Neil interviews Darin Deaton, a physical therapist, entrepreneur, and rancher. Darin shares his shift from pre-med toward PT after observing an independent practice owner's lifestyle, his education at Texas Woman's University, and juggling full-time work with graduate school. He describes learning business through an early partnership, then launching his own clinic using SBA financing and a $60,000 investor check that enabled a 1998 seven-figure exit. Darin later built and sold a seven-location Fort Worth PT group (sold in 2024) and runs DPT Therapy. They discuss Deaton Ranch Beef, regenerative ranching, raising Achi/Red Wagyu over Angus, local food systems, health pillars, aging and muscle loss, faith, integrity, and "Make America Grit Again."

Links

Visit us at www.thecowboyperspective.com

More on Darin:

deatonranchbeef.com

dpttherapy.com

Topics

00:00 Meet Darin Deaton: PT, rancher, and entrepreneur

02:20 From pre-med to PT: choosing a life with family balance

06:34 PT school hustle & how the profession evolved (BS → MS → DPT)

11:34 First clinics & learning business the hard way

14:23 Getting funded: the $60K check that launched the practice

19:05 Debt, integrity, and having your spouse's backing

22:12 First big exit: selling the clinic & discovering equity

25:58 Building a multi-location PT group + becoming the landlord

27:14 Food, fitness, and the origin story of Deaton Ranch beef

35:29 Local food systems, small producers vs big supply chains

38:52 Cattle economics: herd size, restaurant demand, and market cycles

41:39 Wagyu curiosity & the "better-for-you" meat business angle

42:19 Wagyu Experiment Gone Wrong: Chasing Pounds vs. Premium

43:23 Learning the Cattle Game: Associations, Webinars & Old Cowmen

43:50 One-Man Ranch Ops: Working Cattle Solo with Border Collies

44:34 PT vs. Gym: The Full Health Stack (Sleep, Diet, Stress & Genetics)

45:23 Maximum Genetic Potential: The Animal Analogy for Human Performance

46:47 Muscle Mass After 40: Protein, Strength Training & Aging Reality

49:26 Backflips at 59: Athletic Roots, Training Smart & Avoiding Injury

51:53 Mortality, Meaning & Faith: Making the Time Count

56:20 Grit, Failure & Raising Tough Kids in a Softer Culture

01:00:48 Immigration & Opportunity: Lawful Grit, Hard Work, and 'Luck' Excuses

01:03:47 Earning Credibility: Humility, Ranch Hierarchy & Learning to Lose

01:10:38 Integrity When Nobody's Watching: Pride in Craft & Old-School Values

01:14:37 Building Better Horses: Breeding, Cow Horse Prospects & Ranch Standards

01:17:18 Be the Dumbest in the Room: Getting Coached, Taking Ribbons & Growing

01:20:01 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Darin (Deaton Ranch Beef + DPT Therapy)

Neil reunites with entrepreneur Kevin Mock to discuss his career changes, return to podcasting in 2026, and life experiences influenced by the 'Cowboy Perspective'. Kevin dives into his multifaceted roles as a businessman and father, sharing insights from his various endeavors in the livestock industry, including Mock Livestock and Livestock Marketing Group. The conversation touches on the intersections of faith, success, and the challenges of balancing personal ambitions with Christian values. Kevin recounts his passion for high-end show animals, balancing family life, and the importance of maintaining authenticity and dedication in both business and personal ventures. The episode also explores the dynamic within his family, his upbringing, and his philosophy towards parenting, making for a comprehensive and engaging discussion.

Links

Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/

More on Kevin at https://www.mocklivestock.com/ and https://sales.thelivestockmarketinggroup.com/home

Topics

01:13 Kevin Mock's Background and Career

05:49 Faith and Business Philosophy

10:24 Family and Personal Life

17:10 Journey into Livestock and Agriculture

25:16 The High Stakes of Competitive Sports

25:51 Navigating Success and Perception

28:32 Faith and Competitiveness

33:35 Parenting and Priorities

38:52 Hunting and Family Time

44:14 Business Stories and Lessons

Neil welcomes Jason Davis to discuss the 'Cowboy Perspective' and various life insights. They explore the importance of experience and learning from mistakes, foundational lessons from grandparents, and the value of real-world application over theoretical knowledge. Jason shares his personal journey from corporate life to ranching, emphasizing the significance of true wealth and life experiences. They also touch on the impact of significant personal events like the loss of a spouse, raising children, and teaching valuable life lessons. The conversation dives into concepts such as the difference between wealth accumulation and preservation, how societal perceptions vary, and the importance of maintaining a purpose throughout life. This engaging dialogue provides a range of thought-provoking insights into business, personal development, and living a fulfilling life.

Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/

More on Jason at https://crosswindranch.com/

Topics

03:03 Meet Jason Davis

04:35 Lessons from Grandfather

09:17 Real-World Business Ethics

19:35 Balancing Work and Life

33:23 The Perot Experience

42:48 Reflecting on a Billion Dollars

43:37 Discovering a Talent for Numbers

44:25 Understanding Geometric Progression

45:40 The Value of Time and Money

47:48 Generational Perspectives and Work Ethic

50:27 Balancing Work and Retirement

54:14 The Importance of Responsibility

55:53 Classy vs. Trashy: A Game of Perception

01:00:45 Middle Class and Government Handouts

01:07:12 Memorable Moments with Ross Perot

01:13:19 The Never-Ending Chores

01:15:18 Books and Lifelong Learning

01:21:06 Biblical Lessons and Final Thoughts