Motivate with Coach Camp

Triumph Over Tragedy Episode 2 – Donna and Charity Kirk, and Hope Holmes, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ~John 15:13

This episode is dedicated to Lt. Trent Kirk and Pvt. Charles Zachary 
 
On Father’s Day, July 15th, 2003, tragedy struck the Memphis Fire Department and 
the loss was felt by many, but none more than my three guests today.  Lieutenant 
Trent Kirk, officer on Engine 10 B-shift, was working overtime at station 31 when 
they were called to a Family Dollar store for a potential fire.  The events that 
unfolded next would leave an entire city in mourning and Trent’s wife without a 
husband and his children without a father. 
 
It is not a secret that firefighting is dangerous.  All that choose to serve 
understand that in a moment’s notice things can go from seeming to be fine to 
deadly.  However, you could never do the job if you were scared to act when the 
time called for it.   
 
With that in mind, firefighters do the only things they can do.  We workout to stay 
in shape, we train constantly, and we pray that at the end of each day we all make 
it back home to our families.  When the unthinkable happened on that warm 
evening in 2003 the Kirk family had to figure out how to pick up the pieces and 
carry on, and carry on they did.  Ms. Donna started the nonprofit “Our Fallen 
Hero’s Foundation”, daughter Hope is now a Paramedic and daughter Charity is 
now an Ultrasonographer.  I feel like I can speak with certainty when I say, Trent 
would be incredibly proud of how his entire family chose to live their lives with a 
service to others.  It was a true honor to sit with this family and share the 
moments that brought us all together and honor two fallen heroes. 
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my 
social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com  Also, if you 
are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link 
below to learn more.  
 
This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC
SRPStudiosLLC.com
 
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Triumph Over Tragedy Episode 1 – Nick Blakemore, “Triumph is never accidental, it must always be very intentional. ” ~Coach Camp

Sometimes the path we thought we were meant to take in life can suddenly be 
altered in a second’s notice.  This week’s guest had a vision and dream for his 
future, but on the morning of March 8, 2000, a 20 year old Nickcolus received the 
news that his 48 year old father had been shot and killed while fighting a house 
fire.   
 
Needless to say, firefighting is a dangerous occupation, but no one expects to hear 
the news that they had lost their life from being shot.  Nick shares with my 
audience how this tragic moment affected their family and how this changed the 
direction of his entire life. 
 
Nick decided to put his dreams of being a writer on hold so he could join the fire 
department to honor his dad.  Nick talks about how he spent 18 years on the 
department before having to retire due to injuries to his knee.   
 
It was at that time that he reconnected with his love of writing and has since 
written several books and screen plays and recently completed his first feature 
length movie.  Nick could have easily used the tragedy of losing his father at an 
early age to negatively impact the rest of his life, but instead he chose to honor his 
father and then when given the opportunity to return to his original love, he 
bounced back like he had never put those dreams on hold.   
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my 
social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com  Also, if you 
are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link 
below to learn more.  
 
This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC. 
SRPStudiosLLC.com
 
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Public Servant Episode 4 – Cory Uselton, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” ~ Kobe Bryant

When I decided to orchestrate a series that would put a spotlight on public 
servants, I never would have dreamed that I would be so fortunate to have such a 
lineup of all stars.  My guest ranged from a Sheriff, to a Mississippi Supreme Court 
Justice, to a nationally known fire Chief and finishing up with the DeSoto County 
school Superintendent, which happens to be the largest county in the state. 
 
The school Superintendent sets the culture of a school system.  Leadership 
positions are important for any organization, but I feel like most people would 
agree that education ranks near the top.   
 
We live in a time that our children have a plethora of influences and with the 
abundance of cell phones, our children are subject to more negativity and 
egregious content than any other generation. 
 
Knowing this to be a fact, not an opinion, it is more important than ever to have 
educators that love and care about the growth of the next generation well beyond 
the classroom.  In order for this to be the driving force behind our teachers, it 
requires the leader of that school system to be invested in the teachers, as well as 
the students.   
 
After my interview with Mr. Uselton I am convinced that his heart is in the right 
place and we are blessed to have him in DeSoto County.  My two boys graduated 
from Hernando High and my daughter is currently in 9th grade.  When I say that I 
am thankful to have this great leader here in DeSoto County, I do so with skin in 
the game, so to speak. 
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my 
social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com  Also, if you 
are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link 
below to learn more.  This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by 
Shelby Row Productions LLC 
 
srpstudiosllc.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM -  https://bit.ly/443wPRj
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Public Servant Episode 3 – Gary Ludwig, “A leader should put themselves at the bottom of the organizational chart.”

