In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon talks with Tom Kubiniec, a self-taught business leader who never attended college or worked for another company. Tom shares his unconventional journey from aspiring musician to becoming the global leader in military weapon storage solutions. He discusses the importance of perseverance, learning from setbacks, and fostering "creative conflict" to inspire innovation within teams. Tom also opens up about the power of focusing on what you can control, blocking out outside noise, and letting go of fear of judgment. This insightful conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs and leaders ready to hustle, adapt, and break through barriers. Get To Know Tom Kubiniec CEO, SecureIt | Serial Entrepreneur | Small Arms Storage Expert | Automotive & Outdoor Enthusiast Tom Kubiniec, a serial entrepreneur whose journey is defined by an unwavering commitment to innovation and a ceaseless pursuit of knowledge. Tom is considered the leading authority on small arms storage and armory design. His company SecureIt is the global leader in military weapon storage and one of America's fastest growing consumer brands. Twice listed in Inc Magazine's fastest growing companies in America, he has solidified his reputation as an adept business leader. Rock Guitarist   Before his successful foray into business, Tom spent his early years in the music world. He was a former heavy metal guitarist, spending years on the road after completing high school. However, due to chronic tendinitis, he transitioned to the business world and the beginning of his journey towards innovation and success.  Outdoorsman   Tom's interests also encompass outdoor pursuits. An avid outdoorsman, he ventured into rock and ice climbing, scaling peaks in the California and the Canadian Rockies. These experiences in nature contributed to his growth as both an individual and an entrepreneur. "my greatest life lesson occurred on the north face of Mt. Athabasco, a 2000' wall of ice in the Canadian Rockies." His diverse passions extend to hunting, both with a bow and rifle. He is equally skilled in long-range shooting and holds a fascination for firearms. "My mission with Securett is to change the way people think about firearms storage and make Americans safer and better prepared".  Automotive   Transitioning from mountains to racetracks, Tom secured consecutive SCCA road racing championships in a Mazda RX7 and holds lap records in various southwestern race tracks. His current endeavor involves building a custom speed car to break the Class J land speed record in August 2025. Tom's passion for automobiles goes beyond the racetrack; he is an adept collector, builder, and restorer of vintage sports cars. This passion reflects a deep appreciation for automotive history and craftsmanship. "Busy hands, free mind - I spend a little time every day in the shop working on a car. I find mechanical work like this frees up my thinking and allows me to make better business decisions". Healthcare   In addition to his business ventures and pursuits in speed, Tom is a strong advocate for self-directed healthcare. He has embraced the carnivore diet and critically examines the intersection of health, food, pharmaceuticals, and medical expertise. "America is becoming less healthy as a nation. There is a direct correlation between diet and health that modern healthcare simply will not consider." Education   Tom's diverse interests extend to education, where he offers insights that challenge conventional perspectives. His thoughts encourage a reevaluation of the value of a college degree in today's context. Entrepreneur   Tom has built three successful companies ranging from computer technology to defense contractor to E-com. His wide range of business experience give him unique insight into the challenges facing many entrepreneurs. Beyond his professional achievements, Tom is dedicated to fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship. He imparts wisdom on creativity, leadership, and the challenges of entrepreneurial endeavors. Tom Kubinec's candid and unvarnished approach to dialogue breaks down barriers in a world often confined by formalities. His broad spectrum of interests and expertise makes him a sought-after guest for podcasts and news shows alike. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook SecureIt Website 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Master the Art of the Pivot: Tom Kubiniec's journey demonstrates that setbacks and pivots are not roadblocks but stepping stones. When his career as a guitarist was unexpectedly cut short, Tom didn't dwell on disappointment—instead, he threw himself into learning new skills and discovering untapped opportunities. His story exemplifies how adapting quickly and relentlessly evolving are essential for lasting success.
 2. Focus on What You Can Control: In both business and life, Tom emphasizes the importance of focusing your energy on the factors you can influence rather than getting bogged down by external noise or stressors. Whether it was shifting his products when tariffs hit or simply outworking competitors, Tom's ability to keep hustling—regardless of circumstances—shows how channeling your efforts into your sphere of control leads to impactful results. 3. Build Cultures of Creative Conflict: Tom challenges leaders to foster environments where team members feel empowered to question, challenge, and contribute creatively without fear of retribution. By encouraging "creative conflict," he believes teams unlock their true potential. His approach proves that the best ideas and highest growth come from safe, collaborative, and uninhibited workplaces, not from echo chambers of "yes" people.
 Show Overview: 00:00 The Syracuse's Significance: A Personal Connection 04:34 From Tape Racks to Secure IT 09:13 Perseverance in Pursuing Passion 10:33 Mastery Leads to Success 14:05 Mastery Through Meticulous Practice 19:48 Embracing Misfits for Change 21:32 Encouraging Open Dialogue in Healthcare 24:13 Overcoming Growth Plateaus with Vistage

Ver todos los episodios