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Live Life By Design with Jeff Mendez

🎙️ Welcome to "Live Life by Design with Jeff Mendez," a podcast for personal and professional growth!👤 Jeff is a seasoned leader with a strong background in sales, operations, and investment, known for transforming a c

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  • 49. Kenny Cox on Mastering Resilience & Leadership | Live Life by Design Podcast #49

    01:20:18||Ep. 49
    In this episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with Kenny Cox, a seasoned leader with 19 years at Vivint, to discuss his journey in sales, leadership, and personal growth. Kenny shares insights on health and discipline, the evolution of direct sales, and how to balance family life with a high-pressure career. From the power of resilience to the importance of building a strong community, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone striving to design their ideal life.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Jeff welcomes Kenny Cox and reflects on their long history.00:28 – Kenny’s 19-year journey at Vivint and what drives him today.01:36 – Balancing personal health, finances, and raising adult kids.03:05 – Kenny’s daily routine: Cold plunges, workouts, and disciplined nutrition.04:50 – The power of tracking calories and staying mentally sharp.06:04 – Why Kenny has stayed at Vivint for nearly two decades.07:59 – The importance of innovation and adapting to industry changes.09:15 – The impact of relationships and mentorship in sales.10:31 – Building a legacy by training the next generation of leaders.12:32 – Challenges of corporate politics and navigating company dynamics.14:22 – Kenny on work-life balance and prioritizing experiences over money.15:20 – Growing up in a small town and lessons from his upbringing.17:38 – The influence of his father and his core values of hard work and integrity.19:02 – Early struggles in entrepreneurship: Selling vacuums and accumulating debt.24:04 – Transitioning to Vivint and paying off $60,000 in debt in one summer.27:42 – Learning the ropes in direct sales and the evolution of preseason training.30:44 – Lessons from navigating the 2009 housing crisis in sales.33:52 – The birth of preseason sales and its impact on industry success.36:37 – Kenny’s vision for the next year—growth, resilience, and family goals.39:15 – Planning dream trips: Scotland, Ireland, and prioritizing family adventures.42:48 – The power of calendaring and planning experiences in advance.45:40 – Keeping family close and building a lasting legacy for future generations.50:02 – Lessons from ancestry and how knowing our history shapes our future.56:10 – The struggle with phone addiction and maintaining presence with family.01:06:18 – The dangers of smartphones and social media for kids.01:14:03 – Kenny’s principles for living life by design—reading, mentorship, and discipline.01:18:59 – Final takeaways: The importance of taking action, not just consuming content.

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  • 48. Building Legacy, Leading with Purpose with Kevin Swiss | Live Life by Design Podcast #48

    01:05:17||Ep. 48
    In this inspiring episode of the Live Life by Design Podcast, host Jeff Mendez welcomes Kevin Suess for a deep dive into his journey from Vivint to SunPower, lessons in leadership, and the power of living life intentionally. Kevin shares how gamification transformed the sales industry, how to build lasting culture, and why family and purpose guide his decisions.📌 Highlights:Career transitions: Vivint to SunPowerThe story behind gamification in salesLeadership, legacy, and family prioritiesReflecting on life’s most important lessonsJoin us for an unforgettable conversation about designing a life filled with purpose and meaning.Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Introductions: Season 2, Episode 200:27 Kevin & Jeff: 25 Years of Friendship00:53 Kevin’s Career Journey: From Vivint to SunPower02:28 Kevin on Family Life and Upcoming Wedding06:14 Meeting Andrea: A Love Story07:41 Lessons from Life and Taking Bold Steps09:42 The Origins of Gamification in Sales11:00 Building Culture with Competitions: From Games to Sports15:09 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Cup Competition20:10 The Importance of Leverage and Unity in Sales Teams28:28 Developing Divisions and Competitions at Apex36:18 How Competitions Drive Performance and Quality45:06 Highlighting Legends: Trevor Frank’s Impact50:25 Why Kevin Chose New SunPower56:46 Reflecting on Leadership, Loyalty & Purpose58:24 Kevin's Personal Reflections on Life and Family01:06:55 Final Thoughts: Living Life with Meaning
  • 47. From Architect to Solar Pioneer: Accountability and Growth with Tin Tin | LLBD #47

    56:30||Ep. 47
    In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez welcomes Tin Tin, a former architect turned solar entrepreneur. Tin Tin shares his journey from Puerto Rico to building a thriving door-to-door solar business, his philosophy on accountability as his "Word of the Year" for 2025, and the lessons he's learned in leadership and parenting. From life-changing moments in business masterminds to advice on raising kids with trust and love, this conversation is packed with insights for living life to its fullest.Topics include:Why "Accountability" is Tin Tin's guiding principle for 2025.Lessons learned from transitioning careers at 45.The power of door-to-door sales in the solar industry.Parenting advice for building trust and communication with kids.How to lead by example and inspire your team to success.Tune in to be inspired, motivated, and ready to design your best life yet!Timestamps:0:07 – Welcome to Season 2 and Tin Tin’s introduction.0:48 – Jeff shares his "Word of the Year" and Tin Tin reveals his: Accountability.2:15 – Jeff and Tin Tin reminisce about their childhood friendship.5:03 – Tin Tin discusses splitting time between Florida and Puerto Rico and his solar business.7:20 – Transitioning from architect to door-to-door solar entrepreneur.9:54 – Tin Tin's life-changing mastermind experience at Lake Powell.14:15 – Unique challenges of the Puerto Rican solar market.19:04 – The mission-driven aspect of solar sales.30:55 – Tin Tin’s gratitude for his business and his team.36:24 – Why knocking doors builds invaluable life skills.46:23 – Leadership tips: Letting your team know it’s hard, leading by example, and helping them feel seen and heard.52:24 – Balancing business with family priorities.54:14 – Celebrating life and embracing abundance in 2025.
  • 46. Artis Gilmore on Dunking History, NBA Legacy, and Life’s Toughest Lessons | LLBD #46

