Rock Bottom Can be a Great Place to Build a Solid Foundation

ROCK BOTTOM CAN BE A GREAT FOUNDATION TO BUILD ON
By: Matt Cutrer
Posted: Tuesday, July 9, 2:25 PM
SAN ANGELO, TX - Reed McKean, a 35-year-old family man and business owner, found himself caught in a cycle of poor choices that plunged him into a life of crime, peril, and hopelessness, ultimately becoming the catalyst for a transformative journey.
It is often said that individuals must hit rock bottom before they are willing to make significant life changes. Indeed, many people remain unchanged throughout their lives, neither enhancing their character, altering their circumstances, nor transforming their lifestyles. As one wise person noted, there are four primary catalysts for true personal change:
When people are hurt enough or have experienced so much pain they're forced to.
When people witness enough that they are inspired to.
When people learn enough that they want to.
When people receive enough that they are able to.
For McKean, rock bottom presented an opportunity to rebuild from scratch. He attributed his decision to overhaul his life to one fundamental motivation: family. McKean declared that for him, it was an all-or-nothing proposition and that it required all four catalysts.
After years of illicit activities including drug trafficking on the streets of San Angelo, McKean drew the attention of law enforcement agencies, culminating in his arrest with a substantial quantity of cocaine. He faced a serious felony charge of manufacturing and delivering drugs, carrying a potential prison term of 5 to 99 years, or even life imprisonment.
Fortunately, with the aid of a prominent local criminal defense attorney, McKean navigated through two plea offers, initially including 20 years and later 10 years in prison. Ultimately, McKean accepted a plea deal of 10 years of probation, a resolution he accepted humbly.
With his future hanging in the balance and under the scrutiny of the state of Texas, McKean recognized the urgent need to legitimize his business pursuits for the sake of his family and his liberty. Turning to God, McKean dedicated himself to achieving financial stability, spending several years working in the West Texas oilfields to save money and improve his prospects.
His perseverance paid off when McKean was presented with an opportunity to assume ownership of Lifestyles of San Angelo. The previous owner, focused on other ventures, sought to pass on the operation to someone else, and McKean seized the chance. After negotiating terms, McKean officially took over and reopened Lifestyles of San Angelo for business on July 1, 2024.
Lifestyles of San Angelo is an eclectic array of furniture, collectibles, apparel and accessories, smoke and vape products, hats, motorcycle gear and accessories, and much more. McKean said, “My vision is to offer something for everyone. We buy and sell almost anything and we aim to provide a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that inspires customers to make themselves at home. Lifestyles of SA is a family.”
McKean's journey underscores the power of personal resolve and the potential for redemption, illustrating that even amid dire circumstances, transformative change is possible with determination, support, and unwavering faith in God.
Lifestyles of San Angelo is an extension of Reed McKean and his family and a testament to God. If you decide to visit and patronize Lifestyles, remember that you're not only supporting a locally owned, mom & pop shop but you are supporting a man's decision to trust God's will and plan for his life.