How does a boy who grew up hungry, surrounded by violence and addiction, become a multimillion-dollar entrepreneur without losing himself along the way? Jerry Brazie grew up in generational poverty as one of nine children, dropped out of school at 15, survived brutal violence, and spent 25 years battling opioid addiction. Today, he’s an entrepreneur whose businesses have collectively generated nearly half a billion dollars in revenue. But in this raw conversation with Lisa Lacy on Notes From the Edge, Jerry reveals why his greatest accomplishments have nothing to do with money. From a near-death experience that forced him to rebuild his health to the moment fatherhood transformed his purpose, Jerry challenges conventional ideas about victimhood, entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and success. Together, Lisa and Jerry explore why doing what you love isn’t always the answer, how survival shapes ambition, and why mentorship, male connection, and showing up for your family may matter more than any financial achievement. IN THIS EPISODE: 03:00 — Growing up in generational poverty, childhood hunger, family addiction, and learning to survive through work.09:00 — A violent attack at 14, the mysterious voice that changed Jerry’s perspective, and his philosophy of personal responsibility.15:00 — Serious heart disease, repeated hospitalizations, rebuilding his health at 57, and choosing to live for his children.20:00 — Building businesses generating nearly $500 million in revenue, fatherhood as motivation, and why purpose matters more than passion.30:00 — The male loneliness epidemic, the importance of mentorship, and how the Kronos Group and Kronos Forge are creating spaces for connection and accountability. CONNECT WITH JERRY BRAZIE Explore Jerry’s entrepreneurial community, mentorship opportunities, and Kronos Forge men’s community. https://thekronosgroup.org CONNECT WITH LISA LACY INSIDE THE EDGE Join our private membership for exclusive weekly reflections, monthly live conversations, and resources for exploring identity, healing, and authentic living. https://www.lisalacy.com/inside-the-edge What did you perform in order to survive? Welcome to the Edge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
