The CougsFirst! Podcast

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In the final episode of the CougsFirst! Podcast, guest host Tony Poston, the Executive Director of CougsFirst!, interviews Kelsey about her experiences as the host of the podcast and her future plans. They reminisce about favorite moments, including an episode with DJ Goldfinger, talk about her business coaching career, and discuss what's next for CougsFirst!. The episode also covers Kelsey's personal insights and experiences, upcoming CougsFirst! events, and ends with a rapid-fire Q&A segment.

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Links:

CougsFirst! Website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Kelsey’s Business Website: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/

Watch / Listen to old episodes of the CougsFirst! Podcast: https://lnkfi.re/cougsfirstpodcast

Attend the CougsFirst! Spokane Show in October: https://cougsfirst.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/8EFaJKJtOCRC7

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Co-founder Nick Lee joins the conversation to share his fascinating journey from high school ambitions and university experiences at WSU to creating a successful local canned cocktail brand. Nick details the origin, development, and unique qualities of Paddock Spirits Co., the influence of local support, and the challenges faced in the alcohol market. The episode concludes with reflections on Pullman's business environment and tips for staying connected with Paddock Spirits.

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Links:
@paddockspiritsco

https://paddockspirits.com/https://thetastingalliance.com/vodka-based-rtd-finalists-of-2024-sfwsc/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this podcast episode of 'Cougs First', Kelsey interviews Andy Largent, the mastermind behind Flatstick Pub. Andy shares his origin story, his connection to Pullman and WCU, and how he transitioned from football to founding a unique pub that combines mini golf, craft beer, and a fun communal atmosphere.

He details the evolution and growth of Flatstick Pub, including the struggles and triumphs of opening multiple locations and maintaining a unique culture. Andy offers valuable insights into business operations, community engagement, and the importance of workplace culture, while also sharing future aspirations and some rapid-fire fun facts.

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Links:
flatstickpub.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Kelsey, is joined by fellow Cougar Collective board members Luke Wetzstein & Tim Brandle to discuss the story behind their new beer, the Old Crimson Legendary Lager. They share insights on how the beer was conceived and executed, involving passionate volunteers, key partnerships with Pike Brewing and the Old Crimson Booster Club, and the role of Cougs First. Highlighting the efforts to support student athletes through this and other projects, the episode also explores upcoming initiatives and ways for the Cougar community to stay connected and contribute.

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Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this episode, Sheryl McGrath, the state director of the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provides an in-depth look into the resources offered by the SBDC, its connection to Washington State University, and her own journey in the nonprofit and business sectors. Sheryl and Kelsey discuss the SBDC's role in offering confidential, no-cost consulting to small businesses, the wide range of services available, and upcoming programs. Sheryl also shares personal insights into the benefits of being part of business communities like CougsFirst! and gives practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Links:
https://wsbdc.org/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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In this episode, Kelsey is joined by Kay Bachman and Nicholas Brunney to discuss the unique and impactful Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) program offered by WSU’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture.

They highlight the program’s flexibility, holistic approach to education, and its ability to prepare students for leadership roles by combining engineering, leadership, and project management principles.

The conversation also touches on the diverse background of students, real-world applications of course concepts, and the professional growth that participants can achieve.

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Links:
https://etm.wsu.edu/https://etm.wsu.edu/admission/https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/engineering-and-technology-management/posts/?feedView=all

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this engaging podcast episode, we welcome Ron and Bryant Claudon to discuss their rich WSU football history, fraternity ties, and family business ventures. They delve into why they chose WSU, their experiences with Cougar tailgating, and the vibrant RV culture associated with game days. The Claudon family also shares insights into their long-standing Valley GMC and Valley RV Supercenter businesses, emphasizing the importance of community and Cougar support. Additionally, they offer practical business advice and rapid-fire answers to questions about Cougar traditions and tailgating essentials.

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Links:
valleygmc.comvalleyrvsupercenter.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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This episode highlights the experiences of Pierce Claassen & Kyanna Cusick, two medical students. Kelsey interviews them about their backgrounds, personal journeys to studying medicine at WSU, and what's next for them after graduation.

They discuss the college's mission to serve rural communities, the matching process for residencies, and their respective placements at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Pierce and Kyanna also reflect on the unique aspects of their medical program, the supportive community, and the rigorous yet rewarding training they've undergone.

