Podcast Summary: "$115 Million Later: Why Risk Built Everything"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Determined Society with Shawn French
- Host: Shawn French
- Episode: $115 Million Later: Why Risk Built Everything
- Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French engages in a deep and revealing conversation with Tanner Chittister, a renowned CEO, entrepreneur, and author who has built an impressive empire, crossing $115 million in sales within six years. Tanner shares his extraordinary journey from a disciplined athlete to a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the pivotal role that taking risks played in his monumental achievements.
Early Life and Athletic Background
Tanner Chittister's story begins with his early years as a dedicated athlete. Introduced to the gym by his father at the age of 12, Tanner immersed himself in sports, excelling both academically and athletically. His rigorous training regimen—often dedicating up to six hours a day—illustrates his unwavering commitment and discipline.
Tanner Chittister [06:24]: “When I was a 14-year-old kid, I would do three hours of lifting, three hours of running, three hours of basketball because I was a two-sport athlete.”
Despite his success in high school and earning a place in Division 1 football, Tanner's athletic career was marred by severe injuries. Multiple shoulder surgeries and a persistent discouraging mindset from medical professionals led him to reassess his future in sports.
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Facing the abrupt end of his athletic aspirations, Tanner found himself grappling with depression and uncertainty. However, a pivotal meeting with a mentor altered his trajectory. The mentor, recognizing Tanner's potential, introduced him to the world of business and online marketing.
Tanner Chittister [21:06]: “He said, if you agree to go back to church, I'll mentor you at my home office. You can come in every day and quit school.”
This decision marked the beginning of Tanner's entrepreneurial journey. Although initial attempts, such as selling a low-priced fitness program, were unsuccessful, Tanner's relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement laid the foundation for his future success.
Challenges and Setbacks
Tanner's path was fraught with challenges. An early accident left him hospitalized with a concussion, leading to a period of memory loss and uncharacteristic behavior. This incident resulted in unintended weight gain and strained relationships with loved ones.
Tanner Chittister [03:19]: “I woke up in the hospital. I had a massive concussion, and I was ordering Uber Eats every day for every meal without remembering it.”
Despite these setbacks, Tanner remained resilient, channeling his experiences into personal growth and maintaining a steadfast focus on his goals. His ability to navigate adversity underscores the episode's central theme: the indispensable role of risk in achieving success.
Breakthrough Moments
Tanner's breakthrough came when he leveraged the skills he acquired through door-to-door sales and online marketing. By refining his sales techniques and embracing the power of paid advertising, he achieved remarkable financial milestones.
Tanner Chittister [30:30]: “When I figured out paid traffic, I knew I was gonna be rich. If you can run paid traffic profitably, it's over. You've won.”
Within a short span, Tanner scaled his business from making $10,000 to $50,000 a month, and eventually reaching the $115 million mark. His strategic decisions, such as investing in paid traffic and expanding into consulting, were instrumental in this exponential growth.
Scaling the Business
As Tanner's business flourished, he diversified his ventures, adding services like Elite Ads and expanding his portfolio companies. His dedication to consistently delivering value and his ability to adapt to changing market dynamics were key factors in sustaining his success.
Tanner Chittister [37:27]: “We went from 1 million to $10 million. It literally happened.”
By focusing on character, beliefs, and skills, Tanner built a resilient and scalable business model. His approach serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the complexities of building a multi-million-dollar enterprise.
Philosophy on Risk and Success
Throughout the conversation, Tanner emphasizes the significance of embracing risk as a catalyst for success. He draws parallels between his personal experiences and broader philosophical insights, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes growth over safety.
Shawn French [39:14]: “There's a one massive word that is hanging over this. It's risk.”
Tanner references the book Who Moved My Cheese? to illustrate the inevitability of change and the importance of taking decisive action in the face of uncertainty. He argues that the potential rewards of taking risks far outweigh the comfort of remaining in a stagnant state.
Tanner Chittister [40:15]: “If you leave a job and it doesn't work out, or you do a thing and it doesn't work out, you can always go back to the thing that you hate.”
His philosophy underscores the idea that personal and professional growth stems from stepping outside one's comfort zone and daring to pursue ambitious goals, despite the inherent risks involved.
Conclusion
Tanner Chittister's journey is a testament to the transformative power of risk-taking and perseverance. From overcoming athletic setbacks to building a $115 million business empire, Tanner's story offers invaluable lessons in resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination. His insights serve as both inspiration and a practical guide for listeners aiming to achieve significant personal and professional milestones.
Tanner Chittister [50:24]: “I want to do stuff that makes me proud for no other reason than that. And it just so happens that a lot of stuff that makes me proud is super difficult, which makes sense. Like, extraordinary lives are built off difficult things.”
Notable Quotes
- Shawn French [00:00]: “There's a one massive word that is hanging over this. It's risk.”
- Tanner Chittister [03:19]: “I had a massive concussion... I was ordering Uber Eats every day for every meal.”
- Shawn French [39:14]: “It's risk. You either risk what you risk and have that big outcome and that big payoff, or you risk not doing it and never knowing.”
- Tanner Chittister [40:15]: “If you leave a job and it doesn't work out... you can always go back to the thing that you hate.”
- Tanner Chittister [50:24]: “Extraordinary lives are built off difficult things.”
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Risk: Taking calculated risks is essential for achieving extraordinary success. Remaining in a comfort zone limits potential growth and opportunities.
- Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming personal setbacks and challenges can strengthen character and drive, essential traits for entrepreneurial success.
- Continuous Learning: Investing in personal development and acquiring new skills are crucial for scaling a business.
- Strategic Scaling: Diversifying business ventures and adapting to market changes can sustain and amplify success.
- Mindset Matters: A determined and growth-oriented mindset enables individuals to push through fears and uncertainties, leading to significant achievements.
Final Thoughts
Tanner Chittister's story is a powerful reminder that success is often the result of courageous decisions and relentless effort. His journey from a disciplined athlete to a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur exemplifies the essence of The Determined Society: overcoming obstacles, turning challenges into opportunities, and continuously striving to become the best version of oneself. Listeners are encouraged to apply these lessons to their own lives, embracing risk and maintaining unwavering determination to achieve their goals.
Stay Connected
For more inspiring stories and impactful conversations on personal development, business, and entrepreneurship, subscribe to The Determined Society with Shawn French on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Follow Shawn French and Tanner Chittister on their social media platforms to stay updated with their latest insights and adventures.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting Tanner Chittister's remarkable journey and the critical role that risk-taking played in his success. Through engaging narratives and insightful quotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles that drive extraordinary achievements.