Best EJ Swanson Podcasts (2025)

1
Crafting Careers in Packaging Sales 1:02:15

7d ago1:02:15

1:02:15

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic interviews Micah Brooks, a seasoned packaging sales professional. They discuss Micah's journey from selling payroll software to thriving in the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, effective communication, and the need for patience in sales. Micah s…

1
Authenticity in Sales: The Key to Success 52:09

21d ago52:09

52:09

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dom interviews Craig Phillips, an experienced account manager in the packaging industry. They discuss Craig's journey from studying packaging at Michigan State to his diverse career experiences, including teaching abroad in Korea. The conversation highlights the various opportunities within th…

1
Ep 63: The #1 Recruiter On Your Team 1:00:38

30d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Summary In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski and EJ Swanson discuss the critical role of being the number one recruiter within an organization. They explore the mindset of always recruiting, the characteristics to look for in candidates, and the importance of understanding and leveraging people's strengths. The conversation emphasiz…

1
Clarity Over Content: Branding Lessons for the Packaging Industry with Bolt Creative Co-Founder E.J. Swanson 52:01

1M ago52:01

52:01

Summary In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic Crosson and guest E.J. Swanson discuss the importance of branding, content creation, and clarity in the packaging industry. E.J. shares his journey from ministry to co-founding Bolt, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and leadership. The conversation highlights the need f…

1
Ep 62: Building a Business That Outlasts You 1:27:59

1M ago1:27:59

1:27:59

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron shares a pre-recorded message from a recruiting summit in St. Pete, Florida! Aaron shares thoughts on how to build a business that outlasts you.By Aaron Opalewski

1
Crafting a Career in the Paper Industry 25:37

2M ago25:37

25:37

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Mark Jacobs shares his extensive journey in the paper industry, highlighting his transition from operations to sales, the value of working in family-owned businesses, and the importance of community involvement. He emphasizes the significance of listening, serving, and building relationships in bot…

1
Ep 61: 7 Responsibilities of Leaders 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the essential responsibilities of leaders in business. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, casting a vision, recruiting effectively, developing team members, navigating conflict, showing care for the team, and creating a safe environment for growth. Each of these element…

1
Do we really need the unicorn? 48:03

2M ago48:03

48:03

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Dominic Crosson and Ian Shiemke discuss the challenges of finding the right talent in the packaging industry, often referred to as 'unicorns.' They explore the importance of understanding organizational needs, defining qualifications, and the significance of internal alignment in the hiring process…

1
Ep 60: The Growth Mindset: What If? 30:38

2M ago30:38

30:38

By Aaron Opalewski

1
Ep59: Protecting Culture As You Grow. 8:43

2M ago8:43

8:43

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the critical importance of maintaining company culture during growth. He shares insights from his 17 years of experience, emphasizing that leaders set the cultural tone and must be vigilant in hiring practices to ensure new team members align with core values. The conversation highlight…

1
Leadership Lessons from the Packaging floor and Softball Field 48:59

3M ago48:59

48:59

In this episode, Derek S. Volk, a third-generation leader at Volk Packaging, shares his journey in the packaging industry, leadership lessons learned from coaching softball, and the importance of taking risks in business. He discusses the difference between fairness and equality in leadership, the significance of small gestures in business, and the…

1
Ep 58: Navigating the Hiring Landscape 10:47

3M ago10:47

10:47

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the critical aspects of hiring, emphasizing that candidates from large companies may not always be the best fit for smaller organizations. He highlights the importance of defining clear role expectations, evaluating candidates based on their ability to meet those expectations, and ensur…

1
Ep 57:Embracing Change: Growth and Evolution in Business 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

In this episode of Sparking Success, host Aaron Opalewski speaks with Jessica Woodback, co-founder of Thrive Reality. They discuss the journey of building Thrive during the pandemic, the importance of community and culture in business, and the challenges of managing growth and team dynamics. Jessica shares her insights on neuro-linguistic programmi…

1
Navigating Sales Management as a Young Leader 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm podcast, Trent Halasek, a young leader in the packaging industry, shares his journey from accounting to sales management. He discusses the importance of understanding both the financial and operational aspects of the business, the significance of networking through organizations like AICC, and strategies fo…

