102: Building Communities With Ty Harmon Anything But Typical podcast

1:02:57

"I thought my calling was to be a Catholic priest." – Ryan Monk It wasn’t a whim. Ryan devoted years — undergrad, master’s, a year of theology in seminary — to answering what he believed was his life’s purpose. But somewhere along the way, a quiet unease began to grow. His head said priesthood but his heart whispered his gifts might belong in a different kind of service — one with a family at the center & a new way of walking alongside people in their most important moments. So, he traded vestments for brick dust, late-night restaurant shifts, & finally, law school — chasing a career that could both provide for his young family & serve others. Then 2008 hit. The economy tanked. A Big Law offer disappeared. And that mortgage, those babies… they were staring him down. Ryan took one last leap of faith — starting from a borrowed desk in a warehouse. Little by little, he built his own law firm on three values you can’t fake: humility, gratitude, & joy — the kind that shows up in grief, uncertainty, recessions, pandemics, & all the moments in between. If you’ve ever wondered whether changing course can bring you closer to your true calling… Connect at monklegal.com Joseph Campbell said it best of journeys like Ryan’s: “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.”…

Anything But Typical

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148: Using Data and AI In Business with Andrew James 1:04:55

20 days ago1:04:55

1:04:55

“That’d be impossible… unless?” – Andrew James How do you respond when life throws a punch? If you’re like most people, when you hit a wall, you just push harder—longer hours, more stress, hoping brute force will somehow get you through. If you’re like Andrew, you stop. Take a breath. And then ask the simple question that’s carried him through every tough season: “What would have to be true for this to work?” That single question has shaped everything he’s built—taking him from a scrappy kid flipping diet plans on eBay (& later hustling affiliate offers & imported products) to the founder of Eyeball Division & Cerebro Analytics, two companies helping brands grow smarter and faster. And it’s the same mindset that’s pulled him through the messy middle: the clients ready to walk, the pivots that felt terrifying, the nights where the easy answer would’ve been to quit. If you’re ready for an episode that part wake-up call, part permission slip to do things differently: Download Andrew’s episode of the Anything But Typical Podcast (link in 1st comment) Connect at cerebroanalytics.com Andrew has built a life out of tackling challenges most people walk away from—and actually enjoys the climb. Which is why Walt Disney’s words feel spot on: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”…

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147: Growing, Running, And Selling On Your Terms with Ron Weatherly 55:37

5 weeks ago55:37

55:37

“It’s me just wanting freedom… freedom to make my own choices & live life on my terms.” - Ron Weatherly Ron didn’t start his waterproofing company, Dry Pro Foundation and Crawlspace Specialists , with a business plan, angel investors, or even a clue how to fix a foundation. He started with a crawlspace, raw knees, whatever tools he could scrounge, & a spark of rebellion. Because he knew what he didn’t want… Another layoff. Another week waiting on a paycheck. Another life ruled by someone else’s calendar. So, he built something of his own. He gave up his salary to hire his first manager. Went back into sales when the numbers didn’t add up. Grew the business past $29 million—and walked away when the values lined up, not just the dollars. That’s not luck. That’s freedom built on purpose. Today, he’s not stuck in meetings. He’s mentoring founders, investing in people he believes in, & home by 3:30—because that’s the life his business was built to protect. If you’re growing fast but feel trapped, maybe it’s time to ask: what am I really building? Connect with him at ronweatherly.com Chris Brogan said it best: “The goal isn’t more money. The goal is living life on your terms.”…

Anything But Typical

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146: Serving Your Way To Success with David Amigo 1:07:43

7 weeks ago1:07:43

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"I’m not in charge… & it’s a really nice feeling.” – David Amigo Most entrepreneurs chase control. David finds peace in letting go. Because when you’ve been a factory scab at 11, a product manager slinging cookies in your 20s, & a minority owner pushed out of your own family’s business — you learn fast: control is an illusion. What isn’t? Character. Integrity. Showing up. Doing the next right thing, even when the plan falls apart. That’s where purpose is forged — not in the wins, but in the wreckage. When you dust off, serve others, & keep building anyway. That mindset built his landscaping business, G & G Landscaping , one of the most respected in the Carolinas, where ego gets weeded out & excellence takes root. There, he’s not CEO. He’s CEB: Chief Errand Boy. Clearing the path. Serving first. Doing what needs doing. Because for David, leadership isn’t about being out front — it’s about being all in. For the builders, the rebuilders, & the ones who never quite fit the mold, this episode’s your mirror. Connect at GANDGlandscape.net David took Albert Einstein’s charge to heart: “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.” That’s some great wisdom!…

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145: How Curiosity Can Lead to Fulfillment with Behdad Jamshidi 53:43

9 weeks ago53:43

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"Business… is the best way for me to reach my full potential & see who I can become." – Behdad Jamshidi (Bee) Growing up doing math drills at the kitchen table, Bee didn’t dream. Structure, discipline, grit—that was his operating system. When he became an engineer, it wasn’t out of passion. It was logic. A clear, safe path. But underneath it all? A relentless curiosity & yearning for connection were quietly simmering. So, while climbing the corporate ladder, he quietly built something else. Not because he was desperate, but because something inside him wanted more. More agency. More alignment. More room to grow into the next version of himself. What started with one website grew into a successful business built on vetting & matching top marketing talent. He built patiently, not for growth’s sake, but for his own: a business that could support him, his wife, & the life he wanted to live. This isn’t a story about going all-in. It’s a story about knowing when the time is right--& trusting you’ll be ready when it is. Learn more at cjammarketing.com Wayner Dyer urged: "Don’t die with your music still in you." That’s no danger for Bee.…

Anything But Typical

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144: The Accidental Entrepreneur Journey with Austin Palmer 57:30