    14:34||Ep. 46
    In this episode of Live Life by Design, we sit down with Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore to talk about his remarkable journey from the ABA to the NBA, the challenges of growing up in segregated Florida, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Artis shares his thoughts on overcoming adversity, focusing on family, and staying resilient in the face of life’s challenges.Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papiTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.designLearn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & welcoming Artis Gilmore00:19 - Reflecting on the Hall of Fame induction00:50 - Transitioning from the ABA to the NBA01:25 - Origin of the slam dunk contest & NBA adoption03:12 - Reaction to the ABA-NBA merger03:40 - Joining the Chicago Bulls & ABA experiences05:31 - Life lessons from growing up in Chipley, Florida06:55 - Using sports as a unifying force09:02 - Focusing on family & coping with loss10:32 - Advice for overcoming adversity12:08 - Managing the mind during challenges13:20 - Embracing resilience & staying focused
  • 45. NFL Legend Darryl Green Talks Parenting & Perseverance | LLBD #45

    39:25||Ep. 45
    Join us in this enlightening conversation with NFL legend Darryl Green as he shares his life lessons, from a 20-year NFL career to his remarkable parenting approach and community work with today’s youth. Dive into the highlights below:Timestamps:0:07 - Welcoming Darryl Green: From Houston to the NFL0:41 - Reaction to Washington's Team Name Change1:54 - Darryl’s Legacy: 20 Years with One Team2:34 - Earning the Title "The Ageless Wonder"4:16 - The Mental vs. Physical Game in the NFL6:41 - Darryl’s Start: A Unique Journey to the NFL9:49 - Reflecting on Humble Beginnings in Houston12:26 - Iconic Monday Night Game Moment with Tony Dorsett17:12 - Current Work with Youth and Anti-Vaping Advocacy25:06 - Parenthood Insights and Passing Down Values32:09 - How Social Media Affects Parenting Today36:06 - Creating a Home as a Safe Gathering PlaceStay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papiTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.designLearn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!
  • 44. Dave Stewart's Secret to MLB Success & Winning 3 World Series | LLBD #44

    40:46||Ep. 44
    In this episode, we sit down with the legendary MLB pitcher, Dave Stewart, to discuss his incredible career, spanning 16 years and 3 World Series championships. From his early days playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, to the challenges he faced as a black pitcher in the 70s and 80s, Dave shares valuable insights about perseverance, mentorship, and his passion for giving back through youth organizations. We also dive into the Roberto Clemente Award, his thoughts on the evolution of pitching, and what it means to "Live Life by Design." Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papiTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.designLearn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dave Stewart00:07 - Dave on playing winter ball in Puerto Rico and Latin America03:05 - Legendary Latin American players in MLB03:34 - The significance of the Roberto Clemente Award05:59 - Dave’s humanitarian efforts during the 1989 earthquake09:57 - Getting called up to the Major Leagues in 197812:19 - Persevering through setbacks and being passed over16:13 - Reflecting on a 16-year MLB career20:20 - Endurance in the face of setbacks and negative perceptions23:18 - Signing with the Oakland A’s and career turnaround25:01 - Controlling the controllable and winning 3 World Series27:21 - Evolution of pitching in the MLB33:02 - The excitement of winning the 1981 World Series with the Dodgers34:24 - 1989 World Series win with Oakland A’s34:46 - Reflecting on the 1993 World Series win38:37 - Living life by design: Dave's journey to becoming a professional athlete
  • 43. Tim Brown's Journey to Becoming a Legendary NFL Hall of Famer | LLBD #43

    39:13||Ep. 43
    In this episode, Tim Brown, legendary wide receiver and NFL Hall of Famer, sits down to discuss his inspiring journey from being a high school athlete to winning the Heisman Trophy and eventually making it into the Hall of Fame. Tim shares stories about his college days at Notre Dame, how leadership and pivotal moments shaped his career, and his thoughts on today’s NFL. Plus, he talks about his current business ventures and philanthropy efforts.Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papiTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.designLearn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!Timestamps:0:00 - Intro with Tim Brown0:27 - Tim's current business and challenges1:38 - Fixing problems over race in business2:03 - Tim's high school and recruitment to Notre Dame3:31 - From not on anyone’s radar to Notre Dame star5:09 - How leadership ignited Tim’s greatness7:02 - Tim’s Heisman Trophy journey10:28 - The impact of coaching and leadership12:15 - Reflecting on his 17-year NFL career13:55 - Comparing the NFL then and now17:00 - How money has changed the NFL20:33 - The Raiders' incredible facilities and Tim’s observations23:17 - Grit and determination: Tim's unforgettable 65-yard touchdown26:08 - Tim’s role as commissioner of Arena Football29:14 - Tim Brown’s Hall of Fame experience32:29 - The importance of leadership and mentoring young athletes34:34 - Tim’s philanthropy and impact on youth through 911 for Kids