While a weekend trip filled with great food and plenty of wine tasting with my wife, I found myself thinking deeply about life lessons because of something that had absolutely nothing to do with accounting, personal finance, or career development.
In fact, it came from a group that calls themselves Three Fat Guys.
No, this isn’t a joke. I actually learned a valuable lesson from these three larger-than-life individuals.
Three weeks after that trip, I still can’t get the lesson out of my head.
The Story Behind Three Fat Guys
You’re probably wondering why anyone would call themselves Three Fat Guys and how they could possibly have an impact on my life.
Here’s the backstory.
My wife and I recently spent a weekend in Sonoma, California, enjoying great food and visiting several wineries. Some were elegant and upscale, while others were much more laid back.
One of those wineries was called Three Fat Guys Winery, founded by three former NFL offensive linemen.
It’s one heck of a name for a winery.
But what struck me wasn’t just the name, it was the fact that these three former athletes completely reinvented their careers while paying homage to who they used to be.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized their story holds several life lessons that apply far beyond wine.
1. Don’t Forget Who You Are
Yes, these guys entered the world of winemaking, but they didn’t abandon the identity they built during their football careers.
Instead, they embraced it.
Their winery’s name proudly acknowledges where they came from, showing they’re comfortable with their past instead of trying to hide it.
Life is made up of countless experiences that shape who we become. Those experiences shouldn’t be forgotten just because we’ve moved on to something new.
Your past is part of your story. Don’t be afraid to celebrate it.
2. Be a Purple Cow
About two weeks before this trip, I watched an interview with MrBeast where he talked about creating “Purple Cow” ideas.
The concept comes from Seth Godin’s book Purple Cow.
Imagine driving down a country road.
If you see a regular cow, you probably don’t think twice about it.
But if you saw a purple cow?
You’d probably slam on the brakes, turn around, and tell everyone you know.
That’s exactly what Three Fat Guys Winery did.
In an industry that often takes itself very seriously, they chose a name that instantly grabs your attention. It’s memorable, different, and impossible to ignore.
Sometimes standing out isn’t about being better than everyone else.
It’s about being different enough that people remember you.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Direction
The average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years.
That means nearly every professional football player will need to build a second career.
Some become coaches.
Others go into business.
These three started a winery.
Their story is a reminder that your first career doesn’t have to be your last.
Many people stay in jobs they no longer enjoy simply because change feels uncomfortable.
But changing careers isn’t starting over.
It’s taking everything you’ve learned and applying it somewhere new.
Yes, change is scary.
But it’s also where some of life’s greatest opportunities exist.
4. Have Fun With It
Let’s be honest, the wine industry can sometimes come across as a little pretentious.
Three Fat Guys Winery breaks that stereotype.
One of their wines is called The Lineman, complete with cartoon football players on the label.
It’s clear they don’t take themselves too seriously.
They’re building a business while genuinely enjoying the process.
That’s a lesson worth remembering.
Success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your personality.
Sometimes the most authentic brands, and the happiest people, are the ones willing to have a little fun along the way.
Conclusion
When I walked into Three Fat Guys Winery, I expected to enjoy a glass of wine.
I didn’t expect to walk away carrying some newly learned life lessons.
But their story reminded me that we don’t have to have the rest of our lives figured out.
We don’t have to fit into someone else’s idea of what a career should look like.
And we certainly shouldn’t be afraid to take the exit ramp when life starts pulling us in a different direction.
Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come when we’re willing to step outside our comfort zone and try something completely unexpected.
Because life’s biggest regrets rarely come from trying something new.
More often, they come from never trying at all.
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