In this episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I sit down with John Gabrielle, better known to many as Johnny G or “Bulletproof,” for one of the most powerful origin stories we have ever shared on the show. John takes us all the way back to a childhood marked by instability, abuse, and survival, through being shot at fourteen, time spent in prison, and the long road toward rebuilding his life with purpose, discipline, and accountability.

John opens up about how entrepreneurship first showed up in unhealthy ways, what finally forced him to change direction, and how learning accountability, structure, and self belief transformed him into the leader he is today. We trace his journey from union tradesman to business owner, through hitting growth ceilings, finding coaching, and ultimately building and scaling successful restoration and plumbing businesses.

This conversation goes far beyond business. John shares openly about panic attacks, mental health struggles, marriage, reconciliation, fatherhood, and his long-term vision to create opportunities for at-risk youth by teaching trades, leadership, and life skills. It is a raw, honest look at redemption, resilience, and what is possible when someone refuses to quit on themselves or the people they love.

Hope you enjoy.

Chris

Why You Should Listen

[00:05:16] How a childhood marked by abuse, instability, and being shot at fourteen shaped John’s relentless drive and refusal to quit

[00:15:17] What prison taught John about accountability, discipline, and the difference between being a bad person and making bad decisions

[00:24:52] How hitting a growth ceiling forced him to seek coaching, rethink leadership, and finally scale past one million in revenue

[00:31:27] An honest look at panic attacks, anxiety, and mental health struggles during COVID and how leaders can adapt without burning everything down

[00:46:15] Why John is building an internal training system to solve the labor shortage and his long-term vision to give at-risk youth a real path forward

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