Episode 127: Forged in the Fires
Rob Verhelst, otherwise known as Fireman Rob, has established himself as an inspiring voice for following and defining your passion, then putting it to action. He lives and speaks on the principle of Action Based Living through Engaged Passion. His life experiences range from performing 8 days of search and recovery after the September 11th attacks to being a 15 year career firefighter in Madison, Wisconsin to having served in the United States Air Force. In 2015, Fireman Rob became the Guinness World Record Holder for the Most Ironman 70.3 Triathlons in one year, while inspiring tens of thousands by doing each run portion in his full fire gear.
Since 2011, Fireman Rob has solidified himself as a key motivational influencer worldwide through doing over 18 Ironman, 28 Half Ironman, and numerous endurance races in his 50 lbs of firefighter gear for all of the running portions of each race. Along with motivating others along the way, his passion is about his children and others. In 2013, the Fireman Rob Foundation was created to help children in hospitals throughout the world with a SMILE by delivering Gund Teddy Bears. Fireman Rob understood the simple act of putting a SMILE on a child’s face dealing with illness or depression is medically proven to strengthen their immune system & create a positive effect on their minds… if even for a moment. He has created a movement in which people from all walks of life are finding their passion and paying it forward through their own positive actions. The mission of Fireman Rob is clearly defined by his speaking, his actions, and his drive: “Your strength is in your passion, now go and make your life ABLE.”
- Selected member of The National Society of Leadership and Success
- In Business Magazine, 2014 Top 25 Most Influential People in Dane County
- Jefferson Award Winner, April 2015 WKOW
- Ironman, 2012 Performance of the Year
- Guinness World Record, Most Ironman 70.3 triathlons in one year
- 2015 Globe Turnout Feets of Strength (Athleticism category)
- World Record for Most Ironman triathlons in Full Firefighter gear
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why purpose and passion is such an important catalyst when forming an Elite Mentally Tough Leadership Mindset
- Why ownership is just as much about what you don’t do as it is what you do
- How Fireman Rob’s Foundation brings to life the acronym SMILE-Simple Moments Impact Lives Everyday-with the best stuffed bear for disadvantaged kids throughout the world
- How to develop faith in yourself over the fears in front of you
- What Tolerance Training is and why it is so significant
- How Rob has navigated the waters of sever PTSD and high-anxiety that are a result of numerous events in his life including his search and recover work on 9/11
- What drove Rob to wear his full firefighter gear (50 lbs.) while running 1,022 miles in dozens of Full Ironmans and 70.3’s
Additional resources:
- Rob Verhelst’s book- Forged In The Fires: The Seven Catalysts to Ignite your Possible, Accelerate your Potential & Extricate your Best Life
- Quell Foundation and Ride of Hope
- Rob Verhelst’s podcast- Forged In The Fires Podcast with Fireman Rob
- To learn more, visit FiremanRob.com
