Want to finally take control of your time and get more done — without burning out?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I’m sharing five productivity strategies that have shaped how I run my life and business — straight from my own journey, including lessons from my military background.

This isn’t about working longer hours or forcing discipline. It’s about using a proven framework to make better decisions, stay focused, and actually feel good about the work you’re doing.

I will walk you through the exact steps I use to boost productivity — from taking inventory of your tasks to planning ahead, removing distractions, and understanding when to eliminate or delegate. Each tip is backed by real-life application and designed to help you create more output with less wasted effort.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched thin, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to shift from reactive to intentional.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Defining Productivity and Its Importance

01:34 What is Productivity?

03:24 The Journey to Understanding Productivity

06:21 Tip #1 Take an Inventory

09:13 Tip #2Plan the Night Before

12:16 Tip #3 Learn to Prioritize

17:50 Tip #4 Removing Distractions

26:27 Tip #5 Eliminate & Delegate

30:58 Final Message

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

[We’ll Insert the Link once Published]

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneur #ProductivityFramework #MilitaryDiscipline #EntrepreneurFocus #WorkWithIntention #EliminateToGrow #HighPerformanceHabits #BusinessWithoutBurnout #DelegateSmart #DailySuccess #PrioritizeLikeAPro #FocusAndExecute #EntrepreneurMindset #TimeManagementTips #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #SuccessHabits #StrategicPlanning #DoMoreWithLess #FoundersLife #LeadershipDevelopment #PeakPerformance #NoExcuses #BuildBetterHabits #SystemsOverHustle #MentalClarity #OwnYourTime #IntentionalLiving #GrowthDriven #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

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What can a former CIA officer teach us about leadership, legacy, and getting things done — in life and in business?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I sit down with my friend and mentor Ric Prado, author of Black Ops: The Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior. Ric spent 24 years with the CIA, served as Vice President at Blackwater, and now runs his own company while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

From escaping Cuba as an orphan to leading high-risk covert operations around the world, Ric’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and service. We dive into what it means to lead with integrity, how to build trust in high-stakes environments, and why understanding people — not just systems — is the real secret to success.

Whether you’re growing a team, scaling a company, or just trying to become a better leader, Ric’s insights on intentionality, recruitment, and legacy are powerful and deeply applicable to everyday life and business.

💡 If you care about leadership that actually lasts — and impact that goes far beyond titles — this conversation will hit home.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

Learn more about Ric Prado’s journey and grab his book:

🌐 https://www.ricprado.com/

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:03 Ric Prado Early Life and the Impact of Trauma

05:36 Military Training and the Path to CIA

10:13 Experiences in Nicaragua and Black Ops

12:38 Intentionality in Operations

18:30 The Importance of Relationships

30:26 Recruitment Strategies and Business Parallels

31:53 The Whiffem Principle

34:11 Leadership and Mentorship

38:36 Legacy and Impact of Leadership

41:50 Leadership Lessons and Team Dynamics

50:46 Missed Opportunities in Counterterrorism

55:03 The Importance of Diplomacy in Operations

58:54 Building Effective Teams

1:04:51 Navigating Transition and Identity

1:15:19 Ric Prado Current Ventures and What’s in his Horizon

1:20:38 Ric Prado’s Book

1:25:27 Ric Prado’s Definition to Wealth and Legacy

1:29:00 Ric Prado’s Message to You

1:30:12 Black Ops: Life of a CIA Shadow Warrior & Connect with Rico Prado

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/DCdoQ1enOXk

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneur #RicPrado #CIALeadership #ShadowWarrior #LegacyDriven #IntentionalLiving #HighPerformanceLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessAndWarfare #WhiffemPrinciple #ResilientLeadership #MentorshipMatters #BlackOps #FromOrphanToOperative #MissionMindset #TeamBuilding #LeadershipLegacy #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #TacticalWisdom #RealLeadership #BuildTrustLeadWell #Forward Factor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, Anthony Autry shares the transformative path that shaped him into a purpose-driven entrepreneur, mentor, and leader. Through discipline, community, and an unwavering commitment to growth, Anthony has created a life centered around service and impact.

