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June 1, 2025 โ€ข 31 mins
๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Counter-Strike and Commitment: How Ben Built a Team and Backed His Sonโ€™s Dream

๐ŸŒŸ What would you do if your childโ€™s dream was falling apart? For Ben Savage, the answer was simple โ€” build something better.

๐ŸŽฎ In this heart-led episode, host John Merkus welcomes Ben Savage, the determined dad behind Semper Fi Esports, Australiaโ€™s up-and-coming Counter-Strike team. When the industry failed his son, Ben didnโ€™t step back โ€” he stepped in.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ From running an excavator business by day to building a championship team by night, this is the story of passion, grit, and never giving up on family โ€” or greatness.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Episode Highlights

๐Ÿ’ฌ The origin story โ€“ how Benโ€™s background in motorsports shaped his mission in esports ๐Ÿง  Counter-Strike as life training โ€“ itโ€™s not just a game, itโ€™s focus, discipline, and team trust ๐Ÿ’ฐ The business of skins โ€“ the surprising economy behind CS and how it funds opportunities ๐Ÿก Sacrifice in action โ€“ opening his garage to house players and live out the dream ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Parenting with purpose โ€“ when to back a dream and when to build a new system to support it

๐ŸŽง Tune In Now to Be Inspired

Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost โ€” this conversation is for you. โ–ถ๏ธ Hit play and rise into your greatness today.

๐Ÿ“ฒ Connect with Ben & Semper Fi

Want to follow the journey or support the team? ๐Ÿ“Œ Ben Savage โ€“ @BenTheLegendCS ๐Ÿ“Œ Semper Fi Esports โ€“ @semperfiESC

๐ŸŒฑ About Your Host: John Merkus

๐ŸŽค Speaker | ๐Ÿ’ก Transformation Coach | ๐Ÿง  Mindset Leader

Johnโ€™s conversations are powerful, practical, and packed with inspiration. Heโ€™s known for drawing out the gold in every guest โ€” and this episode is no exception.

๐Ÿ“Œ www.johnmerkus.com

โœ… Loved It? Here's What You Can Do:

๐Ÿ“ค Share this episode with someone chasing a dream โญ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify ๐Ÿ“ฒ Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content ๐Ÿ“ฌ Join the mailing list for exclusive tools and weekly motivation

๐ŸŽฏ Key Takeaways

๐Ÿ”น โ€œIf you want to build something great, start by backing someone you love.โ€ ๐Ÿ”น โ€œThe difference between a hobby and a calling is what you're willing to sacrifice for it.โ€ ๐Ÿ”น โ€œGaming isnโ€™t the escape โ€” itโ€™s the training ground for mindset, discipline, and trust.โ€

๐Ÿ’ฌ Join the Conversation!

What insight hit home for you in this episode? Share it using: #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart

๐Ÿš€ Keep Thriving with John

โœจ Stay Inspired and Keep Rising ๐Ÿ”— Fluid Reality Mindset App

๐Ÿ”Š Follow on Socials ๐ŸŽฅ YouTube: @riseandthrivejohn ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @jmerkus ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Facebook Group ๐Ÿฆ Twitter: @johnmerkus

๐ŸŽถ Merko Motivation Playlist โ–ถ๏ธ Listen on Spotify

โš–๏ธ Legal Stuff

By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that all content is the property of John Merkus or used with permission. Reuse or redistribution without written consent is not permitted. For usage requests, contact: ๐Ÿ“ฉ john@johnmerkus.com

๐ŸŽง This podcast is for educational purposes only. Listener discretion is advised for decision-making based on content shared.

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