We had the good fortune of connecting with John McCarthy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is such an amazing concept. It will show you who you really are and what you are made of. When I was working in my equipment operating position, I was excited to be able to play with bigger equipment and do some really challenging things. I was always testing not just what I could do but also what the equipment could do.

Now with ROK IT and transitioning into a business owner, taking risks is very different. It’s 100% on you. There is no equipment failure when it comes to this; it’s all operator error. Coming from the mindset of saving your money because you never know what is going to happen, to going into a mindset of wanting expansion and moving to the next level requires getting out of your own way and trying to remove old habits because now you have to spend money.

Looking into bigger events and expos costs a lot more money than your regular craft show. Along with marketing, advertising, scaling, and adding more products, every single decision you make is intimidating. How are you supposed to learn? How are you supposed to grow if you are not willing to take risks?

Even if the risks you take fail and do not work, there is a lesson hidden in that so-called failure. Find it, learn from it, and go do it again with your new knowledge.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s like heavy metal music. Not everyone likes it. Some hate it, some speak poorly of it, some don’t care for it, and then there are the ones who love it. Surround yourself with those who love it. Surround yourself with those who have similar interests, a common ground, and the ability to challenge one another. That’s a community of people willing to do what it takes to get to where they want to be, and they are bringing anyone and everyone who is willing to put in the work with them.

That is exactly what ROK IT is! It’s full of individuals who want nothing more than a constant challenge of being better than they were yesterday. It’s about improving every single day. It’s about making tough decisions for yourself and for your future. It’s about getting out of your own way and never settling! ROK IT is a mindset for those who are willing to put in the work. The best part is that a lot of people already have that mindset and attitude. I just created something that represents their actions for them to wear.

This attitude is the one that i had tucked away for years that i never fully used. When ROK IT was born that was the same time i started tapping into that attitude. I need to be just as powerful as the brand that i am creating, otherwise all i am doing is lying to myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a fairly private person, so I don’t go out much or know about the “hidden gems” of Denver. But with that being said, if an adventure is what you want, then an adventure is what I will provide.

Recently, I went on a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and hiked up to Lake Haiyaha. It offered a phenomenal view, and I could have stayed there all day. The water had an amazing blue/green color and was very cold, but incredibly refreshing on the body after a swim. Golfing is also a must! Colorado boasts some amazing courses, so that’s definitely on the list. If there are any good rock/metal shows taking place, then off to the mosh pit we go. When it comes to food, I have some good opinions. At least, I think so. There are places like Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Buckhorn Exchange. If you want to venture beyond the Denver area, there’s Georgia Boys BBQ in Longmont, La Estrellita in Brighton, and my personal favorite—the only donut shop worthy of existence—Winchell’s Donut House.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are most definitely people i want to give credit to!

First person is my incredible girlfriend! She is a business owner as well and being able to what her work and do everything that she does is highly inspiring. She also pushes and motivates me on day that i need it.

I would also like to thank the coaching group i joined. Before i joined i knew that i needed help as a person and as a business owner. The CEO of another clothing brand has a group and when it became available to join i was all over it. When you realize that you only know what you know and need to know what everyone else knows you find a community to has that.

If you need a new book to read i highly recommend How To Make Sh*t Happen by Sean Whalen. That will give you the kick in the pants you need!

Website: Go-rokit.com

Instagram: Jdmac624 and rok_it_official

Facebook: Rokit21

Other: TikTok-rokit21

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