matt.

Speaker 4: 7:15

Oh, wow, okay, so it's a great question. So I've encountered numerous challenges throughout my life, particularly during my time and naval special operations. You know it isn't easy to highlight just one Significant breakthrough because my path has been marked by a series of them. You know small orbit. That said, I think you know these breakthroughs really resulted, you know, enthrormed and never quit mindset. You know I was relentless in persevering some resilience and you know I push the limits of what I believe that my mind and my body can really endure. I think the other aspect of that is, you know my team played a critical role in a lot of those great suits. I mean these individuals provided unwavering support, allowing. You know we provided one another, we seek guidance from one another, we learn from one another, we leaned on one of their both good and challenging times and that never quit mindset and that supports this and really led to numerous significant breakthroughs throughout my life.

Speaker 4: 8:24

I think listeners can lean from. You know this experience as Really kind of like whenever that success often arises from a blind or, you know, a small breakthroughs and then Seizing old opportunities when they present themselves. You know it's crucial to maintain For momentum. You know, as far as I'm concerned. And if you have that never quit mindset you know you seek existence when necessary, from friends, mentors. You're not miss heartened by setbacks Then you know that is that fostering resilience helps you embrace change. You know. You know that you lean on one another and then you know with that you can pretty much overcome Any barrier and find success and ultimately achieve your goals. You know, not only personally, but also as a team.

Speaker 2: 9:15

So profound yes, together we rise. Right, as they say. You can get there quicker, faster together as a group, rather than isolating yourself as an individual. Do you have any Amazing stories, rick? Well, listen to Matt. Which that was just incredible.

Speaker 3: 9:31

Thanks for sharing that, matt. Yeah, I'm just trying to think of, you know, some of the things that have happened in my life that has been kind of groundbreaking or changing for me or inspiring, and you know I kind of thought back to college. You know I do have an MBA, but at my undergrad it was anthropology, and in anthropology, you know you're you're learning about cultures, religions of others, and learning all the religions around the world. The simple fact that I kind of take away from that is treating others the way you want to be treated, and so in business and life, in relationships, it's a real simple factor of just you know when you're, when you're doing something.

Speaker 3: 10:07

Is that the way you would want someone to treat you?

Speaker 3: 10:09

And with that it kind of helped me elevate, of you know, taking some big risks where you know, I was working for the university, making pretty good money in the early 90s, but I had been driving the dream of trying to work for the Sandy, for Chargers, and when I got that opportunity which was amazing because it took two years to get it the pay was incredibly Not sufficient to survive in Southern California, let's just put it that way.

Speaker 3: 10:36

But I would never get the opportunity again and I think that's a great opportunity to get it Opportunity again. And so taking that risk of leaving Santa Barbara, coming back down to San Diego to work for the organization, opened up a whole new world of opportunities. After my seven seasons working full-time for the Chargers, it opened up a lot of opportunities which led me to the YMCA, which you know. Sometimes you don't know why things happen, but when you do take that bold risk, sometimes there's some incredible reward and self reward in that path, and that has led to the path where I am now, and so I'm really grateful for the opportunity to learn that in college and to really open up my mind to think about more than just what I had learned growing up in our wonderful little town of Imperial Beach.

Speaker 4: 11:22

In Imperial Beach.

Speaker 2: 11:26

Just just to let our audience know, we all grew up in Imperial Beach, which is an amazing Event, because back in in that, those days, everything was just so relaxed and wholesome and and and. Now to see each other thrive and be champions in our own right is just really, really heartwarming. So we'll move on to the next one financial planning and wealth building through strategies. Wealth building is a goal for many to aspire to achieve, and Could you share a specific wealth building strategy or financial principle that has been instrumental in your financial success personally, and what practical steps can our listeners take to implement these strategies and work towards financial abundance?

Speaker 4: 12:14

So, like for me, wealth building is is a common aspiration, and one financial principle that has been instrumental in my financial successes is really the emphasis on cash flow, and why is investment choices such as money markets and trust, while carefully considering risk on return, so for me, like cash flow, by ensuring the income exceeds expenses.

