Welcome to the Go Big to Give Big Podcast with Randy Molland and Steve Arneson! Today's episode features an interview with the inspiring Ryan Zofay, the founder of We Level Up Treatment Centers and Academy, who helps people not only overcome addiction, but also develop themselves as individuals. Ryan has experienced an incredible journey, including being pronounced dead, facing a lifetime prison sentence, and being sued for $10 million. He has since built a nine-figure company with projected revenue of $100 million and has donated hundreds of thousands of hours to a greater cause.   During the episode, Ryan shares his journey of transformation from drug addiction and a potential life in jail at 16 years old to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He talks about why mentors are essential for growth, how unconditional love is at the core of it all, and how he was able to turn his life around. Ryan also discusses his Hope Scholarship which provides financial aid to those seeking recovery help, and the importance of having big dreams and goals to make a difference in the world.   Tune in as Ryan shares his inspiring journey from darkness to light, and learn why giving back can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.  [00:00 - 11:18] Ryan’s Incredible Journey of Transformation and Generosity ·        Ryan Zofay is the founder of We Level Up Treatment Centers and Academy and he helps people get sober and taste self-development to become their best selves. ·        Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene of a car accident at age 16 and later he woke up in a juvenile detention facility facing 25 to life in prison ·        Ryan turned to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the trauma of the car accident and his legal troubles ·        He eventually hit rock bottom and entered recovery at age 21 but later Ryan sobered up and has been for 21 years. ·        Ryan credits his personal transformation and success to his faith and higher power ·        He uses his own experiences and struggles to connect with and motivate others to make positive changes in their lives   [11:18 - 22:14] Killing Off my Old Self and Leveling Up ·        Ryan learned about business operations and scaling a company at a Tony Robbins event in 2018 ·        In 2019, Ryan founded We Level Up a company focused on helping people "level up". We Level Up has now 450 employees, 7 locations in 5 states, and is projected to bring in $110-115 million in revenue in 2023 ·        Ryan focuses on inspiring and influencing his team to be their best selves and achieve more ·        He believes in helping people feel like they are part of the decision-making process and working in their own best interests ·        He chose the name We Level Up because it spoke to his heart and reflected his belief in the power of working together to achieve personal growth ·        Tony Robbins' phrase "constant never-ending improvement" is the driver of exponential growth ·        Entrepreneurship and personal development go hand in hand ·        Self-reflection is key to creating intentional decisions on how to show up   [22:14 - 32:41] Mentorship and Personal Development: Keys to Success ·        Leadership starts at home, with how individuals treat their family and take care of themselves ·        Showing up as an "a*****e" at home will eventually manifest in the workplace ·        Proximity to successful individuals allows for the "cheat code" to rub off and accelerate success ·        Mentorship helps with decision-making and avoiding mistakes ·        The integration of personal and professional is important for authenticity and effectiveness in the workplace ·        Personal development should not be compartmentalized and should be integrated into daily life. [32:41- 43:49] U