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Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this episode, the host discusses baseball, life in Pullman, and parenting with Washington State University's new baseball coach, Nathan Choate. Coach Choate shares his journey from Loyola Marymount University to WSU, the challenges and rewards of raising four children in Pullman, and the importance of community and culture at WSU.

He outlines how he builds his team, the lessons baseball teaches about life, and the value of having the right players with the right values. Coach Choate updates on the baseball season, discusses his coaching philosophy, and provides insights into the mental aspects of the sport.

He also talks about balancing his professional and personal life, sharing anecdotes about his family and their transition to Pullman. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions, exploring more about Coach Choate's favorites and perspectives on baseball.

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Links:

http://www.sequoyah.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Join us for an insightful interview with Jen Gangwish, CEO of College Hill. From its roots in Greek apparel to expanding into the corporate sector, Jen shares the company's journey and her leadership insights. Learn about navigating challenges, including COVID-19, and the strategic decisions that shaped College Hill's growth. Tune in for valuable lessons on teamwork, leadership, and fostering a positive company culture.

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This podcast episode features Mahmood Ghassemi, a distinguished Washington State University (WSU) alum, electrical engineer, and CEO of Sequoyah Electric, discussing his journey from Iran to becoming a key figure in the engineering and construction industry. Mahmood shares insights into his deep appreciation for WSU, the importance of building connections, and his transition from technical roles to leadership positions within the industry.

Emphasizing the concepts of servant leadership and continuous personal and professional development, Mahmood explains the significance of mentorship, asking questions, and the impact of giving back through philanthropy. Reflecting on his career, he attributes a part of his success to his education, networking opportunities as a WSU alum, and his approach to leadership and business growth.

The episode also delves into the operational aspects of Sequoyah, highlighting the importance of a strong leadership team, future planning, and the value of investing in people.

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Links:

http://www.sequoyah.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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This podcast episode features an engaging conversation with Howard Wright, a former commercial pilot who transitioned to become a successful business leader as the founder and chairman of Seattle Hospitality Group. Wright shares his unique career trajectory, from obtaining his pilot's license for fun to overseeing thousands of employees across various tourism and hospitality businesses. He discusses the importance of critical thinking, people skills, and leadership in business, emphasizing the role of employee care and stakeholder values over mere financial success.

Reflecting on his own experiences, including failures and the impact of economic downturns, Wright offers advice on entrepreneurship, the significance of networking within the Cougs community, and the essentials of effective leadership and communication. The conversation also touches upon the value of a supportive personal relationship and the critical aspect of self-care for leaders.

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Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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This episode of the Cougs First podcast features a fascinating conversation with Drew and Brighton, a father-son duo who turned their unique ginger sauce into a thriving business. Starting from a family recipe developed 30 years ago by Drew, the sauce gained popularity among friends and family. Brighton, during his junior year at Washington State University (WSU), introduced the sauce as a business plan for a competition. Winning the competition provided the initial funding needed to officially launch their business, Unkle Drew’z Sauces.

The episode delves into the origins of their business, the critical role of the WSU business plan competition in their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and lessons learned in starting and growing their business, and the importance of family collaboration in their success. Additionally, it touches on the strategic decisions behind product branding, leveraging Amazon for sales, and the effectiveness of direct consumer engagement through markets and social media.

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Links:

https://unkledrewzsauces.com/
https://www.instagram.com/unkledrewzsauces/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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This episode features a conversation with Bill Gruber, a retired executive with extensive experience in the medical device industry. Bill shares his career journey, starting from his college days at WSU, through different management and leadership roles, including sales representative, fraternity president, VP, CEO, and ultimately becoming the author of 'The Leadership Blueprint.'

He discusses the importance of sales skills, decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, and building a values-driven recruiting program. Bill emphasizes the significance of listening, learning, adapting, and the crucial roles people play in the success of an organization.

The episode also touches on Bill's advice for future leaders, his reflections on the importance of campus involvement, and the insights he has gained from both success and failure in his career.

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Links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSRPYP5C
www.billgruber.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In the podcast, Lance Lijewski, a digital marketer with hands-on experience in different business domains, discusses his path to entrepreneurship, starting from his days as a first-generation college student to his current role managing numerous businesses. He holds a dual degree in multimedia journalism and public relations and balances full-time positions with freelance client work. He shares his emphasis on developing and fostering community-focused businesses and strategies to efficiently manage time and work tasks, emphasizing the importance of networking in business growth. Additionally, Lance insists on the need to understand and adapt to the changing digital world while retaining the core principles of human relationships and communities.