1
Ep 56: Navigating Leadership Transitions 42:44

3M ago42:44

42:44

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses his recent transition to CEO of Spark Companies, reflecting on the emotional aspects of leadership changes and the importance of beta testing strategies for business growth. The conversation also highlights the significance of communication skills in youth empowerment through the Amazin…

1
5,164 Days Working Together.... SparkTalent Names New President 51:53

3M ago51:53

51:53

In this special episode of Sparking Success, we dive into a major milestone at Spark Talent Acquisition, Inc.—the promotion of Fletcher Kundtz to President. After 11.5 years of leading the company, Aaron Opalewski transitions into the role of CEO of Spark Companies, marking a pivotal shift in leadership. Join us as we reflect on the journey that le…

1
Ep:54 The 6 Essential Components of a Successful Recruiting Strategy 18:51

4M ago18:51

18:51

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the essential components of setting up The 6 Essential Components of a Successful Recruiting Strategy. He emphasizes the importance of both outbound and inbound recruiting, the role of content and paid ads, and the value of referrals and affiliate programs. By integrating these six leve…

1
Ep 53: Conversion and Commitment Ratios 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron and EJ break down the power of conversion and commitment ratios in business and recruiting. He explores how these key metrics drive success, from attracting top talent to securing long-term commitments. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, Aaron highlights the importance of refining your …

1
Building a Personal Brand in Sales with Chris Hardwick 48:01

4M ago48:01

48:01

Summary In this conversation, Chris Hardwick shares his journey from a long-term career in one company to transitioning into a new role in sales. He discusses the importance of personal branding, the interview process, and how to set oneself apart in a competitive job market. Chris emphasizes the value of follow-up, creating memorable experiences, …

1
Engaging the Next Generation Workforce with Jake Hall 27:50

4M ago27:50

27:50

In this conversation, Jake Hall, known as the Manufacturing Millennial, discusses the importance of automation and workforce attraction in the manufacturing industry. He emphasizes the need for companies to engage with their local communities and showcase their workforce through social media. Jake also highlights the trends in automation, the push …

1
Ep:52 Lessons from one of my private investments 11:07

4M ago11:07

11:07

Summary In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski provides an update on his pizza store investment, discussing the journey of acquiring and expanding the business. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, sharing insights on career growth opportunities within the organization, and the significance of vision casting for ach…

1
Ep 51: From Dreams to Reality: My First Commercial Real Estate Deal. 19:13

4M ago19:13

19:13

Summary In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron shares his personal journey into real estate, detailing his initial hesitations, the lessons learned from past experiences, and the successful acquisition of a commercial building. He emphasizes the importance of mastering one's craft before diversifying investments and reflects on the value of par…

1
Building Relationships: The Heart of Sales 42:23

5M ago42:23

42:23

In this episode of The Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic Crosson welcomes Jonathan "JD" Darling who is a seasoned sales coach and leader. They discuss his journey in the packaging industry, the importance of automation, and the changing perceptions of manufacturing careers. JD shares insights on sales as a service, the qualities of successfu…

1
EP 50: Navigating the New Year: Challenges and Triumphs 46:42

5M ago46:42

46:42

Summary In this episode, Aaron and EJ reflect on the start of 2025, discussing Aaron’s recent business transitions, unexpected challenges, and personal experiences. They share insights on navigating change, the emotional aspects of business decisions, and the importance of gratitude and perspective in the face of adversity. The conversation emphasi…

1
Ep 49: Unlocking the Power of Teamwork 39:45

6M ago39:45

39:45

In this episode of Sparking Success, hosts E.J. and Aaron discuss the critical role of teamwork and vertical integration in driving business success. They explore how effective teamwork fosters a supportive environment, enhances individual growth, and ultimately contributes to the overall mission of the organization. The conversation highlights the…

1
The Business of Food: Lessons from a Culinary Veteran 1:08:05

6M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

In this conversation, Kevin B Ploth joins Dominic and shares his extensive journey in the food industry, from his early experiences in the kitchen to his current ventures in hot sauce production and distribution. He discusses the importance of packaging, the challenges of the food industry, and the lessons learned from his culinary background. The …

