National Rifle Association Removes US Concealed Carry Association From Annual Convention

Ace Luciano is perplexed by the recent NRA/USCCA issue

I have to say that I'm a little perplexed by the following press release.
The NRA has not given any announcement nor insight into this as of today.

Many are hypothesizing that they do not feel it "appropriate" as the NRA now offers products that are in direct competition with the USCCA's product.

Guess we'll find out.

Disclaimer: I am an Endowment Member of the National Rifle Association and have been a LIFE MEMBER from the time I was 16 Years old. 
I was a member of the USCCA for one year and then changed to another protective service that I felt better suited my needs- but still feel they are a quality organization with a quality product. . 

The following press release was sent by the USCCA, and also a letter from USCCA President and founder, Tim Schmidt.

The National Rifle Association Disinvites US Concealed Carry Association from Annual Meeting and Exhibits

USCCA Will Continue to Support NRA’s Mission

West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) today announced that the National Rifle Association (NRA) has disinvited the organization from its 2017 Annual Meetings & Exhibits and the 2018 Great American Outdoor Show because of “concerns regarding its programs.”

The move shocked the leadership of the USCCA because they were given less than two weeks notice that they had been banned from the annual show, even though they had attended for the past several years.  This decision also came as a surprise because over the past two months, the leadership from the NRA and the USCCA met twice to discuss the shared goal of the two organizations in support of the Second Amendment.

In a note sent to millions of USCCA supporters, Founder and President Tim Schmidt said that even though the NRA might be fearing the competition, USCCA will still support the NRA’s efforts to protect the Second Amendment.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little perplexed myself.  The truth is, I don’t really know the motive behind the NRA’s move. I mean, the USCCA has ALWAYS had a great relationship with the NRA. And the way I see it, we’re all in this together,” Schmidt said.

“If I had to guess, I’d say that perhaps this is a strategic business maneuver,” added Schmidt. “I mean, the concealed carry market has really exploded over the last decade — just look at how long the USCCA has been around! Maybe the NRA recognizes us as the frontrunner in providing the absolute best education, training and self-defense insurance in the industry. And perhaps they’re starting to see us less as a partner and more as a competitor.”

“As much as it sort of stings that we got ‘booted’ from the NRA Show, I believe that this sort of competition is a good, healthy and even exciting thing — especially from a goliath like the NRA.”

“Whether or not the NRA supports us, we will continue to support them,” Schmidt said. “We will continue to believe in their mission. We will continue to respect the historical significance of what they have done to preserve and protect our God-given rights. And we will always support their legislative and lobbying efforts. I personally will continue to donate to the NRA as a proud Lifetime Member.”

About The USCCA:
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides education, training and self-defense insurance to responsible American gun owners. Headquartered in West Bend, WI, the USCCA is the largest and fastest-growing, member-owned, private association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American.

For more information, please contact Ryan@BonjeanCompany.com or call 224-723-8688.

"Good" is the ENEMY of "Great."

Photo Courtesy of N2 Growth Blog

“Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don't have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don't have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just so easy to settle for a good life.” 

One of my favorite books on business and success is "Good to Great," by business researcher and author Jim Collins.

It is a must read for anyone in business today.

One of the major lessons from it is how "hubris" in a company or by the officers of the company are often one of the main reasons for lack of performance, a not-as-good-performance, and/or failure.


An article by Jim Shepard, of "The Outdoor Wire," recently reminded me of how prevalent this "disease" is in the outdoor world.

Quick-
Name three "Great" retailers...

Right.
Many average, many good- but darn few "great."


The irrefutable rule of business is "adapt or Die." However, too many businesses in the retail and, more specifically, the outdoor world, have failed to "adapt."
Many have taken their customers and retail clients for granted.

I can't tell you how many companies I've spoken with in (and, to be fair, out of) the outdoor world that  have tales of woe and, quite frankly, not the nicest of business dealings with large scale retailers.
 Forced to jump through hoops, demeaning attitudes towards their products and business, and, basically, making new and even rather innovative brands grovel and beg (or even pay) to be placed on their shelves.

 Can you blame them for jumping to the online bandwagon?

Even I, with numerous connections on both sides of the issue, sometimes need clarification as to just what the difference can be to a business.

One source who shall not be named said it to me very plainly.
"Ace, I can sell  1/3 to 1/2 less and make as much or as much as 25% more by not dealing with them at all and going directly to the consumer."
                Wow.
Now, what happens most often is that the "brick and mortar" companies or stores tell a "tale of woe" like the one below- blaming technology and the internet rather than looking into the mirror.
What if we had "regulated" the automobile because farriers and stables were going under?
How about preventing cellular companies from selling their wares because "old time" telephone companies were losing money?

It sounds rather silly, doesn't it?

 I can't say that I should be surprised, as what that boils down to is just more proof of a gross lack of "marketing savvy."

As a matter fact, there are very, very few business problems that cannot be solved by "effective" marketing.

 What do I mean by "effective?"
Marketing that does more than just "put your name out" or is something that is done "because you've always done it this way" needs to be put aside.

I deal and interact a great deal with companies that say things like "Our budget is full" or "come back to us in six months."
That then turns into ANOTHER 6 months. Then ANOTHER. Then, well... then, if they aren't in great shape they expect a "miracle in a box" or "magic wand."

The economy and business- REGARDLESS of your business-  is like a river.

You can swim, paddle, row, or motor, but the SECOND you stop, you will be swept downstream.

When you have Hubris (and there are several LARGE, clear examples of this in recent years) you are "staring into the boat" - unaware and blind to the movement of the water.

Want to see a great example of a company that is on the "front edge" of TODAY'S Economy?
Check out this video from a company I met called OUTDOOR VITALS- a company that has more than doubled every year they've been in business.

P.S.- Your CUSTOMERS are dictating what they want- rather than fight it, don't you think it would be better to give them what they want?


The following is the article from Jim Shepherd of "The Outdoor Wire."
You can reach them at www.theoutdoorwire.com.

"Last week, I heard some scary advice from a bankruptcy attorney for retailers: "find another line of work." 

Hugh Ray of McCool Smith wasn't joking. 

The lineup of failed companies in bricks-and-mortar retailing looks like a lineup of former blue-chippers who have "lost a step" in sports parlance. 

Even discounters aren't being spared. Payless Shoes, I'm told, will file for Chapter 11 protection "any day". That's after closing 1,000 stores.

Sears Holding Corporation has (finally) admitted that it is "essentially no longer a going concern" despite belt tightening and the closure of 150 locations. Radio Shack owner General Wireless Operations is already in bankruptcy, as is HHGregg. Others, from J.Crew to Ascena (the company that owns Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Lofts) have suffered two mortal wounds: dropping sales and/or plummeting share price. 

Add in the problems for Macy's, Staples, Office Depot, Kohls, and CVS, and it seems there will be plenty of storefronts available in 2017 -especially across rural America. Small-town stores are normally the first casualties.

Outdoor retailer Gander Mountain has already sought bankruptcy protection. It's not the only outdoor group teetering on the edge today.

Online retailers like Amazon are draining traditional storefront operations dry. 

Only those destination-type retailers are hanging tough - and their operations aren't thriving, despite what you might hear.

Last week, I was writing an undated obituary for the Bass Pro Shop/Cabela's deal- until a last minute decision by Georgia-based Synovus Financial Corporation to buy the Cabela's credit-card business seems to have pulled the deal out of the proverbial fire.

Most people forget the mega-merger of outdoor retailers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's was really an intertwined two-part sale: BPS would take the retail business, and Capital One would buy the credit card business. 

The second part of the deal ran into trouble because of money-laundering allegations (and an ongoing investigation) at Capital One. Their timetable had slipped to the point the deal seemed in serious trouble. 

Now Georgia-based Synovus Financial Corporation has stepped in to buy the credit card portion. It's one of those deals I'd like to make: Synovus buys the Cabela's credit card business, then turns around and re-sells it to Capital One. That avoids a more in-depth review of the deal by regulators. 

In exchange, Synovus keeps around $1 billion (yes, billion) in deposits held by the Cabela's bank - and grows from a $30 billion dollar bank to a $31 billon dollar depository- three plus percent growth on a single business turn is nothing to sneeze at.

At that point, Johnny Morris and BPS takes over Cabela's -and the $3.6 billion in business Cabela's generated last year. If/when that happens, count on a brief period of stability, followed by the inevitable "combination of operational areas" - and another glut of available retail space.  

Unfortunately, there are no white knights riding to the rescue of independent retailers. 

They're under nearly unbearable price pressures, and facing the realization consumers are coming to them for their expertise- then using their newfound knowledge to search for the best price- usually online.

Last weekend, I watched a shopper question a knowledgeable salesperson about compound bows. The salesperson was both courteous and knowledgeable, answering the shopper's questions while showing the different bow sight options on demo mounts. 

After several minutes of questions, the shopper and the salesperson decided a particular three-pin sight would be the best choice for this customer.

Instead of asking the price, the customer whipped out his smartphone, took a picture of a packaged sight, thanked the salesman, and left. I was flabbergasted.

The salesman shrugged and explained: "happens pretty often. We have the knowledge, but not the online price." 

Curious about the price difference, I went online -at the counter- to see how cheaply I could find that particular bow sight online.

The difference? Seven bucks- not including shipping ($3.95). 

For less than three bucks, the "smart" shopper essentially helping put their go-to source for help and expert advice out of business.

This exchange summarizes where outdoor retailers, regardless of their size, find themselves. I've seen it happen before. 

As a beginning photographer, most of my early knowledge came from local camera stores. Local shooters freely shared their experiences and expertise. Today are very few of camera stores. Instead, innumerable online videos from online sellers quickly help me through any technical issue I have with my digital gear.

The same's true for a lot of the technical aspects of the outdoors. But there's still no substitute for "local knowledge" in the outdoors. What works in Bozeman usually doesn't apply in Birmingham.  

As a business observer, it's tough to watch people who love their business and readily share that "local knowledge" increasingly forced to "find another line of work". 

But I've seen it happen frequently enough to recognize the symptoms. 

Unfortunately, recognizing symptoms does nothing to slow the inevitable march of progress. Consumers decide what businesses succeed."

I NEED A "HERO" That Wants To Grow Their Sales 30% or More

...but let me first tell you what I'm NOT looking for...

I'm absolutely NOT looking for people that want to make excuses about the economy,  sales, or the industry or that DON'T want to grow their sales numbers and business this year.
No...

I'm looking for someone that wants to be an absolute HERO to their boss or, if you ARE the boss, then to your EMPLOYEES who will THANK YOU for thriving while their friends at other companies in the industry are worried for their JOBS.

You see, for the past 8 YEARS we had the greatest gun salesman on the planet- Barack Obama- in the highest office in the WORLD.
Between his deeds, inferences, and edicts, people were setting all time records for annual firearm sales....
...But the entire gun and outdoor industry changed back in November.

We elected a new president that is a gun supporter.

No fear = less gun sales. Less gun sales= less ammo sales. Less ammo sales = less range sales and time = less accessories sold, = less hunting apparel, and on, and on,
Etc. ...
Etc. ...

The point is, things aren't what they used to be. Sales WILL be less "overall" this year- except for some very smart businesses.

Yes, we are back to a "normal" market.

The question is, what will YOU do about it?
"Cut" your marketing budget?

Now, I have to ask this question-
Have you ever heard of anyone "cutting" their business to growth and success? 

Me, either.

This is where the HERO part comes in.

You see, I have an opportunity for you that can really help your "bottom line."
As a matter of fact, when we put our full plan, which costs, literally, PENNIES to implement, into place for our client partners, they saw a DOCUMENTED 30% INCREASE in the next month's sales.  
It didn't matter if their product was $1.99, $199, or $1199- across the board the following month's sales SHOT UP  30%!

Take a look at what two of our clients have to say about what we do for them:

"This is, by far, THE ABSOLUTE BEST MARKETING and BEST ROI of ANY marketing that we do or have done in the last several YEARS!" 
- Dennis Reese, CEO of Springfield Armory. 

"This is the Most cost-effective and successful marketing venue that we utilize at Kel-Tec. We actually had SO MUCH traffic from our program that we had to ask them to "turn it down" until we could catch up so that our servers were not completely overwhelmed." 
-Derek Kellgren, Kel-Tec firearms

So... WHAT IS IT?

What I have for you is DIRECT ACCESS to MILLIONS OF "BUYERS" (Notice I didn't say, "readers" or "shoppers") in the Firearm/Outdoor/Shooting industry.

Millions of your IDEAL BUYERS will not only be RECEIVING, but OPENING your sales messages EVERY WEEK.
(oh- and these products, delivered directly to over 3 MILLION subscribers have some of the highest open and click-through rates of ANY marketing, but certainly in the industry.)

You have an opportunity to get in on the ABSOLUTE BEST OFFER THAT HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN for these products-

Now, I think we're giving a little TOO MUCH on this one- after all compared to other "venues" in the industry, as we are ALREADY:

-90x less expensive than a large "auction site" media conglomerate  (yes, you read that right- Ninety times less)

-30x less expensive than a popular "blogging site" in the gun industry.

-1000's of times less than the average print media- and all at a performance level that is many times more effective, completely trackable, scalable, and the best bang-for-your-buck in the industry today.

Plus, one more, very large advantage...

... we will allow you to cancel at ANY TIME (of course, we allow this because nobody ever has, but it IS available)

But I need your answer ASAP- as I can only take ONE advertiser from each category.

Thanks in advance for your quick reply.

Ace Luciano

608-620-HUNT

"Maluna coolers bring innovation to a market where everyone thought innovation was over"- Ace Luciano

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maluna Coolers- Innovating an Industry Bereft of Innovation.

 Scott Hoyt, inventor and CEO of Maluna coolers, claims three main components to Maluna's superiority in the existing cooler market.

The first is, of course, PERFORMANCE.
 A Maluna cooler performs 20% better against the main competitors in the market place (as a matter of fact, there is a great comparison between the Maluna cooler and Yeti coolers on the kickstarter page showing a greater than 20% increased performance.)

 The second component is FEATURES.
Things like an innovative drain plug with a temperature gauge built-in.  Cooler feet that flip over depending on surface needs. Handles that can tie down while you can still open the lid. And let's not forget- an integrated bottle opener.

  The third, and perhaps most important component is VALUE.
 Remember this phrase – "VALUE is not PRICE."
 Maluna is neither of the highest priced cooler, nor is it the lowest, but it arguably comes in as the best all-around "value" on the marketplace today. The average time for premium coolers to hold ice is approximately five days. If Maluna increases that time by 20%, that's an EXTRA 24 hours of "cool time"... or even MORE.
 That could mean an extra day in the field.
It could be the difference between food spoiling and keeping in hot conditions.

 In the desert and mountains of the southwest United States, it could even mean the difference between survival and death.

 That's where Ace Luciano comes in.

 A transplanted Midwesterner, Ace currently spends a great deal of his time in the outdoors in the desert, on the lakes, and in the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico.
Ace bills himself as "A Hunter, a Fisherman, and Outdoorsman, but also a Husband, Father, Nomad and Adventurer."

"The places I go and the things I do necessitate the highest and best quality gear out there. Many of my travels and adventures take me places that are far away from not only the conveniences of modern life, but things like help and medical assistance, should it be needed.
Many times My life depends on quality, dependable, and effective products.  If my waterproof apparel does not keep me dry, or my insulating apparel does not keep me warm, death from exposure is a very real possibility.  Failure of a knife, a bow, a crossbow or firearm  can not only cause injuries, but further complicate what may already be a rather dangerous situation.
I am very particular as to the products and brands that I endorse – and I am looking forward to putting the Maluna cooler through its paces."

Check out the Maluna cooler at their website, www.Maluna.com, and be sure to view their "Kickstarter" page HERE where you can get "pre-launch" pricing and all the information about comparison tests.

 For more information about Ace Luciano, the products he endorses and recommends, putting your product in front of thousands of your ideal customers, and connections directly into the right people at the right places in the outdoor world, visit www.aceluciano.com.

Do Some Good for The Gun World, and HELP KIDS.

Folks, there has never been a better opportunity for you to do some real good for the gun world.

Right now, Gun Digest is having a BLOWOUT SALE on their "Instructional" library- including the Amazon Bestselling book, "Guns the Right Way" by Yours Truly.

You can also peruse the rest of the library, pick up a couple of other books, and enter the code "FREESHIP1040G" to get free shipping on any order over $40.

If you know people that have kids, know kids that are interested in guns, or know parents of kids that have ever asked about guns, SEND THEM THIS LINK.

This week you can get a copy of "The" definitive guide to kids and guns for NOT the cover price of $16.99...

Not the SALE price of $13.99

No- not even the e-book price of $8.99...

THIS WEEK ONLY you can pick up MULTIPLE copies of, "Guns the Right Way" for just...

5 BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right.

Just $5.00.

That's less than a Venti Mocha Latte from the local anti-gun coffee shop.

WHAT I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU DO (and not just because I wrote the book- there's no money in giving away books for cost!)

Buy 8 or 10 copies. Give one to each of your kid's schools. Bring one to the local library. Take a few to the local sportsman's club and put them out.

Use this link

http://www.gundigeststore.com/firearms-instruction-for-beginners

Be OFFENSIVE...

It's time for the firearm industry and those of us in it to be "Offensive." 

That's right… It's time to be offensive. 

