595: Joe De Sena Founder of Spartan Race & the Spartan Up! Podcast

01:18:40

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In this fascinating interview, Sal, Adam & Justin interview Spartan Race founder Joe De Sena.

You will likely agree this is Mind Pump's most fascinating interview to date. Joe is a master story-teller and his life is absolutely fascinating.

Tales of cleaning pools for crime bosses (the REAL Good Fellas), starting businesses, Japanese Marathon Monks, starting the Spartan Race and much more.

  • The guys introduce themselves to Joe (2:42)
  • Joe talks about the beginning of  the Spartan Race (4:25)
    • Goodfellas filmed in his hometown of Queens
    • Taught life lessons from crime boss next-door neighbor
      • Had pool business
      • Introduced him to 700 clients!
    • His mom got into yoga
    • Went to St. John’s to pursue his education
    • Graduated Cornell and got into stocks
    • Decides to sell the business and go to Wall St.
    • Starts own business on Wall St. and has 10-year run then sells
    • Starts family and moves to farm town
      • Starts wedding business
    • Meet fitness guy that takes him to first Adventure Race
      • Has to go through trial races to join the team
      • Gains perspective through experiences of being challenged
  • What kinds of people do his races? (40:43)
    • CrossFit, Military bulk audience
    • Everyday people
  • What kind of growth has he seen? (42:13)
    • China next market to bring races to
  • In the people he interviews, what makes a person successful? (44:36)
    • No fear
    • Don't care what people think
    • Upside/downside decision making
  • What scares him now? (48:46)
    • Anything involving his family
  • When did the company take off? (53:45)
    • Came up with name Spartan
    • 3 distances and multiple races a year
      • People can stay on track health wise
    • Had to create a network for people to see
  • Joe talks competition (1:00:35)
  • How else does he monetize the business? (1:04:35)
    • Apparel
    • Gym
  • Moving ahead, what is he looking to tackle? (1:06:20)
    • People need a date
    • Delayed gratification
  •  Joe tells Japan story (1:10:17)
    • Marathon Monks 

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