Product developer and entrepreneur Joseph Tucker will be taking the TEDxLSU stage this March to talk about the 2016 theme, “Why?” A native of Lake Charles, Joseph was brought to Baton Rouge by a job promotion with a Fortune 500 company. Since then, he has started a company, Hydra-Guard, that sells his own invention: refillable hydrating mouth guards, as well as high-electrolyte all natural sports drinks. But life is not all business for Joseph; when away from work he can be found marathon training and improving his overall fitness.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Joseph and learn more about his work and personal life.
In addition to being the CEO of your company, you are also an athlete. What did you learn from sports that helps you in business?
In sports you learn to never give up, to get out of your own head and trust that you can reach that extra mile.
What’s your theme song?
Drift by Blackmill. It’s kind of like walking out for a baseball player; to me it’s my theme song because it gets me in the zone. If I’m going into a meeting, I guarantee you I’m listening to Drift to clear my thoughts and get me off edge.
What’s the biggest myth of running a marathon?
I’ve heard some people say that running a marathon is physical, but not everyone can do it. You’re running you against yourself, and it is so easy to quit. You have to have the right mindset or you’re not going to finish.
Your company uses the motto “Change the Game.” What other game changers inspire you, and how?
I like to see products that completely revolutionize the way people perceive existing products. Seeing innovation being pushed forward before my eyes is something that I really enjoy.
When you were 19, where were you and what were you doing?
At 19 I was a lost college student at McNeese State University, uncertain about my future and how it would unfold. Initially I thought I would knock out my credit hours and get a job on Wall Street after I graduate. I learned quickly life isn’t what you plan it to be. I was lucky enough to find out early in college my identity and what I wanted to spend my life doing.
Now that you’re a Baton Rouge resident what, in your opinion, is the best part of the city?
The LSU lakes are my favorite spot in Baton Rouge, I love being able to run near the water and possibly catch a beautiful sunset. Also, Baton Rouge has become a hub for startups and small businesses; it really builds the anticipation of what’s to come to this great city.
This year’s TEDxLSU theme is “Why?” What’s your biggest “why” question right now?
Why do we not achieve our goals and/or dreams due to the fear of failure?
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
As far as inspiration, it’s always been Steve Jobs for me. He’s absolutely phenomenal and I look up to him for his innovation, branding and his will to stop at nothing.
You’re clearly a highly motivated person who knows how to get things done. What’s your guilty pleasure when you’re off the clock?
My guilty pleasure is hot yoga at Yogalates ll South. I utilize this time to completely clear my mind for new thoughts and reset my process. Having a clear mind is the key for fresh ideas and great work.
If you could ask another TedxLSU speaker something, whom would you pick and what would you ask?
Patrick Fellows. Are you still shaving your toes? He seems like a cool guy; obviously he’s an athlete so there is some common ground between us. I read his blogs and watched his TEDxLSU talk and thought he had a lot of informative information, that when you look at it, really works.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is looking to start training for a marathon, what would it be?
If you want to know who you are, run a marathon. Running a marathon is grueling. It is a fight between you and yourself. You will go through so many ups and downs that you will be able to find out what you can do when you finish.