He reveals how establishing structure in his daily life became the foundation for both personal development and business success. From leading in recovery spaces to building thriving communities, Anthony speaks on the power of mindset, the value of authenticity, and how tools used for personal growth can directly apply to leadership and entrepreneurship.

If you're passionate about growth, leadership, and living intentionally—this episode will give you a fresh perspective and the motivation to stay aligned with your purpose.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

Connect with Anthony Autry:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/unchained_fit/?hl=en

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

02:28 Anthony Autry’s Life Transformation

15:32 People, Places and Things

18:00 Finding Purpose and Building a Future

19:37 Unchained Fit’s Story

21:26 The Journey of Sobriety and Accountability

25:01 Tools for Life: Recovery and Business

29:53 Finding Purpose After Prison

36:09 Not Giving Up

31:16 Formulating a Transformational Program

34:06 Leadership and Personal Development

41:58 Building a Thriving Community

44:04 Greatest Lessons Anthony Learned

52:37 Tracking Progress and Goals

1:02:32 Connect with Anthony Autry

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/CrSTWlfD9xA

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneurStories #AnthonyAutry #PurposeDrivenEntrepreneur #LeadershipJourney #MindsetForSuccess #StructuredSuccess #AuthenticLeadership #FromRecoveryToLeadership #CommunityDrivenBusiness #TransformationThroughDiscipline #EntrepreneurMindset #SobrietyAndSuccess #UnchainedFit #GrowthThroughAdversity #BusinessWithImpact #OvercomingObstacles #AccountabilityInAction #PersonalDevelopmentTools #IntentionalLiving #DevinRamosPodcast #MenOnAMission #RecoveryCommunity #FitnessAndMindset #FormerlyIncarceratedLeaders #EntrepreneurStories #ResilientEntrepreneurs #MentalToughnessInBusiness #MindsetMattersMost #BusinessWithPurpose #LeadershipThroughService #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Jesse Trujillo Rebuilt His Life After Bankruptcy and Wrongful Imprisonment

In this powerful episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, real estate investor Jesse Trujillo takes us through an emotional and inspiring journey of perseverance, mindset, and redemption. From facing bankruptcy to surviving wrongful imprisonment, Jesse opens up about the darkest moments of his life—and how those moments ultimately fueled his mission to build something meaningful.

Jesse shares how he transitioned from pursuing medicine to real estate, why calculated risks are essential, and how mindset isn’t just important—it’s everything. He reveals the hard-won lessons behind rebuilding after financial collapse, navigating unjust incarceration, and ultimately creating AJX Capital, a company built on values, vision, and a driven team.

This episode dives into the grit required to overcome adversity, the discipline behind smart business moves, and the legacy Jesse is building through service and leadership. If you’ve ever questioned whether you have what it takes to keep going—this conversation is for you.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

Connect with Jesse Trujillo:

🌐Invest with Jesse

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:05 From Medicine to Real Estate

06:52 Lessons Learned from Bankruptcy

08:40 Persistence and Determination

10:36 Balance Being Persistent vs Aggressive

14:42 Risk Management

15:29 Do your Due Diligence and Build Relationships

21:41 The Wrongful Imprisonment: A Life-Altering Experience

27:38 How to Overcame Life’s Toughest Times

29:55 Building Wealth and Helping Others

33:09 The Evolution of Mindset

38:32 Jesse’s Business Journey to Success

43:19 Hiring Challenges and Team Dynamics

47:45 Reflecting on Success and Team Pride

53:28 AJX Capital: Building a Legacy

1:01:26 Jesse’s Final Message

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

[We’ll Insert the Link once Published]

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#DiehardEntrepreneurStories #RealEstateMindset #ResilientEntrepreneur #FromRockBottomToSuccess #AJXCapital #BusinessWithPurpose #JesseTrujillo #MindsetIsEverything #RealEstateComeback #OvercomingAdversity #LegacyBuilders #FinancialFreedomJourney #HiringWisely #EntrepreneurPodcast #BuildToLast #PurposeDrivenBusiness #DevinRamos #InvestWithJesse #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to build a business that serves your life—and unlock true freedom?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, real estate investor and business builder Andy McFarland shares the personal journey and strategic mindset behind creating a business that truly works for you. From flipping his first property (aka “The Treehouse”) to launching multiple ventures, Andy walks us through what it really takes to grow a business that funds both your bank account and your freedom.

