Check Out Rich LaMonica’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich LaMonica

Hi Rich, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up the youngest of four children in a railroad apartment in Jersey City, NJ. We were a lower middle class family but we had everything we needed. As I moved through elementary and high school I had a sole focus of joining the Army. I took all the easy courses, so I could just graduate and head to basic training. There was one problem, I needed my father to sign the papers for me since I was not 18 yet. He would not agree to it telling me that enough of us have served, I need to go to college. So instead of an easy senior year, I was taking all the college prep classes, studying for the SAT and applying to college. I started at Berkeley in New York City, then transferred to Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. I went for 3 semesters and played 2 years of college football before finally joining the Army Reserves and then Active Duty. I served for 22 years with leadership roles for 20 of them. In that time I went to combat four times. Upon retirement I took 365 days to reflect on life as transition from the military was looking like a failure. I landed a job that I was good at but was not happy.Two years of my life were spent there until I found a much more fulfilling career. I started and finished my Masters Degree through Georgetown University, graduating in 2020. Left with time on my hands, I wrote my first book, “13 Step Guide to Success” , started The MisFitNation Podcast and began the pursuit of a Doctorate.. I have since finished a second book, “Out of the Darkness” and made the podcast into a business. With all this going on, I am still moving towards the completion of my PhD.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In service, my biggest hurdle was physicaly healing from being wounded. Once I Retired from the Army, the hurdle was huge trying to find my purpose. I was knocked down many times, but kept pushing forward and gaining grit and resilience. Through that pivotal 365 days trying to find work, I found myself reading a lot of books to help me grow as a person. One was “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek, another was “Mindset: The Psychology of Success” by Jack Summer. I was filled with doubt, my confidence was crushed. Those books along with others helped be to learn and grow into a much better person.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a dedicated employee, I thrive in my role as a trainer—equipping clients with the tools, mindset, and resilience needed to overcome any obstacle they may encounter. Professionally, I lead The MisFitNation, a dynamic platform that produces three live shows weekly and is powered by a full-time team of three. Together, we deliver impactful speaking engagements that inspire and motivate individuals to unlock their full potential and become the best versions of themselves every single day.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is twofold: First and foremost, my family—ensuring their well-being and prioritizing their needs above all else. Equally important is my unwavering commitment to advocating for Veterans, passionately championing their rights, resources, and overall quality of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themisfitnation.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/The_MisFitNation
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/rich-lamonica
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richlamonica
• Twitter: https://X.com/richlamonica
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@The_MisFitNation
• Other: https://linktr.ee/themisfitnation