138 | From Athlete to Redemption: Jonathan Shorten's Journey of Resilience

This is becoming undone. I'd probably like that in my junior year. I really started figuring out like, okay, I'm a pretty good athlete. And then so what I wanted to do, I wanted to transfer to a cornado. They were going to be the only 6A in the area. Because every kid thinks going to 6A just guarantees you're going to play at the next level. I did that and everything was going great. My first week of my senior year, but the UIL actually did not let me play sports my senior year. No, I didn't get to play. So, you got to think that's coming off my junior year, failing the drug test, you know. Then everyone knows, then trying to move my senior year. I mean, dude, that's like as low as you could have a kid be fighting for my life right now. I was the kid that I'd go to. I would live on the brink of getting in real trouble. So, this is the first time where I'm like, I have my back against the wall seriously. And I mean, things got really, really dark for me, man. Especially like, they always say that the fall is harder, the higher you are. You know, I mean, we're just true. And so, I mean, I went from a C-road to zero overnight. My name's Jonathan Shorten and I am undone. Hey, friend, I'm glad you're here. Welcome to yet another episode of Becoming Undone, the podcast for those who dare bravely risk mildly and grow relentlessly. I'm Toby Brooks, a speaker, author, professor, and performance scientist. I spent much of the last two decades working as an athletic trainer and a strength coach in the professional collegiate and high school sports settings. And over the years, I've grown more and more fascinated with what sets high achievers apart and how failures that can stink in the moment can end up being exactly the push we needed to propel us along our paths to success. Each week on Becoming Undone, I invite new guests to examine how high achievers can transform from falling apart to falling into place. I'd like to emphasize that this show is entirely separate from my role at Baylor University, but it's my attempt to apply what I've learned and what I'm learning and to share with others about the mindsets of high achievers. Been another busy week in the wake-o area, still chipping away at some classes and doing a lot to try to keep on course. I managed to climb back up in the rankings to 10th this week, so happy to hear that hopefully folks are checking the show out. So if you haven't shared the show with someone recently, do me a favor. Let them know that you're listening and that you're enjoying and that hopefully I'm helping you on your journey to success. You know every now and then you meet someone who's story grabs you by the collar and opposes you all the way in. For me that's Jonathan Shortner. For me a promising high school athlete to navigating heartbreak, a rest on charges of domestic assault, and then eventually a complete identity collapse, his journey is not just about success, but survival. It's about faith, about failing, about getting up, and learning who you are when the spotlight dims, and the room gets empty. Today Jonathan is one of the most successful car salesmen in the country, but that's not why he's here. He's here because every car sold has become a story for him of redemption, a story that says, you're not done. So buckle up, this isn't just a comeback story, it's a come to life story, an episode 138 with Jonathan Shortner. My greetings friend, welcome back to becoming undone, the podcast for those who dare bravely risk my Lee and grow relentlessly. Join me Toby Brooks, as I invite a new guest each week, where we examine how high achievers can transform from falling apart to falling into place. Joining me today from the hub city of Lubbock, Texas, Jonathan Shortner is one of the most incredible auto salesmen in the world at this moment. He just shared with me three this morning and it's not even noon. So Jonathan, thanks so much for joining me. Hey, thank you for having me on here, me. It's a good small pleasure. Yeah, so we go sort of way back. My kids went to Cooper High School and I know you've got history there and we crossed paths initially a great program that Coach Darden has where he connects mentors from the community with players there at Cooper High and you were involved in that. And we became friends from that and then I've kind of followed you on social for a bit and you know, I mean, you know what you know from what people share with social. But I gathered that you were a person that was hunting for purpose and looking for what maybe the Lord hadn't stored for you or for whatever it was you were placed here to do. And then suddenly you become a salesman and you are killing it. I see you a picture with you with a new trophy every month. So I'm like, I got to reach out to this guy and I got to hear his story. So thanks so much for joining me today. Hey, thanks for having me on here, man. Seriously. Well, your background is in sport and that's a common theme in this show. So take us back to those days in high school. What role did sports play in your life and what did you imagine your future would look like back then? Ben, I like it like every kid. Swarov's going to the pros, you know, Swar. Yeah, you said Coach Darden. I was actually a part of the first group of kids that Coach Darden got to coach back in middle school. Let's see. Probably wanted to lean more towards playing football like at the next level in college. In it up, in it up, getting my sophomore year, sophomore year, man, I just couldn't get over a heel spurt's man, something about the turf, couldn't get over it. And I was a little bit chubby. Yeah, sophomore year, it was chubby about five, nine. And it was all right, man. I mean, I really didn't give everything I had to give it. And then went off to North Carolina that summer. Once we go to work, it actually like kitty hawkins and in North Carolina, hung out with my aunt, uncle and came back and I was like six, three. And all I did was eight chips and did nothing. Came back, I was six, three and dunk in a basketball and run into like four, five. So I probably stepped away from football a little bit too early. I was a late bloomer, stuck to basketball. But actually a part of a group of Cooper that we probably went down for something not so good. Our whole basketball team, party, we had a drug test, we all of us felt literally right but like right before district play. And it's funny, we were actually picked to probably win that district and go really deep into state and that was a district ahead. Powerhouse brownfield, seminals coming off state, championship run. Lemisa was actually pretty decent back then, shallow water, shallow water. And we were the pick man and really that's kind of when the first set of adversity really hit me. It was probably my junior year. You had expectations on you. You've got a pedigree of high level athletes in your family. Talk a little bit about how that maybe factored into your identity as an athlete. My dad, man, like you said, he's probably like you at his time, the 80s. He was that guy in the Lubbock, Emerilow, Odessa area. He was like they say now he was him baseball track football ended up wanting to go to A&M to play football. Not too sure what happened there. So then he went to ACU and just killed it. He was in the conference. I want to say it was the lone star back then too with John Randall and he actually, him and John Randall were neck and neck every season in Sacks. And it's funny, he's got a really cool story too. He had quit playing football after college and was working at a JC pennies. And I came up to him and was like I know you like why'd you stop playing football and dad's like yeah, I'm done with that. And he's like yeah, I probably got one shot for you. I got one more chance. Like tells my dad in JC pennies like you come out to Chicago. I can probably get you a camp invite. And I think you have a good chance of making the team. And my dad told me he's like do you not thought this guy was full of it. He's like basically, I was like yeah, okay. Some guys in a come see me at JC pennies recognize me and think I can still play and he came back and he did. He ended up getting a shot in Chicago, Philly played a rena football league played for the Birmingham Barricura. There's the only American team in the CFL. There's a lot of people don't know that that we actually had a team in the United States back in the day. After that played in the NFL Europe and then came back home. So like you said, I mean the expectations were there. So get this. Jonathan starts telling me his story by sharing two things. First, he and several of his other Lubbock Cooper teammates are ruled in eligible for basketball for failing a drug test. A preseason pick to contend for a district championship that all falls apart and with it, one fourth of his high school opportunity to play co-organized basketball. He's remarkable now, but as a 15 or 16 year old, it's a consequence of at least one and maybe several poor decisions. Making matters worse, Cooper isn't necessarily known for being a great place for race relations. In the 14 years I lived in the district, it made the national news exactly twice for racially related headlines. So it was one of the fairly low percentage of black kids at Cooper High. Jonathan might have been under some additional scrutiny to begin with. Magnifying that was the fact that he was the son of a former collegiate and professional athlete, Oscar Shorten. In a story that is almost done thinkable, Jonathan's dad is recognized while working in a JC penny. He ends up turning that conversation into an opportunity for a tryout, which he's been able to parlay into a few seasons in the Canadian football league and NFL Europe, even with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears. He was recently inducted in the National Football Foundation's Hall of Fame in 2022. And in researching the background for this episode, I came crossing great quote from Jonathan's dad. Oscar says, quote, my dad told me something when I was young. He said football is life. In an every football game, there are four or five plays that decide the game. The problem is you don't know what those four or five plays are or when they're going to happen. So if you're giving half effort, if you're loafing on one of those four or five plays, you're not going to be prepared in the game and it may pass you by. That's the same way in your life. End quote. That's sage wisdom that Jonathan would discover for himself in the years to come and not all of those lessons were going to be easy. And the kind of the reason I didn't want to grow up in Emmerillo, that's where he grew up and my mom was living it at the time. So soon as I had the opportunity to get out of Emmerillo, I wanted to because every time I put a helmet on or lace up my shoes, it was all that shortens board. You know, I kind of just wanted to make my own identity for myself. It was going well for me at the end of my run. I probably liked that in my junior year, I really started figuring out like, okay, I'm a pretty good athlete. And then so what I wanted to do, I wanted to transfer to a cornado. They were going to be the only six A in the area because every kid thinks going to six A just guarantee you're going to