From $1K to $2.2B: Gary Evans Reveals the Move That Changed Everything

The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

Gary Evans isn’t just another CEO. He’s a four-time public company leader, a Wall Street dealmaker who’s raised $7B in capital, and a man who once turned a $1,000 investment into a $2.2 billion sale. Today, he's back in the arena, this time leading U.S. Antimony Corporation, the only fully integrated Antimony supplier in the Western Hemisphere.

This conversation is a blueprint for building an unshakable business, especially when the odds are against you. From mining overlooked minerals in Alaska to going toe-to-toe with China in the critical minerals race, Gary shares battle-tested insights on grit, timing, leadership, and national impact.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or visionary looking to build something that matters, this episode will challenge your limits and refocus your mindset.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Antimony Advantage – Why this obscure semi-metal is now essential to national security, defense, tech, and energy, and how Gary’s company controls the only two smelters in the entire Western Hemisphere.

How to Compete with China (and Win) – Gary explains how he’s positioning a small U.S. firm against the biggest player in the world, and why the Department of Defense is taking notice.

A Billionaire’s Leadership Philosophy – The Super Bowl approach to building a winning company, including why Gary gives his team “enough rope to hang themselves” (and then pulls them back).

Tenacity Over Talent – The raw story of starting with nothing, barely making payroll, foreclosing on oil wells, and sticking with it long enough to catch the wave that built a multibillion-dollar empire.

Building Fast in a Slow World – How Gary is doing in one year what usually takes mining companies 25 years, using scrappy oil-and-gas instincts to shortcut the process and gain strategic control.

Why Retirement Isn’t the Goal – Hear why Gary, now 67, refuses to quit, what really drives him, and the priceless legacy of making 37 of his employees into millionaires.

Memorable Quotes

“If you're not in the game, the opportunity can’t find you.” – Gary Evans

“We’re picking up 100-year-old trash in Alaska that turns out to be gold... well, Antimony. Same thing.” – Gary Evans

“I started with $1,000 and made 37 people millionaires. That’s what I’m proud of.” – Gary Evans

“Most people quit right before the breakthrough. I didn’t. And that’s the only reason I made it.” – Gary Evans

“We’re not just building a company. We’re building resilience for America.” – Gary Evans