Andy talks about the importance of clarity, defining success on your own terms, and building systems that let you step back—not get buried deeper. He shares powerful lessons on letting go, building leaders, and why impact, not hustle, is the real endgame.

We also dive into how Andy has designed his life—intentional travel, family time, and service—all while scaling with purpose. This episode is a reminder that the goal isn’t just more business. It’s more life.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝 https://www.devinramos.com

Connect with Andy McFarland:

📧Email: andymcfarland1980@gmail.com

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Meet Andy McFarland and How He Started in Real Estate

13:25 You Don’t Need External Validation

15:21 The Importance of Mentorship

17:43 Andy’s Spiritual Life & Principles

18:47 The Power of Serving Others

25:30 Impact and Gratitude in Relationships

28:24 Creating Ripples of Impact

31:22 Giving & Receiving Love and Gratitude

33:28 Godfather of Wholesaling: Andy McFarland

36:43 Being a Conduit of Freedom and Money

37:46 Navigating Market Changes and Challenges

42:11 The Birth of a Digital Marketing Company

46:10 Building a Business that RUNS without you

51:41 How to Unlock Time & Financial Freedom

56:18 Personalizing Freedom, Happiness and True Success

1:02:56 Blessed to be a Blessing to Others

1:04:07 Connect with Andy McFarland

🎬Watch this on Youtube:

[We’ll Insert the Link once Published]

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#TimeFreedomForEntrepreneurs #FinancialFreedomJourney #BusinessThatWorksForYou #RealEstateEntrepreneur #DiehardEntrepreneurStories #EntrepreneurPodcast #FromHustleToFreedom #WorkOnYourBusiness #PassiveIncomeStrategies #BusinessWithPurpose #LegacyOverHustle #FreedomThroughBusiness #SmartScaling #ScaleWithSystems #FlipToFreedom #RealEstateSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #PurposeDrivenBusiness #DesignYourLife #BusinessGrowthPodcast #FinancialIndependence #AndyMcFarland #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the one thing even the smartest, most driven people do that quietly sabotages their success?

In this episode of Diehard Entrepreneur Stories, I tackle a mindset killer that holds people back more than they realize: excuses. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or trying to level up personally, your ability to own your actions — without justifying them — is what separates those who stay stuck from those who break through.

I share a defining moment from my time in Special Forces training — a single conversation that made me realize the hidden cost of “just giving the reason.” I break down how excuses creep into our thinking, how they influence the feedback loops we’re in, and how to create a culture of accountability without losing compassion.

From military experiences to personal health goals, this episode is packed with real-life examples and practical tools to help you recognize excuses, take ownership, and keep pushing forward.

💡 If you're serious about building yourself, your team, and your business with more clarity, ownership, and action — this one’s for you.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

📕Book Mentioned:

Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

TIMESTAMP

00:00 Introduction

02:20 Mindset Shifts from My Green Beret Training Experience

09:41 Reasons vs Excuses

11:10 You Need a Feedback Loop

13:09 Business Bottleneck YOU Need to Overcome

13:50 The Power of Leading with Ownership’

15:35 Observing Without Judgment

17:32 Creating a Culture Where It’s Safe to Fail

18:51 From Excuse to Action: One Step at a Time

25:02 Key Takeaways

🎥Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/asbi_pCmfHo

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#EntrepreneurMindset #ExtremeOwnership #NoExcuses #LeadershipDevelopment #GreenBeretWisdom #SpecialForcesMindset #BusinessGrowthTips #AccountabilityCulture #MindsetMatters #HighPerformanceHabits #SoloPodcast #DiehardEntrepreneur #BusinessWithoutExcuses #TakeOwnership #BreakThroughLimits #SelfLeadership #MilitaryToBusiness #ExcusesKillSuccess #EntrepreneurJourney #ForwardFactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you an entrepreneur or real estate investor trying to raise capital but not sure where to start — or how to get people to actually trust you with their money?