Speaker 4: 12:39

You know that's been crucial, especially, you know, married with four small children. You know that that that becomes can become a little bit challenging sometimes, and then allocating a significant portion of my wealth and the money market investments and trust has really provided a stable and secure avenue for growing my assets, while, you know, really striking a balance between a higher risk of investments that offer potentially more significant returns and more conservative options that provide stability. So one of the things that you know that I did was a friend of mine. His father was spending his whole life trying to build his wealth and in that really had his hands into everything, and when he passed away, all of that wealth disappeared because it was everywhere, and so I realized really quickly that I had to grab all my assets, that I had homes, everything else and bring that in and take a lot of input into money markets, but really putting my house and my banks into trust and starting my own company, bringing my kids on board as my employees, starting out 401Ks for them.

Speaker 4: 13:50

So they're growing well right now. So I think, as far as listeners just really start out by creating a detailed budget, really track the income and expenses, identify areas where they can cut unnecessary costs and then divert that surplus into money market accounts and trust to maximize their well-building potential and then work. What I did was I had a great friend of mine who was a financial advisor and I worked really closely with him and he really helped me assess where the risk tolerance was and helped me make really informed investments and to really achieve the financial abundance that I wanted for me and for my family over time.

Speaker 2: 14:36

So let me ask so do you have a team, a financial team that you work with, or just one financial advisor?

Speaker 4: 14:43

It's an entire team that I have, but I particularly I predominantly work with one gentleman, but it's a team of three that he'll go back to his other two counterparts and they'll discuss things, and then they come back and then they'll sit down with me and we'll have really a one on one discussion and get their feedback and then I'll make those decisions accordingly. So that's kind of how it rolls right now.

Speaker 2: 15:09

Did you learn about any wealth management when you were in the military?

Speaker 4: 15:14

Yeah, so we had. We again I'm not going to say we were a completely different part of the military and I think maybe we had a little bit more benefits. So we had financial planners come in and work with us independently. So that started for me probably around 20 years ago. Then the military started the through savings plan, which was considered similar to a 401k, and so I put 15% of my earnings into that and so that was really when I retired. That was a massive chunk that I was able to use as I moved over to a civilian financial advisor who basically took all of that and really moved it to the next level.

Speaker 2: 16:05

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Speaker 2: 16:50

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Speaker 4: 18:29

So that's a great question. I think you know I was, I had a family very early on, so sometimes that can be difficult and plus the military really didn't pay a lot because you know, it wasn't really about the money, it was more about the servant leadership that that organization was a part of. So in the beginning it was a little bit difficult. So I would say probably around I would say probably around the age of 30 is when I really started engaging and I've built a substantial, Pretty good stuff. I'm really focused on generational wealth and so I'm really building what I have now for my children and their children awesome, rick.

Speaker 2: 19:14

So same question, but if you can Share also your experience being the president of the Chamber you know what other avenues you see that would accommodate Financial planning and wealth building, or your for anyone's financial team that they would put together, Absolutely.

Speaker 3: 19:40

First, matt gave a great overview and I'm a big believer in what he he's talked about is You're talking about an early age. So when I was a teenager, my parents Really were pushing me to get into a life insurance slash retirement plan and, of course, as a teenager, all you see is expense right because you're invincible and you don't think All that wonderful stuff, right.

Speaker 3: 20:04

So we all been there and I think about that, of how smart that was you know I think I started off paying like 20 or 25 dollars a month Towards it and it's been one of the best things I ever did. And so I started using that in my early 20s to get into other opportunities for investment as well and I'm very low risk. I'm not someone who goes after, you know, high-risk, high-risk return. I'm looking for the long run kind of what Matt alluded to is. I'm trying to set up myself for future generational wealth for my kids and their family and and still living in the moment, still living in South of California with how expensive is. But but your question, william, about you know, as the president of the chamber, we have a lot of members that do wealth management and so from all different aspects I'm hearing what the latest and greatest is being able to refer to our members.

