BigDeal Podcast Episode Summary Title: WATCH THIS EVERY DAY To Brainwash Yourself! I Devon Levesque
Host: Codie Sanchez
Guest: Devon Levesque
Release Date: February 12, 2025

1. Introduction

In this electrifying episode of BigDeal, host Codie Sanchez welcomes entrepreneur and adventurer Devon Levesque. Devon shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in construction to building and selling multiple nine-figure businesses, all while undertaking extreme adventures like summiting Everest and hosting parties in Antarctica with famous personalities like Diplo.

2. Devon Levesque’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey

Devon begins by highlighting his trajectory from working in construction—following in his late father's footsteps—to founding successful businesses such as Promix, Running Man, and All Day Running. His relentless drive and commitment to excellence have enabled him to sell these ventures profitably, demonstrating that it's possible to balance entrepreneurship with a vibrant, adventurous lifestyle.

Notable Quote:

Devon (00:01): "We're the ones that put the stress on ourselves with the more stuff that we want. If you want to live a simple life, you can literally."

3. The Everest Experience: Lessons on Risk and Human Dynamics

One of the episode's most gripping segments delves into Devon's ascent of Mount Everest. He recounts the grueling 47-day expedition, the physical and mental challenges faced, and the unpredictable human interactions in the perilous "no man's land" above Camp 2.

Notable Quote:

Devon (02:43): "Since 1953, Tenzing Norway and Sir Edmund Hillary summited the first time... I summoned on the 21st when I, I... did a backflip at the top."

Devon shares a harrowing moment where two climbers nearly perished, emphasizing the thin line between life and death on the mountain. This experience taught him valuable lessons about trust, resilience, and the importance of self-reliance.

Notable Quote:

Devon (05:32): "So you're not battling the mountain, you're battling humans."

4. Building and Selling Successful Businesses

Transitioning from his ascent of Everest, Devon discusses his approach to building businesses. He emphasizes passion-driven entrepreneurship, where genuine interest in the product or service fuels persistence through challenging times.

Notable Quote:

Devon (15:34): "I'm just really curious. And try to just do my absolute best in every single thing I do."

Devon illustrates how his commitment to excellence led him from being the best barback in New York City to managing and eventually founding his own ventures. His first major success came from building a training business which he sold for his first million.

Notable Quote:

Devon (17:49): "You have to own that time and know how you're spending your time."

5. The Importance of Simplicity and Adventure

Devon's philosophy revolves around living a life rich with adventures while maintaining simplicity. He prioritizes activities that bring him joy and align with his core values, such as mountain biking, cold plunges, and maintaining his farm.

Notable Quote:

Devon (20:53): "Put it first on the calendar... some people are like, you're crazy for not doing that. I'm like, you're crazy for not doing that."

This mindset allows him to ensure that fun and personal fulfillment are not sidelined by work or financial pursuits. Devon argues that true happiness stems from balancing success with meaningful personal experiences.

6. Creating Community and Aligning with Values

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the importance of community and living by one's values. Devon stresses that surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar values—family, health, freedom of time, community, and giving back—is crucial for personal and professional fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

Devon (56:17): "You have to know what your five... and once you know that you can align with people with the same values versus the same industry, you're not going to get along with everyone at that real estate happy hour."

Devon highlights his partnerships, notably with billionaire Jesse Itzler, as examples of how shared values can lead to successful and harmonious collaborations without the hindrance of ego.

7. Personal Anecdotes and Philosophies

Throughout the episode, Devon shares various personal stories that illustrate his resilience and innovative thinking. From his resourceful McDonald's venture at a military academy to testing his own products on Everest, Devon demonstrates a hands-on approach to life and business.

Notable Quote:

Devon (65:08): "I'm just put those people in the same category of humans that are in the rat race on Wall Street. It's the same thing."

He also discusses his farm ventures, Sweet Honey Farm and Cedar Trunk Ranch, describing them as extensions of his values—providing a sanctuary for friends and fostering a sense of community without the commercial pressures typical of traditional businesses.

Notable Quote:

Devon (34:18): "I have one in Austin, Cedar Trunk Ranch... It’s a working farm."

8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In wrapping up, Devon emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, setting clear values, and maintaining a strong community to navigate life's challenges. He encourages listeners to prioritize what truly matters, embrace simplicity, and continuously seek personal growth through adventures and meaningful connections.

Notable Quote:

Devon (71:15): "It's about really yourself... it's the most remarkable what the human body can do."

Codie and Devon conclude with rapid-fire questions that further humanize Devon, showcasing his passion for his farm animals and his commitment to living authentically.

Key Insights:

• Value-Driven Life: Prioritize activities and relationships that align with your core values to ensure personal fulfillment and business success.

• Embrace Simplicity: Simplifying life reduces stress and allows for more meaningful experiences and adventures.

• Community Matters: Building and being part of a supportive community enhances decision-making and emotional well-being.

• Continuous Growth: Engage in challenging activities to discover your true capabilities and foster resilience.

• Authentic Partnerships: Align with individuals who share similar values to build successful and harmonious business relationships.

Final Thoughts

Devon Levesque's story is a testament to the power of aligning one's life with personal values, embracing simplicity, and seeking adventure. His experiences serve as an inspiring blueprint for those looking to break free from conventional paths and create a life that's both successful and deeply fulfilling.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Devon (00:01): "We're the ones that put the stress on ourselves with the more stuff that we want. If you want to live a simple life, you can literally."

• Devon (02:43): "Since 1953, Tenzing Norway and Sir Edmund Hillary summited the first time... I summoned on the 21st when I, I... did a backflip at the top."

• Devon (05:32): "So you're not battling the mountain, you're battling humans."

• Devon (15:34): "I'm just really curious. And try to just do my absolute best in every single thing I do."

• Devon (17:49): "You have to own that time and know how you're spending your time."

• Devon (20:53): "Put it first on the calendar... some people are like, you're crazy for not doing that. I'm like, you're crazy for not doing that."

• Devon (56:17): "You have to know what your five... and once you know that you can align with people with the same values versus the same industry, you're not going to get along with everyone at that real estate happy hour."

• Devon (34:18): "I have one in Austin, Cedar Trunk Ranch... It’s a working farm."

• Devon (71:15): "It's about really yourself... it's the most remarkable what the human body can do."

For more insights and adventures from Devon Levesque, follow him on Instagram and explore his ventures at Promix and Sweet Honey Farm.