11 weeks ago57:30

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"Vanilla is a great flavor." – Austin Palmer Austin may have raised some eyebrows as a kid at 31 Flavors, but he’s always known one thing: flashy doesn’t equal better. So, whether he’s picking ice cream or building financial portfolios, his approach is the same: Simple. Steady. No sprinkles required. His path started predictably—son of a CPA, became a CPA, climbed the ladder at Morgan Stanley & Merrill Lynch. He never chased “fastest-growing advisor” titles. He just kept showing up, doing the right thing, & putting clients first. Then one day, he walked away from corporate comfort to become a partner at Destination Wealth—and suddenly, vanilla had a twist. Consistency? That came naturally. Entrepreneurship? That was rocky road. If you’ve ever done everything “right” & then found yourself wondering, “What else am I capable of?”—this one’s for you. It’s a story of rewiring. Of risk. Of letting go of the familiar to build something that’s yours. Because leadership doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be real. To learn more, find him at destinationwealthadvisors.com , or reach out to him at austin.palmer@dw-advisors.com George Eliot told us, "It’s never too late to be what you might have been." Austin proves it.…

Anything But Typical

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143: Peak Performance Strategies From Professional Sports with Carlos Salum 1:06:42

13 weeks ago1:06:42

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“I take people as a story… I can see their higher self before they can.” – Carlos Salum Carlos grew up under Argentina’s military dictatorship—surrounded by uncertainty, but also by entrepreneurs, poets, and principled people who knew how to thrive despite it. That tension didn’t crush him. It sharpened his vision—so much so that, by adulthood, traditional paths like law & medicine felt like cages, not callings. So he did what most people won’t: He bet on himself. On a handshake, he pitched a partnership to the world’s top tennis coach. No credentials. No fancy title. Just conviction. Then he flew to Germany, crashed on a friend’s couch, & hustled up a seven-city speaking tour with no internet, no safety net, & no backup plan. Eight months later, the world’s biggest sports agency called him “Houdini” as he coached legends like Agassi, Seles, & Sampras. But it was never just about tennis. It was always about helping people live with alignment, intention, and impact. Today, he brings that same fire to business owners. Ready to align with something deeper? Find him at SalumInternational.com . Joseph Campbell said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” Carlos helps people remember that.…

Anything But Typical

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142: Building Canada's Largest Snowboarding Brand at 24 with Perry Gladstone 1:03:06

15 weeks ago1:03:06

1:03:06

“I want to know what I'm capable of… but I'm not an adrenaline junkie. I just want to know how far I can take it—because I want to know what my greatest potential is.” – Perry Gladstone At 8, Perry was selling comic books at flea markets. At 15, he opened a skateboard shop that pulled in $100K that summer. By 24, he launched a snowboard company in his kitchen that became Canada’s biggest—& sold it before he turned 30. But it was never about the money. For Perry, business has always been about access—to adventure, freedom, & experiences no one else would hand him. If he wanted to do something, he built a way to do it. That’s how he became a record-setting free diver, a coach to high-powered CEOs, a musician, & a master at intentional reinvention. The common thread? Radical self-awareness. He knows exactly what drives him—& he helps others find the emotional through-line that connects everything they’ve ever done. What Perry builds isn’t just business. It’s identity. It’s legacy. To learn more, find him at PerryGladstone.com . Poet Rainer Maria Rilke said, “The only journey is the one within.” Perry’s been on that journey all along.…

Anything But Typical

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141: Retiring at 27 To Pursue Entrepreneurship 1:03:02

17 weeks ago1:03:02

1:03:02

"If I can be good about business, & I can do my business well—but then also care about my people & have that noticed in the marketplace—that’s way more important to me." – Greg Lafferty At 27, Greg seemingly had it all: the pedigree, the projects, the prestige of a big job at NASA. But what he really wanted was a life of impact. So, he retired (yes, at 27!) from the confines of government & began a decades-long journey of entrepreneurship rooted in faith, grit, & people-first leadership. Years later, that same spirit would draw Christina Wright to him. A few referrals & persistent follow-ups later, she landed a meeting with Greg—who was launching a company with no name, no business plan… & no investor relations lead. She jumped in anyway. Today, this mission-minded duo is building Branch Wealth Partners—an education-driven real estate firm helping people build real wealth with wisdom, heart, & long-term vision. They’re not chasing “get rich quick.” They’re building something that lasts. To learn more, learn more at branchwealthpartners.com . It’s like Tony Hsieh said: “Chase the vision, not the money. The money will end up following you.”…

Anything But Typical

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140: When Kindness Is A Strategy In Business with John Hall 1:02:08

19 weeks ago1:02:08

1:02:08

“So, it's not just about your business growth. It's also about … creating value & meaningful relationships.” – John Hall In third grade, John launched a lunch brokerage business. By college, he was building a student housing empire. And today? He’s a keynote speaker, investor, & co-founder of multiple companies — wildly different ventures but all rooted in one thing: adding value to others. He didn’t start out this way. Early in his career, he admits he was ego-driven & always worked an angle. Over time, he learned that the true measure of success isn’t power or profit. It’s the number of lives you elevate along the way. That belief shows up in everything he does, from how he hires, to who he partners with, to the companies he builds & invests in. For John, kindness is strategy. Relationships are capital. And success is leaving people better than you find them. From ego to impact, this story is about building a business that puts people first without sacrificing growth. To learn more, find him at Relevance.com & ArticleX.com . John was listening when Zig Ziglar said, “You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.”…

Anything But Typical

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139: From Soviet Russia to Transforming Lives with Natalia Worthington 1:02:12