play at the next level. You know, you know, so I did that and everything was going great. It was probably going to even play some football. Go back and play football then my first week of my senior year. And I mean, you got to think about what we're at in the timeline. I mean, I've already moved. I've already left Cooper, is that cornado? But the UIL actually did not let me play sports my senior year. And we actually moved to the cornado district. And now I didn't get to play. So you got to think that's like I said, you're coming off my junior year. I've been playing with the drug test, you know, then everyone knows, then try to move my senior year. I mean, dude, that's like as low as you could have a kid be, you know what I mean? Like, I still remember sitting in coach Dean's office and him telling me like, hey, like, you're going to start for me. I was going to love to have you. You're going to be great along with Jared Cover. I've already been playing with Jared Cover. We're in and out of premier pickup games. I mean, we were excited. And came into me and was like, hey, no shot. Unlike that first season of ineligibility, this one hit Jonathan differently. It's been his years at Cooper, but with aspirations of playing Division 1 basketball, he decides to transfer in the city to nearby Lubbock, Coronado High School. At the time, it was the only 6A school around. And it included future Texas Tech Red Raider and NBA First Rounder, sixth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, Jared Cover. You hear Jonathan mention the fact that his family quote, actually moved, end quote. It isn't uncommon for athletes in Texas or anywhere else for that matter. To get mailing addresses and districts where they want to play, in order for it to be approved for them to be eligible for the next season. However, for whatever reason, even though Jonathan had moved, he was declared ineligible by the UIL. The state of Texas is governing body for public-hunger sports. It's a major blow. And unlike that first year that was lost due to poor decisions, this one kind of feels worse. Because by most counties doing the right things, he's playing a U-ball, working out with who he thought would be his new teammates. But when it's all taken away at the start of the school year, it's the beginning of a dark season. And the first moment of a purpose storm that would hang around for years. So I still, because of like, you said, I've probably had opportunities to play sports outside of high school. My dad still lined up a bunch of stuff for me to get the opportunity. But man, by that time, I think it's like a, I think it's like when a girlfriend keeps cheating on you. Like you might lover. You know what I'm saying? Like seriously. Like you might lover. But finally, you're just like, dude, I don't even want to do this anymore. Whatever. Every, every which way I was getting the bad end of the state. Sure. And I think it's, it's natural. I mean, clearly you, you made a mistake on one hand. And then the whole thing's together and think I'm doing it right. And I'm focused. And then you get turned away again. And sports to this point had been a pretty significant part of your identity. When that's taken away, what does that do to you psychologically? Where do you go and what's the response to that denial by the UIL? Dude, that's a good, that's something I've never even thought about. But I have your answer. Mask it. You mask it. You, you turn to things that you think you should, or need to do to, I mean, you gotta think like everyone wants to hang out with the athlete. So I mean, you try to be like someone that you're really not. But that's actually a really good question. And I've never thought about that. I think I masked it from 2014 to about 2018, you know, I didn't have an identity. I wasn't Jonathan the athlete. I wasn't the smartest kid. School smart. I feel like I'm really good street smarts. But I mean, I wasn't, I wasn't great at taking tests, you know, I mean, so like, man, I was just just trying to fit in where I could, you know, I mean, hang out with these group of guys party with these group of guys. I mean, no direction, just no direction. Just wanted to mask everything that had happened and not take the accountability like, dude, it was me who caused that. I had so much blame on everything else. Like, oh, what if we would have done this? What if I would have done this? Oh, but this person's parents told this person, you know, and like being 28 now, it's 10 years out. I can now look and say, I thought, yes, that guy, the mirror, like, you know, that all is that all is me. It was my decisions. And someone asked me, if I could go back and change it, would I know? Like no, it was everything that happened made me like the person I am today and the word that I'd like to describe myself would be resiliency. I can't like, I just, I don't know how to give up. I don't want to give up. I always wanted to be someone, you know, I didn't know what I was going to do, but I just knew I was going to figure something out to be someone. We always had, me and my friends always had some type of get rich fast game. Hundred jobs that we did started. I mean, they all failed. You just want to short cut, but you got to realize like, it's the process. Like, you know, so candidly, you shared a photo with me that, that obviously you're not ashamed of it now. It's part of your story just like I shared. It was a photo at the jail. You had been arrested. I'm not quite sure on the timeline there though. So kind of walk me through the days from graduating high school to when you get that phone call from coach, but what did that in between look like for Jonathan? Okay. A bunch of a lot of fun. Not a lot. I was having a lot of fun. I met a girl, moved to McKinney, takes this. I had a few friends already in that area. And once again, I was going to shoot that one last shot to play some sports. I had it had an end to go try out or play football at North Texas. Just the connections are there. I was actually in phenomenal shape. I was lifting crazy. I was lifting for no reason. That's what's funny. I had no plans to go play football. I was just playing basketball at the wreck and didn't with a bunch of kids that played at North Texas and they were like, Bertie, do you play ball? I was like, no, man, no, I'm 20 years old. I don't play any ball. One of the kids is like, dude, I'm a walk on receiver. Little white guy is like, walk on receiver. He's like, dude, you need to come play. You need to come play football. And I was like, you know what, I'm already down here. So I was like, you know what? Why not? I'll give it one more shot. And so this was, this sort of been like July, man. Yeah, July, moved over there. I was living there probably two months. And I just remember having the time in my life, telling all my friends, I'll never go back to love it. I'll never go back to that place. Oh my God, I'm so glad. I'm mad. I'm so glad I'm out. And we'd always go to this bowling alley and keep my nose. I was in 20, I wasn't 21. But I had more of my buddies, ideas who we looked very similar, very similar. And we'd always go to the bowling alley. Yeah, the bowling alley was in between like, Dintin and McKinney somewhere in that area. Not too sure, but it was a drive from our apartment. And one day we pull up and man, we've been going there to think of as every Wednesday. I think every Wednesday is like, dollar, you call it. So I mean, it was Wednesday. We had 20 bucks. That's all I need to do. You know, bowl maybe one game and just hang out. Well, I'll get to the door and the dudes like, hey, we got an idea. You're like, we always come here. We're like, what's going on? Like, we always come here. And I was like, no big deal. Like we all go to pull our idea. I do the back pat, back pat, all right, my wallet. And I was like, dude, I'm not going all the way back to give my wallet. Just like me and the dudes like, mm-hmm. I got to admit, nope. And my friends, you know, my free, you know, 20 year olds like the right thing to do would probably be like, hey, we'll go back with you. But I do understand. So they're like, yeah, we're not going back over there. Like bro, just go running and get in. Come right back. I was like, you know what? You're right. I still have like two hours to hang out. I was like, I'm going to go right back. So I drive all the way back. I think you know where this store is going. I drive all the way back and I pull up to my spot. I mean, I'm starting in there, whipping it in there. And there's a dodge challenge in my spot. And there's this old black guy who would always like to do like the maintenance at the apartments in the, I was like, man, it's my spot. And the dude was like, thud, come here. And I was like, you know what, I have time for this. The name is Reggie. I was like, I don't have time for this Reggie. I was like, I love talking to you. I said, too, I got to go up there and give my stuff. I got to go. And he stopped me. He's like, you're not going up there to get your stuff, bro. I was like, okay, dude. I was like, I've never had any issues with you. Reggie was like, but right now you're tripping. I was like, I'm going up there to get my stuff. I was like, I don't really care who's Carlos is. I'm like, will you just move it or will you just tell find out who it is? So when I get back, I can park my spot. And he goes, that's, you never know. Everything that car is in your apartment. You're not going up there in our Luke's animal's like, wait, what? He's like, he's like, dude, he goes, I'll go up there. I've been a knock on the door. And I'm going to escort who's ever out of there to this car. And you're going to get your stuff. And you're not going to say one word to that girl. And you're going to get your stuff. And you're going to go find somewhere, somewhere at stage time. There's a lot to unpack here. So let me give it a shot. Jonathan is still in the midst of figuring out life. He's in great shape. And considering trying out as a walk on for the football team, at the University of North Texas, however, he's still not all in on making great decisions. As he forgets his friend's ID, that he's been using to get in to consume even as a minor. Thinking he'd be gone with his friends for far longer, his girlfriend has a visitor who happened to have parked in his spot at the apartment complex. And here's where a non-believer might say this story gets crazy. A believer might call it God's protection and provision. Either way, Reggie, the maintenance guy, steps in. And he offers to keep Jonathan from what could have been a serious confrontation to both a girlfriend and her visitor. It's safe to say that Reggie, whoever he is, altered the course of Jonathan's life, along with an incredibly timed phone call from an old coach. And so the more ironic thing about this is the night prior to this, I'm getting a call from Silas Police, 3, 2, 5 area code. I'll never forget. I didn't even have his number save. Called me twice. Second time he calls me, I answered, I was like, what's up? And he's like, hey, it's Coach Pro. I got a summer job for you in Lubbock. And I was like, just exactly how it happened. And I was like, I'm coming back to Lubbock. I was like, see, trying to get me to come back to Lubbock. I was like, I don't even know. The girlfriend is