1
Ep 48 :The Power of Doing What You Don't Want To Do 7:38

6M ago7:38

7:38

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the importance of doing things you don't feel like doing as a pathway to personal and professional growth. He emphasizes that this practice can set individuals apart from the majority who only act when motivated. By consistently pushing through discomfort, one can experience significant…

1
Ep 47 Part 2 A remarkable journey in leadership building a company to over 1 Billion in annual revenue 1:33:10

6M ago1:33:10

1:33:10

In this conversation, Aaron and Larry Drake explore various aspects of leadership, focusing on evaluating employees, the significance of attitude, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. They discuss practical strategies for assessing leadership potential and the role of faith in business practices, emphasizing the need for trust …

1
Ep 46 A remarkable journey in leadership building a company to over 1 Billion in annual revenue 1:01:53

6M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

In this episode of Sparking Success, host Aaron Opalewski engages in a deep conversation with Larry Drake, former CEO of KUKA Systems North America. They explore Larry's remarkable journey in leadership, the importance of teamwork, and the lessons learned from overcoming challenges in business. Larry shares insights on navigating growth, the signif…

1
How Packaging Automation Is Shaping The Future With David Dent 36:45

6M ago36:45

36:45

In this conversation, David Dent from Sparck Technologies joins Dominic Crosson from Spark Packaging and discusses his journey in the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of automation and sustainability. He shares insights on how packaging automation is shaping the future, the significance of sustainability in the industry, and the value…

1
Ep:45 Finish The Year Strong Summit 1:07:43

6M ago1:07:43

1:07:43

In this special episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski discusses the essential strategies for business growth and leadership. This podcast originally aired as part of Ben Menas Finish The Year Strong Summit He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, understanding gross profit, and developing a robust business pipeline. The…

1
The Art of Sales in Packaging with Mark Batiste of Tiger Press 48:08

6M ago48:08

48:08

In this conversation, Mark T. Batiste shares his journey in the packaging industry, discussing his transition from pharmaceuticals to packaging sales. He emphasizes the importance of sales strategies, networking, and the evolving opportunities within the packaging sector, particularly in promotional products. Mark also highlights the significance o…

1
EP:44 Building a $3M Recruiting Agency and Beyond with Dante Nino 58:11

7M ago58:11

58:11

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski continues his conversation with Dante Nino, focusing on the journey of crossing significant revenue milestones in business. They discuss the importance of leadership, the transition of client relationships, and the role of technology and data in driving recruitment success. Dante shares insights …

1
Ep: 43 Finding Your Niche in the Recruiting Industry: Dante Nino's Journey 58:16

7M ago58:16

58:16

In this conversation, Aaron and Dante Nino discuss Dante's journey from being an employee in recruiting to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the niche recruiting space for architecture, engineering, and construction. They explore the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of finding a niche, and the transition from a lifestyle business to a…

1
Ep 42: Mental toughness is a skill that must be developed 9:46

7M ago9:46

9:46

Summary In this conversation, Aaron Opalewski, CEO of Spark Companies, shares his insights on mental toughness, emphasizing its importance in personal and professional growth. He recounts his journey of overcoming challenges in business, illustrating how mental toughness has been a key factor in his success. Aaron provides actionable steps to enhan…

1
Building Successful Teams and Sales Process: Insights from Jesus Gonzalez 52:07

7M ago52:07

52:07

By The Packaging Paradigm Podcast

1
Ep:41 The stages and phases of business development 29:40

7M ago29:40

29:40

Summary In this episode of Sparking Success, E.J. Swanson and Aaron Opalewski discuss the stages and phases of business development. They explore the importance of starting a business, building a strong foundation, refining strategies, and targeting areas for impact. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and the significance of unde…

1
Finish Strong: How to Maximize Your Momentum Before Year-End 44:30

8M ago44:30

44:30

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski and EJ Swanson discuss the importance of reflection and planning as the year comes to a close. They reflect on recent guests and insights gained from their conversations, emphasizing the need for teamwork, communication, and understanding core values. Aaron shares key takeaways from a recent webi…

1
Ep:39 The Art of Communication and Innovation within Prototype Manufacturing 1:02:59

8M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

In this conversation, Chad Peterson shares his journey through the manufacturing industry, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, mindset, and teamwork. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the dynamics of prototype manufacturing, and the current state of the automotive industry. The conversation highlights the significance of buildi…

