From Wrestling Mat to CEO: Lessons I Learned in the Arena

Leadership Lessons That Built Meathead Movers

How Wrestling Shaped My Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership Approach. Building a Values-Driven Business: The Role of Discipline and Hard Work

Before I was leading a team of 300+ movers, managing a fleet of 85+ trucks, or navigating the complexities of scaling a values-driven company, I was just a kid on a wrestling mat, learning how to fall, fight, and get back up. Wrestling gave me more than I could ever repay, which is exactly why we proudly sponsor the annual Meathead Wrestling Tournament at Cuesta College. The sport had a life-changing impact on me and shaped who I am today.  I truly believe it’s one of the best things young men and women can get involved in.  What I didn’t know then was how much those early years in the arena would shape the kind of leader I’d one day become. 

Those same values became the foundation for Meathead Movers.

Wrestling, unlike most team sports, doesn’t give you anywhere to hide. It’s you vs. them. No excuses. No backups. And no time-outs. You learn quickly that your only real competition is yourself, and that success is found in discipline, mindset, and relentless effort.  Those same values became the foundation for Meathead Movers.

My brother Evan and I started this company when we were still teenagers, athletes just trying to make a few bucks to support our training. We didn’t know much about the moving business, but we did know how to work hard, show up on time, and push through discomfort.

That mindset became contagious.

Over time, we built a culture rooted in athleticism, accountability, and character. We didn’t just hire people, we recruited motivated individuals who wanted to be part of something bigger than a job. We created systems that rewarded hustle and heart. We led with purpose, and our purpose became about more than moving boxes. It became about moving people through life’s most intense transitions, with empathy, and professionalism.

From my wrestling days, I learned how to harness adversity and use it to overcome hard things.  We’ve made mistakes. We’ve taken risks that didn’t work. We’ve faced public scrutiny and legal challenges that forced us to dig deep and stay grounded in our values. But every challenge sharpened us. Just like on the mat, you get knocked down, you breathe, and you get up again.

To any aspiring leader out there, whether you’re starting your own company or just trying to make it through a tough chapter, remember this: grit matters more than glamour, consistency beats complacency. And the most important wins don’t always come with a trophy. It’s how the journey shapes you that matters most. 

– Aaron Steed