like, what job? I was like, I don't even listen. I'm not going back. So fast forward 24 hours, calling back about 2 a.m., it took me a while to get my stuff. And I didn't say a word, man. And this story is actually crazy. This is actually one of the reasons I believe in God that this is probably my first moment I realized there is a God. And I mean, this is crazy when I tell you so. I mean, I get my stuff and I'm driving back to Lubbock and I'm a Holland. And I didn't want my dad to know I was back. I didn't want anyone to know I was coming back to Lubbock. For one, I've been ignoring my dad, weren't on the best of terms, did not want him to know. I told him, I'm like, I'm gone. I'm not coming back to Lubbock. Well, I'm already on the way back two months, two or three months later. And Colin Silas and I'm calling him, Colin, I'm calling him. Colin finally picks up. I was like, dude, you also got that job for me. I don't even know where it's at. I have no clue. I have no clue. He's like, yeah, he goes, my brother works at Hayes Motor Company. Go over there in the morning. They need a guy to drive the cars around and you know, pick the lot up and detail some cars. I was like, yeah, dude, I'll do it. I was like, I'll do it. I was like, I'll be there first thing in the morning. So I get there and I'm the lot porter. I'm going to stay at this spot, but I'm going to go my fast forward a little bit too. I'm already at Hayes being a lot porter for about a year. Well, I went back to McKinney to go watch one of my friends graduate and I was like, dude, I'm going to go by. And I'm going to go tell that Reggie guy, thank you. You know, so I pull up to my apartments, type in zero, zero, zero, zero, pound. That was, I knew they wouldn't change the code. That was the code I go in there and I'm driving around and I see this older spandigan in the golf cart and I was like, hey, I was like, you know, if Reggie's working today and they're like, we don't have anyone here named Reggie. I was like, no, dude, they'll black. I was like, maybe that's not the same. I was like, but he's like the old black guy. I was like, he always had a black and mild in his mouth. They're like, they're like, they're like, they're like, they're like, they're like, you on drugs. I was like, no, I'm really like, I really just want to talk to them. I just want to tell them, thank you. And the guy's like, like, he's not understanding what I'm saying. That, well, he's not sitting speak the best thing. There's something like, okay, he probably just doesn't understand me. So I drive to the front office and I see the same lady who had blonde hair that I remember talking to when we first got the apartment. And I was asking, I was like, hey, where's Reggie? That does like the maintenance at, ain't just spots and stuff. And they're like, no, we don't have a Reggie. And I was like, wait, excuse me? I was like, you remember me. And she's like, oh, I do remember you. And I was like, yes, I said, where's Reggie at? I said, do you remember the black guy who like, he had more door and she's like, no, no, no, there's an older white guy. She's like, this guy's worked here for years. And I'm sitting there and I'm dripping out. I'm like, I'm like, please, someone tell me like that this is really happening right now. So like, maybe me and like, I'm gonna call Aaron. Like I was like, I just wanna make sure I'm not, I'm not dripping. So I colder and I've been talking to her in a year. She's like, what do you want? And like, dude, I just wanna talk to you for once. I was like, just once again, I'm not even bothering you. I was like, was there not a black guy named Reggie that was like the, the apartment and ground guy? And she's like, yeah, she's like, I don't remember that old black guy. I was like, what do you think happened to him? She's like, I don't know. Why? I was like, nothing. I was like, that's everything I needed to know. I was like, bye, you know? Now I remember driving back and I was just like, man. I don't know if like, I was like, man. Cause I just keep thinking like, if I didn't see that guy, I would have ran in there. Probably done something I wouldn't wanna do. And probably would have been in a lot of trouble. And I just remember driving back, like, telling everyone like, dude, this guy doesn't exist. I remember calling my buddy Dillon. He's like, he definitely exists. He's like, that dude always was talking to you. And I was like, always. I was like, every time I was like, at the point he was like, my friend Dillon was like, no, that dude was, this talking to you. I was like, I know, he doesn't exist. I was like, everyone says he doesn't exist. I went up there and they were like, bro, that's weird, that's your guardian angel. I was like, no, I actually think you guys might be right. I was like, cause no one seems to know this guy's like, I mean, the apartment complex is huge. There's probably 40 units. I mean, ginormous. I'm like, man, I don't know, man. But I should remember like, okay, you know what? I was like, I think I'm right where I need to be. I was like, something's telling me like, I think I'm in the right spot. Here's the thing about a story like this. Again, to a non-believer, there has got to be another explanation. How else could you explain away the fact that this guy, who not only befriended a young Jonathan, who was not making the best decisions in the world at this point in his life, but who also stepped in and interceded in a moment that could have boiled over into violence and all the unwanted consequences that would have come with it? How else could you explain the fact that a year later, not one person in the apartment complex could recall anyone by that name or description ever working? But to a believer, there's another train to thought. It was protection. Let me tell you why I believe it. When I was about that same age, I had a similar nuclear meltdown of a relationship. I was engaged to a girl who figuratively speaking had had a challenger parked in my spot a time or two. She ultimately ended the relationship. In the aftermath, I found myself contemplating the unthinkable, taking my own life. Now, I will spare you the details, but I came as close as you can to delivering on that idea before something stopped me. A sense that I had a deeper purpose, that God didn't want this for me, that I had work left undone. In that moment, I called out for help. I remember literally screaming to a God that I wasn't even sure existed, that if he was really real, that I needed him to show me, and I needed him to teach me, out of no him, and what he wanted me to do with my life. It was my first purpose to earn, and it was raging around me. At that very moment, a book that I'd minuscally stashed away on my closet had been given to me months earlier. Just without even thinking about it, I stuck it on the top shelf of my closet and had been there for months. But in that moment, that book, suddenly with no explanation landed squarely in front of me, where I knelt in the doorway of my closet. It was Henry and Richard Blackabe's experiencing God, the subtitle, knowing and doing, the will of God. Now, I'm sure there's an actual explanation for it. There are physics, there's gravity involved, but in that instance, none of that mattered to me as much. As the fact that in my moment of deepest need, I'd been offered a hand of grace, a light of hope, and a path to restoration. And just like me, Jonathan wouldn't be immune from suffering and setbacks forever more, so I might even say they got worse. But in that instance, his experiencing God was a guy named Reggie, who helped him make his way through a dark moment to a place of safety on the other side. So I'm working at Hayes for a year, and I'm 21 now at this point, and I remember basically there telling me like, you can either go back to school and still do this, or you can jump into sales, or you can't work here. My friend was like, what? They're like, yeah, you got, every time there's a customer here, you know them. They're like, do you go back to school, and you can work here part time, or you need to go full time in a cell in a year, or just leave. Don't know where can I remember Kyle Plores telling me that, and I was like, I'll give it a shot. I was like, my mom always telling me that I shouldn't sell cars. She thinks that'd be really good, and she thinks I'm not gonna go back to school. And he's like, nah, man, I mean, just cry. She's gonna be happy. She's gonna be proud of you, regardless of, I don't know, man. My mom thinks they're gonna be really good at this, and she really, really wants me to finish school. So my mom went to A&M, and I mean, she got in four years, four in, four out, and I mean, she was that student, you know? That she was the person, like education is huge. And I was just like, man, you know, I don't give it a shot. I mean, why not? I'm working, I'm making nine bucks an hour. I was like, man, I mean, picking up some games, the referee on the side, I was like, really can't get any worse. Like, I remember, it's the day saying to myself, and my first month at the selling car was in sold 15. And I remember, one of our owners at the time, specifically, I remember him saying this, it was kind of like shade he was throwing, but it was it, it was just like, oh, anyone can do it once. Got to do it again. So I did it again, and I did it again, and I did it again, and again, and again, and my first year there, first full year selling car was like, I made six figures. And now I'm 21, 22, I'm probably 22, 22, and I'm making decent money. You know, I'm like, this is when everything, milk wasn't $12. I'm saying, you know what I mean, I was like, my rent was still 600 bucks. So I mean, I was doing it, you know what I mean? Like, that was doing it to my friends, like, oh, man, do you like, you're killing it? You're killing it. And then the next year, start off the year even stronger, January, February, March, we're going strong. I remember March, I wanted to have a big birthday party, I have all my friends. I mean, I remember we had the time of our life, and come back, because my birthday was on a Monday day, yeah, I don't know how I remember this, it was on a Monday, the year's 2020, and I just remember Sunday waking up, like a ton of tanks, like, can you guys believe the country's gonna sit down? You believe like this is gonna happen? Like I was like, just COVID things, gonna be two weeks, maybe a week, and we're gonna go right back to normal life. And, or else wrong, obviously, but I remember I just bought my first house, and next thing, you know, they're like, okay, everything's gotta shut down. And I'm like, bro, I just probably housing spent every dollar I had, banking that, I was gonna come back and April and just kill it. And I was like, oh my God, I'm sitting there like, what am I gonna do? And I remember I'm calling my mom and my mom, giving me the birthday can, she goes, you're gonna do what she always do, you're gonna figure it out. She's like, don't quit, don't go, because I was like, maybe I can deliver pizza, there's something, Uber was kind of just going on like, man, I think I'm gonna try to move her in my own, and I was like, hell, just figure it out. She's like, you'll figure it out. So, it's my knowledge, I'm my first person, I know that really utilize