What does it take to walk away from a stable career at a Big Four firm to build a consulting empire during an economic meltdown?

In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with Landon Smith—a "recovering accountant" who traded the corporate ladder for the grit of entrepreneurship. From his humble beginnings in West Texas to founding and scaling Riveron, Landon reveals the raw reality of building a business when the odds are stacked against you.

In this conversation, we dive into:

- The EY Leap: Transitioning from an auditor mindset to an owner mindset.

- Recession-Proof Resilience: How Landon launched and scaled a firm during one of the toughest economic climates in history.

- The Parent-Founder Balance: Staying grounded and leading with purpose while raising a family.

- The "Flip-Flop" Pivot: The surprising story behind his latest venture and what it teaches us about staying agile.

Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a leader navigating hard times, Landon’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, practical wisdom, and the power of staying the course.

How does an elite "Horse Soldier" transition from the rugged mountains of Afghanistan to the strategic halls of Washington, D.C.?

Jeremy Thompson spent 22 years as a Green Beret Intelligence Officer, but his journey of resilience began long before the military. In this episode of The Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with the Executive Director of the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) to discuss the evolution of an "Operator" and the grit required to lead after the uniform comes off.

From the childhood tragedy that forged his early resolve to the high-stakes world of Special Operations, Jeremy shares a raw and honest look at what it takes to serve, sacrifice, and successfully pivot into a new life of purpose.

Key Takeaways from the Mission:

- The Identity Shift: How to prevent your career—no matter how elite—from becoming your entire identity, and the secret to a successful transition.

- Psychological Body Armor: Tactical advice on building mental resilience and using a faith-driven mindset to navigate civilian life and entrepreneurship.

- The Next Generation of Grit: Insights into raising grounded children and Jeremy’s ongoing mission to advocate for the Special Ops community through the SOAA.

- Whether you are a veteran looking for your next mission or a leader seeking to build a more resilient team, Jeremy’s "Horse Soldier" perspective offers a masterclass in turning service into lasting impact.

Support the Mission: Learn more about Jeremy’s advocacy work for our nation’s elite at SOAA.org.

In this episode of Grit Mindset, Matt Rosen sits down with serial entrepreneur and owner-operator of Flatout Logistics, Donnie Lopez. Donnie isn't just a business owner; he’s a master of the pivot.

From a turbulent childhood to the high-stakes worlds of the oil patch, professional arm wrestling, and global event production—including Will Smith’s legendary 50th birthday jump in the Grand Canyon—Donnie’s life is a masterclass in the "Grit Mindset."

In this conversation, we dive into:

- The Power of the Pivot: How to transition between industries without losing your edge.

- Logistics Under Pressure: Behind-the-scenes lessons from high-profile event production.

- The Mentorship Model: Why finding the right guides is the shortcut to success.

- Balanced Ambition: The "unpredictable path" of juggling a growing business with a dedicated family life.

Whether you're navigating a career change or looking for the mental toughness to keep pushing forward, Donnie’s story provides the blueprint for what it means to stay gritty when the path gets steep.