In this episode of The FORM Method Podcast, Austen sits down with David Theodore, founder of Shock & Paws, to talk about purpose-driven entrepreneurship and inclusive hiring.

After a 30+ year career in high-tech leadership, David made a bold pivot inspired by his son Mark, who has Mosaic Down syndrome. Watching Mark thrive in high school led David to ask one powerful question:

“What happens next?”

That question turned into a mission — and eventually into Shock & Paws, a business built around the motto:

“Cleaning Yards and Empowering People.”

David shares how inclusive hiring creates dignity, how routine can be a superpower, and why building a legacy sometimes starts with simply showing up for your family.

This conversation covers leadership, faith, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and what it looks like to create opportunity where none exists.

• The origin story of Shock & Paws
• Why inclusive hiring isn’t “a big lift”
• The statistic that 80% of young adults with intellectual disabilities are unemployed or underemployed
• Building a business model that creates dignity through work
• Lessons from 30 years in tech leadership
• Mentorship, pattern recognition, and quiet confidence
• Faith, family, and resilience
• What success looks like 10–15 years from now

“They just want to be seen. They want to be part of the community.”

🌐 Website: https://shockandpaws.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shock.and.paws

💼 LinkedIn (David Theodore): https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-theodore-7a6b932/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581470494282

📍 Currently serving Lakeway, Bee Cave, and West Travis County (78734 / 78738)

If you or someone you love is 55+ and exploring ways to use home equity strategically in retirement, Austen specializes in Reverse Mortgages — modern tools designed to create financial flexibility, not fear.

📘 Grab a copy of “The Reverse Mortgage Playbook – Smart Strategies for Financial Freedom in Retirement.”

🔗 Connect with Austen here:

https://linktr.ee/austensmith

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And remember —

Two ears, one mouth. Listen more, talk less, and have impactful conversations.

The conversation covers Dawn's family and childhood, early life and upbringing, family traditions, life lessons, transition to real estate, advocacy for veterans, career challenges, finding peace and healing, surviving domestic abuse, support and healing, writing a book for healing, hobbies and relaxation, disconnecting and finding peace, setting boundaries and priorities, future goals and aspirations, legacy and memories, and the influence of her husband and photographer. Key takeaways include resilience and family legacy.

Takeaways

• Resilience
• Family Legacy

In this episode of The FORM Method Podcast, Austen sits down with David Schneider for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about the moments, choices, and relationships that shape a life.

Rather than focusing on titles or resumes, this episode explores the personal side of David’s journey—his upbringing, the lessons he learned from family, and how those experiences shaped the way he shows up for others today.

The conversation moves through commitment, creativity, and community, including David’s passion for music as a tool for connection and service, and a powerful discussion around mental health, advocacy, and legacy. This episode is a reminder that the most meaningful success is often measured by impact, not accolades.

If you value intentional relationships, thoughtful leadership, and conversations that go deeper than the surface, this one is worth your time.

• Growing up with two very different parental influences
• Lessons learned from family, marriage, and long-term commitment
• Why relationships—not titles—define real success
• Music as a creative outlet and a way to unite communities
• Using passion projects to support meaningful causes
• A candid discussion on teen mental health and advocacy
• What legacy really means and how it’s built over time
• The importance of listening, presence, and service

“The best possible use of a person’s life is to help others.”

Follow David and learn more about his work, projects, and causes:

🔗 https://linktr.ee/reveldave

Learn more about Meadowfest and the mission behind the music:

🎶 https://www.instagram.com/meadowfestatx

Explore more episodes, classes, and mortgage resources:

🔗 https://linktr.ee/austensmith