Joe Rouse: Peer Groups Should Challenge You | Ep #2

In this episode of the Brotherhood Beyond Business podcast, Joe Rouse, owner of Breakaway Fitness and Performance, shares his journey of starting the business in 2013 after an inspiring conversation with his grandfather. Joe reflects on his growth, expanding the gym threefold while facing challenges such as closing one of their locations. He emphasizes the impact of his family, mentioning his wife, three children, and the dynamics of living with his mother-in-law.

The Benefits of Mastermind Groups: A Personal Experience

Joe delves into the invaluable role mastermind groups have played in his personal and professional development. In his mastermind group, he experiences a significant reduction in stress levels knowing that his peers will focus specifically on his issues or opportunities during their meetings. Having multiple brains working on his topics brings different levels of experience that contribute to making well-rounded decisions, ensuring that the actions he takes are best for his business. This collaborative environment prevents him from making mistakes like sending an email when an in-person conversation would be more appropriate.

Beyond business discussions, the social aspect of their group is invaluable. They enjoy dinners, a few beers, and various activities like pickleball, cornhole, or bowling. These informal gatherings foster conversations about business and personal matters, strengthening their bonds and making their group resilient. This camaraderie has kept their group intact for eight years, even after they were no longer affiliated with a professional organization.

Live Meetings: A Different Energy

Live meetings bring a different energy compared to virtual ones. In-person meetings allow for a deeper engagement and an hour of intense focus from everyone on your business. This collective energy is inspiring, making you wish you had such a dedicated team in your business every day. Seeing passionate business owners in action fills you with excitement and drives you to work harder.

The Importance of Peer Groups

Joe emphasizes that peer groups are essential as long as you are with the right people who align with your values and goals. They should uplift you in areas where you need improvement, whether it's in business or personal life. For instance, being a great leader at home can be challenging after a long day at work, but having a supportive group reminds you to be the best you can be.

Maintaining Connections

Maintaining connections outside of scheduled meetings is crucial. Their group constantly communicates, offering support and advice. If Joe faces a business problem, his peer group and his wife are his go-to sources for honest feedback. While his wife provides a different perspective, his peer group understands the entrepreneurial mindset, making their advice particularly valuable.

The Role of Accountability

Accountability in their group comes in many forms. They have accountability buddies, and the competition among them drives everyone to do better. Being around people who are doing better than you pushes you to strive for more. This healthy competition ensures that everyone is continuously advancing and not getting stagnant.

Learning from Each Other

In their group, they embrace the opportunity to learn from each other. Surrounding yourself with people who have different approaches to the same problem broadens your perspective and helps you grow. Joe has learned that being in a group with people who are ahead of you in some areas drives you to catch up and improve.

Value of a Tight-Knit Group

Having a tight-knit group of 10 or fewer people is powerful. It provides access to high-end business owners who you can trust and reach out to anytime. This access is invaluable, as it allows you to receive timely and trusted responses from respected peers.

Advising Others

When considering joining a mastermind group, Joe advises doing thorough research. Find a group that aligns with your values to ensure it will serve you best. The right group will prevent you from deviating from your path and help you stay true to your values. The support from a like-minded peer group, especially for men, is crucial as it offers a unique understanding and shared experiences that can significantly impact your personal and professional growth.

Interested in hearing more from Joe Rouse and other inspiring entrepreneurs? Check out the Brotherhood Beyond Business Podcast, where we dive deep into the experiences and insights of business leaders who are making a difference. 🎧LISTEN HERE