Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1322: From Homeless Veteran to Running a 150+ Employee Company Thanks to RESILIENCE w/ Aaron "Sgt Q" Quinonez
This episode is a masterclass in resilience from a man who has lived it. Aaron “Sergeant Q” Quinonez takes us on his incredible journey from a Marine special forces operator to a homeless veteran battling PTSD, and ultimately to a purpose-driven CEO of a 150+ employee company. This isn't just an inspiring story; it's a practical blueprint for rewiring your brain to overcome any obstacle. For wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs, this episode is critical because it breaks down the science behind mindset, showing you how to intentionally build the mental fortitude required to survive and thrive in the chaotic world of business. Sergeant Q’s powerful blend of military grit and scientific insight will leave you fired up and equipped to conquer the battlefield of your own mind.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- The Neuroscience of Motivation: Learn how serving others scientifically builds the four key brain chemicals (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins) you need to stay motivated and fight off burnout.
- Conquer Your "Negative Bias": Discover how your brain is hardwired to focus on the negative and learn the exact steps to override this programming to take calculated risks and push past failures.
- The "ACC" Advantage: Understand how intentionally doing hard things physically grows the part of your brain (the Anterior Cingulate Cortex) responsible for resilience, giving you the capacity to handle bigger business challenges.
📝 About Aaron Quinonez
Aaron “Sergeant Q” Quinonez is a Marine veteran, leadership speaker, mental health advocate, and multi-business-owning entrepreneur. After serving as a forward observer in a special forces capable unit in Iraq, he faced a brutal battle with PTSD that left him homeless. Through a combination of faith and a deep dive into neuroscience, he rebuilt his life and founded a janitorial company that now employs over 150 people. Aaron's unique perspective comes from combining his elite military training with his raw, personal journey of recovery to provide a no-nonsense, science-backed approach to building an unconquerable mindset.
🎯 Aaron’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"When we see those big things coming at us that are scary...we need to meet whatever that challenge is head long on the battlefield. But for us, it will be the battlefield of the mind.”
📢 Memorable Quotes
- "When we feel discomfort, that's not a reason to run. That is a catalyst for growth. We need to say, 'Hey brain, I understand that that in the past has caused me pain, but today I'm going to push through and see what's on the other side.' That's how you build resilience." – Aaron Quinonez
- "When I feel down, when I feel depressed, when I feel anxious, I go look for somebody to help because I know I need those four chemicals to counterbalance those negative emotions that I'm having." – Aaron Quinonez
- "There are no easy days. The easy day was yesterday. And so we've got to do the hard things and push through." – Aaron Quinonez
🔗 Links & Resources