Speaker 3: 20:54

It is about you know if you can get in early on retirement plans and, as Matt kind of alluded to, if you can get as close as you can to maxing out what you're able to. Matt alluded to 15% and you know I've tried to do that as well. It is the long game, it is for the long run and it's hard when you're younger and you're paying for stuff and you're trying to get by, you know, maybe check to check, but you know one thing that I've always been told by not only my parents but many people, is pay yourself first. So when you get your paycheck, put that into your 401, put it into the retirement plan, whatever it is that you are setting up or have set up, pay yourself first. And it's a good motto when you're thinking about setting yourself up in the long run for your retirement era.

Speaker 2: 21:41

Awesome, yeah, there's. There's a lot of different vehicles and I Wish I would have started much earlier. So let's change gears here and let's talk about strategic visioning. So, as you know, there are SWAT analysis and life model canvases out there. Strategic visioning empowers individuals to shape their destinies Consciously. Can you narrate a pivotal moment when a strategic vision or plan was critical in realizing significant goals or a dream, and how can our audience utilize strategic visioning tools to design their future and unlock their full potential?

Speaker 3: 22:27

I.

Speaker 2: 22:32

You want to go for a flip a coin? Go ahead, matt.

Speaker 4: 22:38

So, yeah, I definitely agree with that. I think strategic visioning is it's a transformative process really that does Definitely enables individuals to shape their destinies. For sure, I think a pivotal moment in my life when that played a critical role was during my transition to civilian life after Retire or getting ready to retire from the military. So I got with my uncle, patrick, knowing that I was gonna retire in 2022 and I had a very well on out for your plan. During that time, I went back and got my undergrad and graduate level degrees and leadership development and strategic leadership with emphasis on business analytics. I also got tons of mentors and, after having discussions with them, I went and got certifications and project and change management, lean six sigma and agile methodologies. And Also we also have an organization called the honor foundation, which is a nonprofit 16-week executive transition course which allowed me to really successfully navigate my transition and achieve the goals. And and one of the things that was very important about that is, yeah, those are great and people look at those, especially in the field that I am. Reality is I wanted to be able to correlate what I had learned in the military into the business world and so going back and doing those certifications and those degrees Help with that. And what I really realized is I've been doing all those things for 30 years and I think probably one of the things that was really pivotal to me was one of my mentors Is. We stated wow, I would have never known, you're in the military, you know organizational speak very well, so it's kind of a compliment.

Speaker 4: 24:28

But as far as the audience, I mean, you know, I think, utilizing strategic visioning tools, you know they can start by setting clear and specific long term goals like you know, career transitions or personal achievements and then they can kind of work backwards to create really actionable steps and timeline to achieve those goals. I think you know, like you brought up some of the things that I've used and I think that can help your viewers. You know, obviously a slot analysis is a big one, but there's also smart goals, which is another one that I've used and that's really just setting specific and measurable achievement, relative time pattern goals. You can do vision boards, mind mapping, what else? Strategic planning frameworks.

Speaker 4: 25:11

I've done a lot of mentorship and coaching, both poor executives and also have been coached. I do self reflection, journals, networking, and then for me, continuous learning is huge. So investing in education, skill development, all that type of stuff is really a big deal. So I think you know, by employing those types of strategies and you know those types of tools, you can really unlock not only your potential but if you're running an organization you can really unlock the potential of your employees. And then you know that'll help you really just turn those dreams into achievable realities.

Speaker 2: 25:51

Yeah, you mentioned several other tools and, like you, I have a toolbox of just. You know, depending upon what the intention is or who I'm mentoring, you pull out. You know what is best and necessary at that time. Rick, do you have any strategic visioning tools that you can share, or how do you manage to forecast your future?

Speaker 3: 26:22

Well, no, these are great. I tell you, matt, I tell you what you are a treasure of knowledge. There's no question about that. So, as I'm listening to it, I'm just like checking the box, like yes, yes, yes, yes, exactly. So yeah, just, you know, with that question there's lots of ways.

