320: Counter-Attack The Problems Around You and Solve Them. With Eli Crane.
Feb 9, 2022
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Eli Crane, a Navy SEAL, CEO, and congressional candidate, shares compelling stories from his military and entrepreneurial journeys. He discusses the transformative power of humility and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience. Crane reflects on his transition from military service to entrepreneurship, detailing his experiences on Shark Tank and the challenges of product innovation. He also dives into his motivations for public service, tackling political issues like accountability and community engagement.
Perseverance and determination are essential in pursuing personal goals.
Adopting a team-first mentality contributes to a positive and supportive work culture.
Challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth and improvement.
Entrepreneurship requires adaptability and creative problem-solving.
Seeking help, addressing emotional barriers, and personal growth are vital for mental well-being.
Deep dives
Committing to Going Back to Buds
After failing to complete buds the first time, the speaker feels a strong desire to go back and conquer it. Despite the risk of having to reenlist for another four years, the speaker is determined to pursue his dream.
Deployment and Integration into Platoon
Upon returning from deployment, the speaker joins a platoon where he is treated as a new guy and given various tasks, including turret gunning. Despite the challenges, the speaker appreciates the culture of the platoon and adopts a team-first mentality.
Second Attempt at Sniper School
After expressing his goal to become a sniper, the speaker is sent to sniper school by his platoon leader. Although he passes pick and scout, he fails to qualify expert on the 200-yard range, which is a setback for the speaker.
The Founding of Bobberbreacher
Eli, a former Navy SEAL, came up with the idea of creating bottle openers from spent bullet casings. He started by modifying a 50 caliber bullet with a Dremel tool and received positive feedback from friends. He then started selling them online, initially on Etsy, targeting military units, firemen, and police officers. As demand grew, Eli invested in a laser engraver and improved the production process. After appearing on Shark Tank and securing a deal with Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary, Bobberbreacher experienced rapid growth but faced challenges in scaling production to meet the increased demand.
Overcoming Supply Chain Issues
After the episode of Shark Tank aired, Bobberbreacher received a significant increase in orders, which their production capacity couldn't handle. They had to make 60,000 bottle openers, a significant increase from their previous capacity of 135 a day. It took them three months to catch up, and they had to find creative solutions to meet the demand and improve their supply chain management. The experience taught them the importance of adaptability and thinking outside the box.
Success and Lessons Learned
Bobberbreacher's success continued to grow, and Eli and his team learned valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership. They focused on building brand recognition and expanding their market. Eli's faith and determination played a significant role in his success, and he attributes his growth to giving credit to God and being open to opportunities. Bobberbreacher's appearance on Shark Tank and its subsequent growth provided a foundation for Eli's future business ventures.
A Journey of Healing and Transformation
The podcast episode highlights the personal journey of the speaker, Eli, who shares his experience of struggling with anger and inner turmoil after leaving the Navy. He discusses how attending a men's retreat called Wild at Heart changed his life and helped him address the emotional walls he had built around his heart. Eli emphasizes the importance of seeking help, acknowledging one's flaws, and apologizing to loved ones. He also emphasizes the need for men to guard their hearts and take active steps towards healing and personal growth.
Concerns and Motivations for Running for Congress
The episode touches on some of the issues plaguing the country as the speaker considers running for Congress. He expresses concern over the integrity of the 2020 election, the border crisis, high debt levels, and the energy policy of the current administration. Eli's motivation for running stems from a deep love for California and a desire to serve the people. He highlights his belief in America's founding principles, the importance of restoring trust in the democratic process, and the need for leaders who prioritize their constituents and are not afraid to tackle the tough issues.
Importance of review and investigation in elections
It is crucial to review and investigate any voting anomalies or discrepancies to ensure the integrity of the election process. Suppressing or dismissing calls for review prevents the truth from emerging and can lead to distrust and suspicion.
The need for open conversation and respectful dialogue
It is essential to foster an environment where open conversations can take place, especially on divisive topics like politics and elections. Shutting down or attacking opposing viewpoints only deepens divisions and prevents understanding. Respectful dialogue and listening to each other's perspectives can help bridge gaps and find common ground.