like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to sell cars, dude, I couldn't have people come to my lot. So, I started thinking, I was like, dude, I got a bunch of followers on Instagram, a lot of people on Facebook, really big on Twitter. I was like, let me just post my covers on here. I mean, let's see how that goes. So, I started doing that, and I started selling more cars. And I was like, wait a second, I'm not even going out on the lot to get these guys. I'm just posting stuff and answering my phone, and I don't have kids. So, I could deliver any car, and I like doing it. I got people like calling me from Arizona, and I know you're cousin, I'm out here, I know you dad, my wife's hand, and like, can you bring it out here? We can't even go to the dealerships, and I was like, yeah, I can actually, I can't. Yeah, I'll bring it to you. I'll bring it to you in fly home, or bring it to you to drive your trade back, and that's where I started doing that. So, I mean, everything, I started looking at things like now, and I'm like, you'd COVID was probably the best thing that happened to me. Because everyone else was like, for real? I'll just scale the unemployment, hang out, and I'm like, I was like, no, I got to figure this out. I mean, I'm like, do you know what I find that you have big bills? Like, big, big bills, I remember at the time, I was like, something in 2500 bills, so you'd like, I got to figure something out. I got, I remember, I was like, I'm like, I'm like, 2500 bills, I'm like, I'm gonna trail. So, I remember walking in, and telling Jamie, I was like, you know, I'm really gonna try to sell four or five a month, and I'll just try to get by, and he was like, you gotta sell more than four or five just watch. 20. 18, 20, 18, 20, 18, 20, and November comes, and I'm just realizing, I'm like, I'm gonna find a different way to sell cars. Like, everyone else is still thinking you gotta do commercials, ads and all that, and I was like, now you tell them, and you just gotta just post the car, reach out, think, remember who's like, oh, this guy likes BMWs, okay, you know, hey, buddy, I just gotta BMW, you were real big, and you know, you got this, send me pictures, boom, send pictures, and also my clients had gotten used to not having to come up to the dealership. So you gotta think I didn't sell any less cars during COVID, I sold more, then I just gained trust with my clients, so then now it's just like, oh, like people call me like, hey, I'm looking at this truck, they've already bought for me, they trust me, I'll get in the truck, call them back, like, it's not the one, you know, and it might be a good money maker for me, but I'm just honest, I'm just like, hey, that's not gonna be the one, like, we can find you the one, that's not the one, and they love that. So I mean, COVID really helped me get into this, and a lot of people are trying to do what I do on the social media aspect, to like, the thing that they're, they don't take into account is like, I really know these people, right? Like, you know, I'm not some stranger to these people, like, I've ref their kids, or coach their kids, been in their kids' life, and I mean, if you take care of someone's kids, do you die? I mean, that's all they asked for. That's all anyone wants to, you take care of their kids, and I remember I was that guy who the kids loved having me as a referee, they loved it when I coached them, and I really gained everyone's trust through those kids, and that's something I didn't realize, like, it's all-sportulated, yeah, it really, really is. And related to that, something I've seen just in following you on social. Initially, I did see those, you know, hey, here's, here's so-and-so's, 16th birthday, here's their first car, and you helped them buy that. And it was local, and it was definitely community, and in particular, you know, a lot of people I know from Cooper who had gravity towards you. But then NIL and the transfer portal kicks in, in Lebic, Texas, where if people aren't following, there is money flowing through the lanes of Texas tech athletics, and what I've noticed is that you have established a niche for yourself in, you know, even five or 10 years ago, student athletes that couldn't afford lunch, are now buying six-figure automobiles because they've got these massive NIL deals, and you're there, and you are connected with them in a way that not a lot of car dealers can have. You've got credibility, you've got some lived experience that I think allows you to connect with them. So talking through how what you went through, and maybe some of your darkest days, has equated to a connection point to a clientele that trusts you in a way that maybe they wouldn't if you were me. Yeah, you're not wrong, man. I mean, just it's just reality. I mean, people, like he said, it's, you know, I'm a young black guy. I still got enough swag where I'm cool enough to rock with them, you know. I'm almost to that 30-year-old point where they're now starting to call me Unk, which is crazy to me. But indeed, the NIL stuff actually, how it happened as a joke? Like how it kind of got locked in, it was actually funny story that a lot of people don't know. So I was so into that show last chance of you with Coach Mozie. I mean, I was so into it. I mean, I think I watched every episode the first night of the 16-year. Like I'm not kidding. Like I watched, I tried to watch one and they sang you know, at the end, I'm like, but that's it. Like that's the end. Like you know what I'm just over there following and all those guys. Proo-battle-battle-battle-battle-battle-battle-battle all. And maybe a week later, I see that KJ Allen is coming to ten. to 10. Because of his grades, he wasn't able to go D1 right off the bat. The rules is you have to do two years and graduate from community college, and that's what he's doing. I mean, when they become your most coachkin, I see him out of field my high school games. He recommended me to go here and best choice by far. We went through it to get him. Made his graduation in 30 national championships. We don't do enough good in our life to get a kid like that. He's an incredible kid. We don't deserve that. That's just a straight blessing. That's all it is. Like the basketball gods and the almighty himself just like here, guys. Here's KJ. You know, now don't mess it up. The player KJ Allen decommitted from USC, and now he's heading to Texas Tech. A Fanzo, I know you're talking about it earlier. Tell us a rundown. Yeah, so basically what happened was actually on the Instagram post, right, when he commanded Texas Tech, he's like, after consideration, these last three weeks with my friends and family, I've decided to commit from USC. I think coach and field and his staff were the belief in me. I was in the best. I like to thank all the schools that have recruited me, and I am very appreciative at this time. I'll be committed to Texas Tech University. So how was I? In the, in keeping my eye on people on other this to NIL was not like it had not started yet, right, right? Okay. It hadn't started. So, boom, he commits a take. First thing I do is go add him on Twitter, hit his DMs. Joe, what's up, man? I see you're coming to love it. Want to have lunch with you? Want to eat with you? I'm a car salesman. I can help you out. I'm local. Anything you need to love it. I got you. I remember sending the message and my girlfriend at the time was like, where this fool's I got a message back. Why'd you send that? He's like, like, you look like an idiot. Like, why'd you send that? I was like, I don't know. I was like, he's got mad bounce. And I was like, he's coming to love it because I was like, it's good. I'm going to hit him again. Message him again the next day. I, hey, I don't know if you saw my message, but don't know when you get here. Though, with loves to go to lunch, do you, with love to take your eyes out? You know, let's hang it out. You know, let's just connect. Message to me. It says, a lot of people don't know KJ. KJ is the definition of anti social, like the definition of he does not want to talk. He don't want to do anything. He just wants to. That's KJ. You know, so I'm the complete opposite of that. I will talk you here off if you let me. Like, I really will. And you mess it in back. And it's like two words. I'm here. And so I take send them my number. Like, here's my number. Call me. You're sitting there waiting. I send the message. I mean, I'm just sitting on my desk like this. It's like, he's got to call me, right? And they're showing everybody at work like, look, you message me back. And next thing you know, I get a call from a three zero, no, it was a three one zero area code plus hands of the sock. Pick up. I'm like, what's up? He's like, hey, it's KJ. And I was like, dude, where are you? I'll come pick you up. What are you doing? And he's like, right, I have to ride. And like, come get me. I was like, I'll come get you. Like, tell me what you're at. Come get you. So I'm right over to the college and go pick him up. And this is before NIL. Okay. And me and this is just some topsy information. I'm going to tell anybody. But you know, like, I mean, I was already in the, I was already in the plans to, there was something that I was going to do because I was like, this guy's got to, I mean, you know, I'm going to be really honest with you. Everyone's motive has something to do with themselves, you know, instead that was mine. I was like, I want to meet this guy. And I was like, the sky also can put me on to different platforms. He's got 200,000 followers. And then it's like, I've never seen that. I was like, man, if I can do this right, this guy really might help me out, right? And so we're just talking, chatting, going back forward, then next thing you know, like he's like, bro, I love 2K. I was like, burst from my mouth. This is by 2K. So playing 2K, always we're playing 2K with each other then you find out like, hey, the cost for ball video games coming back because they're about to start paying players. The second that happened, I mean, not a lot of people know this. I'm pretty sure, pretty sure me and Jimmy were the first people to lock in an NIL deal with all of the NIL. I mean, that day NIL went down. We met with him and we signed him that day. Went to compliance at Texas Tech. You got to think nobody knows how this is really going to work. They're showing us, hey, you got to do these amount of videos and you're going to pay him this. That did. He just paid you that money. Caging is the hardest person. You know, if you tried the video one time, went terribly. You're like, what? Go and just take the, come by the first very month. You can't take the car payment. Come by. Well, with that set up though, was, can you, Jay, really only trusted me? Like with everything you did, you know, I mean, he was getting all these calls and they didn't have the NIL agents and handlers at this time. They didn't have that dude. They didn't have none of that. Like all these dudes that are coming in here with the cricketyles and, you know, the oversized suits coming in there that they're just running to try to represent their someone's baby boy. They don't have that dude. So I was his agent. So it was me like anytime KJ got a call, I was like, dude, just call me and see me. Do you know what she's saying? This guy, the guy, coached away in