Speaker 3: 26:37

One thing that I will say is, in my career as being an executive, you know, I have a company to do strategic planning for your planning, five year planning but most companies seem to do that and then put it in the cabinet and don't even pull it out until it's time to do a new one. And so something with my leadership that I constantly try to do is put first off, have a strategic planning day like a retreat with your board, you know, your staff, the people that you're empowering to drive the organization, but then bring that you know every month, or at least quarterly, so it's in front of everybody of what we all together decided were the main goals that we wanted to do and the strategies on how to get there and are we following those strategies, and it's a good roadmap. And so strategic planning is a good tool as long as you are using it, versus just every three to five years you're getting together to put it together, but you never put that actually back in front of you again. And when you talked about you know, using strategies and whatnot to try to achieve your goals, I do kind of go back to early in my life and my career, working for the university in Santa Barbara and you know having a great job coming out of college. You know I was in a rock band, so having long hair and wearing shorts to work, it was just awesome. And I had a professor who was next door just used to come in all the time and say, so what are you going to do? You know you're going to just kind of get your 3% of cost of living increased every year at the university. I mean, you have so much more potential. And you know it's like, yeah, yeah, you know I got a great job and everything's great.

Speaker 3: 28:07

And then finally one day he came in my office and I remember clearly because we had a new building and we had those metal blinds on the door to the door had glass windows, and so he slammed the door and I remember the blinds just flying everywhere, thinking like, oh my gosh, what's what's happening. And he just said forget everything that I've ever kind of mentored and talked to you about and what is your favorite thing to do? And I remember clearly thinking like, wow, this is kind of embarrassing. I'm going to tell him that really, what I really love doing is myself watching San Diego Charger football games on Sunday and asking my girlfriend y'all, do anything you want before, anything after, you know, I just want to watch the game. And he said, well, why don't you go and work for them?

Speaker 3: 28:47

And for some reason, I don't know why, up to that age, at 23 years old, that I never thought about all the things that happen in sports the accounting department, the marketing department, the business department. So there's an interview of the organization, there's all kinds of departments that make the machine go, and all we see on TV is the players, coaches and owners, right. And so the light went off in my head and that's when I really got energized to start strategically looking at how could I get in an organization that most organizations like that are pretty impossible to get into unless you know someone. So for me it was about networking, connecting with people that knew someone. I was lucky that the receptionist at the university, her father, went to school with the Charger, team doctor, and then people down here in San Diego, al Hartenian, who owned 3% of the team. They knew him. So I started meeting people and over a two-year period that opportunity came. But it showed me that when you really want something, you put a plan together of how you're going to go about to get it. It's just not going to be handed to you.

Speaker 3: 29:47

And so I would say also for the listeners out there you know we get frustrated in life or we have challenges with individuals, but not burning bridges is incredibly important.

Speaker 3: 29:57

You never know when that comes back around and that resource or that person that you've worked with. So for me to achieve the dream of quote-unquote being a Sandywood Charger without actually hitting the field and making millions of dollars, that came true, but it had a lot of people that I networked with and met that helped me on my way. So I would say, in your journey, it's always not just yourself too, it's your support system, your mentors, your family and the people that you meet and listen. That's the number one tool that I would say is listen to what people are saying. You can learn so much from other people. I mean just this podcast right now, listening to math talk. There's a lot of incredible information in there that hopefully young people are hearing, and we'll take action on even one of those steps, and so that would be. My recommendation is, you know, go out to your dreams, be strategic and really live that full life that we've been talking about today.

Speaker 2: 30:48

Yeah, you both have so much incredible information. You know, matt, as a Forbes contributor. I understand you have a book coming out. Could you share this new entrepreneur tool that you're sharing with the world?

Speaker 4: 31:08

Yeah, so the book will be coming out at the end of this year. The book is called it's Home to Redemption Uncommon Leadership During Uncommon Times and what it really is is I'm a storytelling, and so the book will have some frameworks, of course. I mean everybody's easiest way to learn is by two, by two frameworks. I made a very simple idea to utilize those, but a lot of the leadership fundamentals and skills that big organizations, people in general, will learn from, that is really through storytelling and it really talks.