21 weeks ago1:02:12

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“I believe that the more my clients know I care about them, the more I can nudge them toward success.” – Natalia Worthington Natalia wasn’t supposed to be here—literally. As her parents rode a bus to make a life-altering decision, her father had a change of heart. That choice sparked a life defined by curiosity, compassion, & quiet rebellion. Born in Soviet Russia, she came of age in a system that crushed curiosity & rewarded obedience. But at home, things were different. Her father, an English professor, championed critical thinking & lifelong learning—lessons that would one day save her. Years later, as a young mom in a new country, Natalia battled isolation, depression, & weight gain. But instead of giving in, she channeled her hunger to learn & took control of her story. She healed—& then made it her mission to help others do the same. Today, Natalia helps clients thrive in six areas of deep health—from fitness to purpose. Her goal isn’t just a workout. It’s total transformation. To learn more, find her at customfitcoaching.com . Arthur Ashe once said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Natalia did just that.…

Anything But Typical

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138: Addiction, Feeling Stuck, And Transforming Your Life with Robbie Shaw 1:12:20

23 weeks ago1:12:20

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“One sip of alcohol literally leads to prison...there’s nothing in between anymore.” – Robbie Shaw For years, Robbie tried to outmaneuver the consequences of addiction—until the day the truth hit him like a bus. No more negotiating, no more "just one more time." His choices were death, jail, or life. We’re so grateful he chose life. That choice set him on an unexpected path. From addiction to recovery coach, mental health advocate, & entrepreneur, he didn’t just rebuild his life—he built a business to help others share their stories. Now, as the founder of EVRYBDY Studios, he’s proving that the best way to transform pain is to turn it into purpose. Whether it’s podcasting, coaching, or even ice baths in his driveway, Robbie is all in on the power of storytelling, vulnerability, & doing hard things. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle you couldn’t break or just love stories of redemption, resilience, & redefining success on your own terms: follow him @evrybdystudios & check out his podcast Champagne Problems. It’s been said that "Your greatest test is your greatest testimony." We don’t know who said it, but Robbie proves it.…

Anything But Typical

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137: Breaking The Scarcity Mindset with Dan Flaherty 1:07:27

25 weeks ago1:07:27

1:07:27

“If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not doing the job correct.” – Dan Flaherty With a career that has ventured from the disciplined halls of corporate American to unconventional sales & management consulting, Dan’s story comes with a powerful lesson: Growth comes from embracing calculated risk, stepping out of our comfort zones, & learning not to do more but to do it differently. But it’s not all work & no play. This passionate family man & Hellcat racer understands that success is not just about business milestones. It’s about work-life harmony —enjoying breakfast & dinner with his kids while fueling his passion for race car driving. In a world where many cling to a scarcity mindset, Dan embraces abundance—championing collaboration, knowledge sharing, & servant leadership. Whether on the racetrack, in the boardroom, or in the living room, Dan welcomes trial & error as part of his journey. Uncomfortable? Sometimes, but this approach turns every setback into a steppingstone for growth, & that has made all the difference. Are you ready for the blueprint on building a life that’s balanced, impactful, & rewarding? Connect with him on LinkedIn . Both Dan and Dolly Parton remind us: “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."…

Anything But Typical

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136: Helping Chick-Fil-A, Lowe's, and More Create Brand and Purpose with Jamey Boiter 1:04:13

27 weeks ago1:04:13

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“People don’t manage people. People lead people.” – Jamey Boiter Growing up, Jamey was blessed by a father that didn’t just raise him. He led him. In doing so, he gave Jamey a blueprint for servant leadership that would shape his entire career. From an early passion for architecture to pivoting into graphic design, Jamey learned that the true essence of creativity isn’t just making things, it’s solving problems. That mindset led him to Bolt Group, where he’s spent decades helping companies like Chick-fil-A, Lowe’s, & IZOD bridge the gap between brand, product, & purpose. But he’s not just a designer. He’s a builder of businesses, leaders, & legacies. His unique approach integrates brand strategy with product innovation, turning companies into category leaders. Now, he’s doing the same for his own team, ensuring the future of Bolt Group is as bold as its past. If bold leadership, design thinking, & culture building drive you, find him at Boltgroup.com Great design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about solving problems that matter. It’s like Steve Jobs said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."…

Anything But Typical

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135: Empowering Employees and ESOPs with Don Baker 1:05:08

29 weeks ago1:05:08

1:05:08

"I’m not a greedy guy. I don’t chase money—it follows me." – Donald Baker What does success look like to the average entrepreneur? For most, it’s all about wealth. For Don, it’s about impact. From the beginning, he’s sought to empower his employees & do the right thing, no matter the cost. Whether transforming air quality standards in pools to protect swimmers or creating ESOPs to give his employees a financial stake in their futures, Don shows us that perseverance, purpose, & innovation can exist in any business. Shaped by his father’s lessons, he shares why he believes “most people don’t know what they’re capable of,” and that hands-on, creative leadership leads to breakthroughs that redefine industry. Don builds pools. More importantly, builds opportunities, legacies, & futures where hard work & innovation are rewarded. If you’re seeking inspiration & looking to make a difference in your industry, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to succeed. Learn more about his work Paddock Pool Equipment Company , Pure Aqua Products, and Paddock Construction Company . Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “You don’t chase success—you create it with the right mindset.” Don’s a living example.…

Anything But Typical

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134: Master Class In Leadership with Jay Woelkers 1:17:16

31 weeks ago1:17:16

1:17:16

"Everyone you meet is somebody's hero—even though you don't think they are." – Gerard "Jay" Woelkers Born into a family of 15 children, Jay learned at a young age what it means to serve. At 18, he joined the Navy, starting as an E1—the lowest rank—and rose to O6 over 39 years, commanding thousands of sailors. But his decades-long journey wasn't about climbing the ranks or pinning awards on his own lapel; it was about lifting others up along the way. His secret? A people-first philosophy. Whether building trust on the battlefield, mentoring young sailors, or transforming the culture at Walter Reed, Jay's focus is simple: value people, build trust, & pursue excellence. Amazing results will follow. This episode isn't just about leadership—it's a playbook for how to show up for your team, your family, & your community. To learn more about Jay's ongoing mission as a leadership speaker & how you can take a page from his playbook, connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his leadership talks. Zig Ziglar said, "You don't build a business. You build people, and people build the business." Jay Woelkers is living proof. It’s also a great way to live.…

