JOSH SMITH

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Life never presents us with a linear path to success. Often, the journey is marred with failures, obstacles, setbacks, challenges, and detours. It’s what we do in the face of the inevitable that determines the level of satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives.

My guest today is a Master Bladesmith (in fact, he was able to achieve that status younger than anyone else in history), and the founder of Josh Smith Knives and Montana Knife Company. Today, Josh and I talk about his personal journey from forging knives in his teens, to working as lineman thinking he was making the right move for his family, then back to where it all started as we works to build the next great knife company from the ground up. We cover paying attention to the little things, the mixed emotions of starting a company, developing a powerful team culture, and finding confidence when you don’t have any experience.

“One of the smartest things I ever did was admitting what I don’t know.” Tweet That— Josh Smith

My guest today has been a good friend over the past several years, Josh Smith. In fact, I was able to record this podcast while I was visiting him and his wife (we also built a knife together while I was there).

Josh is a Master Bladesmith (the youngest ever to earn that honor) and the founder of Josh Smith Knives and Montana Knife Company. Josh knew early on what he wanted to do but like I said in the intro, life doesn’t present us with the perfect path, so he deviated and started working as an electrical lineman.

But more recently, he was been working tireless to build his new knife company, Montana Knife Company from nothing (and, they are doing a damn-fine job with it). He’s showing us well how a man with an idea to can turn it into a reality.

“None of this shit happens without working.” Tweet That— Josh Smith

Show Highlights

Knife making as a kid
A little bit of early luck
Its good to have influence from a variety of men
Transitioning from hand made to “production” knives
Pivoting to keep providing for the family
Business can skyrocket when you go all in
Factors for fast growth and success
You have to act or you lose credibility
Its great to be able to give back
Being responsible when pursuing your dream
A lot of men lack a vision for the future
Support at home is extremely important
You have to have confidence in yourself

“Sometimes you’ve got to lose something for a while to realize how bad you want it back.” Tweet That— Josh Smith

Last Call for Squire

Men, you’ve been hearing me talk about our rite of passage program that we’re prepping for with Bedros Keuilian and his team, Squire Program.

This is a one-day rite of passage for fathers and sons between the ages of 12-16 in Maine. It’s on May 28^th and if you’re interested in learning more and getting registered, head to www.squireprogram.com/ryan.

This is the last and final call as it’s only a couple of weeks away but if you can make it, I promise you that you and your boy are going to walk away with a new-found appreciation for what it takes to usher him into manhood and the skill sets to do it.

Again, www.squireprogram.com/ryan.

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