Wake Up The Sun

I met Captain Ben Harrow at a charity event where he and his family were supporting his wife Gina. After he introduced her and the event concluded, I rushed up to him to thank him for his service and chat for a moment. After a brief conversation we both invited each other to be a guest on our separate podcasts. Getting to know Ben and his journey was incredibly inspiring. From high school and collegiate athlete which led to West Point, Ben always put forth the effort and made it a point to be constantly working on and being the best version of himself. After multiple deployments over seas, there was a tragic moment where he stepped on and IED and lost both his legs, several fingers and scarred his forearm.

When presented with very limiting beliefs by doctors and therapists, Ben made it a point to realize that if anything was going to get better, it was up to him to make it happen. The work was arduous and challenging but Ben continued in the face of adversity realizing progress is better than nothing. In this episode, we dive into his unshakeable work ethic and belief in anything is possible. 

He is a husband, father and leader of the community with his work with the Yellow Ribbon Fund, his newly launched Team Harrow Podcast and president of Pam Jets. While he is super active and busy most days one of his favorite things is watching old re-runs of the Golden Girls with his wife Gina when they have time. If you are struggling or have questions for one of the most resilient men that I have ever met please don't hesitate to to reach out to Ben on Instagram @teamharrow or @bharrow37. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Mie several years ago at the grand opening of a friends local business. She and her family made an entrance as beautifully warm, smiling and kind people. We spoke for a few moments and then separated in the community. While speaking she had mentioned of starting her own business as she was a successful trainer and wellness coach. I love entrepreneurship and was so grateful so have her drop by FROPRO and gift me her product. 

Daily Hustle is a next level wellness drink mix that strengthens your immune system, gives you a subtle boost in energy while keeping you hydrated throughout your day! Elevate your wellness and hydrate with plant-powered, functional superfoods high in antioxdiants, electrolytes, minerals and vitamins. I was blown away by the taste and quality of her product. I consumed it for the next month and shared with several friends and family.

What is even more impressive is Mie's story and journey to live in the United States all the way from Denmark. Literally moving her entire life her started in her 20s when she visited a friend in Delray Beach and was her mission to move back. After moving here, some life and work circumstances unexpectedly changed so she had to act quick and there is where we begin. If you want to connect with Mie you can reach her on instagram @thrivewithmie or www.shoppowah.com to try her product. Enjoy the show.

I met Kayla years ago through the health and wellness scene down in South Florida when she was working at Lululemon. I have followed her journey down here with her music and talents and always wanted to have her on the show, so when I saw that she was moving and taking her talents to Nashville it was now or never. Im so grateful that she gave me some time while packing up her whole life to go. 

Kayla grew up here in South Florida. She has been heavily involved in music ever since a young age when her parents would take her to a local restaurant that had karaoke hour and she would get on stage and sign without hesitation. "I am music that is my essence" a quote that stuck with me while talking with her on the show. She loves to write her own songs, sings in cover bands, plays intstruments and even attended the finest music schools down here for her education. During a tough time with health complications, Kayla got her GED and left school to handle and get better. She found in her darkest time, music and writing in journals really helped her along until overcoming the heath challenges. 

While South Florida will always be home, she has found a calling coming from Nashville and to pursue her music career and do something new. There is no doubt in my mind that her name will be in headlights and everyone in the country will know her name and feel her talent. She's an old soul with an amazing voice, kind eyes and an amazing beginning to a most triumphant story. She and her boyfriend, who is also in the business will be right outside of Nashville building an amazing life and enriching those that cross their paths. 

If you want to follow her journey, listen to her music or reach out please do so on instagram @kaylakuecha or www.kaylakuechamusic.com. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Jay recently only after hearing his name for so many years in the community. I was better connected with his wife and partner Mayra who tragically left us over a year ago due to an unforeseen illness. During the celebration of her life at the gym I was able to meet Jay and their children and become better acquainted. At the same time of this heartbreaking situation, Jay was busy doing his job as Vice President of Development for the George Snow Scholarship Fund. At its core, the GSSF offers scholar support services dating back to 1982 and has grown by leaps and bounds helping hundreds local young men and women get the support they need to further their education. 
 
 Jay "dug in" during one of the hardest times in his life to take care of his children, continue the events and fundraising, find time to work on himself, support the community and secure the cheerleading/cheer space for future success. During my experience working with the George Snow Scholarship Fund, Jay was very hands on and extremely helpful in helping me prepare for and train for their biggest in Boca Ballroom Battle which he too participated in years prior. 
 
 Jay is one of the most hard working, kind, generous and thoughtful humans I have ever met. His ability to "dig in" and get it done is one of the most admirable things I have witnessed in my short time knowing him. He has established a solid routine that works for him that creates a work/life balance, never skipping the small stuff, being an awesome dad, community activist and a huge rockstar legend of the band Wolfhawk. If you are interested in learning more about the George Snow Scholarship Fund or contact Jay you can reach them at @georgesnowscholarship or www.scholarship.org. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Sam years ago in the consumer products goods space as a referral from someone else. Although we didn't end up doing business together, she made a lasting impression on me. A full wattage smile, enthusiasm and kindness in her office was how I would remember her as years progressed. Not too long ago, Sam experience a serious low that almost cost her, her life. What went from a fun and growing career turned into a nightmare which led her down a path of confusion, isolation and eventually a deep depression.

Sam and I spoke after she walked through her experience and wanted to have her on the show to shed some light and help others. We spoke about our first initial interaction all the way to her being alone and isolating in her apartment up for days with insomnia. Her family and friends couldn't reach her and she walked through it all alone by her choice. What was born from that experience led her to where she is today. Im so grateful Sam decided to share her backstory growing up in an abusive household to walking through one of the darkest times in her life.

