Episode 108: Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon with Ron Simmons

Created for This with Danielle Roberts

In this episode of Created for This, I’m talking with Ron Simmons who served as a state representative, CEO of a wealth management company, and is a father and grandfather.

We’re talking about Ron Simmons’ book Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon.

In this episode of Created for This, I’m talking with Ron Simmons who served as a state representative, CEO of a wealth management company, and is a father and grandfather.

We’re talking about Ron Simmons’ book Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon.

Intentionality - why has it been so important in your life, and why should it be important for others? If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll be surprised when you get there. You have to have an idea of where you’re going so you can get there.

Determining the next step and getting uncomfortable - It’s not a matter of not knowing what the step is, it’s a matter of taking the next step. Ron gives a few steps to help you do this.

A lot of times, the fear of failure is greater than the joy of success.

How Ron’s view of Jesus helps him deal with the fear of failure.

How to overcome perfectionism and move forward. We have to purposefully find people who help us and push us to action instead of staying stuck in inaction.

Ron’s number one piece of advice for business owners: stick with your idea instead of moving on to the next idea too quickly.

Secondly, don’t make your business about you. Make it so you can sell it to others or pass it on to your children.

Listening to the Bible is how Ron reads through his Bible (pray.com). Listening to the Bible counts as Bible reading.

Making room for rest and relaxation. John Maxwell says you’re cheating yourself if you don’t take time to rest. Find what rejuvenates you.

Referenced in the episode:

Life Lessons from the Little Red Wagon by Ron Simmons

Thinking for a Change by John Maxwell

Prayer app - pray.com

Ron’s email: [email protected]

About Ron Simmons

The Honorable Ron Simmons served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives. He served on the Appropriations, Transportation, Elections, Homeland Security, and Business & Industry Committees while in the Texas House.

In business, Ron was the cofounder, chairman, and CEO of Retirement Advisors of America (RAA). RAA is a wealth management company and, at the time of its sale to another investment firm in 2019, managed over $3 billion for approximately two thousand retired commercial airline pilots from all the major airlines who resided in all fifty states and multiple foreign countries.

In 2019, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Ron as chairman of the board of Texas Mutual Insurance Company, an exclusive worker compensation insurance provider located in Texas with over $1 billion in annual revenue serving over seventy thousand companies located in Texas. Simmons is an advisor to the CEOs of The Heritage Foundation and the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Ron is the son of two public school teachers and has been married to his wife, Lisa, for more than forty years. He and Lisa have three children: Justin, an assistant US Attorney in the Justice Department; Daniel, who is on the autism spectrum and a fantastic artist and hard worker; and Allie Beth, a podcast host (Relatable), author, and speaker. Their crowning achievement, though, is their five grandchildren!

You can find Ron on LinkedIn or Twitter.

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