Anything But Typical

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133: No Clients, No Calls, No Problem with Billy Austin 59:55

33 weeks ago59:55

59:55

“So, this is a story I like to tell. We're in the office. The phone's not ringing. It's just a regular workday. We're just sitting there, & I said, ‘Well, I'm going to go out and find some work.’” – Billy Austin What happens when an engineer from Charlotte, NC buys an engineering firm in 2007, only to face the Great Recession a year later? For Billy Austin, it wasn’t spreadsheets or strategy that saved him — it was his willingness to try anything, including a blind car ride into the unknown. With no clients calling, Billy got in his car, drove to an industrial park, & started knocking on doors. That bold move sparked a partnership with Duke Energy, giving his fledgling engineering firm the lifeline it needed to thrive. His self-made journey serves as encouragement to all entrepreneurs who need to remember that trust doesn’t come automatically, growth starts with humility, & when in doubt, just take the first step – even if you don’t know where it’s going. To learn more, visit ShultzEngineering.com . You can’t help of think of Helen Keller when you hear Billy’s story. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”…

Anything But Typical

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132: Designing The Second Half of Your Life with Lloyd & Linda Reeb 1:03:42

35 weeks ago1:03:42

1:03:42

"The essence of an entrepreneur is you can build whatever you want — come up with an idea for goodness' sake & get started!” – Lloyd Reeb At 16, Lloyd did just that – he got started. When he overheard his dad say, "Our kids will never be able to afford a house at the beach," he didn’t accept it. Instead, he asked his dad to co-sign a loan so he could buy land near Atlantic City. That moment sparked a passion for business & freedom that fuels him today. He’s not alone. His wife, Linda , is equally driven, empowering everyday moms to lead their families & communities with purpose. Lloyd & Linda aren’t ordinary entrepreneurs. Yes, Lloyd built retirement communities for 37+ years & Linda transforms women into leaders. But it’s not businesses they build — it’s legacies. As for measuring success? Freedom, impact, & legacy are the only metrics that matter for them. And in this episode, they’re sharing their blueprint for how YOU can do it too. Find them at Halftime.org & MomsMentoring.com . David Frost said, "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." The Reebs were listening.…

Anything But Typical

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131: Two Cultures Creating Greater Success Together with Klar Ventures 58:30

37 weeks ago58:30

58:30

"We just try to do good work & have that lead to the next introduction." – Justin Cunningham What happens when a former investment banker & food allergy app creator joins forces with a corporate operations expert who left Berlin, Germany, for Disney (yes, Disney!) to bring big ideas & investment strategies to business owners? Magic…eventually! Like all good entrepreneurial journeys, the story of Justin ’s & Daniel ’s success comes with unexpected twists – including COVID hitting just as they launched their business. For two young guys starting out, they faced a tough choice: slow down & potentially close shop, or double down & work even harder to help clients in an unprecedented time. They chose the latter. In doing so, they not only created a successful advisory business that clients deeply trust & endorse, but they set the stage for an unbreakable partnership built on trust, resilience, & complementary strengths. To learn more, Find them at KlarVentures.com . Transparency, teamwork, & unwavering commitment to clients & team. It's like Henry David Thoreau said, "Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."…

Anything But Typical

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130: From $13 to $400 Million in 4 Years with Charlie Workmon 1:02:27

39 weeks ago1:02:27

1:02:27

"I want to build a platform, and my team wants to build a platform that blesses people—not a business empire, but a platform to bless people." – Charlie Workmon When you picture logistics companies, what do you see? Gruff individuals scrambling around hectic warehouses, driven only by tight deadlines? That's definitely the norm. But not in Charlie's logistics company, Riverstone Logistics . White glove service, purpose-driven culture, bold community service initiatives, & faith-driven leadership mark his. "Neat," you might say, "but I'm sure he's lagging behind his competitors." Hardly. In fact, he's blown them out of the water, scaling from $13M in annual revenue to over $400M in just four years! From humble beginnings in Atlanta's moving industry to now leading an industry powerhouse, Charlie shows that faith & purpose can guide decisions and be the catalyst for success. So much for conventional wisdom. To learn more, find him at RLX.us or on LinkedIn . The echoes of Henry Ford are so evident in Charlie's perspective on business. "The purpose of business is to produce happiness, not to pile up millions."…

Anything But Typical

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129: Failing Forward with Fabi Preslar 1:06:59

41 weeks ago1:06:59

1:06:59

“I’m not sure I ever really wanted to be an entrepreneur.” – Fabi Preslar Ever turned your biggest fear into your proudest achievement? That’s Fabi’s story. Inspired by her father’s ambitious (but unsuccessful) business ventures—from running a French restaurant in rural South Carolina to raising chinchillas—Fabi saw firsthand the risks of entrepreneurship. As her father’s ventures failed, her family lost everything, leaving Fabi to grow up a guest in someone else’s home. Why would she ever dive into entrepreneurship herself? For Fabi, it started with a need—an extra $100 a month when she was home with her baby. But soon she was all in, & good mentors helped her overcome her fears around entrepreneurship & embrace the idea of “failing forward.” Today, after more than two decades of learning, Fabi’s built one the southeast’s most regarded publishing companies, reminding us just where tenacity & authenticity can lead, even when the journey begins in the most unexpected way. To learn more, find her at FabiPreslar.com . Can’t help but think of what George Addair said: "Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear."…

Anything But Typical

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128: Just Get Started with Brian Ondrako 1:01:09

