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What does it truly mean to be a "walking miracle"? Mike Taylor's life story answers that question in the most extraordinary way possible. Having survived three catastrophic motorcycle crashes (including hitting a cow at 75 mph), battling polycystic kidney disease that led to a transplant, and literally dying twice on the dialysis table, Mike's physical resilience alone would be remarkable. But that's just the beginning.

From working alongside his father in 1983 at a tiny machine shop started with just $5,000, Mike helped transform Taylor Manufacturing from humble beginnings—no phone for years, working in an uninsulated building where he'd wear hunting clothes to stay warm—into a manufacturing powerhouse. Today, the company operates from a sprawling 100,000 square foot facility with over 125 employees running 20 hours daily.

Mike's approach to business mirrors his approach to life: never backing down from challenges and always willing to take calculated risks. At age 50, when most consider winding down careers, he borrowed millions to expand operations, guided by the belief that missed opportunities rarely return. Through economic downturns, including the aftermath of 9/11 when business dropped 35%, he maintained his workforce and persevered.

Perhaps most beautiful is how Mike shares this journey with his wife of nearly 40 years, who joined him on the shop floor as a machinist and became his perfect business partner. Together they weathered every storm, celebrated every victory, and ultimately passed the company to the next generation, allowing them to enjoy retirement pursuing their passions for wildlife farming and travel.

Mike's story isn't just about survival or entrepreneurship—it's about living with unwavering integrity while embracing life's adventures, never forgetting that without health, even $100 million is worthless. His journey reminds us that the American dream isn't just about financial success but building something meaningful through resilience, vision, and heart.

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What happens when life knocks you down repeatedly, only to find yourself standing taller after each fall? Richard Rogers, a 71-year-old entrepreneur from South Pittsburg, Tennessee, shares his remarkable journey of resilience that defies belief.

At 15, Richard moved out of a toxic home environment, sometimes sleeping in the woods with just a sleeping bag. Through sheer determination, he maintained his education at a military school despite the instability. His professional journey began sweeping floors at US Stove Company for $37.11 per week before transitioning to dangerous foundry work, drawn to the independence of being paid for productivity rather than time.

The darkest chapter came in 1979 when Richard's father died by suicide amid the company's financial collapse. Faced with $10 million in debt at crushing 21% interest rates, financial advisors insisted bankruptcy was inevitable. Instead, Richard and his brother worked relentlessly—sleeping just three hours nightly for six years—to pay back every creditor and preserve their father's legacy.

Just when life seemed manageable, Richard was struck by lightning in 1995. The strike killed him temporarily before a 14-year-old boy performed life-saving CPR. Doctors predicted he would never walk again, but Richard rejected their prognosis and pain medication, forcing himself through excruciating therapy. Not only did he walk again, he eventually completed multiple marathons and Ironman triathlons.

Today, Richard channels his extraordinary experiences into the Just One More Foundation, helping those in seemingly hopeless situations who demonstrate the determination to overcome their circumstances and pay it forward. His philosophy remains unwavering: "The more I got told I couldn't, the more I got inspired to prove them wrong."

Richard's story isn't just about personal triumph—it's about transforming adversity into purpose and creating second chances for others. Visit justonemorefoundation.org to learn how you can become part of this movement of resilience and hope.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results. 

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It all started with an Adderall prescription for ADHD that turned Ian Ale from a C student to an A student. Then came the break-in where his medication was stolen. A neighbor offered something "similar" to help him stay focused in college. That seemingly small decision launched a journey through methamphetamine addiction, federal prison, and ultimately, redemption.

What follows is a raw, unflinching account of how quickly life can spiral out of control. Within months, Ian went from a promising college senior to facing DEA agents at his door. His vivid descriptions of county jail and federal prison pull no punches - from his first fight within minutes of arrival to the hellscape of segregated housing where he spent his first two weeks in custody. All while his girlfriend was pregnant with their daughter.

But this isn't just a cautionary tale. It's a powerful testimony about transformation. While incarcerated, Ian participated in rehabilitation programs, reconnected with his faith, and had the profound realization that he had given his power to substances rather than recognizing his own inner strength.

The turning point came when a church member offered Ian employment as a carpenter upon his release - a profession that has since become his passion. Now married with two daughters, Ian reflects on how his darkest moments led to his greatest blessings, including a deeper appreciation for life's simple freedoms most take for granted.

Whether you're battling addiction, know someone who is, or simply need a reminder of the human capacity for change, this conversation will move you. As Ian says to those still struggling: "You're powerful. You have everything you need already." His journey proves that no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results. 

