lessons

Petes top lessons

Association of Excellence
May 14, 2025•2 min read

Subject: Takeaways from Pete Lemke's Visit

Gentlemen,

Happy Holidays! I apologize for my absence, the holidays and a sick child will really take up your time! I wanted to take a moment to share some valuable insights from our recent event with Pete Lemke. We had our BEST turn out yet! Pete, a local businessman, influencer, entrepreneur, and personal friend, joined us for an intense bootcamp and led excellent conversations. For those who were willing to push themselves both physically and mentally, Pete even brought an ice bath. I encourage all of you to consider participating in such activities next time!


Now, let's dive into the main takeaways from our session with Pete:

1. Bad leadership: Pete's personal experience with bad leadership taught him valuable lessons on what qualities not to have as a leader. It also motivated him to become his own boss and leave behind the traditional 9-5 grind.

2. First impressions matter: Pete emphasized the importance of being mindful of how we present ourselves to others. First impressions can make a lasting impact on our personal and professional lives.

3. Learn from others: Pete shared that reading biographies is an excellent way to gain insights from successful individuals on the path to becoming a successful man.

4. Embrace change and personal growth: Pete emphasized the significance of continually evolving and not being afraid of change. It is crucial for our personal and professional development.

5. The link between physical fitness and success: Pete highlighted how physical fitness plays a vital role in maintaining mental strength and discipline, ultimately contributing to success.

6. The importance of community and networking: Pete stressed the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar goals. This sense of community is precisely what our group, The Association, aims to cultivate.

7. Diversify your cash flow: Pete underscored the importance of diversifying our sources of income, ensuring financial stability and security.

8. Emotional control and staying calm: When asked about his perspective on masculine excellence, Pete simply stated "emotional control." It is crucial to stay calm, especially during chaotic situations. Pete's stoic nature serves as a testament to this ideal.

9. “Enjoy the Ride”: Pete approaches his journey towards excellence with the mindset of "enjoying the ride," regardless of the challenges faced. It is crucial to embrace the process and continually learn from it.

Once again, I want to express my gratitude to Pete for sharing his knowledge and time with our group! I hope each of you can take away at least one valuable lesson from the list above.

If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please feel free to reply to this email. Let's continue striving for excellence together!


Stay Excellent

Rolando Almanzar


Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

Rolando Almanzar

Born in the Bronx and raised in Orlando, the author grew up in a financially struggling but loving household led by his mother and grandmother. In his teens, he lost direction—falling into bad influences, identity struggles, and substance abuse—largely due to the absence of a strong male role model. This changed in his mid-20s when he met a mentor who redefined masculinity and personal growth for him. By his 30s, though successful, he still longed for a deeper brotherhood that combined personal development, business, mindset, and fitness. To fill that gap, he co-founded The Association of Excellence, a community where men hold each other accountable and strive for greatness—without gimmicks.

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