This week’s guest is a modern day legend amongst the fire world.  He has spent 
more than 4 decades serving communities, first as a firefighter and then as a 
firefighter/paramedic.   
 
Mr. Ludwig’s experience as a chief in both St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN puts 
him in rarified company, much less the 40 plus years spent in the game.  In this 
episode, Chief Ludwig shares with my listeners how he developed his love for the 
profession and how he continued to grow from one year to the next.   
 
Ludwig served in a number of capacities on the various departments which gave 
him a unique perspective on how the entire job operates.  Chief has chronicled 
those years of experience and knowledge in his 4 novels and hundreds of articles 
that have been published in various EMS and fire magazines. 
 
With plenty of accomplishments to hang his hat on and be impressed by, I am 
most impressed by his humbled leadership style.  I had the good fortune of having 
Chief Ludwig serve as my EMS Chief for over a decade and during that time I had 
the pleasure of getting to know he was not only a very knowledgeable Chief, but 
he was always available even.  Without question, he has left his mark on the 
profession and I am certain that this interview will be worth your time. 
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my 
social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com  Also, if you 
are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link 
below to learn more.  This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by 
Shelby Row Productions LLC 
srpstudiosllc.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM -  https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
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Public Servant Episode 2 – Bobby Chamberlin, “It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up.” ~Lombardi

The second guest in my series on Public Servants is Mississippi State Supreme 
Court Justice and Hernando native, Mr. Bobby Chamberlin.   
 
Bobby shares with my listeners how he allowed his professional growth in the 
justice system to develop organically.  Bobby moved from one level to the next 
when opportunities presented.  His experience serving in private law as a lawyer, 
to becoming a Justice Court Judge and then as a Circuit Court Judge, all played a 
role in preparing him to take on the enormous responsibilities of being elected to 
the highest court in Mississippi, the Mississippi State Supreme Court Justice. 
 
Bobby gives us some insight about how he works through difficult decisions and 
how he applies personal life principles to keep him centered on what is right.  
From tough courtroom decisions, to coaching baseball teams, to backyard 
crawfish boils, you will have only one verdict after hearing Bobby’s story.  Justice 
Chamberlin is a kind hearted, down to earth, regular guy. 
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my 
social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com  Also, if you 
are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link 
below to learn more.  This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by 
Shelby Row Productions LLC 
srpstudiosllc.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM -  https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
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Public Servant Episode 1 – Thomas Tuggle, “If we do not invest in today’s youth, tomorrow has no future.”

Public Servants come in a variety of positions held. Whether you work for the government in politics, or you serve the citizens through protection, or your position protects the interest of our children, public servants have an enormous impact on our society.
This week’s guest has spent the last two plus decades serving the citizens of America. First as a member of the United States Marine Corp and then as a police officer.
Mr. Tuggle spent 4 years with the city of Hernando working as an officer before heading off to become a Mississippi State Highway Patrolman. Mr. Tuggle shares how his hard working mother and his football coach, gave him great guidance toward an impeccable work ethic and love for others. Mr. Tuggle has spent his entire life giving his best and teaching others. His story of quickly moving through the ranks in the military and law enforcement, his passion to grow others, as well as, his faith in God, will leave you feeling inspired and grateful that he has chosen to run for the office of Sheriff in DeSoto County.
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more. This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC ShelbyRowProductions.com
 
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Entrepreneurs Episode 4 – Derrick and Coach Camp share their journey, “The journey is the reward.” ~ Tao

This series certainly hits home for both Derrick and I. It could go without saying that we are both trying to find our way in this fun but scary world known as, entrepreneurship. With any startup business, there will be ups and downs, but you have to take chances and believe in yourself. The only problem with that is, sometimes we are limited on how far we can jump because of cost.
 
When I hear of someone inheriting a fortune or having a no risk opportunity for success I am not envious. I am thankful…thankful that it wasn’t me. I am not saying that I am opposed to catching a break in life. I am simply stating that I know how much more I appreciate overcoming great odds and accomplishing very difficult tasks. My personal thoughts are, I can’t grow if I didn’t earn it.
 