California. He didn't know what he was doing and I worked deals for a living. Work deals for a living and how we kind of got locked in with KJ, like locked locked in was one to have velvet taco, one of the dudes and they're like one of the managers recognized him as like, can I get a picture of you? And I was just like, no. I was like, KJ, don't take a picture. I was like, dude, and I am now. And I was like, you tell me you don't got enough money because remember the, the schools aren't really the, be started in a lot of people don't realize like you maybe had like three to five guys that were making six bigger deals. But everyone else is just a little bit of change here there. They're taking a picture of the Raising Cains guy. It's like, you'll give you a thousand bucks here there. So that's when I was like, got velvet taco to do with KJ. Well, then I got a line to do it here. And then all these other people started reaching out and like, I was just KJ's guy. So KJ got me in with the tech basketball team. So at first, it was me and this other guy named Kirk Knowles who were really kind of facilitating all the vehicles to the basketball guys. When he provided tall hosts to these kids, and did young black kids want to drive tall homes, bro? Like they don't. Those are nice vehicles. No offense. But you're talking about 19 year old kid. He's got a little bit of money in his pocket. He didn't want to drive the talk. So they started calling me. That's when the Pope Isis digs Rob, Jalen Tyson. I got locked in a that group more for DOS A-Mac and Davey on Harman, which means Davey on the close to friends today still. But I really got locked in with those guys. And that's what kind of built me the trust. And then everyone else starts noticing, like, dude, who is this guy that's always at the basketball team? Like, who is this guy that's always at the basketball team? Like, who is this guy? And I was like, I sell them on their cars. I could help them get the cars. Because we only did an in-I-L deal with KJ. That's it. There was only with KJ because it wasn't going well. I mean, we weren't gaining sales and stuff. So I understand they didn't really make sense for us to keep doing on-I-L deals with them. But we didn't. It was better off. We just make you all a really, really good deal on your car. Some, I mean, they would look at it as a deal, but it wasn't. There's nothing on paper. It wasn't a deal. It was just a car deal. Because the in-I-L was tricky. It's like, well, you can't do anything that you wouldn't do for another customer. It was easier before, like, the first year of the year. The first year of the year, the in-I-L was awful. Because no one really knew how to, how to, how they ever wanted to stay from getting in trouble. But everyone wanted to start acting. But you couldn't. Yeah, I think I was like, bro, lobe. I'm your friend. Whatever you all need, just hit me up. Because if you were friends with someone like if it was an established relationship for a deal, really, you could do whatever you wanted. We'll be back after this quick message. Hey, friend, let me take a quick second to tell you about something that's been making a real difference for me lately. Bubs' naturals. I've been dealing with this stubborn knee injury that I just couldn't get better. And as somebody that's spent most of my life pushing my body, I know recovery doesn't happen by accident. So I started doing some research. And I checked out Bubs' collagen. And I gotta say, I can feel the difference. It's clean and simple and it works. Bubs' products are all about helping your body heal, move, and function at its best. Which is a pretty good thing for a guy in my age. From collagen peptides to MCT oil, and now even hydration products. It's legit fuel for high performers, especially when your body's been through some things. And the best part because you're part of the becoming undone crew, you can get 20% off your first order. Just head over to bubsnatchels.com-un-done. That's you in D-O-N-E to grab your discount. That's bubsnatchels.com-un-done. Take care of your body, fuel your recovery, and let's keep getting better. That's kind of how we had to stay at it. Like, hey, this has been friends with these guys. You know, because I was driving a yellow BMW at the time. Those dudes would just rip it and it always get pulled over every time. Like, you've got your car, is this guy supposed to be driving a car? I was like, yes. He's supposed to be driving my car. And so that was kind of the start. And then you got to think, big time act, like, not big time, but do you want athletes really only a thing of do on athletes? And kids really only a thing of band kids. You know, so that's when everything kind of started growing. Like, hey, we got this guy in Lubbock this young black dude, he's super cool. You can talk well to your parents. He can talk to all these guys for cars. That's when you've really started. I really, really started to kind of get into a different type of clientele that I never thought I'd get into. Because I mean, for one, everyone's kind of looking for to take advantage of those guys. Like, they want to use those guys like come to your kids games, come this way. Ride in dash on a cell car. I didn't have kids. I got one and get my most 23, 24 dude. Oh, yeah, I said, I had a little bit of money on pocket. I didn't have a serious girlfriend. I didn't have kids like we were whatever they were doing. I was doing because I was we were on the same age, man. And you know, like, so it just I was in like I always said, I think I was just in the right spot at the right time. And it just kind of locked me into Texas Tech. Like everyone just kind of started knowing me like, yeah, that's a car guy. It's some girl going to basketball team. Like, hey, we're going to buy from you. It's a baseball player. You're going to buy from like 100 dog and see he only came over and bought from us. He's like, I always see all the other kids on for me though. I just thought it comes to you. I remember when he walked into our dealership, like I was so uninterested in baseball. I was like, yeah, some baseball player thinks I was like, he's not any good. I do that. I've never heard of this guy. And I'm like, I'm just being cold. I'm just like, he's cool. I'm like, Bernice, he's cool. I was like, I don't care about no baseball. And then that's him starting for the red socks. I'm like, that's hundred dogs. And that's the same kid. Really? That's the same dude. Like, and it's ironically, he works at Pollard in the off season. Well, not anymore. I think now he's, but he was working at Pollard selling cars on the off season. He's in the monitor league now. He'll probably never, you know, think he's last time he talked to me, said it. You'll see me at Pollard, he said, but it's going to be to buy it. Right, right. You know, I hope he can help get me in a baseball. But I mean, that's kind of just how it happens. Yeah. And it's, it's crazy to think back to the reality of that one phone call from one person, put your life on a completely different path. Really? Back now, how is who and where you are today? How does that compare to maybe who or where you thought you would be when you were that 16, 17 year old bright-eyed kid with big dreams? And what has the journey taught you? I think that's a good question, man. It's weird because I did end up being that guy, but I just, it was, you know, everyone thinks it's just this to get there, you know? No one realized it was a bunch of this. You know, there's a bunch of this and we get back here and then we get back and we get back here and then we get back here. I always say, man, it's not that I never believed, but like, I always believed that this would be my life, you know, but I just never really thought it was going to be a real reality. You know, like I always thought, like, I'm going to figure something out and have a break through and I'm like 40. And doing it in my 20s, you know, it's been a, it's been weird. That's just the best way I can put it because you got to think like I have a lot of friends that aren't doing well that can't handle being next to someone who is. I got a lot of people that I want support from that you can't get support from that I'm getting support from people that, you know, say don't want support from. It's not that you don't, I think everyone's support, but it's just like I'm expecting the words you're giving me from somewhere over here. So like you said, they just made me realize like, I can't really control what they're just thinking of me like I just need to just be content with myself. Things are going great for Jonathan. After struggling a little bit to find his place and his purpose throughout his late teens and early 20s, he finds himself achieving surprising success in the auto industry. By being innovative during COVID with social media marketing and then jumping on board to the new opportunity of paid college athletes who are looking for cool cars, he carves out a niche as the athlete's guy for all things automotive. Everything's going great until suddenly a serious allegation threatens to change his life forever proving that not all purpose storms are because we don't know what to do. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who's we are. Just where I think at 28 in this sounds crazy, I think that this kind of came into effect this year. I think I went through some serious adversity at 26, you know, because from 22 to 26, everything was excellent. I mean, I was the guy, I was hanging out with people I never thought I'd hang out with. I'm partying with Michael Crabtree who's my idol. You know, like I'm doing stuff, I'm just like, dang dude, I didn't think like this would happen. You know, you get so caught up in the high, like you don't even recognize, like, I'm not being a great person to other people. You know, like that's like, like I was living it up. And I was like, man, like I think I can be a better person. And you know, and then you get that adversity when you get so high up. And a lot of people like when you get there, everyone wants you to see everyone wants to see you fail. You know, and when you show them that you're just like everyone else, you're a human, you make mistakes, you get caught in the wrong situations around the wrong type of people. Like I'm just as vulnerable as everyone else. And I didn't know that, you know, I was like, I'm on top of the world. Like whenever I'm being this POS, to this girl, like I would ever I'll just go date this girl and she's at work at night and I'll never get caught and I'll party. And then you realize like, oh, you know, I wish I would have grabbed myself and put myself back with God instead of have to go through adversity where God makes me find him again. You know what I'm saying? I'm thankful for it now. Yes. I really am. So take me there if comfortable with it. You have this. I have this moment where everything's going well after things didn't go well. And there's kind of this cycle repeating where things are going well and then they don't and things are going well and then they don't. And how you're 26, you're a grown man making big boy money and all of the sudden that is in jeopardy. Talk me through. Oh, yeah. It was 100% in jeopardy. So I had just left Hayes Motor Company and that's where I was like the rock star man