The Living Your Legacy Podcast

Episode: What Being a Firefighter Taught Me About Entrepreneurship
Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Adam McFadden
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Living Your Legacy Podcast, host Rudy Mawer sits down with Adam McFadden, a firefighting innovator, entrepreneur, and best-selling author. Adam is the founder of Firehouse Training, Canada's fastest-growing fire service training company, which has transformed how first responders and safety professionals prepare for their careers. This episode delves into Adam's unique journey, exploring how his experiences as a firefighter have shaped his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Meet Adam McFadden

Adam McFadden introduces himself as the driving force behind Firehouse Training, one of Canada's largest fire service and workplace safety training companies. He highlights the company's role in training thousands of aspiring and current firefighters through both online virtual formats and in-class sessions.

[02:28] B: "We're one of Canada's largest fire service and workplace safety training companies. We've had the opportunity over the last many years to train thousands and thousands of aspiring firefighters, current firefighters and other workplaces, both online, in our virtual format, and in our in-class sessions as well."

Adam expresses his passion for teaching and training, emphasizing that he is "living the dream every single day" by doing what he loves.

The Transition: From Firefighting to Entrepreneurship

Rudy explores how Adam balances his day job as a firefighter with his entrepreneurial ventures. Adam explains that his company fills critical gaps in standardized training by adapting to evolving technologies and hazards, such as electric vehicles and high-rise fires.

[03:32] B: "We know the technology changes, the risks and the hazards change... we're able to fill a lot of those gaps with some of the experience that I bring and some of the fantastic instructors that I have within my company."

Rudy acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit, noting that Adam’s ability to juggle multiple roles exemplifies what it takes to build a successful business based on passion.

Managing Time and Balancing Multiple Roles

A significant portion of the conversation centers on time management, especially for those balancing a full-time job with entrepreneurial ambitions. Rudy shares insights into the challenges of finding time and offers advice on creating it by prioritizing business activities over leisure.

[07:46] B: "You just have to start... maintain consistency and discipline. I am always working and many people do see that, but I wouldn't have it any other way because I love what I do."

Adam emphasizes the importance of discipline and consistency, despite the demanding schedule. He speaks about waking up at 5 a.m., managing late nights, and the necessity of delegating tasks to maintain productivity.

Mindset and Overcoming Challenges

Adam discusses the critical role of mindset in both firefighting and entrepreneurship. He advocates for embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.

[00:05] B: "I embrace the challenges. It's such a mindset shift every time there's a challenge or a problem... I look at it as a reason to learn and get better at my craft."

Rudy highlights the parallel between firefighting and business, where both fields require quick problem-solving and resilience.

[13:59] A: "In business it becomes like the fire for you... you have to train that as a skill."

Adam reinforces this by explaining how firefighting has inherently trained him to handle crises effectively, translating those skills into his business practices.

Real Estate Investments: Lessons and Experiences

Adam shares his journey into real estate investing, beginning in his early 20s. He recounts purchasing his first rental property at 22 and discusses the challenges and rewards of managing multiple properties over two decades.

[10:58] B: "By my first rental property at 22 years old... I knew that it was something I had to do in a position I had to put myself in to have the lifestyle that I wanted to have in the future."

Rudy connects with Adam’s story, sharing his own early experiences in real estate and the importance of thinking outside the box to succeed.

[12:31] A: "You have to do what most people consider crazy to be successful in entrepreneurship."

Adam highlights the significance of a growth mindset, explaining how facing financial challenges during the pandemic reinforced his entrepreneurial resilience.

[13:41] B: "Having that mindset shift... simplifies your entire life and you understand that any problem or challenge that comes, you need to find a solution for it."

Building a Personal Brand and Legacy

The discussion shifts to the concept of legacy and personal branding. Adam defines legacy as building a brand that transcends himself, aiming to make a significant impact in training and beyond.

[20:15] B: "Legacy, for me, means taking that brand and making it bigger than myself... to further provide education, experience, and perspective."

Rudy agrees, emphasizing the importance of a personal brand as a foundation for expanding into various ventures.

[21:28] B: "That brand will be able to withstand those changes and continue to grow no matter the season that I am in."

Adam underscores the flexibility and adaptability required to maintain and grow a legacy brand through different life stages and business environments.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Towards the end of the episode, Adam offers practical advice for listeners aspiring to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys:

1. Have a Plan: Transform ideas into actionable plans.

   [19:01] B: "You have to have a plan... have a plan to put it into action."

2. Continuous Learning: Utilize available resources like the internet, courses, and books to build knowledge and skills.

   [19:42] A: "It's easier than ever. I feel the Internet... you can take courses, hundreds of YouTube videos."

Adam stresses that starting is the most crucial step, coupled with maintaining discipline and a strong mindset.

[19:54] B: "Like, it's all about learning."

Conclusion: Cementing a Legacy

In the concluding segment, Adam reflects on what he wants to be remembered for: being a hard worker, someone who helps others, and leaving a positive impact through his diverse ventures.

[22:11] B: "I just want to be remembered for someone who puts in effort, is a hard worker, but also someone that's easy to get along with and wants the best for others."

Rudy summarizes the key takeaways, encouraging listeners to explore Adam's full story, book, and social media channels for further inspiration.

[24:05] A: "Another episode in the wraps... check out his full episode with his story, his legacy, and everything he's learned in the process."

Notable Quotes

• Adam McFadden:

  “[00:05] I embrace the challenges. It's such a mindset shift every time there's a challenge or a problem.”
  “[07:46] You just have to start... maintain consistency and discipline.”
  “[13:41] Having that mindset shift... simplifies your entire life.”
  “[20:15] Legacy, for me, means taking that brand and making it bigger than myself.”

• Rudy Mawer:

  “[12:31] You have to do what most people consider crazy to be successful in entrepreneurship.”
  “[21:28] That brand will be able to withstand those changes and continue to grow no matter the season that I am in.”

Where to Find More

Listeners inspired by Adam’s journey and insights are encouraged to explore his work further:

• Instagram: @FirehoseTraining
• TikTok: @FirehoseTraining
• LinkedIn: Firehose Training
• Book: [Firehouse Training's Amazon Bestseller]

Final Thoughts

Adam McFadden's episode on The Living Your Legacy Podcast serves as a powerful testament to the synergy between public service and entrepreneurial spirit. His story underscores the importance of mindset, discipline, and continuous learning in building a lasting legacy. Whether you're a first responder, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration, Adam's insights provide valuable lessons on overcoming challenges and achieving success through passion and perseverance.