From Firefighting to Shark Tanks: 5 Unshakable Lessons from Hanging with Kevin Harrington & Multi-Million Dollar Entrepreneurs

Yesterday was wild.

I got to hang with, speak in front of, and break bread with the original Shark from Shark Tank — Kevin Harrington — and a room full of powerhouse entrepreneurs. I’m talking people who are building multimillion-dollar brands, some even on track to hitting a billion.

Folks like Brandon T. Adams (Kevin’s business partner at Big Brand Ventures), founders with insane products and ideas, and just overall good humans.

We spent the entire day — from 8:30 AM until nearly 11 PM — immersed in idea sharing, pitching, learning, and celebrating.

🔥 And the truth is, I walked away with 5 huge takeaways that could radically shift how you operate your business — especially if you’re a coach, creator, or entrepreneur in this game to change lives.

Let’s dive in...

1. Your Story is Your Superpower

This one hit hard — even though it’s something I teach every day.

We all know storytelling is powerful. But watching Kevin Harrington and this group respond to my story reminded me just how essential it is.

When you share your journey authentically — the real highs and the lowest lows — people connect.

They don’t just hear your words.

They feel them.

They see themselves in your story… and suddenly, what felt impossible becomes possible.

"Your story isn’t just marketing — it’s the bridge people walk across to transform."

Here’s a quick example: I shared with the room how I got electrocuted during a search-and-rescue mission as a firefighter. Hospitalized. Out of shape. Feeling broken.

A doctor looked at me and said: “You’re way too young to be this unhealthy.”

That moment changed everything.

I started working on my health. Eventually became a personal trainer. Opened a gym. And that ripple turned into the School of Impact.

I wasn’t even scheduled to speak that day — but when I got the mic and shared that, the entire room lit up.

Not because it was flashy. But because it was real.

So here’s the takeaway:

• Your story is what separates you from a sea of sameness

• It builds instant trust and belief

• And most importantly, it positions you to actually move people

Whether you're helping someone lose weight, get clients, or heal emotionally — don’t skip your story. It's not fluff. It’s fuel.

2. Brand YOU is the Brand That Wins

This came from Brandon T. Adams — and it was 🔥

We’re moving into an age where information is everywhere. People don’t just want tips and how-tos.

They want a feeling. They want connection. They want to follow people who inspire them, entertain them, or give them belief.

"In 2025 and beyond, people don’t just buy info — they buy identity."

Which means:

• They buy your energy

• They buy your values

• They buy your brand story

Back in the day, people associated me with Ninja Warrior. Some remember me for building and franchising my gym. Others know me as the coach who helps coaches become in-demand.

That’s branding.

Not logos. Not colors. But the story and message people remember about you.

To build that, here’s what I suggest:

• Share behind-the-scenes content

• Double down on one or two core platforms (IG, Facebook, YouTube)

• Email your list often — even if they don’t open every time, they see your name

• Use long-form video to deepen the bond

Your brand is the business. And the business is you.

3. Relationships > Everything

Kevin said this himself: “You never know who someone will become.”

It sounds cliché, but it’s true.

Some intern you meet today could be the CEO of a billion-dollar company 10 years from now.

Every connection matters.

So stop seeing people as transactions and start seeing them as potential transformations.

When I met Brandon on the boat before the event, one of the first things I asked was:

"How can I serve you? Who can I introduce you to?"

That flipped the script. Because most people are takers.

But real value — real legacy — comes from giving first.

That’s what go-givers do.

So start building relationships like your business depends on it. Because it does.

4. Systems Will Set You Free

This one validated everything I’ve been building inside the In-Demand Coach Operating System.

Nearly every 7- and 8-figure brand in that room had one thing in common:

They lacked strong marketing or acquisition systems.

Some had hustled their way to millions. But they couldn’t explain how it happened… or how to repeat it.

Here’s what I learned (again):

• Passion and hustle can get you to $100k… maybe even $1M

• But systems are what scale that impact

Whether it’s:

• A lead gen system (so you’re not guessing where clients come from)

• A conversion system (like a workshop or video sales letter)

• Or a delivery system (that increases client retention and referrals)

You need to bolt on a machine to your mission.

Because the most successful brands don’t just inspire. They operate.

For example, our program has generated $1.8M in cash collected without paid ads — entirely from our organic systems.

Kevin and Brandon were like, "Wait, what?! You’ve never run paid traffic?"

They told me straight up: "It’s time. Put paid traffic behind this. You already have the system. Just amplify it."

And I’m telling you the same:

If you’ve got something working manually — start systemizing it.

You don’t have to run ads right away. But you do need a predictable engine that moves your business forward daily.

5. Obsession Beats Option-Hopping

This one wasn’t directly taught. It was observed.

Every top entrepreneur in that room? They were obsessed.

Not distracted. Not dabbling. Not shiny-object surfing.

Obsessed.

With their mission. Their movement. Their seasonal purpose.

"You don’t need to marry an idea for life — but you DO need to commit like it’s your life’s work."

I’ll be real: There’ve been days I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. What I’m trying to build with the School of Impact isn’t easy.

But after this experience, I’ve never been more convicted.

And I want the same for you.

So here’s the question:

What’s your ONE thing right now?

Forget 3-year plans. Forget the perfect brand. Forget tinkering with 5 different offers.

Just ask:

• What’s the mission I’m obsessed with right now?

• What’s the one vehicle I can give my full focus to for the next 6-12 months?

Then go all in.

Your future clients are watching.

Final Thoughts

What I walked away with was way more than strategies or frameworks.

It was clarity. It was conviction. And it was a deep reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be — even when the road feels uncertain.

So if you're building something right now... And if you’ve ever felt like giving up...

Read this again. Then get back to work.

Get in rooms that stretch you. Tell your damn story. Build a brand they’ll remember. Serve before you sell. And for the love of all things holy… build systems.

Let’s freaking go.

- Jason Meland Founder, School of Impact

P.S. Want help building your brand, telling your story, and installing a system that attracts dream clients consistently? DM me “SYSTEM” on Instagram or Facebook and I’ll send you the details.

Who Is Jason Meland?

I am a value creator, mentor, and entrepreneur. I help online coaches master their messaging, attract dream clients, and build thriving high profit, high impact businesses.

When You’re Ready, Here’s How I Can Help You:

1. Grab a copy for the 5 posts responsible for 7 figures in online fitness sales: https://www.indemandcoach.com/5-posts-ebook-2505 

2. Join the waitlist to get an invite to join the Client Attraction Accelerator https://www.indemandcoach.com/in-demand-waitlist 

3. Work with me personally 1:1 to build a high profit, high impact online coaching business. DM me "mentorship" here for details