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Links:

www.mediabylancelee.com

https://www.instagram.com/thecoug_/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

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Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this episode, the podcast welcomes Dean Janikowski, a dedicated WSU football player. Dean not only discusses his passion for football but also shares his experiences as a creator, fundraiser, student, and business enthusiast. He reveals how he uses unique methods like working with a mental coach to improve his performance in the field, highlighting the importance of mental strength in an athlete's career. He is also a passionate creator and enjoys filming, which came in handy since the launch of NIL rules. Dean is actively involved in fundraising, running a foundation named 'Heather Janikowski Foundation'. This foundation, started in honor of his late mother, contributes to cancer patients in local communities. He advocates for the positive influence of NIL in athletes’ lives, especially college athletes. Dean talks about balancing time between sport, academic activities, and the foundation. Lastly, he emphasizes the closeness and support found within the WSU community, advocating it as a significant reason for potential students to choose WSU.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:46 Dean's Journey to WSU

02:05 The Life of a Kicker

03:51 Dean as a Creator

05:32 Navigating the NIL Landscape

08:09 The Heather Janikowski Foundation

09:47 Balancing School, Sports, and Philanthropy

11:57 Dean's Future Plans

21:28 The WSU Experience and Community

23:14 Rapid Fire Questions

24:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

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Links:

https://deanjanikowski.com/
https://hj.foundation/

IG: @deanjanikowski
TW: @deanojanikowski
TikTok: @dean.janikowski

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Edwin Gianini, a dynamic individual and the Executive Director for the Lauren McCluskey Foundation. Edwin shares his recent move back to Pullman and the hectic weekend that followed. He delves into the foundation's origin, inspired by the tragic story of Lauren McCluskey, and its growth beyond awareness into research and advocacy against domestic violence.

Edwin reflects on the significance of campus safety and the foundation's initiative to develop a Campus Safety Score, drawing parallels to similar metrics used in real estate. He emphasizes the need for universities to prioritize safety and the importance of providing comprehensive information for prospective students and their families.

The conversation then shifts to Edwin's journey from being a student at WSU to his current role. He recounts how chance encounters and being actively present in networking events led to impactful mentorships and opportunities. Edwin offers advice to students, highlighting the importance of being present, loud, and offering solutions when seeking mentorship. Edwin shares thoughts on the mentoring process, emphasizing the need for an open-minded and solutions-oriented approach.

The discussion wraps up with insights into the unique Cougar community, the value of Cougs First, and the power of relationships in career development.

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Links:

https://laurenmccluskey.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-gianini/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In this podcast, influencer and farmer Kait Thornton shares her journey in the apple industry, focusing on introducing the Cosmic Crisp variety. She discusses challenges, rewards, and the collaborative effort behind launching a new apple in Washington. Kait reflects on her role in Kait’s Crates, emphasizing the broader impact of the Cosmic Crisp. The conversation delves into Kait's social media journey, influencer advice, and the potential for student-athlete influencers. Kait encourages businesses to connect with young influencers, ending with advice for recent graduates on the power of personal connections and confidence.

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What does it mean to be a Dean of a university college? What are the expectations that come along with that? And how can a Dean positively impact the students in their college now and in the future?

These are all questions I was burning to ask today’s guest –and let me tell you, he delivered!

In this episode of the CougsFirst! Podcast, I am joined by the amazing Dean Todd Butler, who oversees the College of Arts and Sciences –a massive program within WSU. He has such an amazing story and history that led him to this point, and also some really cool things in the works for WSU students moving forward.

During our conversation, the Dean and I talked about why crossing boundaries is a part of the Cougar culture, what his response to the mental health crisis is, how he’s adjusted his leadership to meet his faculty needs, how he uses both data and purpose to create strategies geared toward WSU students, the challenges of managing multiple campuses and so much more!

We cover a LOT in this episode, and you definitely want to hear what’s in store for the College of Arts and Sciences (and beyond)! I’m so excited. Also, is it too late to change my major even though I graduated over a decade ago!?

