The hero life p1 - Military Success Stories - Military Times EDGE

Charisma is famously difficult to explain, but those who have it often don’t need much else to get by. Rudy Reyes has it in spades — plus movie-star looks, boundless energy and wisdom seemingly well beyond his years. No wonder the former Marine sergeant has managed to turn himself into a full-fledged media brand just a few years after leaving the Corps.

After serving in Afghanistan and doing two tours in Iraq, Reyes left the service in 2005 and returned to the San Diego area, where he taught at a local boxing gym, training everyone from housewives to former SEALs. It was through one of these SEALs he met Angela Smith, who had an extensive marketing background. Smith immediately recognized that Reyes had “something” — a “je ne sais quoi” that the two joke about.

About this time, Reyes was also giving tours of Camp Pendleton, Calif., to the writers, producers and director who wanted to turn “Generation Kill” — Evan Brown’s book about a Marine recon unit during the invasion of Iraq — into an HBO miniseries. When they had trouble finding an actor to portray Reyes, who is featured prominently in the book, he was cast to play himself, though he had no previous acting experience.

From that point on, it was clear Reyes’ talents were too big to be confined to a gym. He and Smith sought to leverage his acting success by founding Reyan Media, and Reyes began to spread his unique philosophy of physical and mental fitness, speaking everywhere from veterans’ get-togethers to West Point. He’s launched daily radio spots and programs; written a book titled “Hero Living,” out in October; and is in talks with the Discovery Channel over several show ideas — all while training forward military units in undisclosed locations alongside his former recon friends.

For all his talents, Reyes likes to say he’s no different than anyone else. He was inspired by role models growing up — all hero archetypes — and now he wants to inspire others.

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Reyes might make it look easy, but success didn’t fall in his lap. His advice for getting ahead:

Have a solid plan

“Develop secondary and tertiary plans — and make them coincide,” Reyes said. “But always build back to your mission statement/manifesto. It cannot be said enough that your manifesto must take time, energy, soul and sweat, so that it is strong enough to endure the many changes that will happen in your life, in your relationships and in your businesses. Integrity of your dreams is paramount to mission success.”

Present yourself professionally

“Always show up for yourself in the best possible way,” said Reyes. “You never know when something will turn into an opportunity, so you need to be ready for it.”

Inspiration can come from anywhere

Reyes draws on friends, family and most everyone he meets for inspiration. “It’s all in my heart, and it’s all around me,” he said. “I’m continually searching in my hero’s journey. And actually, by being of service to others is how I find my greatest strength. It’s a two-way street. And it keeps you from getting a big head.”