When most people think about building wealth, their minds go straight to money. But in this powerful episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, I sit down with former NFL lineman turned entrepreneur, Cory Proctor, to unpack a much deeper definition.
For Cory, true wealth isn’t just about assets or income—it’s about faith, family, and the future you’re building through intentional choices.
Redefining Wealth from the Inside Out
Cory opened the conversation celebrating his firm’s best Q1 ever, but what really lit him up was a simple morning moment at home. Worship music playing, his daughter singing, and a calm that changed the entire day’s atmosphere.
For Cory, these are the moments worth building for. “That’s the juice,” he said. Travel, business wins, accolades—those are great. But the real return on investment is time, presence, and peace with the people you love most.
That perspective didn’t come easily. Early in life, Cory watched his family lose everything after a car accident led to a lawsuit. That experience lit a fire in him to take control of his financial life—a journey that eventually led to Pro Capital, where he helps other entrepreneurs protect their wealth and legacy..
“If you don’t have something bigger than yourself, you’ll get crushed under the weight.”
The Power of Faith in the Entrepreneurial Fight
Faith plays a central role in Cory’s journey. He quoted Proverbs 3:5 as a turning point in his life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” That verse helped him realize he didn’t need to carry every burden alone.
He shared that some of the most successful entrepreneurs he knows have been through the darkest valleys. Those valleys teach you what you’re made of, but they also show you who’s really in control. “If you don’t have something bigger than yourself,” Cory said, “you’ll get crushed under the weight.”
Faith, for him, isn’t just a Sunday ritual—it’s a practical, daily resource. It gives him strength to push through hard seasons and helps him stay grounded when things are going well.
Building a Business to Serve Your Family
A major theme in the conversation was the risk of sacrificing family at the altar of business. Cory challenges entrepreneurs to ask themselves: Are you building your business for your family, or are you unintentionally building it at their expense?
His wealth planning philosophy is rooted in that question. It’s not just about growing assets—it’s about protecting them for future generations. From estate planning to asset protection, Cory helps entrepreneurs build structures that protect against lawsuits, bad marriages, and generational mismanagement.
He used his own daughter as an example. “If she marries a knucklehead,” he said with a laugh, “that guy isn’t walking away with half her inheritance.” Behind the humor is a serious truth: a plan beats hope every time.
“You can cause more damage by doing nothing than by doing the wrong thing."
Content, Courage, and Community
In the age of AI, Cory believes that your real edge is your authentic intelligence – the unique wisdom you’ve gained from lived, learned, and shared experiences. That’s why he’s invested time and energy into creating content on LinkedIn, launching a podcast, and using his platform to share real stories that resonate.
Was it easy at first? No.
Like many entrepreneurs, Cory wrestled with self-doubt and writer’s block. He questioned whether what he had to share was valuable. But then he started treating content like a public journal. Just show up. Tell the truth. Share what’s working, what’s not, and what’s meaningful. The response? New clients. New relationships. And a stronger brand built on trust.
Cory’s advice to entrepreneurs looking to level up? Get in the right room. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking, hold you accountable, and push you beyond your limits. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community.
Take Action: Transform Your Past Experiences Into IP
Set a timer for two minutes and think back on your entrepreneurial journey. What were you building for when you first got started? What are you building for now? How have your priorities shifted over the years? What has changed most? What has stayed the same? Are your goals and actions aligned with your future self?
Review your reflective writing. Identify 3 key lessons you see thinking through about the entrepreneurial foundation you are building on. Now write through why these lessons are important. How can these insights help one of your prospects?
Publish your 3 lessons through short video clips or LinkedIn posts that you then text or DM to help three prospects level up today.
Why this matters: Whether he’s talking about wealth, content, or personal growth, Cory’s message is consistent: Don’t wait. Prepare now. Lead with faith. Protect your family. And share your voice. Because at the end of the day, wealth isn’t just what you build—it’s what you protect. And legacy isn’t about what you leave behind—it’s about how you live today.
