The Gladiator Story

With a speech impediment and undiagnosed dyslexia, Jay was told he would never keep up with the “smart” kids. Numbers reversed, words blurred—but grit grew. He became the first in his family to graduate college, paying his own way by juggling multiple jobs including working graveyard shift at factory while taking college classes.

When he set his sights on pharmacy school, a dean said he would “never get in.” Jay showed up at 3 a.m. in the freezing cold as an alternate for the required entrance exam—and earned admission to the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy, one of the nation’s top programs.

His leadership trajectory took off: National President of Academy of Students of Pharmacy, the youngest voting trustee of American Pharmacists Association, and learning from national leaders including the U.S. Surgeon General.

After graduation, he launched Phipps Pharmacy and grew it from a single store into a thriving, multi-location business.

His greatest test came in 2014, when a spinal condition stole control of his body. Four surgeries later, with a fused neck, a collapsing personal life, sleeping on a friends couch for months, he faced a choice: give up—or remain relentless. He chose the fight.

The challenges proved to move Dr. Jay closer to his destiny as he had massive expansion in his regional pharmacy chain, managing multiple startups and exponentially growing leadership within his team.

From the arenas of his Freedom from Fear Tour to the front lines of leadership, Dr. Jay doesn’t just talk resilience—he lives it. His mission is clear: help people flip the fear narrative, face challenges with courage, and claim their destiny. His goal is SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR!