Podcast Summary: "Tragic Career Ending Injury to 7 Figure Entrepreneur ft. Trey Toner"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Tragic Career Ending Injury to 7 Figure Entrepreneur," released on March 22, 2025, Paul Alex Espinoza hosts Trey Toner, a remarkable young entrepreneur who transitioned from a promising Division 1 football career to building a multi-million-dollar sales empire. The episode delves deep into Trey's inspiring journey, the challenges he faced, and the principles that fueled his extraordinary success.

Background and Early Aspirations

Trey Toner hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city known for its harsh winters and limited opportunities for aspiring athletes. Standing at 6'5" with natural athleticism, Trey secured a full scholarship to play Division 1 football in Texas. His early years were dedicated to honing his skills, balancing rigorous training with a disciplined work ethic. As Paul Alex mentions, “For all my football fans, you guys are gonna love this story. But also is so inspirational...” ([02:02]).

The Career-Altering Injury

Tragically, Trey's promising athletic career was abruptly halted during his freshman season. In a non-contact drill, Trey experienced a severe back injury, breaking his back in two places. Describing the incident, Trey recounts, “I literally felt like a little shotgun blast went off in my back... I’m just laying on the ground” ([05:04]).

Impact and Coping Mechanisms

The injury not only ended his football dreams but also triggered an identity crisis. Trey, who had always defined himself as an athlete, suddenly faced uncertainty about his future. During his recovery, he explored various online business opportunities, including dropshipping and e-commerce, but found little success. Reflecting on this period, Trey shares, “Am I ever going to be able to do this again? So I started kind of planning for what life could look like” ([04:03]).

Transition to Entrepreneurship

Determined to redefine his path, Trey delved into the world of sales. Despite initial setbacks, including accumulating $65,000 in credit card and loan debt from investing in dubious programs, Trey’s relentless pursuit of sales excellence began to pay off. At 18, he reported earning $3,500 in his first month of dedicated sales work, which rapidly grew to earning $45,000 to $65,000 monthly in commissions ([12:28]).

Building a Sales Empire

Trey’s success in sales was not overnight. He emphasized the importance of disciplined work, strategic outreach, and mastering the art of sales communication. “You have to take your craft seriously. And what I mean by that is you have to judge what you're doing through statistics. It doesn't matter how you feel. Feelings don't fucking matter in this world. What matters is numbers and facts” ([22:25]). His methodical approach involved cold outreach, managing multiple Facebook accounts, and maintaining a high response rate by sending over 150 direct messages daily ([13:25]).

Leadership and Team Building

By 19, Trey's outstanding performance in sales led him to an executive role within an eight-figure company in San Diego. Managing over 100 employees at such a young age, Trey attributes his leadership success to his aggressive sales tactics and ability to solve problems effectively. “I have to take care of your people... push their success. You have to continuously make them uncomfortable” ([33:58]).

Sales Philosophy and Team Success

Trey advocates for a sales-first mentality, stressing that sales skills are fundamental to any entrepreneurial venture. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on mastering sales processes before delving into other aspects of business. “If you want to get into something, stop looking for a shortcut... learn to communicate at a high level and learn a sales process” ([17:52]). His team’s success is a testament to his philosophy, with average closers earning up to $240,000 annually by adhering to his sales principles ([32:35]).

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Trey offers invaluable advice to listeners looking to break into sales and entrepreneurship:

1. Master Sales Skills: Sales are the cornerstone of any successful business. Without effective sales, even the best products can fail.

2. Take Action: “The majority of people fail and the majority of businesses fail just due to lack of action. They’re gonna sit there on their ass and they’re just gonna hope something happens...” ([17:52]).

3. Continuous Learning: Invest in personal development and constantly seek to improve your sales techniques. Trey emphasizes the importance of reading foundational books like Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People to build compelling communication skills ([35:40]).

4. Provide Value: When reaching out for opportunities, offer value first. “If you’ve got some sort of value and you don’t reach out, you’re wasting an opportunity... ask me what you can do for me” ([34:27]).

Recommended Resources

Trey recommends How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie as the ultimate resource for anyone looking to enhance their sales and interpersonal skills. He believes in understanding the foundational principles that successful salespeople and entrepreneurs have built upon.

Motivational Closing

Trey wraps up the episode by sharing his personal mantra: “If I was able to go through that, stay consistent, stay persistent, keep my head down, and now pop out and I’m making seven figures on the Internet for the past four years. Anything’s possible” ([36:38]). His journey from a crushed athlete to a seven-figure entrepreneur serves as a powerful testament to the impact of resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking.

Conclusion

This episode of The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex offers a compelling narrative of Trey's transformation from a promising athlete to a successful entrepreneur. His story underscores the importance of adaptability, relentless pursuit of goals, and the foundational role of sales in business success. For listeners seeking inspiration and practical advice on entrepreneurship and sales, Trey's insights provide both motivation and actionable strategies to "level up" their own endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• “Feelings don't fucking matter in this world. What matters is numbers and facts.” – Trey Toner ([22:25])
• “I have to take care of your people... push their success.” – Trey Toner ([33:58])
• “If you want to get into something, stop looking for a shortcut... learn to communicate at a high level and learn a sales process.” – Trey Toner ([17:52])
• “If you’ve got some sort of value and you don’t reach out, you’re wasting an opportunity.” – Trey Toner ([34:27])

Additional Resources

• Books Recommended by Trey Toner:
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Connect with Trey Toner

For those inspired by Trey’s journey and looking to connect, follow him on Instagram @thetraytoner3 and reach out with a direct message mentioning this podcast episode.

Final Thoughts

Trey Toner’s story is a beacon for anyone facing unexpected setbacks. It exemplifies how adversity can become the catalyst for unparalleled growth and success. By embracing a sales-driven approach and maintaining unwavering dedication, Trey has not only transformed his own life but also paved the way for others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.