Stronger with Don Saladino: Episode Summary – Justin Tupper | Reinventing Yourself, Risk, & Resilience in Business
Podcast Information:
- Title: Stronger with Don Saladino
- Host: Don Saladino | Blind Nil Audio
- Guest: Justin Tupper
- Release Date: June 24, 2025
- Description: Exploring the multifaceted concept of strength beyond physical fitness, delving into personal and professional resilience through inspiring guest stories.
1. Introduction and Guest Background [02:38 – 06:02]
Don Saladino welcomes Justin Tupper, the founder of Revolution Golf, highlighting Justin's journey from starting a business in his parents' garage to training A-list personalities. Justin shares his initial foray into entrepreneurship, emphasizing his passion for golf despite challenges in academics due to dyslexia.
Notable Quote:
“The game of golf has been wonderful to me. It has been a big part of my life... it was a game for me that I got to meet a lot of different people.” – Justin Tupper [07:23]
2. Building Revolution Golf [06:18 – 14:06]
Justin recounts the early days of Revolution Golf, initially selling DVDs from a rental house in Buford. Leveraging Google AdWords, he rapidly scaled sales from a few DVDs a day to hundreds, highlighting his deep understanding of the golf market and effective online marketing strategies.
Notable Quote:
“I started selling one or two a day, then five a day, then 15 a day... I would sell $10,000 worth of DVDs.” – Justin Tupper [14:06]
3. Transition to Digital and Moving to NYC [14:06 – 20:32]
Recognizing the shift towards digital content, Justin transitioned from physical DVDs to downloadable videos in 2009. This pivot significantly increased his conversion rates and sales, allowing him to scale without the logistical constraints of physical products. The success of this model facilitated his move to New York City, where he connected with Don Saladino, leading to a collaborative relationship that would shape future endeavors.
Notable Quote:
“I flipped over to where I was selling DVDs to selling a digital downloadable video... my conversion rate is doubling.” – Justin Tupper [14:46]
4. Facing Financial Crisis and Strategic Pivot [20:32 – 27:21]
In 2011-2012, Revolution Golf faced a critical financial hurdle, owing $880,000 to Google AdWords, threatening to shut down their traffic. Justin shares a pivotal moment during a walk in Central Park, where he devised a strategy to secure the necessary funds by offering a one-time membership deal to existing subscribers. This bold move resulted in raising approximately $1.8 million within days, ensuring the survival and continued growth of the business.
Notable Quote:
“The hardest days are the ones I'm most thankful for. Without those, the feelings of gratitude and success that you have are minuscule.” – Justin Tupper [28:17]
5. Sale to NBC Sports and Expansion [27:21 – 38:17]
Justin details the acquisition of Revolution Golf by NBC Sports and the evolution into Golf Pass. Collaborating with industry leaders like Will McIntosh and Rory McIlroy, Justin expanded his business portfolio to include Golf Now and Sports Engine, demonstrating his ability to scale and diversify his entrepreneurial ventures successfully.
Notable Quote:
“We sold Revolution Golf to NBC and Universal, which owned the Golf Channel... now I'm literally dabble in that business a bit Sports Engine.” – Justin Tupper [38:17]
6. Personal Resilience and Reflections [38:17 – 33:06]
Both hosts reflect on their personal challenges and growth. Justin shares an emotional story of struggling financially in NYC, expressing gratitude for those supportive moments that later became sources of strength and success. Don emphasizes the importance of resilience, consistency, and the invaluable lessons learned from overcoming adversity.
Notable Quote:
“Everything was true in this, that you hate reoccurring bills on your credit card. You love our product. So here's an offer I'd like to make you for today...” – Justin Tupper [23:55]
7. Fitness Routines and Personal Growth [43:21 – 60:58]
The conversation shifts to personal health and fitness, highlighting Justin's disciplined morning routines and holistic approach to well-being. He discusses the significance of consistency over intensity, the impact of functional strength on daily life, and how maintaining physical health contributes to overall success and resilience.
Notable Quotes:
“I hydrate, I meditate... I try not to look at my phone for that first 40 minutes.” – Justin Tupper [44:37]
“Consistency will trump intensity... Do what's that you feel is your strong point.” – Don Saladino [52:08]
8. Listener Interaction and Q&A [47:00 – 60:58]
The episode concludes with live listener questions. A caller named Mark shares his challenges in maintaining physical health while caring for his quadriplegic son. Don and Justin offer tailored advice, emphasizing functional strength, starting small, and building consistent habits. Another caller, Christine, seeks guidance on maintaining exercise routines, to which Don and Justin respond with practical strategies to keep workouts enjoyable and sustainable.
Notable Quotes:
“The recovery piece of it doesn't get any easier. I'm going to kick it to Justin...” – Don Saladino [49:09]
“Muscle is our body armor... It's what's going to protect us.” – Justin Tupper [48:19]
Conclusion:
In this episode, Justin Tupper exemplifies the essence of strength through his entrepreneurial journey marked by innovation, risk-taking, and unwavering resilience. Don Saladino and Justin delve deep into the challenges of building a business from the ground up, navigating financial crises, and leveraging personal growth to fuel professional success. The discussion extends to maintaining physical and mental well-being, underscoring the podcast's theme of holistic strength. Listener interactions further enrich the conversation, providing actionable insights for overcoming personal and professional hurdles.
Connect with Justin Tupper:
- Website: supportonsaladino.com
- Email: team@supportonsaladino.com
Join the Journey: Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration to navigate life's challenges, this episode offers valuable lessons on building strength in every facet of life. Tune in to "Stronger with Don Saladino" on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform and embark on your path to becoming stronger—together.