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What we discussed:

[2:00] His journey from Central European studies to Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

[4:30] How writing things he doesn’t know about is a discovery process

[7:04] The day to day workings and insights on what it means to be a Dean

[8:30] How to adapt the education model to meet student’s needs where they’re at

[9:30] Supporting education outside of the classroom

[12:45] How he builds a cohesive culture within the largest WSU college

[15:25] How to develop degrees that cross structures and disciplines

[16:30] Why you want to be both data-informed and purpose-driven

[17:30] The challenges of managing multiple campuses

[19:00] The hierarchy of Deans, Chancellors, Provosts, and faculty

[20:20] His favorite part of the job

[22:14] Why mental health is one of the top three reasons why students step out of college

[23:00] Making the commitment to connect to the whole student

[24:30] The benefits of providing one on one experiences for students to talk with professors or faculty

[26:00] How research gets funded and off the ground

[27:45] Why students should engage with professors who are doing ground breaking research

[30:00] Why collaboration is so unique

[32:00] How to be strategic with the Cougar culture out in the real-world

Links:

Website: https://cas.wsu.edu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASatWSU

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CAS_at_WSU/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClFoxl-bPlwGdT1jqjQTIJg/videos

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfi

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College Football is going through a big shift right now. Football coaches, players, fans, and enthusiasts all need to learn how to keep up with the changing landscape of college football.

Whether it’s social status, play stats, or big money, there is more to the game than just winning in today’s football culture.

So, how can we stay connected with the fundamental beauty of the game?

Today’s guest has some ideas! And we’ll take his word for it because he’s set some serious records during his 1999 to 2002 stint as the Cougar quarterback and learned a few things or two in his 15+ years in the athletic sector as both a player and a coach.

Jason Gesser is on the show to talk shop on the changing landscape of college football, including what it means moving forward for coaches and players, how to find the balance between playing the game and making money, the difficulty of finding players who want to win the game, how we can channel the football days of old, and the importance of learning on the blue-collar pride of WSU.

Jason’s had a fantastic career at WSU, and he’s taken his experience in sports into real life and business as the current Property and Casualty consultant in USI’s Portland, Oregon office. Whether he’s calling the shots as the quarterback, head coach, or business owner, Jason has an extensive background in putting the right people in the right place to win —and we’re talking about it!

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What we discussed:

[00:42] From a kid in Hawaii to playing football in the PNW

[1:40] How an intermediate football coach scouted him in the 7th grade

[4:31] Why he tried to find the right coaches to play college football for

[5:00] Why he chose to play for WSU

[9:30] What the energy was like at WSU circa 2002

[11:00] His experience of three consecutive years of going to the Rose Bowl

[13:00] The biggest difference between the mindset and culture of college football then and now

[15:00] How to find the balance between playing the game and making money

[16:00] The difficulty of finding players who just want to win the game

[17:17] Why coaches now have to recruit high schoolers and defend their college players during off-season

[18:00] The importance of leaning on the blue collar pride of WSU

[19:00] The most influential WSU alumni

[23:30] How he ended up at the largest privately held insurance brokerage in the country

[25:00] Why he decided to be an insurance broker

[27:00] How he’s built a career beyond football

Links:

Website: https://www.usi.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

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Have you ever wondered what professional athletes do after college?

Some go pro, some moonlight as a radio analyst for college sports, and some start a business focusing on holistic, long-term athletic development for youth.

Well, today’s guest has done ALL of that and more! And he’s here to talk about it.

In this episode, I’m talking to Alex Brink, an ‘07 WSU Honors College alumni turned co-founder of EForce Sports, a multi-disciplinary organization focused on increasing the growth and participation in sports, through athlete skill/performance development at all levels.

Alex is also the radio analyst for the WSU Football Radio Broadcast and a co-host of Talkin Cougars on Root Sports NW –so you can bet this episode will be packed with sports talk.

During our conversation, we talked about the different paths of sports management, his post-college career, why he’s passionate about youth athletic development, his experience in sports broadcasting, and so much more!

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What we discussed:

[3:14] How Alex was recruited from Duck Country to Cougar Nation

[5:00] Making the switch from Boise State to Washington State

[6:00] Why he still considered (and planned for) a professional future outside of football

[7:30] The different paths of Sports Management

[8:00] What his post-college football career looked like

[9:00] What EForce Sports does for youth athletic development

[11:00] How he’s carving out space in the industry for long-term athlete development

[12:34] What type of support they provide athletes

[13:00] Conversations around high school athlete monetary compensation

[14:00] Mental health and sports psychology for high school and college athletes

[15:00] How Alex came to be the voice of Cougs

[18:13] How his experience on the field contributes to his sports broadcasting skills

[19:30] What the Talking Cougars Show is

Links:

Website: www.eforcesports.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalkinCougars

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

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We all know Coug Nation is one special community. Maybe we’re biased, but there truly is nothing else out there quite like WSU!