43 weeks ago1:01:09

1:01:09

"My life is being a navigator and helping navigate people just get started." – Brian Ondrako Listening to Brian now, it's hard to imagine him as a young child in small-town NY, struggling with feelings of inadequacy & lack of self-belief, but those are his roots. A persistent negative mindset & placing blame on others were his defense mechanisms of choice, & they left him stuck in a cycle of procrastination & self-doubt through adulthood. That is until the shame & regret overcame his fear, & he told those mechanisms to take a hike! Embracing a mindset of action & growth, Brian set out to "just get started" – making small, incremental changes one step at a time. So transformative was it for him that he just couldn't keep it a secret. Today, through his coaching, podcast, & books, Brian encourages everyone to move past their doubts, take the first step, & navigate life with confidence. We could all use some of that. To learn more, find him at BrianOndrako.com . Brian's journey & leadership is captured perfectly by Zig Ziglar: "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."…

Anything But Typical

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127: Building Community with David & Monica Hickman 1:04:04

45 weeks ago1:04:04

1:04:04

“We just really love living life with other people.” – Monica Hickman Rural Tennessee might not seem like the obvious place to birth a business, but that’s just where David & Monica Hickman’s radical love for community – & their eventual business --was born. Neighbors helping neighbors & new faces at the dinner table were the norm & solidified the idea that connecting with other people was what made “home” great. Today, David & Monica’s luxury events in countless communities across Charlotte, NC look very different than the humble meals served at mom’s kitchen table, but the idea the is the same: The people in your community bring life to where you live. Know & love them well. Whether it’s at rooftop charcuterie night or ballpark bash, this story of hard work, servant leadership, & a shared vision to make Charlotte (and beyond!) a “sticky” place for young professionals to find a home and community & put "people-first" values into place will leave you inspired. To learn more about community-building as an art form, find them on SocialHubCompany.com . Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “Cities are made of friendships.” He’d sure love this.…

Anything But Typical

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126: Turning Android Messages Blue with Danny Mizrahi 59:25

47 weeks ago59:25

59:25

"I really do want to be known for getting the most out of the people around me and helping them grow."— Danny Mizrahi From New York's breakneck pace to building powerhouse companies, Danny Mizrahi is the ultimate growth champion. Whether launching tech startups or scaling businesses to the Inc. 5000, his approach is all about helping others reach new heights—personally and professionally. It's how he built his own companies, Contango and Sunbird Messaging App and helped 46 entrepreneurs hit that coveted million-dollar mark in revenue. His secret? Building relationships, hustling hard, & always giving more than you get. So simple but so impactful. If you're looking for common sense entrepreneurial inspiration that values people over everything (delivered by one of the most unstoppable guests we've ever hosted): Find him on LinkedIn or by Googling "Danny Sunbird." Danny's style is reminiscent of a quote by John C Maxwell… "Coaching is not just about giving advice; it's about building relationships that empower others to discover their own solutions and grow."…

Anything But Typical

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125: Building Businesses and Community with Titus Bartolotta 1:05:08

49 weeks ago1:05:08

1:05:08

“The thing that most excites my soul is creating, establishing, developing, & then making sure it doesn’t die.” – Titus Bartolotta Locals in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, NC know the name Bartolotta. That’s because Titus & his wife, Christina Bartolotta (also a podcast guest!), do more than run businesses there. They’re community builders, investing in projects that richly improve lives. That alone would make for a good interview. But what makes Titus’ journey exceptional is how difficult & diverse it was. Raised in poverty & trained in an unlikely mix of culinary arts, seminary, & big screen TV sales, he eventually became a business owner & mentor when the call to create & sustain something purposeful became too great to ignore. From consulting to authoring a book to running two restaurants, Titus blends business acumen with deep personal conviction, humor, humility, & passion as he lifts others up & leads authentically. To learn more, find him at RiseCafe.com & CollaborativeSolutionsGroup.com . John C. Maxwell said, "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."…

Anything But Typical

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124: Leading A Nonprofit Like A Business with Will Jones 1:12:16

51 weeks ago1:12:16

1:12:16

"You have to make decisions to really do the hard things… that's what leadership is." – Will Jones When Will was chosen to lead a well-known Charlotte, NC, philanthropy, he was thrilled. Service to others is woven into the fabric of his life. But he inherited a problem that too often plagues nonprofits: an unwavering passion for service hamstrung by little to no business acumen. Big dreams, not enough money. In his first year as leader, Will faced a $5 MILLION deficit. The solution? Seek more donations & drastically cut costs? Not a chance. Using the perspective he'd gained in the private sector, Will opted to embed a familiar yet powerful business strategy into the organization – laser-focused priorities, leadership training, culture building, & a proper growth strategy. The result? 20% year-over-year growth in the 12 years he's been in charge – results ANY organization would be proud to claim. To learn more about Will's epic perspective, find him on LinkedIn and ThompsonCFF.com Management consultant & author Peter Drucker said, "The best nonprofits are run more like businesses than most businesses are." We have an example here.…

Anything But Typical

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123: Getting 2 Second Chances At Life with Johan Koornhof 1:04:05

1 year ago1:04:05

1:04:05

“It’s all about the opportunity to inspire people.” – Johan Koornhof On the surface, Johan has much in common with the executives, business owners, and leaders he serves. He’s smart, successful, & entirely self-made. He owns his own company and serves as an ambassador to several organizations. But what sets him apart is that none of those things capture the most interesting parts of his journey, one that started in South Africa, spread to Scotland and the United States, and nearly ended tragically twice, once on the side of a mountain and later in an ICU battling COVID-19. He is no stranger to the lows of life, yet in them, he gained life-giving perspectives on purpose, intentional leadership, and personal character that have transformed his own life and the lives of countless others he chooses to serve selflessly. Much to our benefit, he shares them openly in all he does, including this podcast. What a gift. To learn more: Check out Be Real and connect with Johan on LinkedIn . C.S. Lewis said, “Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for extraordinary destiny.” He was right. Johan is living proof.…