No, I don't mean vulgar, crude, or injecting yourself into someone's "safe space" such that they break down. 

 I mean that it is time for us  in the hunting, firearms, and shooting world  to go on OFFENSE. 

I have just returned from the 39th annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, and the mood there was one of almost giddy euphoria- after a collective sigh of relief. 

 For the better part of  three different president's respective terms, and certainly most of the last decade, we have had to entirely play DEFENSE.

 One could argue that for several years under the previous Republican administration we had to constantly play defense with a democratic controlled house and senate. 

 Every time there was a tragedy, we had to fight. We had to be constantly reactive instead of proactive. The tragedy of Columbine high school caused the flurry of new gun control bills across the country, and I'll cry from many people that had previously been "on the fence" to allow  for what had come to be one of the left's favorite terms – "common sense" gun control. 

 As with many things in politics, this deliberate misnomer was used to lead the low-information voter and uninformed general public down a clearly defined path of oppression, registration, and confiscation. 

 The only thing "common sense" about gun control is that it is an entirely ridiculous concept.

Ace Believes that gun control is a foolish concept devised by weak people

 You do not need to petition the government for a speedy trial. You do not need to petition the government or get a permit before you are allowed to keep silent. 

 Our founding fathers were very clear when they added the terminology "shall not be infringed" at the end of the second amendment. They were great discussions about the wording of the Second Amendment and what they meant regarding "the people" and what the term "militia" meant. 

 The entire theory of gun control is predicated upon the fact that criminals, who, by definition, do not obey laws, will all of a sudden decide to obey laws because they are now written regarding guns.
Even worse are what I refer to as the "Double-Dog-Laws" 

What's this? 

It's when some weak politician gets up on a stage using some recent tragedy as a platform for their firearm control agenda and repeats rhetoric such as "Criminals shouldn't be able to have guns," or, "People who are mentally unstable should not be allowed to possess guns." - both of which are ALREADY ILLEGAL- so we, therefore, must now make them "Double-Dog-Illegal" because THAT will change things and we REALLY MEAN ILLEGAL!!

 This past November there was a clear rejection of the policies, politics, and ideals of the most recent presidential administration. 

 For the first time in many years the presidency, house, and senate are all under Republican majority control. 

 Now is the time to be OFFENSIVE. 

We need a clear, decisive and rapid plan for the RESTORATION (no-not EXPANSION- they are OUR RIGHTS that have been taken away)  of our rights. 

Here are a few to start: 

1. Nationwide Concealed Carry Reciprocity. 

We do this already with things like driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, etc. that are privileges rather than rights.My right to protection and self-preservation should certainly not end at state lines. 

2. Removal of Short Barreled Rifle and Suppression devices from the registration list, and elimination of the "tax stamp" in general.
Only the government could come up with these ones- that guns must be loud enough to damage hearing for all and that a large handgun possessed and fired from the hand or two hands is legal- but to fire that same gun from the shoulder is not. 

3. Nationwide transportation standards 

This one is a doozy. The standard for safe transportation of weapons should be just that- STANDARD.

 We once had a client fly through New York once on an African Safari. He had to grab his luggage and proceed through customs. This client is also a smoker, so, after taking his cased, locked, unloaded firearms case off of the conveyor belt, he stepped outside to have a cigarette. 

BIG MISTAKE. 

One of New York's "Less-Than-Finest" came over and engaged him in conversation, asked him where he was going, and what was in the case.
The short story- He was ARRESTED, his rifles and a shot gun CONFISCATED, jailed and missed his flight. The ensuing legal process was actually rather simple- go to New York and fight or pay a massive fine for an "ordinance violation" and another massive "Processing fee" to get his guns back. The best part- there was NO STANDARD set or way to address this situation. 

If my car is legal in Arizona, I don't have to register or do anything different with it when I cross the border into any other state- including CALIFORNIA. This should be the same with guns. 

4. Withdrawal of federal funds for cities that infringe on the rights of their citizens to keep and bear arms.
See: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York. 

Enough said. 

Will the incoming administration hold to their promise of "gun rights" and protection of the Second Amendment? 

Time will tell, but things look good so far. 

So, what do YOU think?
Is it time to "be offensive?"
Let Ace know in the comments below!


"Ace" Luciano is a Hunter, Fisherman, Outdoorsman, Sales Executive, Author, Writer, and, perhaps most importantly, husband and father to 4 great kids.
Learn more about Ace through his website, www.AceLuciano.com

You CAN'T...

