In this episode of Built for This Podcast: Stories of a Maverick, host Jenna Bayuk sits down with Kyle E. Cox, Founder of ThoroMan Worldwide, Co-Founder of Thoroughly Crafted Goods (TCG), Advisory Board Member at Ambition, and Advisor at Luminary Education. Kyle shares his inspiring journey from serving in the US Navy to creating successful businesses that have made an impact in the worlds of fashion, sports, and entertainment.

Kyle’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He talks about overcoming challenges, finding his true purpose, and using his platform to give back to the community. From working with top brands like the LA Clippers and Universal Music, to his ongoing entrepreneurial ventures, Kyle’s path is a testament to the power of perseverance, grit, and purpose.

In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to be "built for this", with practical advice and motivational insights for anyone looking to make an impact in their own field.

Key Takeaways

The Power of Resilience – Kyle’s journey emphasizes the role of perseverance and mindset in overcoming obstacles.

Embracing Reinvention – Kyle reinvents himself through each new venture, staying true to his purpose.

Building Communities Through Business – Creating purpose-driven, supportive communities is key to success.

Sacrifice and Purpose – Entrepreneurs make sacrifices, but staying focused on a greater purpose leads to long-term success.

The Role of Mentorship – Learning from others and staying grounded has been vital to Kyle’s growth.

Entrepreneurial Mindset – Bold decisions, risk-taking, and learning from setbacks are essential in entrepreneurship.

Navigating Setbacks with Purpose – A long-term vision helps entrepreneurs stay the course during tough times.

Noteworthy Quotes

“Success isn’t about luck. It’s about perseverance. If you’re here, you’re built for this.” – Jenna Bayuk

“Every experience in life, every skill set I’ve gained has led to what I’m doing today. It all has a purpose.” – Kyle E. Cox

“Entrepreneurship is about reinvention, about finding your purpose and sticking with it, no matter the obstacles.” – Kyle E. Cox

“It’s not about money, it’s about creating a community and making an impact.” – Kyle E. Cox

“I’ve made mistakes, but it’s about tapping into my true purpose. That’s what has kept me going.” – Kyle E. Cox

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Trailer & Episode and Guest Introduction

[00:05:07] Parents’ Sacrifices & Entrepreneurial Spirit

[00:06:52] Pressure to Succeed & Love for Sports

[00:09:01] First Job at McDonald’s & Early Lessons

[00:11:47] Economic Crash & Pivot to Stability - Navy Experiences

[00:15:34] Mobile Apps & Founding TCG

[00:18:12] Expansion Plans Beyond Footwear

[00:20:17] COVID’s Impact & Direct-to-Consumer Shift

[00:22:39] Vulnerability & Success Evolution

[00:29:53] Entrepreneurial Perseverance and Balance

[00:39:37] How 'Thorough Man' Became More Than Just a Hashtag

[00:45:20] The Turning Point: Father Boyle & The Bigger Mission

[00:49:00] Mentorship & The Birth of Thorough Man

[00:58:56] Challenges Young Men Face Today

[01:10:20] Personal Mental Health Struggles

[01:19:05] Gender-Specific Mental Health Approaches

[01:25:36] Overcoming Challenges & Key Lessons

FOLLOW OUR GUEST KYLE E. COX ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleedmondscox/

Website TCG Footwear : https://tcgfootwear.com/

Website ThoroMan WorldWide: https://bethoro.org/

FOLLOW OUR HOST JENNA BAYUK ON:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennabayuk/

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_bayuk/

Email: [email protected]

FOLLOW BUILT FOR THIS - STORIES OF MAVERICK! PODCAST ON:

Website: https://kinshipkollective.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinshipconsulting/

X: https://x.com/JBayuk

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@builtforthispodcast?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinship.consult

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinshipconsult