The Edge Of Excellence Podcast (Matthew Stewart)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Edge Of Excellence Podcast
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| 24 May 2022 | 63: Sharran Srivatsaa | Achieve Success by Delivering 10% More than You Promised | 00:53:39 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Sharran Srivatsaa, CEO at Srilo Ventures, Host of Business School Podcast, and Creator of 5 am Club for Entrepreneurs. Sharran completed his master's at Vanderbilt University. Despite coming to America from India with only one year of education funded, he was incredibly innovative in college. This laid the foundation for him to become a successful serial entrepreneur. As he shares his story, Sharran will discuss his dyslexia, tone-deafness, and ADHD in high school and how he avoided being institutionalized by the educational system. He will also talk about a traumatic experience that he kept secret from his parents and how therapy helped him open up. You will discover what Sharran believes everyone should strive for and his three most important learnings. Sharran will reveal one of the most impactful sacrifices he's made in his life. Join Mat and Sharran as they dive into an inspiring conversation about success, retirement, and figuring out what you're excellent at. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Sharran Srivatsaa LinkedIn | Podcast Business School Podcast with Sharran Srivatsaa | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | 126: John Bruckner | Redefining Work-Life Integration | 00:47:01 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by John Bruckner, a consultant and advisor with a unique blend of legal and financial expertise. John shares his journey from being a finance major to becoming an influential figure in the legal consulting world, emphasizing the importance of being open to opportunities and seeking mentorship. He recounts his decision to pursue law school while working, which ultimately led him to meet Byron McFarland, who played a pivotal role as his mentor. John's story highlights the value of curiosity, perseverance, and the willingness to seek and listen to advice from those more experienced. Throughout the discussion, John stresses the critical skills needed for success in his field, including active listening, follow-through, expertise, and perseverance. He suggests that aspiring professionals should immerse themselves in learning opportunities and build relationships with mentors to navigate their careers effectively. John's approach to becoming a successful consultant involves a mix of continuous learning, understanding the importance of client relationships, and the ability to provide expert advice while admitting when further research is needed. His insights into building a career path that blends law and finance shed light on the non-linear nature of professional growth and the benefits of cross-disciplinary knowledge. The conversation also explores the concept of work-life integration, where John advocates for a mindset of always being "on" but in a way that allows for flexibility and geographical freedom. This approach, he argues, is made possible by a career that aligns closely with one's interests and unique abilities, thus blurring the lines between work and personal life. By accepting the opportunity costs associated with prioritizing work, John suggests that professionals can achieve a form of freedom that allows for significant personal and professional satisfaction. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the journey to finding one's niche in the professional world, emphasizing that success comes from aligning one's work with their passions and strengths, leading to a fulfilling career. Join Matt and John for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 20 Dec 2022 | 89: Pete Schnepp | Excellence Is The Journey, Not The Destination | 00:43:04 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Pete Schnepp, Owner of Envision Painting & Roof Coatings, Partner at Bug Science Pest & Termite and Partner at PRS Properties. Pete has always been on a quest for excellence. Raised by a single mom and growing up poor, greatly motivated him to make a better life for himself. He will talk about his path to excellence in high school, how his morals were instilled in him growing up, and the influence it still has today. He will also talk about how he wanted to be a professional baseball player and paying for his major in kinesiology himself. You will learn how College Works influenced his life and how he has managed to work during the day between classes and at night. He will talk about why kinesiology was not the right fit for him and how he got into the corporate world of homebuilding. He will share his experience working as a project manager at Toll Brothers during the 2008 recession. He will share his experince of been overworked and underpaid. Despite this, you will understand why he had to put his side business, Envision Painting, on hold while working at Toll Brothers. He will talk about leaving Toll Brothers and how he made it a win-win situation. You’ll also learn about his three failed businesses and how he got started in real estate. Pete will reveal how he gained all his knowledge of real estate. He will also talk about the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), how he found out about it, and all of the benefits he’s accrued from it. You’ll learn how to choose the right partners. Join Matt and Pete as they dive into a fascinating conversation about the path and timing of entrepreneurship, time management, and mentorship. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 14 Mar 2023 | 99: Lulu Lantzy | How to Build Grit in the Next Generation | 00:48:42 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Lulu Lantzy, Chief Activation Officer at Auraria Higher Education Center and board member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce Colorado Board of Directors. Lulu, named one of the 40 Under 40 by the Denver Business Journal and one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Business by the Women's Chamber, has dedicated her career to mentoring and supporting students. Immigrating to America at the age of nine sparked her interest in entrepreneurship. She will talk about how she turned her feelings of jealousy and bitterness when she had to work in high school into motivation. You'll learn about her college experience, why it sucked to have so much free time for the first time, and how working multiple jobs improved her academic performance. After working as executive vice president at College Works for several years, Lulu joined Emily Griffith Technical College as director of innovation and partnerships. She will talk about her true calling, what led her to Emily Griffith, and rural college recruitment versus high-ranking colleges. You will learn the difference between her current position and her previous position at Emily Griffith, as well as the impact she hopes to make at Auraria. You will also learn about the skills she learned at College Works that are essential in succeeding in corporate America. She will give young people one piece of advice that can completely change their lives. On a more personal level, she will talk about her solo travels as they share their fascinating experience of traveling to Saudi Arabia together. Join Matt and Lulu for a fascinating conversation about using past jealousy to drive achievement, being more productive and letting go of jealousy, and transitioning from entrepreneurship to corporate. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 02 Apr 2024 | 124: Gavin Lantzy | Beyond the Boardroom - Cultivating a Legacy in Entrepreneurship | 00:46:30 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by entrepreneur Gavin Lantzy, CEO of SaaviHome, a company specializing in home technology installation and now venturing into franchising. Gavin discusses the importance of accountability and discipline in achieving business goals, emphasizing a culture of determination where goals are pursued ‘hell or high water.’ He shares his journey from an executive in home entertainment to taking over the family business from his father, transforming it into a leader in its industry. This transformation was fueled by his belief in continuous improvement and his passion, not just for the business itself, but for the process of learning and growth. Gavin's story also explores personal challenges and pivotal moments, including a serious injury that shifted his path from aspiring professional skier to entrepreneur. This adversity led him to embrace new opportunities, including starting his own business through the entrepreneurial training program College Works Painting. He credits his early start and the mentors who guided him for his success, highlighting the sacrifice and time investment required to achieve long-term goals. Gavin's approach to balancing life and work emphasizes the necessity of occasional imbalance to ensure overall life balance and success. The conversation transitions into Gavin's current challenges and aspirations as he leads Savvy Homes into the franchising world. He discusses the need to develop new skill sets, such as strategic vision, execution framework, and financial management, crucial for navigating the complexities of a growing business. The loss of his father in a tragic accident emerges as a profound moment, inspiring Gavin to honor his father's legacy through his work. This personal loss transformed into a driving force for Gavin, underscoring the episode's theme of finding opportunity in adversity and the continuous journey towards excellence. Join Matt and Lisa for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 18 Oct 2022 | 81: Eryk Soltys | Having a Fascinating Career in Commercial Banking | 00:53:32 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Eryk Soltys, a Commercial Credit Analyst at Fifth Third Bank. Eryk graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in accounting. His professional experience in various industries is what drives his passion for building relationships. As he shares his life story, Eryk will discuss how his family dynamics have influenced his values, attitude, and work ethic. He will also talk about his work as a commercial credit analyst and how he helps businesses grow. You will learn how Eryk realized that commercial banking was the right fit for him. He will differentiate between commercial banking, corporate banking and wealth management. Eryk will reveal what he believes was the most important decision he's made in his life. Join Matt and Eryk for a fascinating conversation about commercial banking, Polish history, and commercial banking versus corporate banking. Enjoy. What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 11 Mar 2025 | 145: Eric Rose | Brave New Ventures: Habits That Redefine Your Journey | 00:48:15 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, guest host Sean Phelps is joined by Eric Rose, a former Procter & Gamble executive, now the founder and CEO of Sprints Running Apparel. During the conversation, Eric shares the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, balancing the demands of a high-profile corporate career with the drive to build a personal brand from the ground up. Navigating the challenges of scaling a business while managing the complexities of an established company, he reflects on pivotal moments that shaped their approach to business and leadership. You'll hear about the critical lessons learned early in Eric's career, highlighting the importance of sales, execution, and P&L management. Drawing from experiences that span both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, he shares how a mix of hard work and learning from failure can fuel success. From fitness routines to setting clear priorities, this episode reveals how Eric's day-to-day practices contribute to his ability to lead effectively and manage his growing brand. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 08 Nov 2022 | 84: Nevena Milosevic | Achieve Success by Building Your Professional Network | 00:51:07 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Nevena Milosevic, Program Manager at Care Continuity. Nevena started off her career out of college working as a healthcare consultant, focusing particularly on the member service experience and advocating on patients' behalf within the healthcare system. After working in a direct member services role, she wanted to shift gears and move in the direction healthcare was moving, working in the field of healthcare technology while still supporting patients and hospitals. Her current company works to bring technology and people together while supporting overwhelmed hospitals and physicians to keep patient care streamlined and satisfactory. Nevena will discuss her definition of excellence. You'll understand that once you realize your potential, you can achieve anything that you desire. She will talk about her healthcare consulting profession, including her first job working with Ernst & Young (EY) and Walgreens. You'll discover what it takes to be successful in healthcare consulting regardless of your degree. Most people believe that healthcare is solely clinical; however, in the United States, administration currently accounts for more than 40% of healthcare profit. She will talk about her ambitions to build a career, not a job, and finding her path throughout college. You'll discover where the majority of people gain their career exposure. She'll also discuss her College Works experience and the opportunities it provided as one of the year's district managers. You'll learn how College Works functions as a friend screening program. She will also highlight several entry-level consulting roles as well as her day-to-day operations in her management capacity. You'll understand why it's better to start working for a large firm after college rather than a start-up. She'll explain why she was drawn to Care Continuity. Join Matt and Nevena as they dive into a fascinating conversation about realizing your potential, building relationships in your career, and healthcare consulting. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 12 Mar 2024 | 120: Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund | Beyond The Bottom Line | 00:58:56 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Genevieve Elefante-Sigmund, president of Platinum Storage, as she shares her journey and insights into the real estate industry, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and resilience. Genevieve's philosophy revolves around the joy of the journey rather than the pursuit of material success. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming anxiety and self-doubt, and how these struggles led her to value self-improvement and perseverance above all. Her story is a testament to the belief that continuous effort and a positive mindset can lead to fulfilling achievements, both personally and professionally. Throughout the podcast, Genevieve provides an in-depth look into the self-storage sector, highlighting how she and her family navigated the complexities of the industry to build a successful business. From site selection to raising capital and dealing with competitive markets, she elucidates the strategic and operational challenges involved. Her role in transforming the family business into a significant player in the self-storage market illustrates her expertise and dedication to innovation. Genevieve's approach to business, focusing on smart growth and leveraging opportunities for value addition, serves as a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs seeking to carve out their niches in competitive landscapes. Moreover, Genevieve touches on the importance of diversity and inclusion within professional spaces, sharing her experiences as a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry. She discusses her efforts to promote gender equality and the positive impact of having diverse perspectives in business. Her leadership in fostering an inclusive environment, coupled with her advocacy for women's representation in the real estate sector, underscores the broader significance of her work beyond financial success. Genevieve's story is not just one of business acumen but also of breaking barriers and inspiring change, making her insights especially relevant for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs. Join Matt and Genevieve for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 26 Mar 2024 | 122: Lisa Merage | Leading with Purpose - Transforming Women's Sports and Business | 01:02:43 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is by Lisa Merage, the newly named Governor of Portland Thorns FC as she discusses her journey and the underlying beliefs that have guided her career path. She emphasizes the concept of stewardship rather than ownership, reflecting on how her past experiences in various fields have culminated in her current position, where she aims to make a significant impact on women in sports and business. Lisa's story underscores a life dedicated to finding purpose through giving back to society, leveraging her roles across different industries to foster positive change. Lisa's transition from the fashion industry to sports underscores a strategic shift towards areas with significant social impact. Her work in the family business and later in sports investment illustrates a keen sense of initiative and a drive to push boundaries, particularly in promoting women's sports. The development and planned improvements for the Portland Thorns, including a world-class practice facility, are a testament to her commitment to providing the best for female athletes. This endeavor is part of a broader strategy to elevate women's soccer on a global scale, highlighting the potential of the NWSL as the leading women's soccer league worldwide. The episode also explores Lisa's personal philosophy, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and the notion that everyone's purpose is to contribute positively to society. Her decision to work a full-time job during her senior year of college, sacrificing social engagements for career advancement, exemplifies the hard work and dedication that have characterized her professional journey. Lisa's story is a compelling narrative of resilience, strategic foresight, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a lasting impact on the world around her, particularly in the realm of women's sports and empowerment. Join Matt and Lisa for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 11 Feb 2025 | 141: Matt Hickman | Growth through Grit and Grind | 00:49:20 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Matt Hickman, a video content creator. You'll hear Matt's compelling journey of discovery, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Faced with a crossroads in life, he embraced a bold challenge — venturing into the unknown with nothing but raw determination and an eagerness to learn. His story unfolds through moments of uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt, yet it is precisely these obstacles that fuel their relentless pursuit of success. Gain insights into the mindset shifts and daily disciplines that separate dreamers from doers. Matt emphasizes the importance of taking action over endless preparation, learning by doing rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. He reveals how a simple yet strategic approach—leveraging persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to fail—opened doors they never imagined possible. With lessons that apply far beyond one's own field, this episode serves as a reminder that success often comes down to one key factor: the willingness to show up and put in the work, every single day. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 21 Feb 2023 | 96: Gabe Cooley | Optimism and Perseverance: Keys to Success | 00:43:09 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Gabe Cooley, President of Rayco Exteriors. Gabe has established multi-million dollar construction companies over the past 14 years and will continue to do so in the future. He is dedicated to changing the way consumers view the service industry by providing exceptional customer service, quality products and ingenuity. Gabe will kick off with his high school experience, including why switching schools was a defining moment for him. He will also talk about his experience at College Works, including breaking the record, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the lessons he learned that impacted his life and business. At College Works, he was able to build long-term friendships and will share how some evolved into a business partnership. You'll learn how he operates as an entrepreneur on a day-to-day basis and how that differs from when he started. He will talk about Rayco's founding, expansion, company culture and restructuring of the company into sole ownership. Gabe will also reveal what aspects of being CEO he enjoys the most. Hint: part of it is taking luxury vacations with his team. You'll learn about the challenges he's overcome in his company. On a more personal level, Gabe will talk about his love for fishing. Join Matt and Gabe for a fascinating conversation about the path of positivity, productivity and perseverance. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 14 Jun 2022 | 66: Nic Bair | For Success, Consider Who You Want to Be Like | 00:35:26 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Nic Bair, Director of the Wiltz Group. Nic always wanted to run his own business. He even changed his major every semester to study the different elements of business management. As he shares his story, Nic will talk about his experience at College Works as a freshman and the important lessons he learned. He will also talk about all of his business ventures in his youth and how they sparked his enthusiasm to start his own business. You'll learn how Nic got into the dog hospitality industry and his day-to-day operations as a director. You'll learn how Nic managed his time well during college-balancing between classes and College Works. Join Matt and Nic as they dive into a fascinating conversation about mentorship, recognizing what you want, and time management. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 16 Nov 2022 | 85: Jacob Abdulmasih | A Recipe for Success: Get Constructive Criticism | 00:48:03 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Jacob Abdulmasih, Senior Internet Consultant at iMatrix. Jacob is an executive with extensive experience in business management, sales, and customer service. He has mentored more than 30 executives on implementing growth and customer success strategies for their own organizations. He will talk about who he was before coming to College Works and why it has been a transformative experience for him. You'll also learn how his upbringing in an immigrant family prepared him for success. You'll talk about how kids today are under pressure to be as successful as their parents. You'll learn how he excelled in high school, such as taking AP courses that allowed him to earn an additional minor in information systems. You'll discover why Matt does not connect with College Works employees. Jacob will talk about the different experiences he gained when he was a district manager at 18 and a mentor at College Works at 19. You will learn what he struggled with most at College Works and how he applies it to his current job. He'll talk about buying and running his carwash business in college, as well as how he got his job at iMatrix, the leading provider of advanced websites and digital marketing solutions for small to mid-sized health and wellness practices. He shares how he found out he loved sales Join Matt and Jacob as they dive into a fascinating conversation about the path to a full-time sales job, unique skills, and the job search. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 04 Oct 2022 | 79: Chip McAslan | Achieve Success by Doing Simple Things Spectacularly | 00:52:33 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Chip McAslan, founder and CEO of Lavo Solutions and chairperson of Bay Cities Metal Products. He also served as the Director of Strategy at Fluid and Metering Technology (FMT). As he shares his story, Chip will discuss his leadership positions in various companies and how and why he started his own chemical metering company. He will also talk about his work as an auditor at KPMG and why he believes it is the best way to learn about business. You'll learn how Chip received five job offers before taking his first real course in accounting and auditing. He will explain why his old boss at KPMG recruited him for a new job at IDEX. Chip will reveal what he considers his greatest sacrifice. Matt will share why his company was fined $36,000 by the FAA. Join us as Matt and Chip have a fascinating conversation about accounting, building sincere relationships, and niche manufacturing. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 16 Jul 2024 | 140: Hirad Emadi | How Hard Work Generates Passion: A Unique Path To Success | 00:59:28 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Hirad Emadi, co-founder and President of Innovative Construction Solutions. During this engaging conversation, Matt explores the journey of a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a stable career to launching a thriving business. Hirad highlights the importance of identifying gaps in the market and consistently adding value, which can lead to repeat business and long-term success. You'll discover the dynamics of partnerships in business, as well as the benefits and potential pitfalls of working with partners. Gain insights on how compromise and shared values are crucial for a successful partnership, and how different approaches can lead to various outcomes. This episode provides a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons for anyone interested in the entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 20 Feb 2024 | 117: Jed Rothstein | Vision, Sacrifice, and Storytelling | 01:01:42 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Jed Rothstein, an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker renowned for his skill in transforming real-life stories into compelling narratives that captivate and enlighten audiences worldwide. From his earliest days, Jed's passion for storytelling through film was evident, drawing inspiration from global hotspots, innovative investigative journeys, and novel explorations of the documentary form. His work reflects a deep commitment to not just telling stories, but telling them in ways that resonate deeply with viewers, highlighting his belief in the power of cinema to foster understanding and empathy among people. Jed's conversation with Matt reveals the depth of his experience and his approach to filmmaking, which is rooted in a profound respect for the stories of individuals often overlooked by society. He shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of his career, including his journey from an anthropology student to a documentary filmmaker, his experiences filming in the midst of the Arab Spring, and the personal sacrifices he's made to tell stories that matter. Jed's definition of excellence — as doing everything to the best of one's ability and leaving no stone unturned — shines through as he discusses his projects, including his work with characters from diverse backgrounds and the impact these stories have had on his life and career. This episode is not just a look behind the scenes of Jed's distinguished career but also a masterclass in the art of documentary filmmaking. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to pursue a career in this challenging yet rewarding field, as well as the importance of persistence, vision, and, most importantly, a heart for storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a documentary enthusiast, or someone curious about the power of real-life narratives, Jed's story is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, well-crafted documentaries can have on our world. Join Matt and Jed for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 04 Jun 2024 | 134: Mason Lindsay | Pushing Limits to Unlock Massive Success | 00:51:31 | |
In this engaging episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Mason Lindsay, a promising young entrepreneur, exploring the journey of career discovery and personal growth. Mason reflects on the pressures and misconceptions surrounding the need to determine a lifelong career path early on, contrasting it with the more realistic approach of exploring various opportunities. You'll discover insights on how a mindset of appreciation and gratitude can open doors and create opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Mason also offers insights on the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring and supportive individuals. Throughout this insightful conversation, you'll learn to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and to recognize the potential that lies in gratitude, sacrifice, and supportive relationships. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 19 Mar 2024 | 121: Andrew Dickinson | Living by Your Own Standards | 00:57:40 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Andrew Dickinson, as he shares the captivating journey of his life, marked by a blend of failures and triumphs that have shaped his unique perspective on success and personal growth. Emphasizing the importance of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, Andrew recounts his experiences of financial ups and downs, underscoring that each setback brought him closer to his goals. His story unfolds from early ambitions of being the first man on Mars to becoming a millionaire by his late 20s, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of designing a life governed by his own standards of excellence. Andrew's professional path is characterized by bold transitions, including his departure from a promising career as a General Manager of a multimillion-dollar car dealership to embark on various entrepreneurial ventures. This leap of faith into the uncertain world of startups and consulting, along with his decision to prioritize travel and life experiences over a traditional career trajectory, illustrates his commitment to living a life defined by passion and purpose. His journey is a testament to the power of saying "yes" to opportunities, learning from every experience, and the importance of goal setting in achieving personal and professional fulfillment. The podcast also delves into Andrew's extraordinary year-long travel adventure, covering over 80 countries, which he embarked on with his wife, Samantha. This adventure was not just about escaping the routine but an intentional choice to explore the world and immerse themselves in diverse cultures, further enriching their lives. Through this experience, Andrew highlights the significance of balance, the value of experiences over material possessions, and the profound impact of intentional living. His story is a compelling reminder that success is not just measured by financial achievements, but by the richness of one's experiences and the courage to live life on one's own terms. Join Matt and Andrew for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 17 May 2022 | 62: Lucas Tanner | Happiness As A Path To Achieving Success | 00:49:58 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Lucas Tanner, a sales specialist at Utility Trailer Sales Company of Arizona. Lucas has always enjoyed being around happy and motivated people. This became the foundation of his definition of excellence: being happy and loving what you do every day while still making an impact. You'll learn about Lucas' biggest challenge and most difficult moment during his internship at CollegeWorks. You'll discover Lucas's preferred approach for dealing with an issue to ensure a better result. You'll learn how Lucas takes a ‘100% relationship-based’ approach to business and sales. Join Matt and Lucas for this illuminating discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
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| 11 Jun 2024 | 135: David Renberg | The Massive Value of Making Meaningful Connections with People | 00:49:11 | |
In this engaging episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by David Renberg, a successful entrepreneur who started his own real estate brokerage at a remarkably young age. Throughout the conversation, David reflects on his journey, offering insights and advice based on his experiences. He shares key moments of growth and realization, touching on topics like work-life balance, team building, and the importance of perspective in handling challenges. You'll take a journey through David's career, from the early days of starting his brokerage to his present-day successes. The discussion also dives into the mindset required to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of staying grounded and focused on long-term goals. David's story will resonate with anyone seeking to make a positive impact, showcasing the power of perseverance and the value of building meaningful connections in both business and life. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 31 Jan 2023 | 93: Andrew Reid | Navigating the Tech World | 00:43:00 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Andrew Reid, Global Head of Partnership Products at Vonage. Andrew is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from UC Santa Barbara. Andrew has spent more than 20 years in the tech industry working for several startups, including Google, AOL, Symantec, and AVG Technologies. He will talk about who he was before joining College Works, as well as his experiences there and the lifelong relationships he built. He will explain why and how he transitioned from commercial real estate to dot-com startups. You'll learn about the history of the dot-com crash. He will talk about his work at Google as its 350th employee, the skills he needed to succeed at the foundation of Google, and the various companies he worked for after that, including AOL, Symantec, and AVG Technologies. You will learn what it takes to become a global head of partner products. He will discuss Google's interviewing and hiring techniques. He will explain why he left Google for AOL and why AOL is considered the worst acquisition ever. You will learn more about his work at AVG Technologies, which at the time was the largest consumer security product outside of China. He will talk about his annual ski trip and why it is so therapeutic. He will give advice to people who want to get into the technology industry. You will learn how to use a venture capitalist as a proxy to find the right company for you. He will reveal what he believes are some of the most impactful decisions he's made in his life. Join Matt and Andrew for a fascinating conversation about how to navigate the tech world.
Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 18 Apr 2023 | 104: Phong Vo | Finding Your Tribe | 00:46:24 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks to Phong Vo, CEO of Phong Vo Media and host of The Phong Vo Show podcast. During the episode, Phong reveals how he transitioned from his job to a full-time entrepreneur. You'll learn why you should look for internships. He'll talk about finding his personal tribe through College Works and highlight the benefits that came with that. After graduating, Phong had to make a difficult decision between a six-figure corporate job and working at a startup accelerator. You'll learn why he chose the startup route and the success he had with it. After being inspired by Edwin Edebiri's story, Phong decided to join the Happy Neighborhood Project. Edwin is the Chief Happiness Officer and a TEDx speaker. At the time of recording, Phong had been working on Phong Vo Media on the side for a year, but he has not yet decided to focus on it full-time. He talks about Phong Vo Media and his day-to-day business as CEO. You’ll learn more about Phong Vo Media's services. He'll also talk about his next business ventures and how valuable reading The ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ was for him. Join Matt and Phong for a fascinating conversation about transitioning from a normal life to a life of prosperity and purpose, how to find your tribe, and how to build a business that will last forever. Enjoy! What You'll Learn in This Show:
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| 28 Feb 2023 | 97: Spencer Pepe | Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Avoid Personal Debt | 00:39:21 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks to Spencer Pepe, co-CEO at College Works Painting. Spencer graduated with a business degree from the University of California. With more than 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, Spencer talks about his career path, specifically his college experience and why he focused more on friendships and networking. His father's bankruptcy was a defining moment in his life. You'll learn how he refocused his life and how College Works proved to be a great opportunity for him. He'll discuss going out of business and the valuable lessons he learned. After being in the mortgage banking business for 10 years, Spencer has developed a special interest in marketing. He'll explain to you why he chose this niche and why it's the most important role as he talks about his marketing-driven model. You'll also understand why every entrepreneur needs to be an intrapreneur. As you probably know, it's important to live within your means. Spencer will share why he advises entrepreneurs not to take on debt. Listen as he recommends financial literacy books that address these topics. Matt and Spencer will talk about their 30-year partnership that began with College Works and the various businesses they have started since. Join Matt and Spencer for an exciting conversation about leveraging the lessons and struggles of his past, the evolution of his entrepreneurship, and the power of marketing. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 01 Nov 2022 | 83: Sage Knauft | Navigating Law Career Choices | 00:43:53 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Sage Knauft, Partner at Walsworth. Sage Knauft practices in a variety of fields, including business litigation, employment law, environmental law, construction law, general liability, product liability, premises liability, and public entity litigation. Sage will discuss his three concepts of professional excellence: Preparation, Effort, and Reliability. If you adhere to these three principles regardless of your profession, your success will be guaranteed, Sage says. He will also talk about what it means to be successful, such as having a good life-work balance and giving back to the community. He will share his path to becoming a lawyer while delving into the various types of law. You will learn about the types of cases he deals with on a daily basis. He will disclose the percentage of the cases that are resolved before they go to trial. He will explain why avoiding litigation is his first conversation with every client. You will discover how long it took him to become a partner. He will explain how he started as a profit-sharing partner before becoming a full-equity partner. You will also learn how to develop a specialty. Sage will also go into his decision to join the Orange County Bar Association's Employment Law Section and his efforts to mentor young attorneys. Join Matt and Sage as they dive into a fascinating conversation about law and the legal profession. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Sage R. Knauft | Walsworth - WFBM, LLP: https://www.wfbm.com/meet-our-team/sage-r-knauft/ | |||
| 23 May 2023 | 109: David Boyd | How to Achieve Success in Construction and Leadership | 00:42:39 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Sean talks with David Boyd, President of QuesTec Mechanical. David was selected for Como Business Times’ issue 20 Under 40 Class of 2023. David reflects on his early days and how he got to where he is today. He originally wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and become an engineer, but realized that was not his passion. It was only during his studies that his passion for leadership took shape. He will talk about how he was inspired by books that explored his potential and the power to influence others. This discovery caused him to question his choice of major, which led him to switch from engineering to Spanish and finally to business. David emphasizes the value of College Works and the skills he learned that have had a lasting impact on his career. You will understand why College Works was central to his current company, QuesTec. Additionally. David explains how he got into the construction industry. Although initially unsure and patting himself on the back for being the boss's son, he focused on becoming an outstanding project manager at QuesTec, always striving to do more and make a remarkable impact. He recalls his first challenging experience on a painting job at College Works. He tells how the direct and transparent approach he took then to find a solution has stayed with him throughout his career and also contributed to QuesTec's success. You will learn what he likes best about his role as president and what is less glamorous but still requires a lot of attention to detail and problem solving. David offers some advice for young people in their 20s, especially those who are unsure about their career path. These principles will help you build a solid foundation for success and personal growth, regardless of your chosen career path. Join Sean and David for an insightful conversation on being competitive and being the best, the company president's role, and principles that will help you succeed and grow personally and professionally. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 21 Jun 2022 | 67: Conrad Kaminsky | Extreme Ownership for Success | 00:52:27 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Conrad Kaminsky, one of the "District Managers of the Year" at College Works Painting. Despite his immense success at College Works, Conrad decided to take an unconventional career path. He started as a framer and now, at 23, is general manager of Saalfeld Construction Roofing. As he shares his story, Conrad will talk about his incredible achievement at College Works as the department's record holder and the important lessons he learned. He will also talk about his journey as CEO and how the skills he gained at College Works have benefited his career. You'll learn why Conrad gave up soccer and switched colleges. Conrad will talk about his day-to-day work as CEO and new projects for Saalfeld. Join Matt and Conrad as they dive into a fascinating conversation about continuous improvement, self-appreciation, and value creation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
esources: The Edge Of Excellence Podcast Episode 5: Time Management Secrets College Works Painting Youtube Time Management | |||
| 09 May 2023 | 107: Doug Diakite | The Power of Grit and Entrepreneurship | 01:00:17 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks to Doug Diakite, a real estate investor and managing member at Nationwide Community Revitalization, about providing an affordable path to homeownership. Doug will talk about his career path, from working in sheet metal contracting to becoming a successful real estate investor. He will also delve into his college life experience at UC Santa Barbara, where he came across College Works during his junior year. Doug admits he felt unprepared and shell-shocked when he started at College Works, but he shares how those experiences prepared him well for future challenges. You'll learn how he struggled to hire reliable and good painters and how he encountered many crew issues. Doug also offers new entrepreneurs advice on interviewing and hiring. Working in his father's sheet metal company proved beneficial, and you’ll discover the lessons Doug learned. The experience also gave him time to reflect on his next move, which led him to real estate in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis. He initially considered becoming a real estate agent or loan officer but instead took a job with a start-up asset management company. He will discuss the company's rapid expansion as well as his own professional advancement. The desire to become an entrepreneur was sparked by his work at College Works. After years of learning and earning, Doug teamed up with a partner to start his own business. He walks through his decision to give up a six-figure income and stability for uncertainty. Fortunately, the partnership proved successful after they overcame the initial hurdles. He will talk about the obstacles they faced and the lessons they learned. Today, rent-to-own agreements might be stigmatized; however, Doug's company offers a different model. He'll go into details about it and share how it allows renters to improve their credit scores and qualify for a better interest rate. Join Matt and Doug for a fascinating discussion about the power of grit, fulfilling and expanding your potential, and their rent-to-own model. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 04 Apr 2023 | 102: Jason Bay | Don’t Follow Your Passion, Follow Your Effort | 00:52:11 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks to Jason Bay, founder and CEO of Outbound Squad, a sales coach and trainer for B2B reps and sales teams. Jason had an extremely structured childhood, thanks to his father being a former Marine and his mother, an immigrant from Hong Kong. This contributed to his early success as valedictorian at his high school, as well as his later work with world-class sales teams at companies like Gong, Medallia, Zoom, CBRE, Monday.com, GoGuardian, and many others. He'll explain why starting his own company was like a form of rebellion against his parents. He'll also discuss his definition of excellence, referencing the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. As a student in college, he went through an identity crisis, but College Works came to the rescue. You'll discover how and why he joined College Works, as well as how he quickly mastered the intricacies of running a painting business. After that, the sales experience became an obsession for him. He'll talk about how he honed his sales skills and progressed in his sales profession. After working as a corporate marketing director and sales trainer at College Works, Jason decided to start his own painting business. While he shares great advice on starting a successful business, he also delves into the lessons he learned from his initial mistakes. He'll transition into how he started a consulting firm and how it evolved into sales training, first for small businesses and eventually for Fortune 500 companies. Join Matt and Jason for a fascinating discussion about honing your sales skills, the process of starting a business, taking risks, and being extremely resourceful in your twenties. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 31 May 2022 | 64: Ashton Avery | To Become the Best, Surround Yourself With the Best | 00:47:07 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Ashton Avery, Senior District Manager at College Works Painting. As far back as his high school days, Ashton has enjoyed activities that offered him fulfillment. Today, he defines excellence as surpassing what he considers ordinary standards, where outstanding is the new normal. It's something you are rather than something you achieve. You'll learn how to deal with adversity in your personal or professional life. You'll discover Ashton's biggest struggle during college and how he dealt with it. You'll discover Ashton's process of controlling your mindset. Join Matt and Ashton for this value-packed inspiring discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources: Ashton Avery LinkedIn | |||
| 19 Apr 2022 | 58: Jack Schwabeland | How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable | 00:56:00 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Jack Schwabeland, Program Manager for Sales Enablement at Flyhomes. Jack believes excellence necessitates having a strong moral character as well as superior skills. You'll discover how Jack made money from video games in high school. You'll discover why Jack's decision to join CollegeWorks saved his career and the most impactful takeaways from the internship. You'll learn how to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. You'll learn about the vertically integrated real estate business Jack works for. Join Matt and Jack for this inspiring discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
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| 29 Mar 2022 | 55: Don Seawall | Setting Meaningful Goals to Achieve Success | 00:52:59 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Don Seawall, a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Michael Page. Don got his first job when he was 12 years old. However, he did not see the fruits of his labor because they were going to the business owner. As a result, he became interested in business because he realized that the more you put into it, the more you got out of it. You'll discover the unique culture at Michael Page. You'll learn about the five factors that College Works considers when determining what it takes to succeed in college and immediately post-graduation. You'll discover which attributes were highly essential to Don's success. You'll learn about the various jobs Don had and the various goals he set for each of them. Join Matt and Don for this inspiring discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources: Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship. College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Learn more at College Works | |||
| 28 Mar 2024 | 123: The College Job Search, and How to Crush the Process | 00:28:37 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt shares insightful strategies for navigating the college job search, emphasizing the importance of preparation and strategic application. He begins by advising against starting with the most anticipated interviews, suggesting instead to conduct several "burner interviews" for practice. He underscores the hard work required in job hunting, highlighting the culmination of 18 years of education and the need to put in additional effort to stand out. Matt then introduces his "hack" for the job search process, which includes "wormholing" through the internet to explore industries, companies, and career paths. He stresses the significance of bundling applications to ensure that interviews, offers, and decisions coincide, making the process more manageable. Matt encourages listeners to exploit every resource available, from career centers and job fairs to alumni networks and personal connections, to secure interviews and gather information. The episode concludes with Matt offering practical tips for preparing for interviews, including practicing answering common questions and researching companies thoroughly. He emphasizes the final push in the job search journey, where the last 10% of effort differentiates the exceptional from the average. Matt's message is clear: with diligent preparation, strategic application, and a bit of hard work, finding a fulfilling career is within reach. Join Matt for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 02 May 2023 | 106: Orlando Ordonez | Finding Passion and Purpose in Construction | 00:39:46 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Sean talks with Orlando Ordonez, a project engineer at Sundt Construction. Orlando grew up in Honduras, where soccer was a big part of his life. His love for soccer opened many doors for him, including scholarships to college. Despite having to work to support his family from the tender age of 12, Orlando persevered and eventually earned a degree in engineering. He shares his experiences immigrating to the U.S. and taking odd jobs, emphasizing the importance of being positive about all opportunities and believing there is always something to gain and learn. You will learn how he got into the construction industry and discovered his passion for it. He is now a project engineer for a major construction company and recently worked on a billion dollar project. You'll also learn how working in construction as a field engineer is different from what they learned in college, and how secure construction jobs and opportunities are despite the recession. Orlando, an engineer at heart, tells why he left his position at Amazon as the area manager. He also shares how he returned to the construction company where he started and how he felt like he was back on the edge of excellence. You'll learn more about his successful business back in Honduras, which he has operated for nine years. He shares his experience working multiple jobs while in college, including College Works. Join Sean and Orlando for a fascinating discussion about the power of resilience and a positive mindset. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 13 Feb 2024 | 116: Lydia Hodgson | Empowerment Through Vulnerability | 00:53:20 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Lydia Hodgson, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota, as she shares her powerful story and insights on mental health, excellence, and personal growth. Opening up about her own struggles with eating disorders and mental health in high school, Lydia emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health openly. Her bravery and openness have empowered many, especially young girls who resonated with her experience. Matt explores Lydia's journey from a small town to achieving extraordinary success in college. Lydia, who broke records as a freshman by generating substantial revenue in a competitive internship, discusses her work ethic and the influence of her family. She attributes her success to lessons learned from her father's hard work and her brother's autism, which taught her the importance of organization and resilience. The episode explores Lydia's philosophy of life, where she defines excellence as consistently bringing value and positivity through one's passion. She discusses the concept of "active waiting" – the idea of being proactive and open to growth while pursuing one's goals. Lydia's ambition in the fashion and marketing industry is driven by her desire to make a positive impact. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal excellence. Join Matt and Lydia for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 16 Apr 2024 | 127: Brett Apel | Choosing Your Own Destiny | 00:49:19 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brett Apel as he shares his journey from a college student to becoming an entrepreneur and business executive. Bret emphasizes the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and pushing boundaries to achieve success. He discusses his initial uncertainty about his career path and how his experience with College Works Painting opened the door to entrepreneurship, teaching him valuable business and life skills. Bret's story is a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and work ethic, one can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve remarkable success at a young age. The conversation explores the concept of excellence, exploring how Bret's definition of excellence as a constant pursuit of self-improvement and challenging oneself has propelled him forward. They highlight the importance of resilience, open-mindedness, and taking ownership of one's actions to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. Bret stresses the significance of not resting on past laurels but instead, using previous successes as a foundation for future achievements. The episode touches on the sacrifices required for success, with Bret recounting the social pressures and the need for balance between work, personal growth, and social life he faced during college. He emphasizes the value of making tough choices early in life to set oneself up for long-term success, framing his sacrifices as a means to gain a head start in life. Bret's journey underscores the message that embracing challenges, maintaining a positive and resilient attitude, and continuously striving for excellence can lead to fulfilling and successful outcomes. Join Matt and Brett for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 12 Apr 2022 | 57: Cody Voelker | Finding Success in Real Estate Investing | 00:50:09 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Cody Voelker, a real estate entrepreneur. Cody's long-term mindset has allowed him to make worthwhile sacrifices in his real estate career. His definition of excellence is striving to be the best person you can be in all aspects of your life on a daily basis. You'll learn how Cody went from growing up in a small farm town to receiving a full academic scholarship to study Applied Engineering at Michigan State. You'll discover why Cody declined a six-figure job offer in tech sales to work as an unpaid intern for a real estate investor. You'll discover how real estate wholesaling allows you to enter the real estate market even if you don't have a lot of money. You'll learn why Cody's biggest sacrifice was the one that pushed him to start his own business. You'll discover which books Cody reads to improve his mental energy, relationships, and business. Join Matt and Cody for this insightful and inspiring conversation. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
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| 02 Jul 2024 | 138: Darton Case | Journey from Startup to Nationwide Powerhouse | 01:09:05 | |
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Darton Case, owner and CEO of Dart Appraisal Services. They discuss the challenges and triumphs faced in building a lasting business. Darton offers insights on having a long-term vision, emphasizing how critical it is for entrepreneurs to diversify and not rely too heavily on a single client or market. You'll discover the evolution of Darton's role from a hands-on entrepreneur to a CEO who empowers his team to take the reins. The conversation explores the importance of continuous learning and the value of being part of a supportive peer group. Darton also touches on the sacrifices and decisions that shaped his path, particularly the intense focus and work ethic required in his 20s, as well as the significance of finding a career that aligns with one's passions and strengths. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 26 Apr 2022 | 59: John Moran | How Honoring Your Values Will Keep You Grounded | 00:51:55 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with John Moran, Founder and CEO of Epic Freight Solutions. John was dreadful when he initially started playing volleyball. However, after working exceptionally hard every day to improve, he was able to play AVP Beach Volleyball. This led to his concept of excellence as a mindset for everyday routines, maintaining focus in the right place, and continuously improving. You'll learn about the five-by-five rule and how it can help you focus on internal influence. You'll discover why John got into logistics and what Epic Freight Solutions offers its clients. You'll discover why John's five-by-five model keeps him grounded and patient. You'll learn about John's huge sacrifice and the lessons he gained as a result. Join Matt and John for this value-packed and awe-inspiring discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
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| 20 Jun 2023 | 113: Robert Halvorsen I Passion, Partnership, and Fostering Creativity and Innovation | 00:52:55 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Robert Halvorsen, co-founder and CTO of Pacto Medical, a medical device company specializing in pre-filled syringes. Robert shares his journey of pursuing excellence, how he gave up a great job to become an entrepreneur, and offers insights and hacks on how to make it work. He reveals the challenges he faced in middle school, including ADHD, and how he recovered from it. He reflects on his childhood interests and his inclination toward engineering and biology. You will hear about his experience studying biology in Costa Rica as part of a study abroad program. Robert is passionate about education and shares his involvement in the Young African Leadership Initiative. This initiative led to him teaching design thinking in Nigeria and playing a critical role in the creation of an innovation clinic. Together with his co-founders Ryan and Ian, Robert embarked on an entrepreneurial journey driven by their shared passion for innovation. You’ll learn more about their latest entrepreneurial venture, developing pre-filled syringes for medical applications, and how well they complement each other as a team. He explains the benefits of prefilled syringes and the projected growth of this market. You’ll discover the progress they have made in the six months since they started and the next steps they'll take on their entrepreneurial journey. He also discusses their dream of making their technology accessible worldwide, as well as networking and proactive communication to secure opportunities. He concludes by explaining why the fear of missing out becomes less when you are passionate about what you do, and recommends "Designing Your Life" to foster creativity and innovation. Matt announces that this is the last episode of the current season and mentions that they will be taking a break until January. Join Matt and Robert for an insightful conversation on the journey of becoming an entrepreneur, strategic partnerships, and passion for success. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 28 Jun 2022 | 68: Serge Sachdeva | Having Fun On Your Entrepreneurship Journey | 00:38:23 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Serge Sachdeva, Executive at Arch Telecom. Serge has always aspired to be an entrepreneur. He did not finish college but instead decided to start his own business, which now has over 200 stores. As he shares his story, Serge will talk about how he discovered his passion for business and how he opened his first store in Manhattan. He will also share an interesting story about how his father taught him the value of money. You will learn why Serge was confident enough to do a business merger on a paper napkin deal. Serge will also reveal the fantastic project he's kicking off soon in Palm Springs. Join Matt and Serge on a fascinating conversation about excellence, honest work and having fun. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 21 May 2024 | 132: Sishir Reddy | The Entrepreneur's Dilemma: Recognizing Opportunities and Embracing Change | 01:06:51 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Sishir Reddy, CEO and co-founder of Episource, as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his career. Initially inspired by his father's suggestion to explore medical billing, Sishir set out to establish a medical billing outsourcing business in India. With his father's practice as his first client, he learned the intricacies of the industry and gradually built a team, starting with his first employee, Gopi. The business slowly expanded as Sishir leveraged his network of doctors in Southern California, a strategy that eventually led to a significant turning point when he was introduced to a larger managed care organization. This connection allowed him to pivot from medical billing to risk adjustment coding services, recognizing a niche market with greater growth potential. Sishir's journey underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. After realizing the complexities and limitations of managing a medical billing business, he and his partners decided to focus entirely on the burgeoning field of risk adjustment coding for health plans. This strategic pivot paid off, leading to rapid growth and the eventual shutdown of their initial business model. By 2008, the company was thriving, and by maintaining a disciplined, bootstrapped approach, they reached significant revenue milestones without outside capital. Sishir also navigated complex partnership dynamics, bringing on his partner's son-in-law, whose finance and operational expertise complemented his strengths in sales and strategy. This collaboration proved crucial in scaling the business to new heights. Ultimately, Sishir's decision to sell the business to UnitedHealth Group marked the culmination of his entrepreneurial efforts. Post-exit, he faced a period of adjustment, grappling with a sense of loss and seeking new directions. This introspective phase led him to prioritize family time and philanthropic endeavors, focusing on education and healthcare within his community. Embracing a mentor and advisor role, Sishir aims to leverage his extensive experience to support emerging businesses and make a positive impact. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic pivots, and the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of changing circumstances. Join Matt and Sishir for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 07 Mar 2023 | 98: Greg Genske | Confidence Is The Companion of Success | 00:51:26 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Greg Genske, CEO of VaynerBaseball. Greg oversees all of VaynerSports' baseball player representation activities. Before his current role, he was Executive Director and President of Baseball at The Legacy Agency. Since 2015, Greg Genske has also served as a law professor at the University of California-Berkeley, his alma mater, lecturing on sports law, representation of professional athletes and negotiations. In 2009, Genske was named to Sports Business Daily's prestigious "40 Under 40" list. Baseball was Greg's life growing up, but his ambitions to become a professional athlete didn't materialize. Luckily, he had a backup plan—going to law school. He'll talk about how important it's for aspiring professional athletes to have a backup plan. You'll learn why he was so determined to succeed as a lawyer. Before entering the sports industry, he began his legal career at the San Francisco Public Defender's Office and then worked as a litigator at leading national law firms. He'll talk about his experiences as a trial lawyer, including representing Steinberg, the real-life inspiration for the 1996 Oscar-winning film Jerry Maguire. He'll also talk about his journey to becoming a sports agent and how he took over the entire agency. You'll learn about leveraged buyouts, how to run a business without giving away equity, and why he wanted to keep control of the company. Greg will disclose if taking his agency public was a good decision. After a bitter ending with the previous agency, Greg started his own agency from scratch. He talks about how he later teamed up with Gary Vaynerchuk to create VaynerBaseball and what the focus of this new agency is. You'll learn why he encourages people to become lawyers if they want to become agents. On a more personal level, he'll talk about parenthood, his passion for surfing and his morning affirmations. Join Matt and Greg for a fascinating conversation about how to become an agent, his unique ability, and why passion is the key to success. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 17 Jan 2023 | 91: Milton Miyashiro | Journey to Becoming a CFO | 00:53:17 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Milton Miyashiro, CFO of National Services Group. Milton Miyashiro is known for operationalizing accounting, finance, regulatory compliance, and is a multi-dimensional financial accountant. He will talk about his path to excellence and becoming a CFO. You will learn why academic excellence in high school does not always equate to success later in life. He will talk about why he chose to major in accounting at the University of Notre Dame and how it helped him build both his finance profession and his business career. You'll learn how switching from CPA firms to mortgage-backed securities launched his career on Wall Street. You will understand why you need to specialize in the accounting and finance world. You will discover why it is important to have a broader understanding of your area of expertise, including legal and sales aspects. You'll learn more about the collapse of Bear Stearns and its sale to J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. As head of regulatory compliance at Thomson Reuters Pricing Service, he'll talk about how he came to work at the firm and why it was a valuable learning experience. You'll learn about mortgage-backed securities and the different types of audits. You will learn how he came to his role as global head of Thomson Reuters Pricing Service Operations and why people were backing away from that position. He will also talk about his responsibilities as global head of Rights Management and Master Data. He will reveal the most exciting aspect of his position as CFO. Join Matt and Milton for a fascinating conversation about compartmentalizing, public accounting and expanding your network. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 30 May 2023 | 110: Dean Treister | Reinvention and Resilience | 00:45:43 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Dean Treister, Managing Director at Sampling International and former professional rugby player. Dean recounts his journey to becoming a professional athlete and shares the pivotal moments that ignited his self-belief. Along the way, he experienced a transformative shift in his mindset prioritizing the team's success over personal growth. Dean will talk about the importance of teamwork and how he applies it to every aspect of his life. He will open up about the brutal nature of his departure from the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks team. Dean has always possessed an unwavering belief in his ability to accomplish anything he sets his mind to. He will share his transition to a new career in the business world. You will discover the two invaluable qualities he has carried from his sports career to his ventures in business and life. Dean reflects on his ability to detach from the past and move forward without dwelling on it, and offers advice for anyone going through a period of reinvention. He also stresses the importance of challenging himself and avoiding complacency, as well as the presence of mentors throughout his career. Dean discusses how he navigated through challenges like the COVID -19 pandemic and adapted to changes in the industry. He explains that he is currently analyzing the future of the industry on a daily basis, especially as it relates to changing consumer behavior and the use of technology. Join Matt and Dean for an insightful conversation on entrepreneurial optimism and the significance of closing a chapter and moving forward. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 04 Apr 2024 | 125: Goal Setting and Living a Purposeful Life | 00:18:45 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt encourages listeners to engage in the process of brainstorming goals, emphasizing the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely) goals as a fundamental approach to achieving personal aspirations. He illustrates how such goals can transform everyday objectives into actionable plans, offering the example of a fitness goal to lose 30 pounds within a year by going to the gym five days a week and burning a specific number of calories. Matt's method underlines the necessity of defining goals that are not only ambitious but also grounded in reality, highlighting the principle that what gets measured, gets done. Matt extends the discussion to include a wider array of goals, touching on life planning and the significance of considering one's legacy. He encourages listeners to think about their goals in a holistic manner, covering aspects of life such as relationships, career, personal development, and even one's impact on the world. The episode explores the importance of writing down goals to increase the likelihood of achievement and advocates for a dynamic goal-setting process that is adaptable and regularly reviewed. This process is illustrated through the introduction of concepts like BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and SMART goals, stressing the power of written and flexible goals that are regularly evaluated. The episode wraps up with a comprehensive overview of goal setting across different life stages and areas, from immediate, everyday objectives to long-term aspirations. Matt's advice encompasses setting goals with a clear, sound mind and body, the value of brainstorming in both personal and group settings, and the structured approach to translating these goals into actionable plans. He emphasizes the role of goal setting in fostering a purposeful life and achieving personal and professional growth, and invites listeners to consider their legacies beyond mere accomplishments. The episode serves as a motivational guide for listeners of all ages, particularly those in their twenties, to start setting and pursuing their goals with intention and discipline. Join Matt for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 06 Feb 2024 | 114: Francisco Morales | Innovating at the Edge | 01:08:07 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Francisco Morales, executive chairman and co-founder of 5.11 Tactical. 5.11 Tactical manufactures and retails their clothing brand all over the world. Francisco shares his transformative journey, emphasizing the power of a paradigm shift and the importance of adopting a growth mindset. From grappling with the notion of self-imposed limits to pushing himself academically and professionally, Francisco's story is a testament to the idea that your limits are often where you set them. His commitment to self-improvement and embracing new challenges, like mastering the English language and excelling in his studies, underscores the impact of determination and hard work in shaping one's destiny. Matt and Francisco explore the intricacies of building a brand that resonates with its audience, highlighting Francisco's journey with 5.11 Tactical. Francisco's approach, focusing on understanding customer needs and translating them into innovative, functional products, has been pivotal in the brand's success. The discussion sheds light on the importance of staying true to your core values while adapting to the evolving needs of your customers, a philosophy that has steered 5.11 Tactical to become a leader in its industry. Francisco reflects on his personal growth, the sacrifices that paved the way for his successes, and the significance of maintaining balance in life. His insights on the interplay between professional achievements and personal fulfillment offer valuable lessons on pursuing excellence while staying grounded. Join Matt and Francisco for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 06 Jun 2023 | 111: Erin Bright | Navigating Entrepreneurship and Family | 00:40:02 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Erin Bright, a successful entrepreneur and College Works alumni. As Erin shares her journey, she discusses transitioning from college to entrepreneurship, the challenges of achieving success while balancing family life, and her current return to business. You'll learn why she chose College Works while still working at In-N-Out Burger. You'll also learn how Erin's transitioned from a high-achieving business career to high-impact parenting. Erin stresses the importance of actively seeking out opportunities for self-learning and education, such as reading books, participating in parenting groups, and fostering connections within the community surrounding your children's schools.. Matt and Erin discuss the importance of pursuing personal passions and finding activities that excite and motivate oneself. While the exact details of their launch are still being determined, Erin talks about their commitment to adapting and trying different approaches until they get the traction they want. She’ll also talk about her focus on environmental sustainability as a passion. Listen in to learn why she’s excited about bringing her passion for sustainability to the product design and how they are actively incorporating sustainability into the design. On a more personal level, Erin discusses finding joy in yoga, meditation, and occasional journaling. Join Matt and Erin for an insightful conversation on being a high achiever, entrepreneurship and high-impact parenting. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 03 May 2022 | 60: Joe Norwell | Finding The Positive In Any Situation | 00:40:33 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Joe Norwell, Vice President of CollegeWorks. Joe's commitment to debate and being an Eagle Scout in high school, as well as his internship at College Works, paved the foundation for him to achieve incredible success at the age of 24. You'll discover how important it is to find the balance between quality and quantity. You'll discover Joe's main drive for success. You'll learn why you need to develop the skill of seeking the positive even in the worst of situations. You'll discover Joe's most important takeaway from his internship at CollegeWorks. Join Matt and Joe in this inspiring discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
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| 30 Apr 2024 | 129: Sean Phelps: Balancing Act | Entrepreneurship & Life | 00:54:42 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Sean Phelps, as they explore the concept of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical experiences outside traditional educational pathways. Sean reflects on his journey, highlighting his involvement with College Works, where he developed essential business skills by managing teams and projects while still in college. He shares insights about the value of real-world applications of business concepts, advising aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on technical skills in college and seek out entrepreneurial experiences in the broader world, using resources like the Kauffman Foundation and Y Combinator. During the discussion, Sean elaborates on his career trajectory, including the tough decisions he faced when offered a full-time position that conflicted with his existing commitments. He shares a critical turning point where he chose to prioritize his role at College Works, attributing his professional skills and opportunities to the experiences he gained there. This choice led to him eventually being fired from the FinTech company he was involved with, underscoring the challenges and sacrifices inherent in balancing multiple career paths and the unpredictable nature of startup environments. Matt and Sean also explore the personal aspects of entrepreneurship, discussing the integration of work, family, and personal life. Sean credits his entrepreneurial flexibility with allowing him to commit time to family and personal interests, advocating for a balanced life where work does not overshadow other responsibilities. They conclude by stressing the importance of building a solid reputation through hard work and reliability, which in turn fosters professional relationships and opens up opportunities for future ventures and collaborations. Join Matt and Sean for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 21 Mar 2023 | 100: Shawn Baldwin | How To Get into Real Estate Development Business | 00:36:04 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Shawn Baldwin, President of Baldwin & Sons, who has an extensive background in residential real estate development and has held various positions of increasing responsibility with the Baldwin Companies. He is a graduate of the College of Southern California. Baldwin & Sons has been in business since 1956. Shawn will talk about his definition of excellence and the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. He will also talk about how to become a real estate investor, land and real estate development, and the many roles in real estate. You will learn how to excel as an entry-level real estate developer. You will understand the difference between vertical and horizontal land development. He has a land development business, a real estate development business, a construction company, an investment company, and a property management company; he will talk about how he ran all these companies, including his path to becoming president. He will talk about his seven-month trip abroad to find himself and the transformation that experience brought. You will understand how Shawn's father laid the foundation for them to be excellent. You will discover what Shawn considers one of the most momentous decisions he has made in his life. Join Matt and Shawn for a fascinating conversation about real estate, the legacy of a generation, and mentors. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Meet The Team | Baldwin & Sons (baldwinsons.com) | |||
| 10 Jan 2023 | 90: Jason Reid | Relationships Are Everything in Business | 00:46:12 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Jason Reid, co-founder of National Services Group, partner at CEO Coaching International, co-founder of College Works Painting and founder of Chooselife.org. Jason has spent most of his adult life building businesses with his partners. Over the past 25 years of experiencing both success and failure, Jason has learned one key lessons: RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVERYTHING. He will talk about who he was before College Works and how it changed his mindset. He will also share some of his greatest accomplishments at College Works. You'll learn about his transition from running his own business at College Works to becoming one of its leaders and then its owner. He will talk about how the business fell through just days before his wedding and how he and his partner Spencer were able to start their own business and generate millions in revenue in less than a year. You'll discover when and how Matt joined the College Works team, as well as their amazing 30-year partnership and friendship. You will learn everything that scaling a business involves, including leveraging a core competency and marketing and sales systems. Jason will also talk about what most people are looking for instead of pursuing hard work, mentorship, coaching and learning. You'll learn about his charity, ChooseLife.org, which aims to end End Teen Suicide By 2030. He will explain how he manages to coach the world's best entrepreneurs, CEOs and companies, as well as produce successful films through his production company and still spend time with his family and friends. Join Matt and Jason as they delve into a fascinating conversation about relationships being the foundation of business and excellence. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 23 Apr 2024 | 128: Steve Kearley | Leveraging Failures and Fostering Growth | 00:59:56 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by entrepreneur Steve Kearley, from Benson Kearley Insurance as they discuss the elements of success, the entrepreneurial mindset, and personal growth through business endeavors. Steve shares his journey from selling designer jeans out of his high school locker to becoming a prominent figure in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the significance of self-measurement and personal growth over comparing oneself to others, highlighting how his definition of excellence has evolved over the years. Steve's narrative is peppered with insights on overcoming societal expectations and focusing on one's strengths and unique abilities. Throughout the discussion, Steve stresses the importance of networking, not in the traditional sense of merely exchanging business cards, but in building meaningful, reciprocal relationships without immediate expectations. This approach to networking, according to Steve, involves connecting people, helping others without a direct benefit to oneself, and ultimately, building a network based on trust and mutual respect. Both Steve and Matt reflect on their experiences within the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), underscoring how such networks have facilitated their business growth and personal development. The conversation also delves into Steve's strategic approach to his insurance business, where he shifted focus from traditional metrics to providing real value to customers through educational seminars and resources that go beyond insurance. This value-driven approach helped differentiate his company in a competitive market. Steve's commitment to his team and ethical business practices, even post-business sale, reflects his dedication to ensuring the welfare of his employees and maintaining a legacy of integrity and trust. This episode not only explores the nuances of entrepreneurial success but also provides practical advice for personal and professional growth. Join Matt and Steve for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 23 Aug 2022 | 74: Isaiah Henry | Creating Your Own Serendipity | 00:48:29 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Isaiah Henry, CEO of Seabreeze Management. Isaiah took an unconventional path and did not attend college, but his passion for helping others laid the foundation for his success. As he shares his success journey, Isaiah will talk about how he found his path without college. He will also explain what property management is and what careers fit into this industry. You will learn how Isaiah went from employee to owner of Seabreeze Management. Isaiah will offer advice to a 20-something who may be going through an identity crisis and experiencing depression. Join Matt and Isaiah for a fascinating conversation about property management and authentic relationships. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 07 Feb 2023 | 94: Joe John Duran | Life Doesn’t Happen to You, It Happens for You | 00:59:41 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Joe John Duran, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, Head of Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management, and best-selling author. From CNBC to CNN, Joe regularly provides financial commentary at TV. He has been profiled in numerous publications, including the New York Times and SmartMoney. Joe is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds MBA degrees from Columbia University and UC Berkeley. He will share his great American story which did not begin in America, including the hardships of growing up in Zimbabwe, having to work at age 11, and how those experiences prepared him to build successful businesses. He will offer advice to those who have had experiences similar to his, such as extreme poverty and abusive parents, on how to succeed. He will recommend Stutz, the Netflix documentary by Jonah Hill, and talk about the three inescapable aspects of life: pain, uncertainty and hard work. He will talk about how he felt lost after selling his first business, how he dealt with it, and why he started his second company. You will learn why you need to know your purpose in life. He recommends several books on self-awareness and wellness, as well as the mindset required for success. You will learn why and how to be specific and intentional about your goals. He talks about how to make conscious choices, develop positive habits, and take radical responsibility. You will learn about the two non-negotiable standards in his family. He will explain why he sold his first business to GE even though there was a higher offer. Join Matt and Joe for a fascinating conversation about living with integrity, how life does not happen to you, it happens for you, and the power of positive thinking. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 08 Feb 2024 | 115: The 10 Things 20-Somethings Should Know | 00:20:51 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt explores vital life skills and knowledge crucial for people in their twenties. The episode begins with a powerful message about the importance of relationship management, goal setting, and self-awareness, emphasizing that these skills don't come naturally but must be actively developed and practiced. Drawing from his rich experience as an entrepreneur, partner, husband, father, and mentor since 1993, Matt presents a list of the top ten things 20-somethings should know. These include time management, stress management, relationship management, goal setting, life planning, leadership, understanding DISC personality assessment, career hunting, emotional intelligence (EQ), and strategic planning. Matt discusses how successful time management involves daily planning and adjustment, integrating both work and fun. He touches on stress management in the current high-pressure world, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between good and bad stress and developing coping mechanisms. Matt also stresses the significance of relationship management, asserting that one's social circle greatly influences their personal and professional growth. The episode covers goal setting and life planning, where Matt encourages people to declutter their thoughts, set short and long-term goals, and think about the legacy they want to leave. He discusses leadership as a skill that requires continuous learning and practice, emphasizing servant leadership and the need to lead with vision and values. The DISC model is recommended for better understanding of oneself and others, crucial for personal and career development. Additionally, Matt provides guidance on the career hunt process, advocating for a strategic approach to job applications and interviews. Join Matt for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 07 Jun 2022 | 65: Isaac Montano | Work Hard Now for a Better Future | 00:41:55 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Isaac Montano, a financial advisor at Renaissance Financial. Isaac's decision to join CollegeWorks was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for his future success. His passion is helping people achieve their financial goals, which is why he has lifelong ambitions at Renaissance Financial. As he shares his story, Isaac will talk about who he was before coming to CollegeWorks and the important lessons he learned during his internship. He'll also talk about his first sales job in high school and the most valuable gift he acquired. You will learn Isaac's recipe for success as he shares details from his day-to-day job as a financial advisor. Isaac will finally reveal his #1 book for motivation and discipline. Join Matt and Isaac in an insightful conversation about how to figure out what you excel at in mentorship and how to focus on the positives. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 25 Jun 2024 | 137: Ryan Coon | From Intern to Innovator - The Roadmap to Massive Success and Growth | 00:53:26 | |
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ryan Coon, entrepreneur and former CEO / co-owner of Avail. Ryan outlines some of the invaluable lessons learned from his early career experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking, particularly how connections made during internships and college can lead to unexpected opportunities later in life. You'll learn about the serendipity of reconnecting with former colleagues and mentors in various professional contexts, illustrating the long-term benefits of maintaining a robust professional network. Ryan reflects on the journey of growing his business from a small startup to a thriving company, the strategies that led to their success, and the importance of being intentional and deliberate with one's time and efforts. You'll also get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of acquisitions, detailing the unique process Ryan underwent when his company caught the interest of major industry players. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 20 Sep 2022 | 77: Brett Gaviglio | Finding Fulfillment in Your Engineering Career | 00:41:31 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Brett Gaviglio, Director of Engineering at Vertical Systems. Brett Gaviglio has over 20 years of experience in reducing the energy consumption of large buildings through innovative upgrades that are a great way to make buildings efficient. This results in significant positive cash flow for the building owner. Brett will discuss how he discovered his passion for engineering. He will also discuss the importance of people and sales skills in engineering. You discover how Brett and his Cal Poly Solar Energy Team, or CaPSET, set a world record in Australia. Brett then will talk about why he got into the HVAC industry and what his day-to-day work is like. He will reveal what he considers one of the most impactful decisions he's made in his life. Join Mat and Brett as they dive into an insightful conversation about excellence, finding your career, and the HVAC industry. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Vertical Systems (vertisys.net) | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | 73: Codi Martin | Integrating CollegeWorks Values for Success | 00:29:16 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Codi Martin, a Certified Field Inspector at Foundation Recovery Systems. Codi joined CollegeWorks as a freshman and worked his way up to Vice President. In doing so, he laid the foundation for his success and is now in a position to help customers protect their most valuable investment - their home. As he shares his story, Codi will talk about his experiences growing up in the small town of Fredonia, who he was before coming to CollegeWorks, and the important lessons he learned. He'll also talk about his work as a Certified Field Inspector. You'll learn about Codi's biggest struggle during CollegeWorks and how he dealt with it. Codi will share how his CollegeWorks internship colleagues turned out to be much more than he expected. Join Matt and Codi for an exciting conversation about leadership with EQ, fatherhood and friendships. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 13 Dec 2022 | 88: Hannah Perez | Making Your Lifestyle Your Income | 00:50:44 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Hannah Perez, co-founder and CMO of SEEQ. Hannah focuses on marketing, sales, partnerships, and the customer experience. Back in her high school days, Hannah was an extremely athletic student, participating in sports such as soccer, basketball, and golf. You will learn about the skills she acquired along the way and how they continue to impact her life. She will talk about what was her main focus when she went to college. You will discover why she changed her education degree to business. She will also delve into the integrated business experience where students get bank loans, develop and sell real products, and then pay back the loan. She will also talk about the startup she founded, Minnesota Comforts. You'll learn what to look for in an internship to make your mark after college, and why she favors startups for college graduates. She'll explain why she decided to work at Social Butterfly instead of continuing to run her startup. You'll learn about her experience with the shutdown of the Social Butterfly, the arrangements with the previous owner to acquire it for Awake Social, and how she hired her first employee there. She will talk about partnering up with Ben Zaver to launch SEEQ, a clear, crisp and refreshing take on protein. She'll discuss SEEQ's going viral, including a shout-out from Mark Cuban's son, and their journey to Shark Tank. You'll learn more about her weekly operations based on the EOS model inspired by the best-selling book Traction. She'll reveal SEEQ's revenue goals after hitting $1 million between October and July. Join Matt and Hannah as they dive into a fascinating conversation about how to start a business, following your intuition, and marketing. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 18 Jun 2024 | 136: Madi McSwain | Seize the Day: Embracing Opportunities for a Fulfilling Life | 00:50:02 | |
In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Madi McSwain, an insurance agent with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Madi shares her unique journey and the strategies she has employed to achieve success in her professional life. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, strategic planning, and maintaining a customer-focused approach. You'll discover the challenges Madi encountered in her early days starting from scratch, the sacrifices she made, and the relentless work ethic that drove her to the top. Be inspired by her story of perseverance, dedication, and the strategic choices that have defined her career. You'll also get a glimpse into the impact of supportive relationships and how Madi's upbringing and the encouragement from loved ones have played a pivotal role in her achievements. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 27 Sep 2022 | 78: Tom Ackmann | Achieve Success by Mastering Your Craft | 00:47:03 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, our guest host Sean Phelps chats with Tom Ackmann, president of Platinum Decking and an incredible leader who set the record for the largest team ever led by a rookie District Manager at CollegeWorks. Tom wanted to be an engineer, coming from a family of engineers, but he soon realized that was not for him and ventured into business. He now leads a company with eight-figure sales. Tom talks about his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship. You'll learn more about Tom's background, how he found out about CollegeWorks, and why he was so eager to join. He talks about the key lessons he took away from College Works and the impact it had on his career. You will learn why management is the most difficult skill to master. Tom will reveal the most important lesson he learned in venture capitalism. Join Sean and Tom as they dive into a fascinating conversation about mastering your craft and deliberate practice. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 24 Jan 2023 | 92: Mike Profant | How to Become an Entrepreneur | 00:50:15 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Michael Profant, President and Chief Executive Officer at Empire Works. Mike graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and quickly set out to start a business without any funding. Today, he oversees the development and operation of one of the largest architectural coatings and building restoration companies in the western United States. He will talk about his journey as CEO of a $100 million company. He will share who he was before he came to College Works and what interested him in starting a College Works division in Washington. You'll learn why he turned down a job offer as an assistant project manager for a major construction company. He will explain the steps to starting a business. You will learn why he started another business. He will talk about his business partnership and how it has led to exponential growth of the company. You will learn how they prepared for the recession. You will learn how the CEO differs from small to large companies and why and how he implements a calculated relinquishment of control in his capacity as CEO. You will learn if he is surprised by his success. He will tell you about his experience at a car show where he viewed the new $600,000 Maserati C120. Join Matt and Michael for a fascinating conversation about the keys to success, the skills it takes to be an entrepreneurial CEO, and the role of the CEO. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 02 Aug 2022 | 71: Filip Matic How to Run a Successful & Thriving Business | 00:45:00 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Filip Matic, founder of Matic Custom Creations and 634 PROPERTIES INC. Filip dropped out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to focus on his businesses, which are very successful today. As he shares his story, Filip will talk about who he was before he came to CollegeWorks and the important lessons he's learned. He'll talk about how and why he started his companies. You'll discover how Filip keeps the companies running while he spends two months on vacation in Serbia. Filip will reveal one of the most impactful decisions in his life. Join Matt and Filip for a fascinating conversation about happiness, total transparency with all clients, and time management. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: The Edge Of Excellence Podcast Episode 5: Time Management Secrets College Works Painting Youtube Time Management | |||
| 28 May 2024 | 133: Grace Jones | Beyond the Basics: Transforming Challenges into Career Opportunities | 00:56:48 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Grace Jones as they discuss her professional journey and the significance of internships and diverse work experiences in shaping her career. She reflects on how college internships, particularly those that allowed her to run her own business, provided her with the freedom and guidance to explore and succeed in the business world. Grace highlights how these opportunities equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in various industries, emphasizing that if the right opportunities aren't available, one should take initiative to create them. Grace's path took an interesting turn when she moved into a role in entertainment sales at Back Nine, a company distinct from her original career aspirations in the music industry. Her role involves crafting unique event experiences, requiring her to leverage high-level communication and problem-solving skills to meet diverse client needs. This role has not only allowed her to refine her sales and management skills but has also positioned her strategically for lateral moves within the entertainment and music industries. Grace underscores the importance of adapting and transferring skills across different fields to achieve one's career goals. The conversation also explores personal challenges Grace has faced, particularly her recovery from multiple hip surgeries during college, which forced her to pause her career pursuits temporarily. This period of forced inactivity provided her with valuable time for self-reflection and personal growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability. Grace discusses how surrounding herself with supportive people and engaging in activities that brought her joy helped her navigate these challenges effectively. She concludes with reflections on the sacrifices made during her college years, noting that while she may have missed out on typical college experiences, the choices she made were instrumental in setting her up for future success. Join Matt and Grace for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 13 Jul 2022 | 69: Why are Values Important to Succeed in Business and Life? | 00:48:24 | |
Why are values important to succeed in business and in life? Today's guest shows us what really happens behind the scenes of a successful company and how values factor into the equation. In today's episode, Darius is joined by Matthew Stewart, co-founder and CEO of National Service Group (NSG), which operates College Works Painting, Empire Community Construction, Home Genius Exteriors, and SMJJ Investments. From a small Southern California company, NSG has grown into an international company with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Matthew currently serves on the boards of several organizations in addition to his role at NSG. In his past role, he was chairman of the global board of Entrepreneur's Organization (EO), a worldwide business network representing more than 142 chapters across 46 countries. In this episode you'll discover: - The entrepreneurial advice Matthew would give to his younger self. - How values help his company succeed. - The secrets to running a successful business. Join Darius and Matthew for this fascinating discussion as they explore how our values and even our mistakes provide lessons that we can use to create success. They also discuss the reasons why being patient and having a strategy are vital to achieving greatness. Enjoy! What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources: National Services Group website | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | 119: Suraj Akotia | Breaking Boundaries in Law and Leadership | 00:34:56 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Suraj Akotia, who shares his unique journey from aspiring attorney to becoming a multifaceted corporate counsel and Chief Operating Officer. Suraj discusses the importance of maintaining an open mind and the willingness to undertake various roles beyond his legal expertise. His approach to continuous personal and professional growth, coupled with his ability to deliver value across different facets of the business, underscores his philosophy that excellence is about constant improvement and learning. They do a deep dive into Suraj's career trajectory, highlighting the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped his path. Suraj's story is a testament to the power of exploring new opportunities, engaging with challenges head-on, and seeking out mentorship and learning in every situation. From his early days interning at an asset management firm to his strategic move into in-house counsel and operations, Suraj's journey is filled with insights on navigating career transitions, embracing change, and the significance of aligning personal goals with broader organizational objectives. Prepare to be inspired by Suraj's definition of excellence and his approach to career development. His experiences offer valuable lessons on the benefits of stepping outside one's comfort zone, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of contributing to a company's growth beyond conventional role expectations. This episode is a must for anyone interested in law, operations, or anyone seeking motivation to pursue excellence in their careers and personal lives. Join Matt and Suraj for this fascinating conversation. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 26 Jul 2022 | 70: Entrepreneurship Wisdom From Matt Stewart | 00:33:01 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Ryan Atkinson, host of The Business Cloud Podcast, interviews Matt Stewart. Matt shares how he discovered his deep and profound passion for entrepreneurship. He also talks about how to make your dream a reality and some of the processes he went through. You'll discover the secrets to Matt's success and the advice he gives to 20-something-year-olds. Join Matt and Ryan for a fascinating conversation about goal setting, knowing your values, habits, and long-term planning. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Matthew Stewart LinkedIn | Matthew Stewart Instagram (@matthewkstewart) Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at ... | |||
| 09 Aug 2022 | 72: Ryan Atkinson | Leveraging Your Personal Brand to Achieve Success | 00:29:27 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Ryan Atkinson, Digital Marketing Specialist at Lumeon and host of The Business Cloud Podcast. Ryan's high school experience as a captain on the football and basketball teams provided him with fundamental leadership skills that have been essential to his entrepreneurial journey. In his story, Ryan will talk about how his first job in management changed his outlook on life and what book helped him make that transformation. He'll also talk about the inspiration for his podcast and the incredible opportunities it's created for him. You'll learn more about Ryan's day-to-day work at Lumeon. Ryan will reveal details about his forthcoming podcast episode. Join Matt and Ryan for a fascinating conversation about the marketing industry and personal branding. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | 101: Johnny Rhee | Obsessive Pursuit of Excellence | 00:53:43 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks to Johnny Rhee, founder and chief strategist of Next Door Home Upgrades. Johnny Rhee has over a decade of progressive business experience, including buying a struggling company in his early twenties and growing it into a top-performing business, as well as mentoring numerous executives and entrepreneurs. He believes in aligned values, teamwork and a culture of performance and accountability. In today's show, Johnny breaks down his definition of excellence, which is largely influenced by his hero John Wooden, who defines success as "peace of mind that can only be achieved through self-satisfaction, knowing that you have striven to achieve the best that you're capable of." Growing up in a third-world country and then being given the opportunity to come to UCLA, Johnny developed an attitude of gratitude. He talks about how this was a cornerstone of his success. You'll learn more about his career at College Works, from District Manager of the Year to EVP, the systems he created during his time there, and the key lessons he learned. Johnny also talks about his journey to entrepreneurship. This includes working at College Works on a part-time basis and working as a consultant before turning to his solar business full-time. Access to clean water has always been a matter close to Johnny's heart. You'll learn about his project in Colombia installing solar desalination systems in remote areas. He'll discuss how micromanaging his time has helped him succeed in college and how he's able to live a life of excellence. On a more personal level, he'll talk about his hobbies, healthy lifestyle, spirituality and faith. Join Matt and Johnny for a fascinating discussion on maximizing your potential to make a positive difference, the concept of quitting quietly, time management and leaving a legacy. What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 09 Jul 2024 | 139: Brad Baldridge | What Are The Best Financial Strategies For College? | 00:46:44 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brad Baldridge, certified financial planner, college funding consultant, and chief podcaster at Taming the High Cost of College. Matt and Brad explore the multifaceted process of preparing for an important milestone that affects many families—paying for college. They discuss various strategies and options available to navigate this complex landscape, as well as the importance of understanding different types of support and how they can impact overall outcomes. You'll discover the specific challenges faced by those in unique situations, such as owning a business or dealing with unexpected financial changes. You'll also find insights on how to leverage available resources and make strategic choices to optimize benefits. Whether dealing with financial aid, merit-based awards, or other types of support, this episode provides valuable guidance for anyone facing this pivotal stage in life. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Taming the High Cost of College | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | 112: Benn McAlister I How to Take Over the Family Business | 00:55:46 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Benn McCallister, president of Worldwide Golf Shops. Benn recounts his personal journey, emphasizing that he has been involved with golf all his life and that this eventually sparked his deep passion for the sport. He will share how he was initially unsure about joining the family business because he wanted to stand out and make a name for himself. However, during college, the significant impact of the Internet piqued his interest and led him to explore web design. As a result, he created a website for his family's business, which quickly became very popular and valuable to the company. This pivotal experience eventually led him to join the family business. After building the website, the decision for Benn to become president wasn't immediate. You’ll learn more about his career progression, including the initial skepticism about his involvement in the family business, which only fueled his determination, strong work ethic and success-oriented mindset. When he took on the role of president in 2017, one of his first acts was to join the YPO (Young Presidents' Organization). He shares how being a member of YPO has provided him with invaluable support and advice from experienced peers. Shortly after joining YPO, Benn and his family decided to sell their business in 2019. He’ll talk about this challenging and tiring process that led to a period of tension and minimal communication among family members and partners. You’ll discover the new idea that Benn proposed, which marked a significant transition for him. After leaving the family business, Benn aimed for a better work-life balance and more time with his family. Unfortunately, the timing coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Benn to temporarily separate from his family to launch his business. You’ll learn more about this challenging sacrifice. Join Matt and Benn for an insightful conversation on Benn's path to excellence in the golf industry. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 14 May 2024 | 131: Jeff Gunhus CEO, Home Genius Exteriors | Choosing Excellence - Building Vision and Culture | 00:58:43 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Jeff Gunhus, a seasoned entrepreneur, to discuss the concept of excellence and business leadership. Jeff defines excellence as a deliberate choice to pursue the best version of oneself across all life's endeavors, stressing the importance of being both content and driven. Throughout their conversation, Jeff shares insights from his journey of building a successful business empire, emphasizing the pivotal role of making strategic choices, even when they entail personal sacrifices, such as missing out on leisure activities to focus on career growth. The discussion then pivots to Jeff's entrepreneurial experiences, where he elaborates on transitioning his business model in response to unforeseen challenges, such as regulatory changes and market dynamics. This shift notably involved downsizing from $6 million to $1.6 million in revenue, which set the stage for a remarkable recovery and growth trajectory, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Jeff highlights the critical role of team building and maintaining a brand that genuinely resonates with both employees and customers, fostering a culture of high performance and mutual respect. Towards the end of the episode, Jeff and Matt explore the importance of aligning personal values with professional endeavors, which ensures sustained passion and commitment. Jeff shares personal anecdotes, including his family's involvement in community service, illustrating how personal values deeply influence professional actions and company culture. The episode concludes with Jeff reflecting on the sacrifices made during his career, reinforcing that short-term trade-offs can lead to long-term rewards, encapsulating the podcast's theme of striving towards excellence through thoughtful decision-making and persistent effort. Join Matt and Jeff for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | 143: Ellen Pais | The Heartbeat of Giving: Pioneering Solutions for Meaningful Change | 01:01:47 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ellen Pais, Executive Director of Pretend City Children's Museum. During the conversation, Matt and Ellen discuss bold, unconventional approaches to solving community challenges, highlighting the power of creativity and collaboration. Ellen shares insights into how innovative thinking can drive real change, bringing people together in unexpected ways. You'll discover the complexities of leadership and the art of rallying support for meaningful initiatives. From securing critical funding to fostering deep relationships, the discussion sheds light on what it takes to turn big visions into reality. Ellen’s journey reveals valuable lessons about persistence, influence, and the importance of staying true to one’s mission, even when faced with obstacles. With an energetic and heartfelt exchange, the episode leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for the impact of bold leadership and the importance of investing in both community and personal growth. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: | |||
| 06 Sep 2022 | 75: Natalia Ohanesian | Savoring Discomfort in Pursuit of Growth | 00:51:23 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Natalia Ohanesian, founder of Bipty. Natalia attended a very competitive high school that prepared her to better deal with pressure and lay the foundation for her success. As she shares her story, Natalia will talk about what drove her to her calling, entrepreneurship. She will also talk about how to find your inner voice and your path. You will learn how Matt and Natalia met. Natalia will also talk about the concept of her company, Bipty, as well as her day-to-day operations as a business owner. Join Matt and Natalia as they dive into a fascinating conversation on how to be your authentic self, follow your calling, and grow from your discomfort. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Masters of Scale, a podcast hosted by Reid Hoffman Bipty (bipty.io) | Bipty Instagram (@bipty.fashionrental) | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | 103: Nick Niehaus | Achieve Excellence by Focusing on Perfect Competence | 01:01:31 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, our guest us Nick Niehaus, co-founder, and head trainer of the Business Video School. Nick is passionate about helping professionals learn how to use video in their businesses. The show opens with Nick explaining his definition of excellence. He also talks about who he was before he came to College Works and how that experience helped him overcome his social anxiety. College Works was pivotal for Nick because he comes from an engineering background and has always wanted to be an inventor. He'll talk about his decision to become an entrepreneur and change his engineering major. Soon, Nick quit his job and set out to build his own business. You'll learn more about his first company, Connect Video, and his second, Business Video School, which teaches real estate agents how to leverage video to better communicate and grow their business. Learn more about the services their teams offer online. He'll talk about his business' early success as they mark their third anniversary. Nick started Business Video School during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about the challenges he encountered and how he remained committed, as well as his ambitions to advance his public speaking career. As he shares his opinions on AI, specifically ChatGPT, he’ll offer advice on achieving excellence. You’ll discover how he runs his business, similar to College Works. Join us for a fascinating discussion about finding long-term, fruitful partnerships, networking, and building influence. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | 76: Tyler Morelan | Developing the Habit of Excellence | 00:30:50 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, our guest host Sean Phelps, executive vice president at College Works Painting, talks with Tyler Morelan, president and owner of Midwest Flooring Company. Tyler originally wanted to be a professional athlete, but an unexpected incident changed his focus and ultimately led to a successful career in business. Tyler will talk about how overcoming physical challenges prepared him for the mental challenges of business. He will also talk about his work experience since the age of 12, as well as his past interests before he decided to start a business. You will learn how CollegeWorks has influenced his success as an entrepreneur. Tyler will also talk about the key ingredients for success and excellence in entrepreneurship. Join us as Sean and Tyler dive into a fascinating conversation about achieving excellence. Enjoy. What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Midwest Flooring Company (midwestflooringcompany.com) | Tyler Morelan LinkedIn | |||
| 10 May 2022 | 61: Charlie Fletcher | How Mesa Has Led and Transformed The HVAC Industry | 00:51:51 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Charlie Fletcher, Executive Vice President at Mesa Energy Systems. You'll discover how yoga and meditation helped Charlie get back into working hard mode. You'll learn how Charlie started his innovative, $300-million company, Mesa. You'll discover what Charlie considers his most important lesson from the HVAC industry. You'll discover why Charlie resigned as CEO of Mesa and what compelled him to return. Join Matt and Charlie for this inspiring and thought-provoking discussion.
You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources: The Edge of Excellence Podcast Charlie Fletcher LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/charlie-fletcher-447200195/) Mesa Website (mesaenergy.com) | |||
| 05 Apr 2022 | 56: Dr. Robert Fisher | The Power of Impactful Speech | 00:49:38 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Dr. Robert Fisher, author, consultant, and coach for Cal Mock Trial. Dr. Fisher's family has always been supportive and held him in high regard. This paved the path for his line of work, which focuses on being open and intentional, as well as working extremely hard to solve people's problems, business challenges, and how they talk and think. You'll discover what enticed Dr. Fisher to apply to law school and what prompted him to change his focus to architecture before moving on to medicine. You'll learn about Dr. Fisher's medical specialty in psychiatry which led him to his current work of many years in Leadership Strategy Execution along with his work in Impactful Speech. You’ll discover how Dr. Fisher believes certain words can be differentiated to become more impactful. You'll learn a practice exercise you can do at home to improve your ability to recognize impactful and articulate words. Join Matt and Dr. Fisher for this illuminating discussion. You don't want to miss this! What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources: Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship. College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Learn more at College Works | |||
| 08 Dec 2022 | 87: Kyle Lindsey | Get Out of Your Comfort Zone to Achieve Success | 00:50:15 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Kyle Lindsey, CEO of Platinum Decking. Kyle was the President of College Works for 11 years and did over $170,000 in sales. Quick fact: Wrestling was his favorite sport in high school. He will talk about how wrestling defined excellence for him and how it has influenced him to this day. He will also explain why finishing second was his worst nightmare. You'll learn about his first job and the most important lessons he learned. He'll talk about the "aha" moment that inspired him to join College Works. He'll also tell you why he left his previous job to join College Works, even though he was offered a significant raise. You'll learn how he built a company that focuses on people, and how he still works with his initial employees. He will talk about how he left College Works and how that experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and paved the way for his success. He will talk about choosing a business that's not in conflict with the previous one, as well as sharing tasks with his business partner Tom Ackmann. You will learn what the biggest challenge in the construction industry was and how it turned out to be an opportunity for the two of them. You'll learn what he likes and dislikes about twenty-something application forms. He'llsgare his employee story, and why it's essential to make the best of a difficult situation. He will offer advice for twenty-somethings who want to succeed. Join Matt and Kyle as they dive into a fascinating conversation about what it takes to start a business, the steps to take, stepping outside your comfort zone, and making the right sacrifices. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: | |||
| 07 May 2024 | 130: Kory Finley | The Drive to Excel | 00:47:54 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by guest Kory Finley, as they focus on Kory's journey to personal and professional excellence. The discussion opens with Kory sharing his definition of excellence as the consistent effort to perform at one's best every day, regardless of the circumstances. Kory narrates his life story, from being a multi-sport athlete in high school to entering the challenging world of business and cattle ranching. He emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility and learning from setbacks to propel oneself towards success. During the discussion, Kory discusses his time in college and his early career, particularly his involvement with College Works, where he excelled as a freshman intern. His success was partly due to his competitive nature and the desire to be recognized as the best. Kory reflects on the moments that shaped his career, including significant sales achievements and the strategic decisions he made, like turning down financial support from his parents to foster independence and avoid any potential for guilt-driven influence. Kory's philosophy revolves around ownership and responsibility, believing that these are critical to achieving excellence. He shares how confronting and overcoming challenges, like dealing with customer complaints and leading teams, were invaluable learning experiences. Throughout the episode, Kory and Matt highlight the importance of making deliberate choices about how to spend one's time and the value of investing in meaningful activities and relationships that promote personal growth and success. Join Matt and Kory for this fascinating episode. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
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| 11 Oct 2022 | 80: Katie Kenny | Consistency: The Key to Becoming Successful | 00:46:47 | |
On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Katie Kenny, a real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and a former district manager for College Works Painting. Katie is a University of Illinois graduate with a degree in advertising. She has a passion for working with others and helping people solve problems. Katie will talk about who she was before she joined College Works and the important lessons she learned there. She will also talk about all the university majors she switched to and why advertising was right fit for her. You will learn why gratitude and being present are essential for excellence. Katie will discuss why she became interested in residential real estate brokerage. Katie will reveal her biggest struggle during College Works and how it impacted her life. Join Matt and Katie as they dive into a fascinating conversation about excellence, figuring out your root desire, and real estate brokerage. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources: Personal Website: https://kkenny.starckre.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatiekenny/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kennyrealestate/ | |||
| 24 Aug 2021 | 29: Juliet Monteleone | How to Pivot Again and Again Till You Find Your True Calling | 00:38:18 | |
On today’s show, we interview Juliet Monteleone who shares with us her thoughts on exploration, discovering your passion, and finding the courage to follow your dreams. Back in high school, Juliet was admittedly timid, unambitious, and not sure about where her life was headed. As a result, she dabbled in different fields including art, marketing, and psychology before finally discovering her passion – UX design. You will get a peek into Juliet’s role as a UX designer at Facebook. And how her job requires her to constantly learn and extensively collaborate. Juliet also gives us an overview of the UX design process, and how it progresses from research to testing to buildout. This show will surely inspire you to follow your dreams. Do not miss! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 02 Nov 2021 | 39: Devan O‘Dowd | Working Smarter and The Shockingly Simple Basics of Success | 00:47:55 | |
On today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we interview Devan O'Dowd, Director and Equity Partner of Global X, an exchange traded fund firm. He originally studied Environmental Economics and Law in preparation for becoming a lawyer before making the shift to finance. In his youth, Devan had dreams of being in the NHL and spent much of his time playing hockey and trying to keep his grades up. During college he played hockey, but realized that he wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer. His time at the University of Illinois was a busy one, as Devan joined a business fraternity and a social fraternity, played hockey and ended up being part of College Works as well. It was during this time that he really began to get to know more about himself, his strengths, and of course the areas he needed to work on. Eventually, his desire to make an impact led to a shift in thinking, one that led him to the world of ETFs and Global X. This show will inspire you to follow your passion and use every day as another step toward excellence. You don't want to miss this! What You Will Learn in this Show:
Resources: Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Learn more at College Works | |||
| 12 Oct 2021 | 36: Calvin Cox | Living Off Your Investments – A Roadmap To Financial Freedom | 00:29:23 | |
How can you truly achieve financial freedom and accumulate enough capital so that you can live off your investments? On today’s show, we interview real estate agent and investor, Calvin Cox who shares with us his money philosophy. You will learn how to inculcate financial discipline so that you achieve the ultimate dream – living off your investments. Growing up, Calvin worked multiple jobs in high school and college which taught him the importance of great work ethic. However, it was not until he was 27 that Calvin understood the power of compounding. A chance meeting with a financial advisor proved to be a complete eye-opener, and Calvin decided to invest $2,000 every month – a habit that he has stuck to for the past 23 years. Alongside, Calvin also managed to build a large real estate portfolio and start his mortgage company – which he sold at the age of 39. Today’s show is all about inculcating discipline and delayed gratification so that you can hit your biggest financial goals. If you want to live off your investments, and truly enjoy great work life balance, listening to today’s show can help you chart out a roadmap. Do not miss this one! What You Will Learn In This Show
l businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 09 Nov 2021 | 40: Matt Fizell | Living a Life of No Compromises, No Regrets | 00:58:14 | |
On today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Matt Fizell, CFP and owner of Harmony Wealth.
Growing up in a small town of only 2000 people and no stoplights, Matt wanted to escape as soon as possible. Moving to Madison, he found many valuable lessons to be learned there, including what kinds of things would and would not make him happy.
He started out doing Engineering in college but quickly realized that, while he was an analytical person, this wasn't the career path that would make him happy. A challenging situation involving his mother and the purchase/foreclosure on a house led to an epiphany and a switch to a relatively new field - financial planning.
This conversation will inspire you, like Matt, to live your life with no compromises and no regrets
You don't want to miss this!
What You Will Learn in this Show:
Resources:
Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship
College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
Learn more at College Works | |||
| 13 Jul 2021 | 23: Alexis Rabadam | Turning Your Passion into Profit | 00:47:48 | |
On today’s show, we interview Alexis Rabadam, CEO, Finessed Media, Inc. who shares with us her distilled wisdom on motivation, entrepreneurship, and kickstarting a new business in the wake of covid. As always, we start this show with Alexis sharing her definition of excellence. She reveals how she always strives to go the extra mile – so that they can accomplish something that she is truly proud of. A passionate singer, Alexis recently started Finesse Media, an event company. But, then covid brought the world to a grinding halt. Like many of us, Alexis retreated into a shell initially. But she was quick to come to grips with the situation and pivot from live to virtual events. Additionally, Finesse Media is also an e-learning platform for hip-hop artists. On today’s show, you will learn why Alexis considers College Works to be the best experience of her whole life. And towards the end, she reveals why serving others is the surest road to success. Tune in for some massive inspiration. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 11 May 2021 | 14: Danny Sonenshine | Aiming for Empathy | 00:57:01 | |
It only took five days...
Danny Sonenshine had only been working as a legal associate in a large international firm for five days when he realized that he hated what he was doing. Every day people find themselves struggling in places that leave them unfulfilled, from their relationships to their careers.
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt talks with Danny Sonenshine, CEO and Founder of Far West Restaurants and former legal associate about the importance of having a strong support system when striving for excellence.
You'll discover why Danny left his legal career behind just as it began and took a leap of faith - creating his own restaurant business, despite knowing nothing about the industry.
You'll learn how seeking out experts and mentors helped Danny fill in the gaps in his new business, and how those mentors ended up supporting him in ways far beyond business matters.
You'll discover the importance of applying empathy to every area of your life, not just your job or business, and that you likely have a powerful support system of friends and family around you right now... you've just never noticed it before.
You'll also learn why your relationships with friends and family - those who are trying to support you - are key players in helping you to be more open-minded and optimistic.
Join Matt and Danny as they explore the vital role your environment plays in your path to excellence!
Enjoy!
What You’ll Learn in this Show:
Resources:
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 30 Mar 2021 | 8: Darin Anderson | Excellence, Self-Belief, and Other Critical Traits of Exemplary Leaders | 00:52:31 | |
On today’s show, we interview Darin Anderson, Chairman, and CEO, Salas O’Brien who shares with us his distilled wisdom on excellence, perseverance, and self-belief. You will also get some practical financial tips as Darin espouses the benefits of putting up with short-term pains for long-term gains. Growing up, admittedly, Darin wasn’t exceptional in academics or sports. And he only discovered himself in college. When Darin entered college, he was intensely aware that his parents had limited means. And he did not want them to take on extra debt. So, he had to make his own share of sacrifices as he took the harder right and set out to make the life of dreams for himself. Darin first took up the engineering route but then decided to pivot and get his CPA. While working at PWC, Darin got an opportunity to learn about industry best practices that set the tone for an immensely successful career. At the age of 25, Darin was appointed the CFO of an architectural engineering firm. He went on to have some immensely successful stints at the Kleinfelder and ABM industries. Today, as a business leader at the helm of a large consulting firm, Darin talks about the importance of constantly benchmarking yourself against your peers. We also discuss some critical traits that enable great leaders to build trust and find buy-in. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In this Show
Resources
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 13 Apr 2021 | 10: Tackling Stress: The Pursuit of Excellence | 00:18:40 | |
On today’s show, you will learn some actionable, common-sense stress management tips so that you can push through unhindered on the path of excellence. While stress is a constant fixture in our lives, a perspective shift can help us hone in on the real stresses that truly merit our attention. Doing so will allow us to focus, build systems, and find solutions that alleviate our anxiety. We share some easy-to-implement exercises to help you out in today’s show. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources The Fall of the Human Intellect
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 07 Dec 2021 | 43: Michael Yates | Driving Growth Through Passion and Work Ethic | 00:48:19 | |
In today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Michael Yates, Senior Director of Innovations and Agricultural Strategy at Walmart.
At the age of 15, Michael got his first job as a prep cook and went on to work throughout his high school years. He believes this was crucial in developing the strong work ethic he has today.
After high school, he enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he quickly concluded that a career in Journalism wasn’t the path for him. To help figure out what he was passionate about, he started a small business under the College Works program. This turned out to be the perfect opportunity to build his confidence as well as develop a broad set of business and soft skills.
Over time, he was also promoted to district manager at College Works. Since then, Michael has had an exciting career path in sales and business development, working in different countries. He worked at a chemical company, then moved to a construction company and afterward jumped into the renewable energy industry.
As LED technology started being implemented in indoor cultivation, it was a natural transition into the agriculture technology field, and that’s how he ended up working at Walmart!
Join Matt and Michael in this eye-opening discussion.
You don't want to miss this!
What You Will Learn in this Show:
Resources: Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship
College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
To learn more: College Works
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| 19 Oct 2021 | 37: John Hepworth | What Does It Take to Grow and Scale a Successful Business? | 00:39:08 | |
On today’s show, we interview John Hepworth, co-founder, Firstway Fundraising who reveals how he turned his charitable project into a thriving business. He also shares how he found the gumption to start a large business at the age of 25. John credits his parents for his hardcore work ethic. From a young age, John was keen on earning money and being independent. So, he ended up doing odd jobs to get by. When John signed up for College Works, admittedly, he thought that it was going to be a piece of cake. But he soon realized that he had a lot to learn. In this segment of the show, John shares why you need to step out your comfort zone, and learn to work with different people who may not have the same outlook as you. After College Works, John worked with an insurance company for a bit before starting a fundraising business with his good friend, Jaime. Eventually, he moved to the US to grow and scale his organization. Topics discussed today include the real definition of excellence, the importance of adaptability, and continuously trying new things. Do not miss this one! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 25 May 2021 | 16: Darius Mirshahzadeh | The Real Meaning of Success and The Importance of Exploration | 00:54:43 | |
On today’s show, we have the incredible Darius Mirshahzadeh who shares with us his distilled wisdom on the importance of exploration, the true meaning of success, and authenticity. When Darius was in his twenties, his sole focus in life was money. And while he did manage to fulfill most of his materialistic ambitions, eventually he realized the futility of his pursuit. One of the biggest things that Darius emphasizes in today’s show is the importance of exploration. Darius admits that “being money-centric” destroyed his twenties. And he advises those on the verge of starting their professional lives to retain a healthy, exploratory mindset. We also talk a great deal about “enjoying the process”. In a mad dash for material success, we end up being in professions that are not aligned with our personalities. And doing things that we do not innately enjoy. Cliché as it sound, if you follow your passion, work won’t seem like work at all. Towards the end of the show, we talk a bit about staying true to your authentic self. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources Darius’ Website
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 03 Aug 2021 | 26: Jerome Stewart | There Is More Than One Path To Excellence | 00:45:24 | |
What happens when two brothers follow very different paths in life - one taking the entrepreneurial route, the other moving along the corporate path?
In today's show, Matt sits down with his younger brother Jerome to answer that very question. Despite their very different career paths, both ended up ringing the bell on the New York Stock exchange and have more unique perspectives on success.
You'll learn about Jerome's time in the Peace Corps and how it helped him discover an entirely new way of living.
You'll discover why he's built a career around adventure, always willing to try new things and commit the time and effort necessary to feel their full benefits.
You'll learn about his "craftsman" approach to life, as well as the importance of honoring yourself and the opportunities you're presented with in life.
You'll also discover the power of building a powerful work ethic - the willingness to do whatever needs to be done in any particular situation, no matter how menial it may appear on the surface.
Join Matt and Jerome as they compare their very different paths that have led them to success and of course, excellence.
Enjoy!
What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources:
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 01 Feb 2022 | 47: Chris Krause | The Power of Relationships and Turning Your Passion into a Life Plan | 00:53:42 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Chris Krause, the founder and CEO of NCSA Athletic Recruiting, which has helped over 100,000 student-athletes receive over $8 billion in scholarships.
You'll learn how Chris maneuvered through the college recruiting process and landed a scholarship to Vanderbilt University.
You'll discover the pivotal moment in Chris' life when he realized he wasn't cut out to be an NFL player even though that was his lifelong dream.
You'll discover how Chris built a 100M+ revenue company and positively impacted countless student-athletes along the way.
Join Matt and Chris for this inspiring discussion.
You don't want to miss this!
What You'll Learn in this Show:
Resources:
Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.
College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
Learn more at College Works
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| 26 Oct 2021 | 38: Steve Brazeel | Working Smarter and The Shockingly Simple Basics of Success | 00:48:13 | |
On today’s show, we interview Steve Brazeel, founder and CEO, Sunterra Produce show who shares with us his distilled wisdom on work ethic, and working smarter, and the foundational elements that contribute to success. Growing up, Steve spent 18-hour days helping his father on the farm. And so, while his upbringing instilled in him great work ethic, the importance of working smarter eventually dawned upon Steve. Upon graduating from the University of Arizona, Steve worked with industry giants like Sun World International and the DiMare Co. In this segment of the show, you will learn how Steve took massive pay cuts just because he could learn more and gain more depth. Eventually, his desire to generate greater and greater value led him to entrepreneurship. Founded in 2000, SunTerra has grown from a one-person firm to an industry leader catering to giants like Walmart, COSTCO and Trader Joe’s. This show will surely inspire you to put your best self forward. Do not miss! What You Will Learn
Resources Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/ | |||
| 16 Mar 2021 | 6: Rob Sprong | Building an Excellence Mindset: What Successful Leaders Do That Others Don’t | 00:38:05 | |
What do successful business leaders do differently? What is the “secret sauce” that enables them to outperform the competition again and again? In today’s show of The Excel Today podcast, we interview Rob Sprong, President, KeenView, and CollegeWorks who shares what excellence means to him. He reveals his four main excellence drivers and shares why it is important to constantly benchmark yourself against your high-performing peers. Early on in his story, Rob realized the importance of putting his absolute best self forward. Playing baseball and football in high school and college helped Rob develop his incredible work engine. Additionally, at UC, San Diego, Rob set up a thriving tutoring business before he discovered College Works. College Works played a huge role in helping Rob discover his path to being an accomplished businessman as he successfully managed painting projects worth thousands of dollars. As the President of Keenview, Rob and his team help businesses assess and address internal vulnerabilities. Particularly, he talks a great deal about what it takes to develop and nurture dream vendors who move the needle forward. Other topics discussed in today’s show include how to manage the challenges of working from home, and tips for getting into the right headspace. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show
Resources
Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience. Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. To learn more: https://www.collegeworks.com/students-home-page/
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| 15 Feb 2022 | 49: Brian Forbath | What It Takes To Succeed As a Lawyer | 00:55:58 | |
In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Brian Forbath, an ultra-successful attorney and President of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a law firm based in Newport Beach.
Brian comes from a family of high achievers, so being the last born of seven kids, the pressure to succeed was on from day one. Instead of caving in to the pressure, Brian built a stellar work ethic from high school all through into his adult life.
You'll learn about Brian's life in college, how he made money and afforded to travel to Europe and South America.
You'll learn how Brian landed his first job and was able to quickly find his place at the law firm.
You'll discover why Brian only hires "entrepreneurial lawyers" and why you are first a business person and a lawyer second.
You'll discover the different fantastic projects Brian is currently working on at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth.
You don't want to miss this!
What You Will Learn in this Show:
Resources: Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.
College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
Learn more at College Works | |||
| 30 Nov 2021 | 42: Marc Bishara | Excellence Through Constant (and Balanced) Growth | 00:59:30 | |
On today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Marc Bishara, a man who has achieved a dream shared by many: he lives off his investments, spends his time managing nothing but his investments.
Marc's parents were immigrants, and as such they relied heavily on their network when they arrived in this country. They imparted that same sense of community and support onto their son. This has led to his belief in the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to create true excellence.
You'll learn how one shifts from college, to landing a rewarding and lucrative job, and then to managing your personal investments.
You'll discover the importance of seeking balanced growth in all aspects of your life.
You'll learn the path to personal wealth, which includes hard work, reinvesting with balance, learning to love work, and harnessing the power of relationships.
You'll also discover Marc's investment process and strategy and why he believes the right people can make all the difference.
Join Matt and Marc for this inspiring and illuminating discussion.
You don't want to miss this!
What You Will Learn in this Show:
Resources:
Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship
College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.
Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.
Learn more at College Works | |||