Jeff Burns is the owner of On Rope 1, LLC, where they are more than just a provider of specialized gear—they are a passionate team dedicated to supporting those who push boundaries, take risks, and tackle challenges head-on. Based in Alabama, the company was founded with a commitment to delivering top-quality equipment for caving, rescue, fire, climbing, arborist, and rigging activities. Built on integrity and expertise, On Rope 1 is a trusted supplier of specialized gear for demanding environments.
Jeff brings more than 35 years of fire and rescue experience, including service as a Cave Rescue Instructor for the National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC) and as a retired U.S. Army Department of Defense Fire Captain. The company offers exclusive climbing harnesses, rope-walker systems, and is the only U.S. supplier of Howitzer knee pads. On Rope 1 is committed to providing the equipment, expertise, and confidence customers need to perform safely and effectively.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- That leadership is forged when business, finances, health, and relationships all collapse simultaneously.
- How faith, commitment, and resilience help overcome seemingly impossible personal and professional challenges.
- Why solving the next problem instead of quitting creates long-term success and growth.
- How to lead confidently in an industry despite having no prior business ownership experience.
- That adversity often reveals strengths and capabilities that remain hidden during comfortable seasons.
- How persistence and decisive action can rebuild a struggling company from the ground up.
- Why expertise, safety, and continuous learning build trust in high-risk, life-safety industries.
- How adapting quickly during crises can protect revenue and create new opportunities for expansion.
- That strong leadership requires making difficult decisions while remaining calm under relentless pressure.
- Why experience, service, and a commitment to helping others create lasting impact and credibility.
about the show
Next Level CEO is a high-impact business educational series hosted by Daymond John, designed to spotlight the world’s most elite and insightful entrepreneurs.
In each episode, Daymond’s handpicked expert CEOs, founders, and industry leaders who’ve built powerful brands, scaled successfully, and led with vision, share their story and expertise. From disruptive startups to billion-dollar empires, Next Level CEO gives viewers a front-row seat to the real strategies, mindset shifts, and leadership moves behind business excellence.
This is what works.
It’s a rare look inside the minds of those who’ve actually built something that lasts.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to grow, a business owner ready to level up, or a leader who’s hungry to learn from the best, Next Level CEO delivers the playbook from those who’ve already won.
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