Build Strong, Live Stronger

Tanner Johnson

Build Strong, Live Stronger is a podcast spotlighting entrepreneurs, coaches, and innovators in the health, fitness, martial arts, and performance space. Each episode explores the journeys of people building businesses and communities focused on helping others live stronger, healthier lives. From gym owners and martial artists to wellness founders and endurance athletes, the show dives into their stories, lessons learned, and the ideas shaping the future of human performance, personal growth, and resilience.

Episodes

  1. APR 10

    Innovation in Training: A Conversation with Shon Harker of Stroops

    Explore how Shon Harker transformed resistance training with innovative, high-quality equipment. From a college athlete to an industry leader, Shon shares insights for entrepreneurs and fitness enthusiasts. Key Highlights:Shon's journey from football player to engineer and entrepreneur.The creation of Stroops and its flagship product, the strap loop resistance system.Innovations like sleeved elastics for safety and durability.Importance of real-life mimicking training tools.Strategies for product development and market entry.Unique treadmill designs for sport-specific training.Lessons in brand building versus wholesale models.Entrepreneurial advice on trust, risk management, and core focus.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Shon Harker and Stroops02:24 - Early inventions and product development05:25 - Stroop Strap origin and branding evolution08:28 - Innovations in elastic resistance13:13 - Competing with knockoffs15:33 - Elastic resistance in rehab and training18:34 - Business growth and trade shows23:53 - Expansion to Utah and rapid development36:29 - Training room innovations39:17 - Treadmill designs for training47:00 - Integrating drills with Stroops equipment50:15 - Product development vs. brand buildingResources & Links:Stroops Official WebsiteYouTube ChannelInstagram: @stroopsfitnessConnect with Shon Harker:LinkedInTwitterShon's dedication to creating durable, versatile training tools highlights the importance of understanding user needs and pushing innovation boundaries. His journey emphasizes focusing on core strengths and strategic partnerships. This version captures the essence of your episode while staying concise. If you need further adjustments, let me know!

    56 min
  2. MAR 24

    From Bullying to Bench Pressing 500 Pounds: Tommy Richardson's Journey

    In this episode, I sit down with Tommy Richardson, owner of Divine Savagery, to talk about the experiences that shaped him into the man he is today. Tommy opens up about growing up and dealing with bullying, his decision to join the military, and how those experiences helped forge his mindset around leadership, resilience, and mental toughness. We also dive into some of the toughest chapters of his life, including battling through a traumatic brain injury and the long road to recovery that followed. One of the most remarkable parts of Tommy’s story is his comeback. After surgery, he had to start from scratch—rebuilding his strength from lifting just five pounds to eventually moving 500 pounds again. Along the way, he trained at Westside Barbell and continued developing the mindset that now drives his work today. That journey ultimately led him to create Divine Savagery, a platform built around resilience, strength, and living with purpose. Tommy’s story is a powerful reminder that hardship can either break you or build you—and that true strength is forged in the process of fighting your way back. Takeaways Resilience through hardshipLeadership and coaching development ResilienceStrengthPurpose Chapters 00:00 Childhood Bullying and Resilience05:31 Military Experience and Leadership15:47 Overcoming TBI and Surgery23:48 From Five to 50032:38 Training at Westside38:10 Divine Savagery and Resilience Tommy's Links: Instagram: @divine_savagery https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-richardson-72a4a4178/ https://www.facebook.com/tommy.richardson.667300/

    43 min

About

Build Strong, Live Stronger is a podcast spotlighting entrepreneurs, coaches, and innovators in the health, fitness, martial arts, and performance space. Each episode explores the journeys of people building businesses and communities focused on helping others live stronger, healthier lives. From gym owners and martial artists to wellness founders and endurance athletes, the show dives into their stories, lessons learned, and the ideas shaping the future of human performance, personal growth, and resilience.