Once you realize just how unique this community is and how many ways you can get involved, it’s easy to stay engaged, involved, and give back. Not only does giving back support the next generation of Cougs to thrive, but it can also positively impact your business.

Today’s guest is a ‘02 WSU grad who has consistently stayed involved in Coug alumni groups over the years, always gives back (no matter how small or large), and has a business that’s reaped the rewards from his actions. And he’s telling us all about it!

Matt Miera owns a 73-year-old tavern in Seattle–you might already know it– called Marco Polo Bar & Grill, and he’s on the CougsFirst! Podcast to talk shop about what he’s learned from building the greatest Coug bar west of the mountains, how getting involved in Cougar alumni groups has catapulted his success, what it means to give back (and why it’s vital), and the importance of staying engaged and involved in your alma mater.

Plus, Matt shares his take on why having a simple conversation and building relationships are the keys to building a thriving business and community.

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:18] How Matt ended up in the hotel restaurant hospitality program

[3:00] How Marco Polo became the greatest Coug bar west of the mountains

[4:58] The power of the CougsFirst! Community for business

[6:57] Creating a cool dive bar atmosphere to celebrate Cougs

[8:55] How to promote and keep your business top of mind

[10:21] How you can re engage and get involved with your alma mater

[11:30] How giving back has given back

[13:06] The different alumni associations he’s involved with

[14:27] What the Coug Collective is

[16:15] What it looks like being involved with all of the alumni donor groups

[17:46] Where to start if you want to give back

[20:49] The payoffs of putting the time and energy into Coug nation

[24:23] Why everyone needs to be involved and give back in some capacity

Links:

Website: https://www.marcopolopub.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

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When moving to a new city or place, you’re probably researching the school districts, the different neighborhoods, the local amenities, and whether or not the local healthcare is average or excellent.

Pullman might be considered rural to big city slickers, but when it comes to our hospitals and local healthcare services...well, it’s world-class. Pullman Regional Hospital, in particular, is making a name for itself in the healthcare industry --and we’re here for it!

In today’s episode, I am talking to Matt Forge, whose education and career path have taken him all over the US before landing him in Pullman as CEO of Pullman Regional Hospital.

As a leader in the Pullman community, Matt is on a mission to use his position, talents, and influence to impact our community’s well-being. And he’s been doing a fantastic job so far!

In our conversation, Matt and I talked about what’s unique about Pullman Regional Hospital, the world-class services it offers, how the hospital program is expanding, why we need more transparency in the costs of healthcare, what the rapid growth means for the future of the hospital, and so much more!

Matt’s working hard to develop world-class healthcare services for our community, and he’s on the CougsFirst! Podcast to tell us all about it! You don’t want to miss this episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:00] Where loyalties lie in the eight miles between WSU and U of I

[4:00] How he ended up in healthcare

[5:00] Setting a goal to become CEO and going for it

[7:00] What’s unique about Pullman Regional Hospital

[10:00] The world-class services Pullman Regional Hospital offers

[13:00] The history and foundation Pullman Regional Hospital was built on

[14:45] How they plan to expand the sports medicine program

[16:00] Collaborating with SCL to bring transparency to healthcare costs

[18:15] What rapid growth means for the future of Pullman Regional

[20:00] What it means to be the official hospital for the Cougs

[24:00] How you can support Pullman Regional

Links:

Website: https://www.pullmanregional.org/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube:

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Whether you graduated decades ago or last year, there are a lot of ways to give back and reconnect with your alma mater.

Unfortunately, many people just don’t know what options exist or where to start. Or they don’t see how their gift will make an impact.

Well, let me tell you– a gift can make a world of difference, no matter how big or small! The beauty of giving back is knowing that your gift or donation can change a life.

Giving is such a big deal, there are entire departments dedicated to fundraising and encouraging people to give back.

There are even people whose entire careers have revolved around fundraising –like today’s guest who has spent over three decades in the giving space!

In this episode, I am talking to the amazing Mike Connell, a lifelong Coug who has devoted most of his career to WSU both professionally and as a student.