Ace Luciano is a firm believer in the "Can vs. Can't" Philosophy

...And you're RIGHT.

However, YOU CAN....
...and you are, also, RIGHT.

Sometimes, Life Is Hard, and it's Easy to Get Down...
Really.

The problem is that most people, most of the time use "Can't" when they should really use the term, "W-O-N-'T"
It's not that you CAN'T get the money- it's that you WON'T take the extra classes, go BACK to school, PAY for the training, hire the consultant or coach, work the longer hours, the second job, or go for the better job to GET IT.
It's not that you CAN'T lose the weight, or that you CAN'T quit smoking, or that you CAN'T get that boat...or go on that dream hunting trip...or live in that dream location...

It's that you WON'T do what it takes- whatever that is- to get it done.
I know what you're saying to yourself RIGHT NOW.
You're making the excuses-and, as my dear friend and mentor Steve Sipress says-
"You can make excuses, or you can make money, but you can't make both."

How would I know?
I've BEEN THERE.
You see, I was never supposed to be here...

I was supposed to be a DOCTOR.
I learned, I studied, and tread the path laid out for me... and FAILED.
Over and over.

It was rather exhausting- working three part-time jobs, studying all night, taking classes after graduating college...
The truth is, I was ALLOWING myself to fail- because it wasn't where I really wanted to be.
Once I realized that, my life got a LOT easier.
I was BORN to sell, and DESTINED to be in the outdoor world- but it certainly wasn't easy.

I worked for FREE for over a year.
I spend THOUSANDS of dollars travelling, meeting, and entertaining.
I wrote and wrote and wrote article after article... and was rejected.
I applied to EVERY JOB I COULD FIND- and was given the most ABSURD excuses.
"You've never sold "apparel" before."
The foolish, "You're rather "overqualified" for this position...
"You have a lot of sales experience, but none "in the industry."
and, my personal favorite, the generic, "Though your resume is impressive, we have decided to move forward with another candidate."

Then, things began to happen. I made my own waves. I turned down jobs offered to me, and I began to carve my own path.
I learned how to POSITION myself.
Ironically, I was relating my story to someone that is a huge sports fan that let me know a BUNCH of similarities to a professional athlete that were directly related to my struggles.

Check out the NFL history report for this athlete.

Second string QB for high school team that went 0-8 Freshman year.
Started Sophomore year because no other QB went out.
Varsity passing: 219 passes for 3,514 yards and 33 touchdowns
Baseball catcher and football quarterback in high school who was drafted for MLB in the 18th round of the June 1995 baseball draft. Opted for football and redshirted in '95 as #7 QB on the depth chart.

Saw limited action in '96 and '97 and started '98 and '99.

Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended final season weighing 195 pounds and still "looked like a rail" at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Can get pushed down more easily than we'd like. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can't drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral. System-type player who can get exposed if he must ad-lib and do things on his own.
Vertical jump- lowest of peers.
40 yard dash time: Lowest ever

Seems to have decent field view and decision making ability.

Chosen as the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft.
Almost didn't make the team.

Has thrown 456 Touchdown passes in the NFL- the 4th most ever.
Has 61,582 passing yards- the third most EVER.
Has thrown the second most TD passes in a single season- 50.
Has played in 7 Superbowls and WON 5- the most EVER.

In case you haven't figured it out- this athlete is Tom Brady, and he was never supposed to be here, let alone WIN.

Remember that the next time you think things are "hard." or that you "can't"
Remember - "CAN'T" could easily be spelled "W-O-N-'T"

I'm not, nor have I ever been a New England Patriots fan, but I am certainly an admirer of Tom Brady.
He wanted it.
He wanted it bad enough to work for it- to put HOURS in the gym and the weight room. HOURS running through plays. HOURS visualizing outcomes and wins.

Yes, Tom Brady proved beyond a doubt that championships are won not just on the FIELD, but in the extra minutes of practice, the extra hours of lifting weights, and the night after night after night after night studying, learning, and practicing...

So...

What's your excuse?
Too small?

Not smart enough?

Not strong enough?

Everyone else is better? Faster? Stronger?
SMARTER?
Luckier?

Not enough MONEY?

Learn the lessons here- that one of the oldest players in the league just set the all time record for championship wins-

...and he was never even supposed to be there.
That can be you.

What types of obstacles have been in YOUR way?
What have you done to overcome them?

Do you need help with a challenge?
Please use the comments below to let us all know.