Anything But Typical

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122: Thinking Big After Learning from Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegie with Tamara Bunte 1:05:32

1 year ago1:05:32

1:05:32

“People don’t think big enough.” – Tamara Bunte Growing up in the Midwest, Tamara assumed she’d follow the same path as everyone else: go to college, get a job, and work until retirement. She was smart, safe, and secure, the very values her community shared. But those values weren’t hers. Even as a young child, she was curious. Why are some people happier and more successful than others? What makes the difference? So nagging were those questions that, at 12 years old, she asked for the tapes of famed motivational speaker Tony Robbins and set goals to work for Dale Carnegie & Robbins himself. And that’s exactly what she did. Today, Tamara runs her own company, teaching unique sales strategies to companies of all types (and gives some great tips in this podcast!). She also leads a thriving non-profit and a faith-fueled Etsy shop. Her passion and purpose in life underscore them all and fuel her (self-made) success. To learn more, find her at TamaraBunte.com & on LinkedIn . Hard work matters, but start with a plan and make it a big one. That’s Tamara’s story. It’s like Emeril Lagasse said, “If you think big, it’s going to be big.”…

Anything But Typical

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121: Becoming A Playful Human Again with Mike Montague 1:05:01

1 year ago1:05:01

1:05:01

“Creative nerdery is my personal brand.” – Mike Montague Imagine for a moment you’re an HR rep reviewing resumes. Along comes a successful web designer turned DJ who later became an acclaimed sales expert, podcast host, and author, who later became an improv comedian—all while being a smash at each thing. Where would you put this person in your organization? If you’re completely stumped, join the club. No one has ever known exactly where to put Mike. That never stopped him. Like many entrepreneurs, Mike’s resume is long and varied. But what makes him unique is that, whether inside a massive organization like Sandler or within his own company, his “creative nerdery”—best defined as playful intelligence—shines through. Every job becomes uniquely his own, whether it was asked for or not. And that’s made all the difference. If stories of challenging the status quo & imparting your personal brand on your work make you happy, this is the episode for you. Famed author Dodinsky said, “Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.” It sums Mike up perfectly. It’s also great advice for each of us. Find him on LinkedIn or at PlayfulHumans .…

Anything But Typical

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120: Ski Resorts and Member Based Communities for Entrepreneurs with Hollis Carter 1:12:02

1 year ago1:12:02

1:12:02

“I’m just generally curious about a lot of things.” – Hollis Carter Entrepreneurs, inquisitive & risk-tolerant by nature, tend to have diverse backgrounds. Hollis’ is almost dizzying. This master of the side hustle has started more companies than you can count, beginning in early childhood. But it’s the SAAS company he built into a 7-figure virtual business in less than a year & becoming a (very young) founding investor in one of the nation’s most unique ski resorts that grabs your attention. Then, of course, there’s his membership-based community for entrepreneurs (with arguably the funniest name you’ve ever heard) that makes you wonder. Is he just skipping randomly from one thing to the next? Hardly. Coursing through the heart of every one of Hollis’ companies is community, & his knack for building it in the most natural & mutually beneficial ways will leave you wondering why it’s ever been tried any other way. To learn more: Find him at BabyBathwater.com or @HollisC on Instagram. Hollis’ endeavors are proof of Akio Morita’s assertion: “Curiosity is the key to creativity.”…

Anything But Typical

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119: How Focusing on Relationships Became the Foundation For Success with Todd Hirschfeld 56:33

1 year ago56:33

56:33

“I’m a relationship person at my core.” – Todd Hirschfeld Growing up, Todd had a seat at some impressive dinner tables, a perk of being the son of a celebrity attorney. Athletes, movie stars, and even the legendary Muhammad Ali graced his family’s dinner table on many occasions. For most people, kids especially, that kind of limelight would be blinding. For Todd, it illuminated a vital lesson: Connections and genuine personal relationships, over everything else, open doors & bring life to new opportunities. It’s a lesson he’s carried with him ever since. Whether trying to break into NASCAR as a driver, becoming a team liaison, or now marketing and directing over-the-top experiences for sporting and special event guests, Todd has prioritized people and relationships to conceptualize new businesses and overdeliver on expectations. The result? He’s created one of the most unique, successful, and diversified companies his customers adore, and he’s not done yet. To learn more, find him at HMSworldwide.com or LinkedIn . Looking at Todd, it’s easy to see that Alan Cohen was right. “Success in business depends more on relationships than spreadsheets.”…

Anything But Typical

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118: Charlotte's Apparel Brand 704 Shop with Chris Moxley 1:08:13

1 year ago1:08:13

1:08:13

"Business… that's just a vehicle to make community impact." -Chris Moxley Those of us lucky enough to call Charlotte, NC, home often joke about how rare it is to meet a native Charlottean (so many of us moved here for new opportunities). But Chris is one of those unicorns, born and raised in Charlotte, and his love for his city and its people has inspired one of its most unique brands. Chris and his former UNC roommates co-founded a lifestyle brand that merges hometown pride and premium apparel. But it's what 704 Shop does outside its South End storefront that makes it so unique: radical community building that promotes upward mobility and connecting community members who love the city as much as they do. Chris' entrepreneurial journey is rooted in a pay-it-forward philosophy, a lesson he imbibed while growing up in some of Charlotte's most challenging neighborhoods. His belief is simple yet powerful: Every hurdle can be surmounted when good-hearted individuals invest in one another. To learn more: Find him at 704shop.com & connect on LinkedIn . When President John F. Kennedy said, "One person can make a difference, & everyone should try," Chris must have been listening.…

Anything But Typical

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117: Rethinking Recruiting with Marc Hutto 59:58

