About 3 months ago, I posted a photo of a 500 square foot tiny house on my instagram. Something about a small living space really interests me. The idea of just using it to do the basic things in life. Something like this would most definitely encourage you to get outdoors more and live more.
In the comments, one of my friends said I should talk to Trevor Gay from Heart Of It All House. I had never heard of him before, so my curiosity led me to his profile where I did some basic research on him and what he was up to. Turns out he only lives about 30 minutes away, we have mutual friends, and share a lot of common interests. I wondered how we never crossed paths over the years!
With that being said, you’ll have to listen to this inspiring episode where we talk about his tiny house journey, why he’s vegan, some of his favorite books, and so much more. Enjoy!
Show notes:
[03:10] Meet Trevor! Tell us who you are, where you work, etc.
It’s a little ironic, risk without regret could be used to describe my entire career.
[06:20] Have you always been into bikes?
I didn’t care about getting paid, I just wanted to work there.
[10:05] Talk about the clothing line you started…
I learned a really hard and valuable lesson at an early age and that’s really stuck with me ever since.
[12:00] If you could do another clothing line, what would you do different? Explain the non-profit you work with…
Your morals, your values, and your mission need to be pretty clear, because people are more conscious than ever of everything.
[13:45] Have you always lived in Ohio?
[15:55] The HGTV show, how did that come about? Talk about your tiny house and minimalism…
You really find out how much stuff you actually have when you reduce by 80%.
When you get rid of a bunch of stuff, there’s definitely this huge sense of freedom that you just can’t get anywhere else.
To detach from things and to let go of things that you think you care about is really mentally healthy.
[23:35] Do you have any side businesses?
[25:50] Has video work always been a passion of yours?
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[29:30] What made you decide to go vegan?
We are saving all of these animals, we love all of these animals, how can we do that and then eat another one?
I can’t tell you enough that a plant-based diet is where it’s at.
[32:10] Talk about Wild Again…
Every animal here has a story.
[35:10] Is your tiny house permanence or mobile?
[36:10] What inspires you?
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily. -Zig Ziglar
Do it, and then you will feel motivated to do it. —Zig Ziglar
For me, being involved with so many different things does keep me on my toes, it does keep me sharp, and it does keep me motivated.
[37:05] Any skills every entrepreneur, or most people in general, should have?
I like to be honorable. My word is extremely important to me.
Just because you hear that someone else can do it that way doesn’t mean that you should do it that way or that you can do it that way.
You shouldn’t engage in any deal if it isn’t beneficial to both parties.
[40:40] Is hustle or ambition more important than talent?
If you’re someone like myself (who doesn’t consider himself naturally gifted or talented at anything) who has had to work as hard as you possibly could for the things that you have and the things that you’ve done, that’s when hustle is extremely important. Because without it, you’re not moving, you’re at a standstill.
Know how to sell yourself at all times and to preserve your self image. That’s why your word is so important, because in the end, that’s all you have.
I do believe that if you surround yourself with the things that you want to be attracted to you, things just inevitably end up working out that way. And it’s not magic, it’s just the power of networking.
I think if you don’t find balance in your life, you might be regretful that you missed out on things. But at the same time, you also risk looking back and being like, “Wow, I didn’t do anything.”
If you set goals, you’re already on the right path.
I think that being a good person and sticking to your morals really goes a long way.
If you’re burned out, if you’re stressed out, and if you’re tired all the time, you’re not gonna perform.
No one can tell you that you’re right or wrong about what you actually want out of life.
[48:05] You have a normal job, do you ever think of just doing your own thing? Explain vision boards…
One of the pieces on my vision board says “working for myself by 2016.” I set that about 2.5 years ago. And the absolutely, wildly terrifying thing is that I think that could happen next year. That definitely scares the hell out of me in a good way.
I’ve always had all these side brands but they were safe because I had my 9-5. Stepping out of that comfort zone, ya, that’s a scary thing.