1
Ep:38 1:30:21

8M ago1:30:21

1:30:21

In this episode of Sparking Success, host Aaron Opalewski interviews Bill Kozyra, a fourth-generation leader in the automotive industry. Bill shares his journey from working in large tier one automotive suppliers to acquiring and rebranding Wilko Plastics. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of business acquisitions, the impo…

1
Ep:37 Scrappy Strategies for Business Success with CJ Karchon 50:20

8M ago50:20

50:20

In this episode of Sparking Success, Aaron Opalewski interviews CJ Karchon, Vice President of IET and owner of multiple businesses in the defense and firearms industry. They discuss the evolution of IET, the challenges of navigating economic downturns, and the importance of controlled growth. CJ shares insights on pivoting to defense contracts duri…

1
Ep:36 Transforming Adversity into Opportunity with Josh Kosnick 51:56

8M ago51:56

51:56

In this conversation, Josh Kosnick shares his journey from a successful career in financial advising to facing unexpected adversity. He discusses the importance of mental toughness, human development in business, and the need for effective systems and processes. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building long-term relationships, the p…

1
EP:35 Mastering the Art of Recruiting with Mark Whitby 1:02:12

9M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

In this engaging conversation, Aaron Opalewski and Mark Whitby of Recruitment Coach delve into the intricacies of recruitment, coaching, and the podcasting journey. Mark shares his personal experiences in the recruitment industry, highlighting the importance of coaching and continuous learning. Mark Whitby is one of the world’s leading coaches for …

1
EP:34 The Power of Bonuses and Variable Income 8:20

9M ago8:20

8:20

Summary In this episode, the Aaron discusses the importance of bonuses and variable income tied to performance. He emphasizes the consistency and hard work required to earn these bonuses and how they can serve as anchors for future success. Aaron also highlights the personal growth and life lessons that come with overcoming challenges and achieving…

1
Leading by Example in Business and Life With Aaron Opalewski 51:27

9M ago51:27

51:27

Summary In this episode, Dominic and Aaron discuss their journey in the recruiting and packaging industry, as well as the formation of Spark Packaging. They talk about the importance of having a clear vision and finding mentors who have achieved what you want to achieve. They also discuss the growth and evolution of Spark Packaging, including the d…

1
EP:33 Creating a Community of Loyal Customers and Car Enthusiasts while keeping Integrity in Business 59:03

9M ago59:03

59:03

Syed Ahmed, owner and founder of Platinum Motor Cars and Out of Office Garage, shares his journey of building a successful business and community. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and providing exceptional customer service. Syed and his team focus on the lifetime value of a client and prioritize their clients' needs and prefer…

1
EP:32 Focus on What You Can Control Within Times of Uncertainty 33:39

9M ago33:39

33:39

In this episode, Aaron Opalewski and E.J. Swanson discuss navigating through change and uncertainty, particularly in the context of business and leadership. They share their experiences and lessons learned from past election cycles and market fluctuations. The key takeaway is to focus on what you can control, such as your pipeline, business perform…

1
EP:9 The Importance of Open Architecture in Software Platforms Within the Packaging Industry 27:03

9M ago27:03

27:03

Chris Harris, CEO of WPR Services, discusses the importance of data gathering and analytics in manufacturing. He emphasizes the need for personalized experiences and fun metrics to engage employees and drive positive change. Harris also highlights the challenges of building relationships and trust with potential customers and the importance of open…

1
Ep 31: The Emotional Journey of Selling a Family-Owned Business and Learning from the Acquisition Experience 1:19:28

9M ago1:19:28

1:19:28

Ryan Gumro, an entrepreneur, shares his journey of building and selling his business, Gumro & Associates. As Ryan shares with Aaron He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, focusing on the sales pipeline, and maintaining ethical business practices. Ryan discusses the challenges and rewards of the acquisition process and the emotional…

1
The Power of Innovation in Business and Sales in the Packaging Industry 36:01

9M ago36:01

36:01

George Perreira, Vice President of Business Development at a core data design studio and print house, shares his journey and insights on adversity, innovation, and taking risks in sales. He emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to fail and taking calculated risks to achieve success. Perreira also discusses the challenges his company faced d…

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EJ Swanson Podcasts

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