“My Daughter Believed in Me—That Was Enough”—How T Shane Johnson Found His Purpose Again

Cut The Tie | Success on Your Terms

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 275

What if your six-year-old launched a business, and you backed her all the way to Walmart? In this unforgettable episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with T Shane Johnson, a world-record athlete, Marine Corps veteran, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Big Guns Coffee, to explore how cutting ties with imposter syndrome opened up a legacy of purpose, resilience, and fatherhood.

After surviving an attempted murder, flatlining three times, and spending a year learning to walk again, T Shane didn’t just get back up—he built a life centered around service, entrepreneurship, and grit. Today, he shares how his daughter inspired him to embrace worthiness, launch a hydroponic coffee empire, and redefine what “success” truly means.

About T Shane Johnson:
T Shane Johnson is a decorated Marine, world-record holder for the most push-ups in one hour (a whopping 3,050!), and inspirational speaker who has walked, run, and spoken his way across America to raise awareness for veterans and underserved communities. He’s the co-founder of Big Guns Coffee, launched by his daughter at age six. Their brand has grown into a national sensation with retail launches in Walmart and Sprouts, alongside the world’s first indoor hydroponic coffee farm.

In this episode, Thomas and T Shane discuss:

• How surviving near-death changed everything
  T Shane shares how an attempted gang initiation nearly took his life—and why he sees every day as a second chance.
• The real battle: impostor syndrome
  Despite success, service, and accolades, T Shane struggled to believe he was worthy of it all—until one person changed that.
• Why his daughter is the CEO of the family legacy
  From naming the company to pitching Walmart execs, T Shane’s daughter is not just watching greatness—she’s building her own.
• The truth about entrepreneurship most don’t say out loud
  Forget glamor—T Shane pulls no punches on the isolation, stress, and sacrifice that come with running a business.
• From push-ups to product: Building Big Guns Coffee
  The world’s first hydroponic coffee company didn’t start with investors—it started with a sketch from a six-year-old and a whole lot of heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Service doesn’t mean self-sacrifice
  You can serve others and still claim your own worth.
• Your story can be your superpower
  Trauma can fuel transformation—if you let it.
• Entrepreneurship isn’t sexy—it’s savage
  If you’re not ready to sell, sweat, and suffer a little, you’re not ready to build.
• Your kids are watching—build with them
  Your legacy starts at home. Let them grow with the mission.
• Don’t just build a business—build a life you’d be proud to pass on
  Profit matters. But purpose? That’s what lasts.
  

Connect with T Shane Johnson:
☕ Website: www.biggunscoffee.com
📱 Social: @biggunscoffee
💼 LinkedIn: T Shane Johnson

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Community
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
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Chapters

1. Introduction to T Shane Johnson (00:00:00)

2. World Record Push-Ups (00:01:12)

3. Cutting Ties to Imposter Syndrome (00:04:07)

4. Big Guns Coffee Origin Story (00:06:07)

5. Entrepreneurship Lessons (00:09:24)

6. Reality of Business Challenges (00:13:15)

7. Contact Information & Closing (00:21:09)