1 year ago59:58

59:58

“I get a real sense of purpose out of providing for others.” – Marc Hutto Expensive, frustrating, and typical—these are the words most employers and job seekers use to describe their experiences with recruiters. Sure, the position is eventually filled, but it costs a fortune, and there’s no guarantee the new employee will stick around. That’s why Marc turned traditional recruiting on its ear. Forget aggressive recruiters desperate to earn their placement fees. Forget overinflated profiles of unemployed job seekers desperate to find “anyplace” to land. Forget it all. It doesn’t work. Uncovering people’s purpose, values, and individual “career drivers” and then introducing them to the employers who share them does. Marc has made it his life’s mission to help businesses & employees find their perfect long-term match & do it in the most cost-effective way possible. Talk about a noble purpose. To learn more: Find him at RevealGlobal.com & connect on LinkedIn . Tom Rath said, “Make work a purpose, not just a place.” In such a typically cut-throat industry, seeing someone take that idea to heart is refreshing.…

Anything But Typical

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116: How Turmoil After Winning Big Led to Helping Others with Chris Loucy 1:00:57

1 year ago1:00:57

1:00:57

“I want someone when they look at what I’m doing, to say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’” – Chris J. Loucy For many years, Chris’ entrepreneurial journey was the stuff of dreams. Following a successful stint in sales, he rolled the dice on his own flooring company & won…big time. He blew his competition out of the water & experienced almost unreal growth. Until one day, when the dream became a nightmare. An unfair lawsuit filed against his company eventually became too big to fight. Chris was forced to close his doors. Which is where the story would end if he was a “typical” entrepreneur. Of course, he’s anything but! Today, you’ll find Chris helping small business owners mitigate their financial risk in their own companies by establishing business credit & the company’s financial foundation. His mission? To prevent others from experiencing the kind of heartache & ruin he personally experienced. Service & purpose. Well done, indeed. To learn more: Check out how Chris is impacting others at JGalt.io Serving others instead of wallowing in self-pity... It’s like Rick Warren said, “Don’t waste your pain; use it to help others.”…

Anything But Typical

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115: From The Office's Writing Room to Entrepreneurship with Kevin Monaghan 1:10:51

1 year ago1:10:51

1:10:51

"We think that we are providing benefits to somebody and incentives. Actually, we're creating little fires and warring factions." - Kevin D. Monaghan Most organizations incentivize key employees with creative pay & perks like equity splits. Better pay + better benefits = obviously happy employees who stick around, work hard, & grow the company. t's easy and great math, except for the fact that it doesn't work. As Kevin can speak to personally, equity splits often produce arguments, jealousy, and resentment. Key employees are left at risk. It's a tough pill he was forced to swallow, sleeping on the floor of a 9'x9' apartment, rebuilding his life after losing everything to a work "family" who promised him the moon & then burned him badly. So, what's the alternative to splitting equity & keeping good people? Kevin knows now, & he's on a mission to tell the world. Check out IntuitiveCompensation.com for more info & download his FREE book at BucketsBook.com .…

Anything But Typical

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114: Bringing Music Lessons To You with George Ramsay 1:05:02

1 year ago1:05:02

1:05:02

“I hated it, hated it with a passion.” — George Ramsay When George looks back on music lessons of his youth, he remembers only misery. Stuffy piano teachers, monotonous scales, and the dread of upcoming recitals made faking sickness a weekly occurrence. Music lessons were the enemy, and he’d do anything to miss them. But watching a high school friend learn from a teacher who taught improvisation & the rock music he loved changed his perspective. Music instruction could bring students alive, not just “make them better.” It could be FUN! He picked up the guitar with that teacher in mind and fell in love. Then he knew, “I just had to do something in music.” Together with his business partner, George has turned in-home music instruction on its ear. Equally as important, his business model provides a level of financial security for gig workers (his instructors) unheard of in the industry. People, passion, perspective. It’s all here! To learn more: 👉Find him on LinkedIn & at BoldMusicLessons.com Robert Ballard said, “Follow your own passion—not your parents’, not your teachers’—yours.” George did.…

Anything But Typical

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113: From Homelessness to Business Success with Christina Bartolotta 51:03

1 year ago51:03

51:03

“It’s important to us to help people see that they matter.” – Christina Bartolotta Christina & her husband, Titus, are no strangers to business success. From car sales to consulting, this dynamic duo seemingly does it all & very well. Today, you’ll find them in the kitchen of their newest endeavor & one of Lake Norman, NC’s newest & deeply loved restaurants, Rise Cafe. Serial entrepreneurs with a passion for growing their bank accounts? Not even close. Behind every business the Bartolottas own & operate, a deep passion & love for people resonates. They simply have a heart for building businesses that richly improve lives & communities. It’s a noble cause, one made even more exceptional once you hear Christina’s journey. With no exaggeration, she has endured & found purpose in one of the most traumatic childhood journeys we’ve ever heard. Both Christina & Titus embody a favorite quote by Simon Sinek: “Profit isn’t a purpose; it’s a result. To have purpose means the things we do have real value to others.” This one will leave you speechless. To learn more: 👉Find her & Titus at Rise Cafe & Collaborative Solutions Group .…

Anything But Typical

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112: From Growing Up Together to Growing a Business Together with Jeff Wanner and Broc Buxton 1:03:57

1 year ago1:03:57

1:03:57

“I love our business model. It’s one where we can be truly honest with our clients.” Broc Buxton When cousins Jeffrey Wanner & Broc Buxton were growing up together, neither of them imagined that Broc would eventually join Jeff in building a company that would revolutionize the way other small businesses select professional employer organizations (PEOs). But as they matured, they recognized important qualities in each other that would fuel that endeavor: diligence, integrity, & a mutual love for solving problems that plague business owners. (If PEOs are unfamiliar to you, take heart. This episode will show you how you can outsource important HR functions, drive down costs, & how Jeff & Broc do it so differently.) Jeff & Broc turned their love for people & business into their passion for simplifying clients’ lives. Their one-of-a-kind, free (yes, free!) service helps business owners just like you sift through the marketing noise & select the best option for their workforce. Family, friendship, passion. How often do those collide? Check out Pair PEO and try out their calculator.…

