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October 10, 2024 58 mins

Shawne Merriman is an ex-NFL All-Pro Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers & Buffalo Bills. Since his football career, Shawne has been very active as an entrepreneur, including founding Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (Fight Promotion), Lights Out Agency (Insurance), Lights Out Sports TV, and Lights Out Apparel. In this conversation, we discuss the development of his “Lights Out” brand and early adoption of personal branding, how this has served him in the business world post football, and steps he has taken to learn business skills from mentors like Donald Trump and others. We also talk about stories from the NFL, including what it was like to play with LT and how he dealt with injuries. We also cover Shawne’s early exposure and enthusiasm for combat sports, business strategies, differentiators, vision for Lights Out XF, and overall lessons learned. 

Partners:
JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off for BJJ apparel 
LEGACY KAPSULE: https://www.legacy-kapsule.com/ - Request a custom video podcast 

Chapters: 
00:00 - Intro
04:38 - Lights Out Brand
11:26 - Seeking Business Mentorship & Relationship with Donald Trump
16:12 - NFL Career & Playing with LaDainian Tomlinson (LT)
20:40 - Dealing with Injuries 
26:37 - Combat Training for Football, Fighting Background (Bellator, BKFC..), Training with Randy Couture
34:13 - Founding Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Promotion
37:21 - Building Teams and Delegating in Business
41:55 - Steps in Building a Fight Promotion, Learning from Dana White & the UFC
46:47 - Long Term Vision, Differentiators, & Innovation
54:35 - Entrepreneurial Life Hack

Follow Shawne Merriman: 
Shawne's IG: https://www.instagram.com/shawnemerriman 
Lights Out XF IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutxf
Lights Out Sports TV: https://www.lightsoutsportstv.com 
Lights Out Brand IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightsoutbrand

Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast

Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005

Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

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