Meet Richard Fleek

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Fleek. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Richard, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity comes from my mom—she was the most giving person I’ve ever met. I remember one time she won a lottery ticket and asked if I wanted to go with her to work at Meijer, where she worked in the shoe department. She wanted to give the ticket to a coworker, a single mother who was struggling. When we got there, my mom explained why she was giving it to her. When the woman looked at how much was on the ticket, she started crying. My mom never told me how much it was worth, but that moment showed me the true meaning of generosity—giving without expecting anything in return, simply to help someone in need.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Minutes Wisely is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families by providing them with opportunities to attend sporting events. The goal is to create positive experiences that help combat mental health struggles, with an ultimate mission of preventing veteran suicide.

The inspiration for Minutes Wisely came from the conversations I had on TSP The Scuttlebutt Podcast. Listening to the stories of men and women who served, I realized how many of them were struggling, feeling disconnected, or dealing with invisible wounds. I knew I had to do more than just listen—I had to take action. That’s how Minutes Wisely was born. We believe that sometimes, just one meaningful moment, one shared experience, can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s sending a veteran to their first-ever NFL game or helping a Gold Star family feel honored and remembered, we want to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for us.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, leadership, and the ability to build genuine connections.

Resilience – Life throws challenges at you, whether it’s starting a nonprofit, running a podcast, or navigating personal hardships. Resilience is what keeps you going when things don’t go as planned. My advice for developing resilience is to embrace failure as a lesson, not a setback. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger.

Leadership – Whether it was leading a VFW post, launching Minutes Wisely, or hosting podcasts, leadership has been crucial in making an impact. Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about serving others and inspiring them to believe in a shared vision. If you’re early in your journey, take every opportunity to step up—volunteer, mentor, or take on small leadership roles. The more you lead, the more confidence and wisdom you’ll gain.

Building Genuine Connections – The relationships I’ve built along the way—through the military, veteran advocacy, and podcasting—have been invaluable. It’s not just about networking; it’s about truly listening to people, understanding their stories, and offering help without expecting anything in return. For those just starting out, focus on authenticity in your interactions. Show up, be present, and be willing to give before you receive.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking to partner and collaborate with individuals and organizations who share a passion for supporting veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. Whether it’s through Minutes Wisely, TSP The Scuttlebutt Podcast, or The Nosebleeds Report, I believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact.

I’d love to connect with:

Veteran and First Responder Organizations – Groups that provide support, resources, or events for those who have served.
Businesses and Sponsors – Companies that want to give back by supporting our mission, whether through sponsorships, donations, or shared initiatives.
Athletes, Teams, and Sporting Organizations – Partnerships that help provide game tickets and experiences for those we support.
Podcast Guests and Content Creators – Individuals with powerful stories or expertise in areas like military service, sports, leadership, or advocacy.
If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach out through Minutes Wisely’s website, connect with me on social media, or email me directly. Let’s make a difference together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minuteswisely.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minuteswisely
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minuteswisely
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescuttlebuttpodcast
• Other: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1837756.rss

Image Credits

Richard Fleek