Speaker 4: 31:38

If you go to LinkedIn, I've put four excerpts of my book and I'm releasing. I guess you could say another. I release excerpts like every month, every month and a half, and it just kind of gives you kind of an interlook into my life when I was younger, what those leadership skillsets, kind of how I built them, how they helped me a lot through my career and in life, and then really the 30 years within SW and now working with multiple organizations in the industry. So it really takes a lot of those fundamentals and it's really is going to drive success, not only from a personal level but from a professional level.

Speaker 2: 32:15

That's awesome. You know we have a group here in San Diego Through the East County Regional Chamber that would most likely really benefit from your book and and the. The organization is called VECA and it's a veterans group hosted by the East County Regional Chamber and Rick. Could you share more about VECA and and how it relates?

Speaker 3: 32:41

Yeah, absolutely so. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about that. So when I got the job here back in 2019, one of my volunteers came in two months after to volunteer with the organization and she had kind of a vision to kind of help bring back at our Chamber of Commerce, which is 112 years old this year, to bring back a veteran group. So that had been kind of dormant before I got the job and Obviously the pandemic hits to kind of put things on hold. But coming out the pandemic in July of 2021 in California, when the restrictions were lifted, we really started putting that group together.

Speaker 3: 33:12

And the Veterans East County Alliance is a group that, throughout San Diego County, are all kinds of leaders. A lot of them are veterans, veteran owned friendly businesses that come together because what we see the number one situation out here, especially in Southern California, is so many people transitioning out of the military and they have all these earned, you know, resources that are really difficult for them to obtain or get hold of, and this group has come together to make sure that our veterans that we're aware of throughout San Diego County and East County Are getting the resources that they've earned, whether it be medical, you name it, no matter what it is Funding, you know opportunities for grants or loans or anything like that, and so really proud of that group going strong now for two years and just really happy that we're able to support such an incredible military Town with what we're doing through the Veterans East County Alliance and William. On that note, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to share something with Matt, that's okay.

Speaker 2: 34:13

Absolutely my guess.

Speaker 3: 34:16

All right. Well, matt, you know we we grew up together in Imperial Beach and you know just we we survived and we're living our lives and having a great time. But I just wanted to let you know, matt, that on behalf of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans East County Alliance, we want to thank you for your service to our country and we would love to recognize you and obviously we'll send it in the mail, but just on this podcast. I just wanted to recognize you for what you're, what you've done for our country and what you're continuing to do with Leadership components in our community, our business community.

Speaker 3: 34:53

And when I think of our community, we're a global economy, so it's not just San Diego or East County, it's the United States, it's the world. And when we have people like yourself that are out there Continuing to drive positive things for positive impact, I like to call myself an opportunity, but an opportunity in a positive way, taking advantage of great opportunities to help other people, to teach other people, to mentor other people, to lend those leadership qualities. Matt, we're just so excited for what you're doing and we we hope and encourage you to continue Down the path that you have been, but we just wanted to recognize you on behalf of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans East County Alliance for all that you've done and all that you continue to do. So thank you very much.

Speaker 4: 35:36

Wow, thank you. Yeah, you're good, oh boy you're a hero of. San.

Speaker 2: 35:42

Diego. And just because you moved to Texas doesn't mean you're still San.

Speaker 4: 35:48

Diego, you probably still have Dade Street on your shoulder or something like that, you know oh yeah, I just found some pictures the other day of that house on Dade Street that my brother and I lived in for many years.

Speaker 3: 36:06

Yeah, before you move closer to left you. Yes, sir.

Speaker 2: 36:11

I just have to add you know Matt's been such a mentor so for so many and To share with you he was my mentor to teach me how to ride a bike.

Speaker 3: 36:23

Awesome. So, my god, if we're sharing stories, Matt, I remember clearly you and your brother, when you guys were in we blows coming over. My dad was the you don't even you wouldn't call it up. It wasn't Boy Scouts and wasn't Cup Scouts, it's kind of that in between Time period and I just remember all you guys are Fernandez's and everybody coming over to our house and Doing all kinds of cool stuff and, yeah, just obviously all the years in the water. So I'm just so excited to be reconnecting with you and being able to learn from you and share what's going on in community.

