Episode Details
May 2, 2025
37 minutes
- What Drives You? – Doug and Jeremy open up about the forces that get them out of bed every day—from childhood dreams to present-day realities as fathers and business owners.
- Purpose vs. Passion – They explore the crucial difference between having a passion and living with purpose, and why understanding that distinction can unlock deeper fulfillment.
- Work Isn’t Everything – The hosts reflect on how careers are often mistaken for purpose, especially among men, and why true purpose is often found in relationships and impact.
- Fatherhood and Fulfillment – Doug shares how being a present and dependable father gives him long-term joy, even if it means sacrificing short-term passions.
- Redefining Success – Jeremy and Doug challenge the traditional idea of success by emphasizing emotional, relational, and personal growth—beyond financial achievements.
Featured Quotes
"You can be successful and still feel empty if your success doesn’t align with your purpose. That’s why redefining success is so important."
Jeremy Axel
"My purpose isn’t about me anymore—it’s about showing up for my kids, building a legacy, and being someone they can count on every day."
Doug Cox
Episode Transcript And Overview
In this episode of Never in Reverse, Jeremy and Doug dig into one of life’s biggest questions: what is your purpose? They reflect on how their childhood dreams shaped their early motivations and how those evolved into a deeper understanding of purpose as men, fathers, and leaders. They unpack the difference between purpose and passion, how careers can both help and hinder our sense of meaning, and why success has to be redefined to create a truly fulfilling life. This episode will challenge you to think beyond the surface and consider what really drives you—and what kind of legacy you want to leave.
Timeline Notes
Today’s episode is about finding your purpose. At a young age, Doug wanted to be in the army because his father was in the coastguard, and Jeremy wanted to be a sniper.
Men in particular tend to lead with their careers, which can make us feel that our careers are our purpose. However, this often isn’t the most fulfilling purpose for us.
Doug’s purpose is to be a provider and a father. While some of his personal fulfillments are sacrificed, he derives joy from raising his children.
hat is the difference between purpose and passion? Doug says that his purpose is like an engine to help him live, whereas his passions are the things he works for.
Jeremy and Doug are in an exciting place with their business, and sometimes have to sacrifice their personal lives to keep up. However, they always work to make time for their families because they want to leave their children with valuable memories.
One way to build a culture of purpose is to recognize the people around you for their achievements.
Jeremy wants to get his team into a spot where they are extremely efficient while giving his team time to take care of their families and friends.
Success is not just financial. If you only have financial success, you will be left feeling isolated
Notable Guests
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit
Founder | CEO
Adi Klevit is the Founder of Business Success Consulting Group and the host of the Systems Simplified podcast. With nearly three decades of experience as an industrial engineer and process consultant, she has helped hundreds of growth-focused companies systematize their operations to scale successfully.
Known as “The Process Guru,” Adi specializes in designing and implementing turnkey systems that reduce dependence on the owner, empower teams, and increase profitability. Her clients range from fast-growing trades businesses to multi-location professional service firms, and she is a trusted advisor to CEOs across the U.S.
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe Dillon
Divorce Mediator & Founder
Joe is a pioneer in divorce mediation who has been helping couples navigate the end of their marriages with dignity and financial wisdom for over 17 years. As co-founder of Equitable Mediation Services, Joe combines his MBA in Finance with specialized training from Harvard, MIT, and Northwestern University to guide couples toward agreements that protect both their emotional wellbeing and financial futures.
Joe pioneered virtual divorce mediation in 2011, nearly a decade before others adopted online practices during the pandemic. His results speak for themselves: Equitable Mediation Services maintains a 98% case resolution rate, significantly higher than the industry average of 70%.
Jeremy Axel
Host
Jeremy Axel
Host
Founder and sales manager of Fluent Conveyors, brings over 10 years of experience transforming the conveyor industry with innovative design, exceptional service, and strong dealer partnerships. Serving sectors like recycling, agriculture, and packaging, he delivers custom solutions that enhance efficiency and profitability. Known for his strategic relationship-building and customer-focused approach, Jeremy has earned top honors such as Sales Rep of the Year and President’s Club, reflecting his ongoing commitment to growth and industry leadership.