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Michael Brandt pulls no punches as he shares his extraordinary journey from federal prison inmate to successful business owner, revealing how welding skills and a commitment to integrity transformed his life.

Growing up in a broken home with minimal supervision, Michael found himself experimenting with drugs and alcohol by age ten. Despite an innate entrepreneurial spirit that had him mowing lawns and selling homemade goods as a child, his path led to increasingly serious criminal activity. By his early twenties, he was at the center of a massive federal drug trafficking investigation, moving pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine weekly.

The moment federal agents burst into his hotel room with weapons drawn became his turning point. "This is my way out," he thought, making a decision that would alter the trajectory of his life. During his five years in prison, Michael focused relentlessly on self-improvement, utilizing his GED to teach other inmates while navigating the complex racial dynamics of maximum-security facilities.

One prison instructor's wisdom became Michael's guiding philosophy: "Your true test to freedom will be if you can do the right thing when no one's looking." This simple definition of integrity formed the foundation upon which he built a new life after release, beginning with sweeping floors at a forklift dealership and gradually developing welding skills that would become his passion and livelihood.

Today, as owner of Garage Bound LLC in Chattanooga, Michael has become a Miller Welder partner and devotes significant time to mentoring at-risk youth. "Giving back unselfishly is the closest thing I've felt internally to doing drugs," he reflects, discovering that purpose and service create the fulfillment he once sought through substances.

What's your passion? Could teaching your skills to someone else transform not just their life but yours as well? Michael's story proves that your past doesn't define your future when you commit to integrity and find meaningful work that ignites your spirit.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results. 

As a listener of Ash & Iron, get 20% off your first order with code ASHANDIRON at checkout. Level up your beard and support the show!

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If you've ever faced a tough battle, you know that perspective can change everything. Dwayne Maddox, an engineer and blacksmith, exemplifies this principle by sharing his remarkable life story, pivoting from a childhood filled with curiosity and comics to overcoming the trials of cancer. This episode reveals how Dwayne transformed his hardships into profound life lessons and personal growth. He highlights the correlation between his love for engineering and blacksmithing, showcasing his innate desire to understand the world through hands-on creation.

Dwayne opens up about his cancer diagnosis and the resilience he cultivated through fitness and determination. His candid reflections weave through themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and the importance of connection, reminding listeners that they are never alone in their struggles. It’s a beautiful exploration of how adversity can lead to self-discovery and empowerment.

Join us as we listen to Dwayne’s journey, which emphasizes the significance of community and self-discipline in facing life’s challenges head-on. Prepare to be inspired, and remember: every struggle can be an opportunity for growth. If you're inspired by Dwayne's story, please subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results. 

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Join us for an extraordinary journey as Jeff Harmon, a man of many talents and experiences, shares his unique life story. From his upbringing in Rossville, Georgia, to events like witnessing the fall of the Berlin Wall during his military service. Now residing in Trine, Georgia, Jeff opens up about his career as a maintenance expert, his love for knives and firearms, and more. Alongside his compelling professional life, Jeff also shares his courageous battle with prostate cancer, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups and resilience in the face of adversity.

Get ready for a closer look at Jeff's experiences in some of the most challenging environments, including inmate transport and psychiatric hospitals in the early '90s. Through vivid anecdotes, Jeff paints a picture of the unpredictability and intensity of these roles, from post-LA riots Chicago to the creative ways danger lurks in everyday settings. Beyond the professional, Jeff's insights into personal relationships emphasize the value of fairness, consistency, and keeping promises, drawing poignant parallels between maintaining order in challenging environments and nurturing family dynamics.

Our conversation also takes thrilling turns, exploring the rush of extreme haunted houses, daring culinary experiences, and the life lessons gleaned from global travel and military service. Jeff's stories of camaraderie, cultural appreciation, and overcoming personal health challenges offer a heartfelt reminder of the importance of living life to its fullest. As we wrap up this inaugural episode, we reflect on the wisdom and humor Jeff brings, setting the stage for future adventures and stories on "Ash and Iron." Listen, learn, and let Jeff Harmon's extraordinary life inspire you to embrace the journey with courage and joy.

🔥 Your beard deserves the best. Chattanooga Beard Co. crafts premium beard oils, balms, and washes with top-quality ingredients—no fillers, no gimmicks, just real results. 

As a listener of Ash & Iron, get 20% off your first order with code ASHANDIRON at checkout. Level up your beard and support the show!

🔗 Shop now: www.chattanoogabeard.co

Support the show

Enjoying Ash & Iron? Support the show and stay connected:

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🔥This Episode is sponsored by Chattanooga Beard Co.

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👉 If this episode hit home, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it. See you next time.