138 | From Athlete to Redemption: Jonathan Shorten's Journey of Resilience

About the Guest Jonathan Shorten is a highly successful car salesman recognized as one of the top auto salesmen in the country. Emerging from a challenging past, Jonathan navigated through various adversities to carve out a prosperous career in the auto industry. At 28, he now leverages his life experiences, including a background in athletics and his innate resilience, to connect with a diverse clientele, including high-profile college athletes benefitting from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. His journey reflects a compelling story of redemption, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. Episode Summary In this engaging episode of Becoming UnDone , host Toby Brooks introduces Jonathan Shorten, a standout figure in the auto sales industry who has transformed personal adversities into professional triumphs. From a promising high school athlete faced with challenges, including a failed drug test and a disqualifying transfer delaying his sports career, Jonathan's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Anchored in faith and supported by a serendipitous intervention by a mysterious figure at a pivotal moment, Jonathan shares his transition from despair to remarkable success in car sales. Throughout this inspiring conversation, Jonathan delves into the ups and downs of his life, from navigating legal challenges to mastering social media for business growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. His insightful reflections highlight significant themes like perseverance, community, and the importance of authentic relationships. Jonathan emphasizes the role of faith, recounting impactful moments, including the life-altering guidance of his father and crucial advice from mentors. Delivered with candor and clarity, this episode touches upon the essence of redemption and finding purpose in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Key Takeaways Resilience in Adversity : Jonathan's story is a testament to the essential role resilience plays in overcoming life's challenges. The Power of Reinvention : Through strategic use of social media, Jonathan successfully pivoted his career during the pandemic, showcasing the importance of adaptability. Faith and Redemption : Jonathan's experience underscores the power of faith and spirituality in personal growth and finding purpose. Authenticity and Connection : His success in the auto industry highlights the value of building genuine relationships and staying true to oneself. Learning from Failure : Jonathan's journey emphasizes embracing failures as learning opportunities and the stepping stones to future success. Notable Quotes "I went from hero to zero overnight." "To my knowledge, I'm the first person I know that really utilized Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to sell cars." "The fall is harder the higher you are." "You need to learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable." "I was just as vulnerable as everyone else, and I didn't know that." Resources: Jonathan Shorten on social media: @jshor10 Follow Jonathan on Facebook for updates: Reach out to Becoming UnDone! Text Toby here! Support the show Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.