Without a doubt, I think that just seeing those goals in front of you when you wake up and when you go to sleep are powerful. And it’s not magic, it’s just literally seeing your goals everyday and that’s a simple reminder of what you’re working towards. Ask yourself, “Have I done anything today to work towards that goal?” And if you say no, well, there’s your motivation right there as soon as you get out of bed.
[52:15] How important is it to have a significant other with the same goals?
Many people spend more time in planning the wedding than they do in planning the marriage. -Zig Ziglar
Your significant other is your rock, your foundation.
In my situation, ya I’m extremely lucky, but I wouldn’t say luck. That’s your selection process.
Find someone who does coordinate with you.
A relationship could make or break your dream.
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[57:25] Do you still have fears?
It’s really important to do the things instead of wondering what would happen if you would have done them. It’s better to at least do it wrong and learn from that.
When you hear how many people welcome mistakes and failures, we’re like, “Ya, I’m totally on board!” But on the inside, we’re like, “I don’t want to fail. I’m terrified of failing.” You still have this fear of making mistakes or looking bad, especially now with how vulnerable we are through social media.
Your morals and your ethics will really show what kind of person you are when you fail or when you make a mistake.
[1:00:30] How has social media played a role in what you do?
[1:02:30] Have you ever had a mentor or coach?
If there’s someone in a position that you want to be in, study their life.
[1:04:50] What is a big risk that you’ve taken?
I think one of the risky things was choosing not to go to college and be self-taught.
If you’re in a spot for a long time and you feel yourself getting stagnant, it’s time to go. Even if you’ve been there for 8 years and you’re in a good spot, you’re risking your career. Don’t burn out.
Move on before it’s too late. And it’s not only for your sake, but don’t hurt the brand that you’re associated with too. If you’re comfortable and feel like you’re on auto-pilot everyday and things are easy and you’re almost bored, it’s time to move on.
[1:08:00] If you could recommend one book, what would it be?
The Magic of Believing by Claude M. Bristol
Taking care of yourself regardless of your dietary choice is probably one of the most important things you could do in life period.
[1:12:35] What do you wish you knew more about before starting the tiny house project?
[1:14:50] Any specific moments that stand out on that journey?
I really just wanted to pay it forward and do the same for people who have the same goal of trying to live with less and just be simpler.
Not forgetting why you started the whole journey is pretty important.
[1:18:10] What would you say to someone thinking about going down the tiny house path?
I do still find myself tempted to look at these big mansions, but to not get confused with having that house and having success.
[1:20:35] What does stories over stuff mean to you?
I’m definitely not regretful that I did this now in life because i think that everything happens for a reason.
[1:22:45] When you hear risk without regret, what comes to mind?
Bet on your strengths and don’t give a fuck about your weaknesses. -Gary Vaynerchuk
Keep moving forward. Take those risks. As long as you don’t die, don’t regret it.
“Risk Without Regret” really resonated well with me. It made me smile for a few minutes just thinking about all the risks I’ve taken.
I would suggest the same to everybody else, to not be afraid and to just go for it.
“What if’s” will go to the grave with you.
Connect with Trevor:
Instagram: @trevorgay
Facebook: facebook.com/trevorgay
Twitter: @trevorgay
Connect with Heart Of It All House:
Website: heartofitallhouse.com
Instagram: @heartofitallhouse
Facebook: facebook.com/heartofitallhouse
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People, websites, & products mentioned:
Mary Benasutti
Wild Again Animal Rescue
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
Tiny House Build
Nick Pineault & Gen Gauvin of The Great Anomaly
The Minimalists
Jawbreaker Road Rally
Helping Hands
Power of Now – Guide To Spiritual Enlightenment
Gary Vaynerchuk
The Law of Attraction
Psycho-Cybernetics
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Think and Grow Rich
Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life
Big Meas
Vision Boards
The Secret
The Miracle Morning
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
The Secret Language of Birthdays
Vega – Plant-Based Nutrition Company
Thanks again for listening and reading the show notes. Be sure to leave me a review on iTunes and I can’t wait to share the next episode with you soon. Until next time, think less, risk more, regret nothing!