for five years in a row. I was that guy because my GM who really, really kind of got me into like, hey, you're 20 car months guys. We moved over to Paulard. Well, the girl I was dating at the time, her parents were best friends with my owners at Hayes. A really, really good friends of thing. And the last step just wasn't adding up to me over there. So I was like, you know what, I'm going to take a chance. I'm going to Paulard. And I did and everything started going really south like with her and I, everything like my relationship just kind of started going down. So it's September 10th because tech was playing Oregon September limit. I never forget and all my buddies were hanging out. Everybody that was that moved away came back to Lubbock for that game. It was just, there's a sellout. I take it. It's all my buddies are hanging out in my house. We are drinking party and having a great time. And I had given someone else a tension where when I should have just let someone else go. You know, like we'd been Rocky, been in and out. Rocky, Rocky, Rocky. And we get back together and anything to send a feel right to me. And instead of like being real about it, my God, she's like, you know what, like I'm just going to do this and find something else while I'm doing this, you know, which is once again, it's my fault. Like I do take accountability for that. Like I take full accountability for that, you know. And so I fall asleep and all my buddies at my house, I mean, we sit up late. Like, I mean, we get back to my, to my house 2 3 a.m. Start laying down, go to sleep. And I have my dog, her dog's there. All my friends in my living room and wake up man and you're the pack pack right there. Oh snap, where's my phone and my camera? Where's my phone? Okay? And I noticed my bathroom door is shut. I'm like, oh no. I was like, I'm cooked man. I just remember like thinking like, oh man, she's about to go through my phone and see some stuff she don't want to see. And so like, sure enough, open the door and man, that's when it just was a bunch of emotions. She's heard of said as she should have been, you know, she should have been out with the man. And she's be like, hey, I'm not all the way in this. Like, why don't you just let you go. You do your thing. I'll do my thing if we come back together. Like, that's great. I didn't do that man. I didn't do that. It was selfish of me. I just wanted to keep on parting. That's really what it was. Like, I was 26 and now I'm doing even better at this point. And I'm like, I don't have any real responsibility. I have good money saved. I'm not worried about deals. I was like, I got this new supply, this new platform, my step going over to a new dealership and they love me over here and I'm selling even more cards. And I just shifted so far away from God at this point. That's just what it was. I was so far away from God. I was so caught up in like, material shit, like so caught up in like, I get scared of this Cowboys game and me and Austin Johnson. I mean, I thought Austin Johnson and Blake Riffinson with us. And you know, there's me like everywhere I want to be, like thinking like, dude, life's great. It wasn't. I had to realize that it was indeed. And so like, we go through this incident. I have covered my friends. I get around in my house, man. And I think anything of it. I'm just like, yeah, whatever. Like, we'll talk tomorrow and my buddy, I'm like, it's hurting me good. I was like, bro, yes. I was like, you go through this all the time. He's like, well, what happened? I was like, I'm texting this for a really, I don't know. I don't do my phone. I had a lot of, and she went crazy. And she should have. And you know, everything goes south right there. But like, I'm just thinking I'm like, you talk tomorrow. I was doing everything. Well, I never hear back from her. Like it takes tall call from my boyfriend. Dancers, it's my voice. She hangs up. Some like, I, you know, I'm just going to give her some space, give some time. So you already know what I did. It was like, whatever. I'm going to go out and party again, text plain organ. That's not going to stop me. We're going to have a great time. Boys are here. And I sure had a good time. And then the week goes through. And I should remember, I'm still, oh, salad, salad, salad, salad. Well, I get a call like, I do it. Fuck. And he's like, hey, this is the tech and so on. So you being investigated for domestic assault. And I was like, dude, I know who you got my phone or who you are. But don't you ever call this phone again. And I was like, hang up. Like, you know, I don't think it's real. Like I think someone's messing with me. And call again the next day. You ready to talk? It's higher here. I'm like, they're still calling my phone. I said, you call my phone again. I'm calling the cops. So they don't call my phone. So I don't need anything for like another week. Well, finally, we call for my body. My body of my dad is his son's now a lawyer. And he moved out to Vegas. Just a good dude and calls me. He's like, bro, you have like a pending warrant. And I was like, what? I don't think I paid that speeding ticket in Abel. I was like, I just thought about it. So I go pay my speed ticket and Clyde takes it. And I'm like, yeah, I was speeding to the right. I was like, on phone, he's like, oh, dude, he's like, she kind of seconded coming in my office. And I was like, yeah, I already had there right now. And I get there and like, I remember opening the door and seeing my disreceptionist. Like she knows me. I knew her. And like, she's giving me this look. I was just like, he's like, okay. And I remember going sitting in a choice office and sitting down with them and like, I could just see in a space like you just like, you good? And I was like, are you good? Yeah, yeah, I'm good. What's he's like, yeah, you know, we're for domestic assault. Like, there's a file on you any day. And I was like, what is it? Yeah, bro, like, you're not going to jail, man. I was like, wait, what? So you got to think like, I've always been able to like get out of stuff. You know, so I'm sitting there. I'm not even worried. I'm like, I'm not even worried. Call this friend, call this friend, call that friend. Everything's going to be okay. Let me know what you need for me. And he's like, yeah, okay, whatever. So then I get back towards the next day and my GM comes up to me. He's like, I need to talk to you. And I was like, okay, like cool. Like I'm doing great job. Like, what's up? And I could see it in a space. Like, it's like, isn't that good conversation? It's like, I need to talk to you. He's like, go sit down and he's like, what's going on? And I was like, what do you mean, let's go on? You know, like, I kind of know, but I'm just like, I'm just like, I'm a huge guy. I'm a huge guy. He's got a huge guy. Oh, everyone's saying that I have a guy here that's putting hands on women. He's like, you know, I have a daughter. Like, that's what's going on. He says, can't work here. And I'm sitting there and I'm like, wait, why? I was like, for this is real. So I'm showing him like, hey, like this is what's going on. Like, okay, like I am getting accused of this right now. Like this is what's going on right now. And yeah, I'm really worth to follow at this time. May, June, July, August four months. So like, I'm not like, I'm not the guy that's like, this is going to be our top salesman for two years. He's going to have a month or he's going to sell 50 cars. We're going to keep this guy. You know, so like, now I'm sitting there like, they're like, hey, well, you need to go home. Like, you know, like you need to go home. You can't really be here until we kind of figure out what's going on. And he's like, that's the serious. Yes. He's like, this is one of those things he goes, do you take a conviction for this? He has probably got to go back to school, dude. Like, he's like, he probably won't be able to work in the car business. He's like, you're not going to be able to work here. Well, we'll tell you that straight up. When I was like, I don't know, this is serious. Like, this is really serious. I had a touch with him. Like, hey, like, love you to death, man. I got to find some really, really good representation. So find a really good lawyer. And so I get with a new lawyer and we're sitting there and it's him. It's his wife. It's me. And I got my mom on the phone. And like, basically, like, he's asking me like, hey, we need to know about like, we need to know from point A to point B, like, what happened? So I tell him and I'm like, he's like, looking at me. He's like, okay, I need the real story now. And I'm like, okay, I know you don't know me, man. I said, that's the real story. He's like, all right, tell it again. Tell it all over again. And I mean, you get it word for word, timeline, word for word, everything's the same. And he's looking at me. He's like, okay, he goes, it's the last chance. He just tell me, he's like, I'm a lawyer, dude. He says, I need to know because I need to know everything. He said, I need to know when this happened, what you did. So I tell him one more time. Finally, he looks at me and he's like, okay, that's the same consistent story every time he goes, something's not adding up to you. He says, something's about adding up to you. That's not enough to be filed on. He says, we'll be everything we can to get them to, not to do it this. Keep going, we're three days into this. And then they come out the news article like, oh, yeah, it's not about me, but they're just like, the DA's office is backed up, months and months and months. And cases filed on, they're not gonna be seen in years. I haven't ever watched that city. I was like, dang, I'm be doing this for the forever on time until we can get this over with. And in two days later, all of a sudden, I get to call like, hey, it uses up to the front. Like they filed on you. Like, I just lost the news case. Like, the system's saying they're two years backed up. Just watch a police officer literally like, go through something way worse, got it on body, can be used on weapon. And they're still having talk, they still haven't filed on this guy. Six months before me, so I'm like, so that's how I figured out I was like, oh my God, I'm about to get a screw in our tie. He's like, yes, he said, he said, you may be innocent, he said, but man, we are facing it's you versus, and this is my favorite line. He said, it's you versus 20 people who hate you. And I was like, great. So I'm just like backed up against the wall. Like, I don't know what to do. I'm about to lose all my clientele. Like, this is the worst thing. I use this probably that, you know, the me true movement, like, this is probably the worst thing that you can probably be accused of. Like, it's one of them. It's definitely in the top five, you know? But you get through situations like this and people just automatically take whatever they can get and just run with them. You keep in mind, I put myself so high up on a pedestal. We're on my business, which is open and I left me so vulnerable. You know, I mean, I was so, I was such an easy target to come back. You know, just, I mean, I just set up put myself out there so like everyone knows who I am. So I ended up knowing someone that could get me checked into the jail and I wouldn't be on lovey County Mochot. And