Warriors And The Future of Social Capitalism
In 2002, fueled by their personal connection and passion for substance abuse recovery, Lisa Lannon, along with her husband Josh, opened their first drug and alcohol residential healing center. Fourteen years later they co-founded Warriors Heart, the first and only private and accredited residential treatment faculty in the U.S. exclusively for warriors (active-duty military, veterans, and first responders).
The duo are also co-authors of a Rich Dad Advisors Series book entitled The Social Capitalist: Passion and Profits— An Entrepreneurial Journey
The Social Capitalist is a book chronicling how two ordinary people created a solution for turning their lives around while building businesses that bring families back together again using the Rich Dad principles.
Great Books, Great Minds reached out to Lisa to learn more about their social capitalism journey and how they’ve impacted the lives of so many. Here’s what she had to share:
What originally sparked your journey into the addiction recovery field?
Watching my husband Josh struggle with addiction, and not knowing what to do is what got me into the addiction recovery field. The fear of leaving, giving up a part of myself (independence) to his addiction, and not wanting to be a part of it anymore gave me the courage to claim who I was back and give him the ultimatum of rehab or divorce.
Was there a defining moment in terms of your decision?
After he went to rehab, we knew we couldn't keep doing what we were doing. We knew what families and alcoholics go through, and decided we wanted to be a part of the solution. It was the deep emotional connection of having gone through it that drove me into the field. Addiction and the struggle not only pissed me off, but I also knew the beauty of what could happen when families heal.
So what led you to write “The Social Capitalist?”
We wanted readers to know that anyone can start their own business. And that we all have a gift, a purpose, and passion. Our book is meant to help people think about how they can utilize their WHY to do good in the world.
How might the message of the book be relevant for those seeking to launch a new business enterprise amid the pandemic?
“The Social Capitalist” gives the basics for starting a business, and the principles work whether it's a social enterprise or any business. The pandemic has created a lot of fear and uncertainty. There are a lot of problems that could be solved and turned into a business. It's finding what will drive you, what problems you want to solve and what steps you need to take today to get there.
Describe the emotions and feelings you felt when you elected to take the proceeds from the sale of your first business to launch “Warriors Heart”
There were many emotions when we decided to launch “Warriors Heart.” We didn't understand how twenty-two veterans could commit suicide a day, and that there were only government facilities helping them. We also thought about how warriors struggle in treatment with others that have not been through similar experiences.
It's hard for them to talk about their pain with people who haven’t put their life on the line to protect others. As social entrepreneurs, we couldn't just do nothing, not when we had a formula that worked for a lot of people. Our emotions ranged from anger (how is that statistic real), to proud that we are protecting those that serve and protect us.
Why did you set up Warriors Heart Foundation, and how can people help support it?
The Warriors Heart Foundation was built out of necessity for the warriors who don't have VA, TriCare, or Commercial Insurance. We didn't want to turn any warrior away due to a lack of funding. So, the Foundation was formed as a separate entity from Warriors Heart. The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) that accepts deductible donations to serve this need. It's run by a separate governing board and assists those that don't have the means to cover their healing.
How did you get connected with “Rich Dad Advisors” and what has it been like to be a part of that community?
Josh and I started going to the Rich Dad seminars back in 2004, it was part of our continued education and personal development. Over the years, we developed strong friendships with all the Rich Dad Advisors and became advisors in 2010. We all learn together and share strong friendships.
Besides “The Social Capitalist,” what are your two favorite “Rich Dad Series” books and why?
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” and “Rich Dad's Guide to Investing” are our two favorite Rich Dad Series books. The Guide to Investing is what gave us the formula for our business. We use the B/I Triangle out of that book to this day. The “Rich Dad Poor Dad” book speaks for itself. The way it's written is like an awakening from the Matrix. It emphasizes that we all have the ability to be financially free, with the right knowledge and application.
What role has the power of reading had on your life?
Reading is knowledge. It gives different points of view. When we sit in a classroom, we typically only get the teacher’s opinion versus what the author is saying. There are so many great books out there and inside each book, there is always something I can take away to improve myself, my family, business, community, and more.
What book has had the greatest impact on your success?
That is a tough question. There are so many great books that have had a tremendous impact. It really depends on the specific time of my life. However, what started my real learning after school was when Josh got out of rehab. They say when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When he got out, we listened to the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” audiobook. That opened my eyes to a whole new world. I always had questions about property and business, but never really had the right people around to teach me. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” was the start of the success I have today, in Health, Wealth, and Happiness.