In this episode, Bill Allen shares the full roadmap. From Navy test pilot to 8-figure investor, Bill breaks down the real strategies he’s used to build credibility, attract funding, and scale fast — all without burning relationships or cutting corners.

You’ll learn how to talk to potential investors (even if they’re friends or family), how much capital to actually raise, and why mindset is just as important as your deal structure. This is a must-listen if you want to turn conversations into commitments and build a business that can grow with real financial backing.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Bill Allen:

Bill Allen Podcast | 5-Day Flip Funding Challenger

📕Book Mentioned:

Getting the Money by Susan Lassiter-Lyons

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Meet Bill Allen

05:05 How Bill Started in Real Estate Investing

09:36 The Shift to Full-Time Real Estate Investing

15:54 How to Raise Capital

21:39 Navigating Joint Ventures and Investor Relationships

25:06 Key Strategies How to Secure More Funding

37:31 Leveraging Other People's Money

40:20 Building a Financial Safety Net

46:29 Why Raise 110%?

51:49 Raising Capital Effectively

59:49 Practical Steps to Raise Capital

1:04:28 Connect with Bill Allen

1:07:00 Bill Allen’s Message to YOU

Watch on YouTube:

 https://youtu.be/3vUx1R1NNIs

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#RealEstateInvesting #RaisingCapital #EntrepreneurMindset #BillAllen #OPMStrategy #InvestingTips #RealEstateFunding #CapitalRaisingStrategies #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #BusinessFunding #InvestorRelations #RealEstateBusiness #WealthBuilding #MoneyMindset #CashFlowInvesting #RealEstateEducation #EntrepreneurTips #PrivateMoneyLending #RealEstatePodcast #7FigureFlipping #7FigureFlippingBill #forwardfactor #DevinRamos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Dave Pere, founder of From Military to Millionaire, shares the full story behind his transition from active-duty military service to becoming a successful real estate investor, entrepreneur, and community builder.

Dave dives deep into how a brand born out of a simple blog post evolved into a movement helping veterans build wealth and purpose after service. He talks openly about navigating unexpected legal battles, the critical importance of trademarking your brand early, and the real lessons learned from managing old properties, scaling investments, and protecting business interests with strong contracts and trusted attorneys.

Throughout the conversation, Dave emphasizes that financial freedom isn’t reserved for the few — it’s available to anyone willing to invest in themselves, keep learning, and stay authentic. He shares the realities of property management, the hidden challenges of influencer culture, and why creating a supportive community is not just good business but a lifeline for many.

I’m on a MISSION to help entrepreneurs build strong, successful businesses.

Get on board at: 🤝

https://www.devinramos.com

⚡Connect with Dave Pere:

The Best Podcast Guest

📕Book Mentioned:

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by: Grant Cardone

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:40 The Birth of a Brand: From Military to Millionaire

06:39 Trademarking and Protecting Your Brand

11:17 Dave Pere’s Journey into Real Estate Investing

15:13 Scaling Up: Chasing Units in Real Estate

20:40 Authenticity in the Influencer Space

23:56 Community Building Strategies

25:00 Lessons Learned from Real Estate Ventures

41:56 Military Millionaire Community

51:04 Military Millionaire Members Success Stories

53:34 Strategies in Building a Supportive Community for Veterans

1:04:07 What’s in the Horizon of Military Millionaire

1:09:00 Connect with Dave Pere

🎧 Listen on:

Spotify: [We’ll add link once published]

Apple Podcast: [We’ll add link once published]

⚡ Let's stay in touch:

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

🎬Produced by:

https://daretopodcast.com/

#MilitaryToMillionaire #DavePere #VeteranEntrepreneurs #VeteranRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedomJourney #FromMilitaryToMillions #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #TrademarkYourBrand #BusinessLawTips #CommunityOverCompetition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #InfluencerReality #MilitaryCommunity #InvestInYourself #RealEstateTips #AuthenticLeadership #BuildWealthAfterService #forwardfactor #devinramos

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.