she's very adamant. Like, no one ever gets our stuff. You're gonna go in and out and we're rooting for you and all this and I was like, okay, cool. So I go in, go out, go back to work, sell three cars. Like, nothing ever happened. Still, I'm still like, I mean, I am, I am losing my mind every day. Like, just waiting on good news, who's waiting on good news. And like week, maybe two weeks later, my body's caused me. And I'm a talk tin forever. I was like, what are you on man? He goes, you're on that page. I was like, what? And I'm meetingly, my, my phone, people think it rings when we do a good special. Man, I mean, my phone just, now I'm getting advice here, here, there, there, there, and people text me, what do you want me to do? How do you want me to defend you? What do you want me to do? And I'm just like, I can all this stuff and get it falling my dad and he goes, hey, I just want to talk to you. He goes, silence can never be misquoted. Don't say anything right now. He's like, don't say anything. It's the people that love you can defend you. He said, people that don't arm. He said, just, but what you can't see and you can't hear, can't hurt you. He's like, put your phone up and you just go to work and he goes, he goes, it's okay. He goes, people are, he said, you're about to be dealing with something that you've never dealt with. He said, this is gonna be good for you. I was like, it's gonna be good for him. He goes, yes it is. He's like, I guess it is. Is this gonna be great? Is this gonna be the best thing I've ever had in general? I was like, dad. It sure didn't seem like it in the moment, but Jonathan's dad offer so much and he did advice and perspective when it seemed like everything he built was crumbling around it. Things had been going great. Maybe a little too great. Partying, hanging out with athletes and celebrities, money flowing, lots of girls. Then suddenly caught in some actions he admits today were selfish and then he shouldn't have been doing his relationship with a girlfriend, craters, thinking it would blow over like it always did, keeps on doing what he'd been doing. But in the weeks and months to follow, he's brought up on charges of domestic assault. Once the news of his case hits the internet, Jonathan finds himself in danger, not just of losing his job, but of never being able to work in the car business again. Maybe even being locked up, losing his freedom, maintaining his innocence from the beginning, he seeks out legal counsel. But it is perhaps the words of his dad, Oscar, that ring the most true. Quote, this is gonna be great. This is going to be the best thing that ever happened to you. End quote. It would take some time for those words to ring true, but there's no question it was a wake up call. The Jonathan needed to get his life back on track. But it wasn't out of the woods yet. I'm fighting for my life right now. I was like, I'd never been in trouble. I was the kid that would go to, I would live on the brink of getting in real trouble. And so this is the first time where I'm like, I have my back in the wall seriously. And I mean, things got really, really dark for me, man, especially like they always say the fall is harder, the higher you are, you know, I mean, I'm just sure. And so, man, I went from a hero to zero overnight. I mean, you know, I still had a lot of people that supported me. But then I had all the people that have been waiting for me to fail that were just brought right up. But we're not being the greatest thing for me is, is I didn't have to worry and guess. And wonder who it was, you know what I mean? Like I didn't have to worry, because people thought I was in jail, I wasn't in jail. I sent him off this one that thing, that they were two weeks behind me. You know what I mean? I'm sitting here reading this and, and, why everyone's like dude put your phone down, stop. Like, stop you just gonna, you just gonna make yourself stay in Mad and they're like, yeah, we know like, you're gonna fire up people and respond. So, the best thing I did is I didn't really just didn't respond to anything like I just stayed silent. And that was the hardest part. Is no one is getting an answer from me on those going on. I gave a very brief statement. But I mean, no one would get an answer, no one could get an answer from me, which makes people like, I don't know if people like, dude, he's got to be guilty. I mean, he hasn't came out and said anything. I could nothing make, has a responded to anything. And I should remember like, I kept going to my lawyers office. I'd do give me a statement, like give me something like so I can say like, and he's like, mm-hmm, that's what you paid me for. He's like, sorry you paid me. He's like, do you just sit back and relax? I was like, yes. That's very, that's very easy for you to say. I'm like, I can't sit back and relax. Like, and my lawyer didn't know me, man. Like, he has no clue where I am. Until I think, finally, when everything started changing with the lawyer and me, happened at a tech basketball game. I'm at a tech game and I see him like sitting right below me into waves at me and I think he's watching the corner of my eye and like, person after me. And this is my first time I'm like, really, you gone out. Person after person is coming up, talking to me, talking to me. And the next one, I remember waking up and my lawyer was like, who are you? And I was like, I try telling you, man, I was like, I've grew up in love. Everyone knows my dad. Everyone knows me. I was like, bro, I picked you. Because then when I said you the boss, I need you to be the best right now. And so everything kind of started to change. It started working really, really hard for me. I really realized what we were up against. And I mean, they did not keep mine. This is a missing here. I was getting chartered the myth in crime. People can sit with they want, but I just, when I say someone of a witch hunt, man, they sit or police officers to call her to look for me. They said, one was sitting, my neighbor said, one was sitting in front of my house. My dad said, one was sitting in front of his house. And little do they know, I wasn't playing with you. I was already turning myself in. Like they were searching, looking for me. And I remember Jimmy, my GM, who I worked with at Hays was like, bro, this is outrageous. He's like, they're like, he goes, bro, they're trying to catch you up and ruin you. He said, this isn't about you and whatever happened that night even more. He said, this isn't about that, bro. He said, but I just know there's a lot of power right now on that side. And I was like, what are you doing? He's like, ain't saying this. He goes, I'm super cliche. He goes, but you just need to trust God right now. He goes, you need to trust God right now. And he goes, that's super cliche. I know like that's the last thing you want to hear me say. And it really was, it really was me. I'm like, oh, just God. Like, and I'm sure it's gone because the God's already put me here. You know, God's wanted to get you know, and they're not started really thinking. I was like, you know what? Like, maybe I did need this, you know? And when I kind of realized like, finally stopped denying, like, I knew what had happened. You know, but I kept, I was so into now like, this shouldn't happen to me. Like, why me? Why me? This shouldn't even happen to me. Like, why? And then I started thinking I was like, regardless of if that had to or not, I shouldn't have been over here doing this. I shouldn't have focused on that. You know, I should have been better to this person. I should have been better to that person. So I learned and I was like, I'd always laugh at people on this page. I'd be like, oh, I'm innocent. That's where I'm innocent. I'm innocent. I'm like, just eat everything. I was like, oh my God, I've learned empathy now. I was like, oh, wow. Like, I've learned like, this could happen to anyone. Like, you know, like, I need to start realizing like, I'm not better than you. You know, and I was walking around like, better than that guy. Like, this guy, like, you're talking about this, how's it been? Like, this guy, like, it's okay. You didn't even know this guy, you know? And then I was like, I was so lost. Like, and I just remember one of my customers was like, I don't, she didn't have any social interest in me. She didn't have anything. She just was like, I miss how you were. And like, what do you mean you miss how I was? She's like, I remember the first time I could go to car with me. Like, you were just so authentic and you just cared and you just, you really, you really asked, I remember, she's like, I remember you asked us the week later how the car was and how that much that meant to us. And I remember and you asked us how our sons did it. And I just was like, you know, all this of what happens, I'm going to go back to being that guy. I was like, I was like, regardless of what I, what I might have versus when, but that guy didn't have, I was like, people love that guy, man. I was like, people really did. And I just like really took some steps back and really just focus on positivity. A lot of people don't know this either. Dude, I had to pay for a life coach. Like I, I was like, seriously, depress. It was like the same scenario is like when an athlete retires, like, you know, like, what do I do now? Like, that's what I was going through because also I had clients, I wasn't taking new clients. And you got to think a lot of people don't want to listen to what you said happened. They're just, they're ready to just believe what they want to believe. And you can never change that for someone, you know, but what I could change is how I was towards other people. How I responded to stuff and that some stuff isn't for me, you know, and that made me go from like, now I can say it was the best thing that happened to me. I mean, I remember my dad telling me that because I went from here to here because sure I was doing, I was doing good, sure I'm successful, but there for people. That's what's important to me is regardless of what I have, like, I want to give you someone that you know, you can call like for anything. And you know, I had your back because I only got through what I was going through because people had my back, you know, and I just wanted to be that for everyone else now. Now like I see someone on that page or someone's going through something. I'm a first person that calls them. Hey, I mean, I just want to let you know, I love you. Dude, I mean, I sing, like, they're saying, I don't care what they're saying about you. I don't care about what you did. I mean, that's horrible. I sure hope you didn't do that for your sake, but man, I just want to let you know, I'm not going to let you walk alone through this. You know, and also made me level up to even kids. Like I had to go tell a whole group of kids, like you're all coaching basketball. Like, this is why me and someone started together. Like, this is what y'all've seen. This is what happened. And I was the hero. And you know, you see your heroes keep fall off. I mean, you get upset. And so I had to teach these kids, like, man, like we'll get through this. And I really didn't feel bad about me. I felt bad about every time I walked my team into the gym, like it was like that. So, and that's that guy. Hey, those kids