That was the one thing that all of my guests shared this past series. All of them had to work hard to get where they are, and because of that, it keeps them humble and appreciative.
 
Only God knows what lies ahead for Derrick or myself, but we are both acting on faith that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Finding purpose that coincides with our passion is a true blessing.
 
Tune in to hear what inspired us to go in the direction we chose and how we continue to try and evolve to the day to day demands of running a new business.
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more. This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC
SRPStudiosllc.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM - https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
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Entrepreneurs Episode 3 – Kevin Williams ‘CFO of Drake Waterfowl Systems’ “Be found trying.” ~ K. Williams

Mr. Williams is the CFO for the nationally known outdoor brand, Drake. This brand can be found everywhere with the cleverly designed duck head on all kinds of outdoor items and apparel.
 
Long before Mr. Williams moved into the position of CFO with this incredibly successful company, he was being groomed to handle life and all that it can throw at you. As Kevin describes in his interview, he is from a small town that you can’t get to from here.
 
This simple life style that required genuine work ethic and honest humility; combined with a tremendous mentor, his grandfather, was the perfect combination to build amazing life skills.
 
You will hear in Mr. William’s voice his passionate appreciation and love for his grandfather, or “paw” as he calls him. Mr. Williams story serves as a great reminder of how impactful we can be in someone’s life when we show them love, kindness, and patience. His paw’s confidence in Kevin’s abilities and persistent encouragement to get him to “just try” paid off as the years went by.
 
Mr. William’s humble beginnings, stories of his paw building a solid life foundation, and Mr. William’s work ethic, combined with great focus, is a story all should hear.
 
Please continue to listen and support this podcast and be sure to check out my social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast please click the link below to learn more. This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC
SRPStudiosllc.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM - https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
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Entrepreneurs Episode 2 – Robert Estes of ‘Estes Grading and Trucking’, “Easy come easy go, you get what you give.” -Robert Estes.

I truly believe that we all have a purpose on this earth, and for those lucky few who adhere to that calling, the sky can be the limit. It’s been said that when you do what love, you never work a day.
This week’s guest knew from a very early age that he was drawn to dump trucks. He shares how he had this epiphany when as a child he saw a dump truck for the first time. However, Robert did what many of us do in life. He took the sure thing at first, becoming a craps dealer at the casino. While this was a steady income with above-average pay, Robert couldn’t help but think back to how he always wanted to drive a dump truck. He talks about how he finally threw caution to the wind and pursued that dream of driving a dump truck. This led him to eventually own his own company and making 10’s of thousands of dollars a week. Then he lost everything after an unfortunate accident and considered giving up.
During his time away from trucking, Robert took up building flying machines. This didn’t last forever because after some time away, he rekindled that passion when he got insurance, and now he is back and better than ever. This entrepreneur ran for Congress; he is an inventor and a dream chaser! Believe me when I say his story will blow you away!
Please continue to listen to and support this podcast and check out my social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com. Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast, please click the link below to learn more. This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC ShelbyRowProductions.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM -  https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
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Entrepreneurs Episode 1 – Heather Ries, “Good enough never is.” -Debbi Fields.

My first guest to lead off this series happens to be a family friend and owner of Mrs. Hippie Eats. Knowing the Ries’s prior to her journey of owning her first brick-and-mortar, Lady Bugg Bakery, gave me the unique position of having seen some of her ups and downs. Heather explains how growing up, she had a lot of family influence in the cooking industry, which helped her to cultivate a love and passion for cooking.
Heather describes some of her vulnerabilities as it applies to running a business and how scary it was taking that first step, regardless of how confident she may have been in her talent. If you have ever dreamed of owning your own business or exploring the idea of pursuing a dream, you will most certainly want to listen to this hard-working, dream-chasing mother of triplets. The loss of her first business due to COVID shutdowns couldn’t keep this mother of three from picking up the pieces and blazing a new path.
Please continue to listen to and support this podcast and check out my social media content on my website MotivateWithCoachCamp.com. Also, if you are interested in becoming an official sponsor of this podcast, please click the link below to learn more. This episode was recorded at SRP Studios and Produced by Shelby Row Productions LLC. ShelbyRowProductions.com
 
👉 SPONSOR FORM -  https://bit.ly/443wPRj
🔗 WEBSITE - www.motivatewithcoachcamp.com
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
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