Speaker 4: 36:54

Yeah, it's amazing and yeah, I love it. You know, I was, I was in the dark for so many years, you know, and it was interesting, well, and I talked about that because it was just like so many people over the years trying to get older me, but I was, you know, I wasn't on social media, I wasn't on a lot of platforms, so it was difficult for people. Now that I'm out, I'm really connecting and it's it's an absolute pleasure, to be honest.

Speaker 2: 37:16

Well, connecting is what we'd like to do with you and and I'm extending a virtual key to San Diego's business community and when you launch that book, we would love to have you do a book signing here in San Diego with our veterans. Yeah, we would love that. So, with that said, we'll start with you, rick. What can we expect next from you and your career and any last words of wisdom and nuggets to share with our audience?

Speaker 3: 37:48

Well, I think a lot of great topics and resources have been talked about today. You know everyone's got personal drive. There's personal passions that everyone has, and and when you're following that passion, you know it's something I learned a long time ago from my parents is you're trying to, when you're going to work every day, be passionate about what it is and give it your all, and so finding what it is that you are passionate about and then strategically Figuring out the path to get to what your goal is, and along the way on the journey, it is amazing how many things you learn Keeping your mind open, things that you never knew about. And again, one thing that kind of talked about earlier was just listening to people. You know, like listening to Matt today listen to leaders, listen to people in your community, whether you agree with them or not. There's a lot of treasure to be found in there, and so I would just encourage everyone to Stay strong, go after your passions, treat people like you want to be treated, and listen to others, and life is pretty great.

Speaker 2: 38:47

Yes, it is Matt.

Speaker 4: 38:50

Yeah, I like that. I think I'll jump on that. I think you know discovering, you know, your own personal passion in the world is it's just really you're kind of uncovering a hidden treasure within yourself. You know it's a journey that involves exploration, self-reflection and a willingness to really embrace new experience. So when you're out there and you find the passion and If you stumble upon a source you know helps you really just kind of focus on your energy and your inspiration, that's the one thing that ignites, you know, really anybody's soul and fuels their enthusiasm and propels you forward with purpose and determination. So I think, you know your passion becomes a driving force, force behind your actions, infusing almost every endeavor with the sense of fulfillment and meaning. So it's really a reminder that life you know it's short but it's just filled with riches.

Speaker 4: 39:52

I think for me personally really just sets my heart on fire and really I mean just really uncovering that unique place in your world is just so fulfilling, especially coming from really 30 years in the military, where you know that's you become kind of institutionalized to an organization and then you know it takes a little while to find your place, you know, with this platform and with what you guys are doing, you know, really shows that the veteran community, you know, has a lot of value, you know, for the outside business world. And you know, don't, don't, don't underestimate yourself, get over that and, you know, go out there and just do great things, so good.

Speaker 2: 40:34

I want to thank you both for coming on the show. Mr Rick Wilson not just the president and CEO of San Diego regional East County Chamber of Commerce, he's an architect and growth and community champion and I have to say he's been recognized by the San Diego business journal as both the 2023 business nonprofit CEO of the year and he's a two-time San Diego 500 honoree. So that's just amazing. And Matt not, he's just amazing and a distinguished former Navy SEAL Officer and combat proven veteran who has made significant contributions in the fields of leadership, development, organization transformation and building high performance teams. So, with that said, thank you both for being on the show. I welcome you back.

Speaker 2: 41:25

We'll be continuing our special editions with veteran entrepreneurs and We'd love to have you back as a co-host. Thank you, you have to show it. Have a good day, guys. Thank you so much. You guys take care, thank you. This is a talk story media production. Talk story business edition is hosted by Austin B Hick and William P Tune, supported by the Better Business Bureau, national Referral Network, county-wide mortgage lending business group resources and Kaizen Group International.