Anything But Typical

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111: Branding, Marketing, and Podcasting with Reece Arlin 50:50

1 year ago50:50

50:50

“I want people to recognize my passion for things – my passion for living, my passion for ensuring other people’s success.” — Reece M. Arlin, MBA When this car-loving, fitness-focused, self-proclaimed “terrible employee” graduated from college, he was certain buying & operating a gym was the path before him. But like most entrepreneurs, his first big plan never materialized. When a good friend suggested they start a marketing company focused on fitness sales, Reece took the chance & said yes. Together, they’ve built something extraordinary. Marketing geniuses? Not necessarily (though they certainly have the chops!). Passion for finding their niche, hiring the right people, staying true to their voice, pivoting in the face of adversity, & seemingly effortlessly growing a company with a totally remote workforce? Absolutely. Reece wasn’t born with all the answers. He was gifted with the passion to find them. And that has made all the difference. Check out Business Marketing Solutions Group .…

Anything But Typical

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110: Purpose Driven Capitalism with Palash Desai 57:59

2 years ago57:59

57:59

“I just want to be known as a good guy.” – Palash Desai Most Ivy League business school graduates turned Silicon Valley execs aren’t known for their big hearts. Big profits, yes, but compassion & love for others take a distant back seat. Not so with Palash. In the middle of a very lucrative engineering career, he dropped it all to buy a two-person cleaning company in Charlotte, NC. Did he love cleaning? No. Was Charlotte home? No again. But that tiny cleaning company offered Palash a unique opportunity: to build a highly profitable & sustainable business that could address income inequality in a city known for lacking social mobility. Purpose-driven capitalism. That’s the heart of The Organic Maids , which now employs over 30 cleaning professionals making more than the average new college graduate -- bringing people out of poverty & changing their families’ & communities’ futures. That’s the work of a very good guy. Palash must have been listening when Leonardo DaVinci said, “Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.” Connect with Palash on LinkedIn and check out The Organic Maids .…

Anything But Typical

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109: Insights From A Private Investigator with Jan Barefoot 1:00:14

2 years ago1:00:14

1:00:14

“So much of what I gain is from helping people in bad situations. Our clients, 95% of them are going through the worst time in their life.” – Jan Barefoot It isn’t unusual to hear firefighters or police officers talk about serving others on their worst days. Still, Jan Barefoot doesn’t wear a uniform or jump into action following a 911 call. She isn’t a first responder at all. But she just might be the brains behind figuring out who’s to blame for the chaos. This former legal secretary with a passion for detective work & justice is the woman behind one of the Carolina’s most established & rapidly growing private investigation firms. Suspected adultery, fraud, missing persons, extortion, you name it, Jan’s team tackles it all & has earned the respect & admiration of clients & top law firms alike. What’s her secret? Serving clients with humility & never allowing ethics to take a back seat to financial success. That’s a lesson for any entrepreneur. Check out Barefoot PI and connect with Jan on LinkedIn .…

Anything But Typical

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108: How Automation Can Give You Back Your Time with Wilton Rogers 1:07:54

2 years ago1:07:54

1:07:54

“I love life. I love to make people smile.” – Wilton Rogers III Growing up on a farm, Wilton got his very first taste of entrepreneurship: selling eggs to his mother’s friends at church. But it wasn’t the money that made his heart soar ($2 was his weekly profit!). It was the happiness he felt providing something people needed. That joy became his greatest form of payment. Multiple business opportunities would come & go throughout his life, but getting to know people, identifying their pain, & providing real solutions to better their lives was the common thread to them all. It still is. But what makes this story unexpected is that Wilton applied the same passion for people & service that inspired him as a kid to one of the coldest, most robotic industries on the planet: artificial intelligence. If stories of infusing purpose into unexpected places make your heart soar: Find him on LinkedIn , on his web site at Simply Automate , or listen to his podcast, Automation Nation.…

Anything But Typical

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107: How To Rebound From Losing Everything with Bob Williams 1:03:15

2 years ago1:03:15

1:03:15

“When you don’t have a choice…the one thing you do get to choose is who you get to do it with, so don’t do it alone.” Robert F Williams In the 1990s, when financial deals & payouts came easy, Bob’s life looked like a page from a storybook: beautiful family, a booming investment business, and thousands of successful deals. But his story, like any good one, contained a plot twist: Struggling with frequent travel away from his family, Bob lost everything when a trusted entrepreneur made off with millions he’d personally invested & encouraged others to invest. The suspect then died, dodging all accountability. Bob was crushed financially & his zest for life was destroyed. Thankfully, another plot twist was coming in the form of a good friend who wouldn’t let Bob “do it alone.” He got him back into business & life. Now for the ultimate surprise: Bob did the same for Gary years later when troubles came his way.…

Anything But Typical

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106: SEO, LinkedIn Leadership, and Author Damon Burton 59:36

2 years ago59:36

59:36

“People follow me for advice, but when I get feedback, it’s more about something business unrelated.” – Damon Burton If you don’t know Damon, you may be wondering why over 32,000 people follow him for advice on LinkedIn or flock to read his book, “Outrank.” If you do know him, you’ll know why seeking his advice is a no-brainer. This SEO expert has beat million-dollar companies at their own game & offers proven strategies for his audience to grow their companies. But good SEO advice isn’t all. That “something” he speaks of makes being in his presence genuinely unique, & it’s the absolute love, adoration, & praise he shares for his wife & children, mirrored in how he sees, commends, & nurtures his team. If you’re encouraged by industry leaders who not only upset their industry but unabashedly honor their lives & the people in it, this is the episode for you.…

Anything But Typical

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105: Renee Breazeale Dominating A Male Dominated Industry 1:01:37

2 years ago1:01:37