If you or anyone you know may be struggling there is hope and people that can help share their experience strength and hope. You can reach Sam on instagram @samwghanem or @think_sgink_branding or by her website www.thinksgink.com. We hope you enjoy the show!

Dominic would tell you that he does not have a crazy story but after sitting down and hearing about his life I can definitely tell you that his journey and how he made it to present day is something of a miracle.  Dom is 12 years sober as of this podcast and is a health and fitness coach online and across the globe. His persistence to become a trainer and work with one of the best in the industry proves his hunger and ability to keep going forward in spite of challenges. 

His sobriety story is one of repeated failure and bottoming out until he asked for proof and spoke into the universe that he was looking for a sign and a sign was presented. It changed his direction and he began, "stuck around" and kept coming back. Over the years Dom challenged himself and pushed the limits of what the body could do even by training for the LEADVILLE 100 which is a 100 mile race through the mountains of Colorado. While training for that he encountered some grueling mental and physical battles which created a new perspective on endurance racing and future races.

Today Dom likes to keep it simple. Being an awesome father to his son, Walks with his dogs, time with the people he loves and coaching others to improve their lives each and every day. You can find Dom on instagram @dapperdom10 or email at [email protected]. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met MJ though mutual friends and stopped by his new home in central Boca for some coffee and a chat. We discussed sobriety and our journeys that led us from rock bottom to living with purpose. As a recent transplant from the northeast, MJ shared about his time in the big cities, his other businesses in the clothing industry to what led him to create LOOSID. LOOSID is a free sober app that includes a sobriety tracker, sober community, daily gratitude, sober tips and more originally founded in 2018 and grew during the pandemic. It also has a sober dating feature for a monthly cost that connects sober singles to meet without the stigma of drinking surrounding it all. 

MJs story is like most alcoholics and addicts. His sobriety date is March 21, 2012 and his rock bottom led to his admittance of needing help and following through with the program and fellowship of AA. During his early sobriety he met a woman who's family had been struggling with addiction and rather than open multiple treatment centers that could only help a small amount they created LOOSID to connect and grow a sober community across the globe. 

His story is relatable and the process of following a passion to connect as many sober individuals will be the legacy of LOOSID. If you or a loved one are struggling please don't hesitate to reach out @loosidapp, @loosidsoberdating, @loosidsobershop, www.loosidapp.com, www.getloosid.com with any questions. We hope you enjoy the show!

I met Phil a couple years ago in the mental health and addiction counseling field. It has been an awesome experience getting to watch him grow and open his own private practice in Boca Raton Florida. 

In Phil’s approach to therapy, the therapist and client are like companions walking a path together in the woods, with an uneven and dark road that may also be intimidating. As therapists, our duty is to stand by your side, holding a flashlight over your shoulder to guide you toward the necessary steps to take on your own path. Sometimes, we may use sharp sticks or carrots to motivate you, but ultimately, it is your responsibility to put in the effort.

Phil's approach to life and helping others is nothing short of miraculous being that he himself struggled at one point. His decision to get clean, sober and find what he is passionate about makes the journey worthwhile. If you are a loved one is struggling or you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to Phil at www.dudebreathecounseling.com Enjoy the show!

I had the opportunity to meet Alex at the start of the Boca Ballroom Battle for the Georgen Snow Scholarship Foundation. As a co-competitor we were thrown into group and individual dance lessons and had some time to chat in between. Getting to know Alex through his social media and all he and his family was up to was great but what peaked my interest the most is how he was heavily involved with helping in the substance abuse space with the Opioid epidemic. At the conclusion of the Battle, we had some time to sit down and talk all things routine, fatherhood, his first entrance into the philanthropic world, being a family man and always showing up with a smile on his face.

Alex is a wake up the sun kind of guy as he enjoys a run and workout prior to doing anything else and usually before anyone in his house is up. Following his morning routine he spends time with his family and drops the kids off to school before starting his work day at Priceless Solutions. Price Consulting Solutions provides expert services in fundraising, communications, PR, community and government affairs, associate engagement, and speaking. He tells his kids that starting strong and then finding someone to befriend and help during the day is what living a great life is all about. You can see that in how he, his amazing wife and family all interact and operate within our South Florida community.

"Start the day with intentionality and hit all the levels of physical, spiritual, mental and proper nutrition." Alex has made waves in the vast amount of businesses he has worked in and monies raised for National and local charities. His motto is simple in that you can reinvent yourself at any age and embrace the change. IF you want to get to know Alex you can reach him on his website at www.pricessolutions.com or on LinkedIn. We hope you enjoy the show!

I officially met Evan at the valet line after Boca Ballroom Battle in 2023. I had heard of red meat lovers club and its gregarious group of philanthropists and ended up standing next to Evan waiting for our cars for about 30 minutes and chatting about life, charity, his ability to bench 225 40 times and many other topics. We met a week later for a cigar and got to know each other and over the course of a year was his guest at several of his events benefitting different charities in the community. 

Evans background is in hospitality and as a former owner and manager of several restaurants in NYC he and his family moved down to Florida. His Red Meat Lovers club was something started in college and Tulane University and resurfaced with his moving to Florida and bringing people together. During the year he averages over 20 events benefiting different charities and bringing people together over good food, fellowship, fundraising and more. If you haven't been to one of the events then you are missing out and can find them on Eventbrite.

I sat down with Evan and discussed his belief in uniting community, causes and good food. His Master of Ceremonies skills are unmatched and the team of people that donate their time and resources are vast. He doesn't want to be average and leave a legacy of good will and connection while he's here on this planet.

If you are inspired or want to learn more please go visit their website www.RMLclub.com or on Facebook or instagram. We hope you enjoy the show!