play for the guy. You know, I cared about that. I really did. I cared about that. You know what I mean? Like, these kids, the parents are trusting. One thing, like that, a parent wants to just to make sure their kid is taking care of. You know what I mean? That's what that hurt me the most. But also, you got to think like I'll talk to those same kids today. And like, do I'm going through this at school? And so we're saying, I say, hey, man, remember when I went through the worst thing that I thought was the worst and I cried in front of all those parents and you all came together to pray for me. I said, dude, listen, I said this two shall pass. And I tell them that like this two shall pass. Like, but if you don't, I said, but you got it, you got to let it pass. So we can't give up. And that's what it's been to me is just testimony like, hey, like what I went through, it can happen to anyone. I don't say why me. I really don't. I know like it needed to be me. I can need it to be me because for one, I have a big outreach to kids. A lot of kids call me, text me, ask me like, how do you get to where you're at? Or how do you do this? Like, you know, and the thing about it now is like, I know when I was gone through that, I thought, like, man, I'll never be big time again. And think I'm bigger. Like, I think I got better. Like I'm bigger better because for one, like, I'm doing everything I do, but I'm doing it with the power of God. Like, now I know I have to, my number one fan that's always with me, you know, and that's really, really been the best that I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's been the best thing that's happened to me. Right. It really is. That works. Again, we're talking about Jonathan Shorten, a friend like forward. He's been through it. I'm reminded of a saying that has given me peace when I'm in it. And that's a smooth sea never makes a skilled sailor. And understanding that those storms and those trials and those adversities force us to grow in ways that ease and complacency. And you know, things just going exactly according to plan never could. And I see that. I mean, when I log into social media, you're always sitting in front of a neutrophy. It seems like another 50-car month. So clearly it has pivoted you. If you could go back and talk to yourself the day after your high school graduation knowing what Jonathan was headed for, those years of success and adversity and success and adversity. What would you tell yourself? Don't be anything. You're not. That's easy to me. You know, I don't be anything you're not. And I had to realize like, right in growth in other words, why do I have to talk to slang for someone like me? I can order me and like, dude, just be myself. And like when you're just yourself, you don't just spend like the amount of energy like you save is so, so much energy. And people don't realize like, what are you talking about? Dude, it takes a lot of energy to hold a lion. Like people don't think about that, man. The one thing I would tell myself like 18-year-old me is, dude, just be yourself. People are going to talk bad about you or good about you regardless. It doesn't matter. Just be yourself. And that's what got me caught up in every situation that I was caught up in. Because I wanted to fit in somewhere that I probably shouldn't been. You know, I, you people want to be this and don't even realize like, you might like, Jaylen Tyson, for instance, man, I mean, I tell his business, I mean, he's dreamt his whole life to play in the NBA and to hear him say like, my life was better before this, like the arts, man. You know, like, I hate hearing that. Like, that's everything that dudes work for. And to hear that, like, and that's what people don't understand. And you have some kid that's just dedicating his whole life to be this and like, maybe that's not for you, man. Maybe I know that you think having a 30-minute-and-a-yard contract and to make you happy, not necessarily man. I got a lot of people have a lot of money, but they're lonely. And I think if you ask someone with a lot of money, would they trade good friends for money? I think they're going to say, yes. I think I, bro, loneliness will kill you. Yes. One thing I would tell myself, like, it's a great question. I do get asked that a lot. It's like, do just be yourself, man. Like, just be yourself. Like, I might not be cool enough to hang out with some group of guys. Like, and, oh, do this guy. Why is he, he didn't, he didn't talk like us. Like, I had two parents that are both highly educated. And I never realized I was like, okay, that's probably why. Like, I do have good grandma. I do speak well, but I speak great. I was made fun of it. I mean, you've asked my busher ass still, but they still made fun of it. You know what I mean? And, hey, good or cool thing. He's now, I'm just like, dude, all those guys that did something to say, like, you know, I don't, I'm not ever saying I'm rooting for you downfall because I'm not. I'm just like, looking out, like, watching things. I can talk to anyone. I can talk to anyone and everyone you know what I mean. And I'm respected by a lot of people. Like, people know like, I do disguise, comes from a good background. My grandmother was a teacher for 40 years at West Texas. And I mean, my grandma was, I brain 40 years. Like, I'm just a product of how I was raised. And you do have to understand like, it's okay if people are people aren't going to understand sure. And they don't have to. And they're not supposed to. Yep. You know, and they, well, your phone's been blowing up while we've been here. So I want to land this plane. I know you're busy. You got things to do. I've got two left for here. I love music and the emotions that it can represent in ways that words give us. If we were to watch a montage of your life, what song would you pick to play in the background and why? On the West, can't tell me nothing. The song starts off by the dream I made with way to heaven. I woke up and spent it on a necklace. You know, I mean, dude, that's, that's my song, man. That is my song right there is, I tell myself, I ever made Kanye West back. You didn't realize this, but you wrote that song for me. I gave you that. I'm telling that man, that's definitely that one. Yeah. Well, I dropped those into a playlist. I've got basically like a mixtape of all my guests that I put in. So that's a question I ask of all. What for Jonathan Short remains undone? Man. Man, dude, still like, man, that's a good question, man. Is a thing I've really mastered a lot on like my career. Like I think I've gotten to where I want to be. I think what lies next for me is I still want to be a better person, man. I still want to be able to say no when I want to say no or need to say no. I still want to be better in my personal relationships. Dude, I think that's the one area where I think if I can figure that out, I think I can be as complete as complete can be. I think I'm on a good path, but I mean, I would love to get to the point where I can tell the devil know a lot easier. Yeah. I think that's the one place where I can, I have, I have a lot of room. I think a lot of us have a lot of room to grow there, but I don't think a lot of people are just ready to do that yourself. Yeah. Yeah. All right, if listeners want to connect, we're working to say them, drop the socials. Now dude, at J Short 10 on everything, it's J-S-H-O-R-1-0, J Short 10. If you can, you get it. Got you. I mean, then Jonathan Short non-Facebook, man. And you can find me anywhere on there. All right. Wow, I de-, I de-on's Anderson. Not hard to find. I come in that day. I saw a quote, she diverse, that he tried to call Deon before his game and he didn't pick up. I said, for the first time in his life, he was hard to find. Thanks again. I really do appreciate you time. Not bad. But it's been tremendous. My name's Jonathan Shorten and I am undone. What Jonathan reminds us of here is that reinvention isn't reserved for fairy tales or second chances. It's a choice. To decision you make when you're sitting in a dark with nothing left to prove and everything left to build. Now you might not sell cars. You might have never been arrested. Chances are you felt stuck. You've looked in the mirror and asked, is this really it? The answer, if you're willing to do the work, is no friend. It is not. You too are undone. I'm thankful to Jonathan for dropping in and I hope you enjoyed our conversation. For more info on today's episode, be sure to check it out on the web. Simply go to undonepodcast.com backslash EP138 to see the notes, links and images related to today's guest. Jonathan Shorten. I know there are great stories out there to be told and I'm always on the lookout. If you or someone you know has a story we can all be inspired by, tell me about it. Surf on over to undonepodcast.com, click the contact tab in the top menu and drop me a note. Kind of up on the show, I'll be taking off next week to visit the kids back in Lubbock. A week after that, on October 18th, I've got Silicon Valley entrepreneur Ilyana Goulant who transitioned from an Air Force career into a successful startup founder. Only to wake up one day and discover she'd been removed and locked out from the company she'd found. After how she turned that experience of devastation and starting over, into a $10 million comeback and the work she's doing today as the founder of Leap Academy. Then, I've got my inspiring conversation with Kwong X Farm, the Vietnamese American businessman who became the first Vietnamese American to earn naval aviator wings in the US Marine Corps and then he went on to found multiple pharmaceutical companies. This is more coming up on becoming undone. From exciting news this week, I'm launching my new coaching business and I'd love to help you. You can go to undonepodcast.com, backslash survey where you can complete my totally free state of your life assessment. After filling out, I'll generate a personalized report to help you dial in on what's working well, what needs work, as well as some strategies for success as you continue your own comeback, your own rebuild, or your own reload on your journey to success. It's totally free, totally personalized, my gift to you, my friend and listener. While you're there, you can click on that subscribe tab on the top to sign up for my free newsletter that I produce most weeks. It too is always free and it's built to help you pursue better every day. Becoming undone is an hydro-hot creative production written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. Tell a friend about the show, follow along on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn at becoming undonepod. And follow me at my new socials handle. They're all the same now. That's Dr. Toby Brooks, that's DRTLBY, BROKS. That's on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok. You can also check me out on link treeatlinkTR.ebackslash, Dr. Toby Brooks. A brand new website should launch this week as well at DrTLBY Brooks.com. And DBH, I think the doctor part is pretentious. I kind of hate it, but it was the only related handle that was available across all platforms. So sorry about that. Listen, subscribe and leave me a review at Apple Podcasts. Spotify, I heart radio or wherever you get your podcasts. Till next time, friend, keep getting better.