We were lucky to catch up with Shaun Rutherford recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shaun , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Having had the privilege of being coached by various individuals throughout life, I have come to appreciate the profound impact they have had on my development as an athlete. Each coach has left a lasting impression, and I strive to incorporate elements of their coaching styles into my own approach. Additionally, I have experienced firsthand the importance of certain opportunities that I missed out on while growing up. As a result, I am dedicated to giving back to every athlete I come across, ensuring they have access to those experiences and opportunities that I once longed for.
I have a wealth of life lessons and experiences that I can offer to the next generation. My journey, including the mistakes I’ve made, can serve as valuable guidance for others, helping them navigate their own paths more effectively.
While I had influential coaches in my life, I now fulfill the role of mentor and support system for many of the kids I train and those involved in my organization. By being there for them, and providing them with the complete training I never had, I am able to make an impact and serve as a source of inspiration and support.
I’ve been in the shoes of the guys I train. I’ve dealt with the highs and the lows, i’ve been ‘the man’, benched, looked over, position has been changed. None of those things caused me to quit, it caused me to work harder. I didn’t know at the time, but all the things that I went through as an athlete from high school to a professional athlete molded me to be the successful business man that I am today and has afforded me the opportunity to share my experiences with my athletes.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I currently wear many hats in business. I am CEO of my training business Tier 1 Quarterback, I have trained over 100+ athletes in Texas over the last 7 years while producing some of the top talent in Austin helping 20 QBs receive scholarships. Some of the top QBs I’ve had the chance to work with Cj Stroud (Texans), Tj Finley (Texas State), Austin Novosad (Oregon), Rj Martinez (Baylor) to name a few. Outside of the training business I am also CEO of my non profit organization (Tier 1 Academy) we’re dedicated to fostering the personal and academic growth of athletes while also developing their football talents. Along with the non profit we have travel 7v7 organization under our umbrella, we have sent over 130 athletes to college since 2017. Lastly myself, my best friend, and a close friend started a clothing brand Shop Tier 1 where streetwear meets athletic performance.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I looked back I the 3 qualities that have been most impactful, they would to be being respectful, ambitious, realistic. Advice for someone starting off or early in their career. Be kind you never know who you’re talking to, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and there’s no better teacher in life than the lessons you go through. Lastly bet on yourself. Bet On Yourself saying has got me through so many situations due to the fact of if I cant bet on me why would anyone else?
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Meditation and praying are two of my go to strategies when feeling overwhelmed. Another huge one is my circle, I have really close knit group of other entrepreneurs, likeminded men that we meet in person twice a month to bounce ideas off of, simply catch up and talk each other through tough situations. These three things alone have help me remain in a good head space and focused. Taking a step back and celebrating small wins has also helped me tremendously, sometimes we get so caught up on the bigger picture and end goal we don’t take time to celebrate ourselves. I myself have aways been so locked in and stuck to grind mode I often times get burnt-out and feel like i’m not doing enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shaun_rutherford_, @tier1qb, @juice7v7
- Facebook: shaun rutherford
- Twitter: @shaun_rut, juice7v7
Image Credits
Anthony Joaquin @lionsdenathletes