Mike is a WSU graduate of ’85 and has been working at WSU for 35 years! Starting as a development coordinator for WSU Spokane, Mike held a range of positions at WSU, including Director of Athletic Development, Senior Director of Gift Planning, Senior Associate Vice President of Individual Giving, and even the CEO of the WSU Foundation.

Now, he’s taking on his newest (official as of December 1) role as the Vice President for Advancement at WSU!

As Mike eloquently states, “Clearly, WSU is not just home. It’s literally in my blood.”

During our conversation, we talk about all things giving, including the different ways you can support and give back to your university, how they’re keeping up with new technology while maintaining donation levels, what it looks like to stay the course, how the athletic conference changes will affect fundraising (Yep, we go there!), and so much more!

Mike’s job is truly just about people –connecting with people, supporting people, and engaging people. And this is truly a unique conversation, so hit that play button to tune in!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:39] How Mike flipped a coin and ended up at WSU

[2:50] The different positions he’s held at WSU

[5:00] Why WSU is more than home, it’s in his blood

[6:20] Different ways you can support or give back to your university

[9:15] How to tailor what your gift to the university looks like and how it makes an impact

[10:44] How the conference changes will affect WSU fundraising

[12:55] The relationship between CougsFirst! And WSU

[16:14] Interesting research and development project happening at WSU

[18:18] The changes he’s seen at WSU over the years

[20:00] How WSU has a presence in every county in Washington State

[24:00] How gifts and donations can change someone's life

[28:29] How you can best support WSU

Links:

Website: http://alumni.wsu.edu/

Foundation: http://foundation.wsu.edu/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

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Did you know what you wanted to be when you were 13? Only some people do. But when you have a calling, what else can you do but answer it?

That’s what our guest today did. He followed the call and has been coaching nonstop ever since.

We’re talking 18 years as an assistant coach and 19 years as the head coach at both Columbia University and San Francisco –before getting the head coaching offer of his dreams (hint: it was from WSU).

Have you guessed who it is yet?!

Today, I am talking to one and only Kyle Smith, Head Coach for the WSU Men’s Basketball team.

Since 1992, his coaching career has taken him coast to coast before landing in Pullman, Washington, where, in his first season at WSU, he turned the men’s Cougar basketball program into a competitive product and established the team as an up-and-coming force in the Pac-12 Conference.

In this episode, Coach Smith and I talk all about the team culture, finding the value in players (and plays), taking responsibility, and the nitty-gritty of what we should expect from the upcoming season. He’s also giving us an inside look at his unique analytics-based feedback system and how that’s helped the men’s basketball team improve their performance day over day and year over year.

There’s a reason Kyle Smith is WSU’s Head Basketball Coach, and this episode is spilling the beans on why –and you don’t want to miss it!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] The journey from NYC to San Francisco to Pullman

[2:11] The sacrifices made for a basketball coaching career

[3:45] Why the culture and community buy-in is important for recruiting

[5:27] How he tracks sports metrics (and how it’s similar to business KPIs!)

[9:26] How his unique analytic system aids in his recruiting efforts

[10:44] Why WSU is like The Little Engine That Could

[11:15] Why the WSU culture is so powerful for recruiting players

[14:01] What we can look forward to in the coming season

[15:00] Why the frontcourt will be a unique strength moving forward

[17:28] Where he gets his inspiration in fostering a team culture

[18:33] The motivational force behind demanding accountability in young people

[20:22] Why quick daily wins are essential (and how he scores those wins)

[21:47] The inside scoop on the Pullman Coaching office vibe

[24:00] Who the most athletically gifted player he’s coached is

[25:47] The most unexpected player he’s come across

Links:

Website: http://wsucougars.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

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Grit, passion, hard work, and competitiveness are the key ingredients needed to win. But behind all that is compassion, guidance, a good attitude, and effort. Together, these elements make up the WSU women’s volleyball team –and we’re here for it!

Today, I am talking to the incredible Jen Greeny, a previous collegiate athlete who’s now going on 12+ years as the WSU Volleyball Head Coach. She’s a firm believer in bettering the lives of the student-athletes and, of course, winning! Did we mention she has tons of awards and accolades behind her name, too?

And we’re talking all about it!

In our conversation, Jen shares her unique experience as a student-athlete in the 90s, her perspective on being a player versus being a coach, why she takes such a holistic approach to a student’s journey through WSU, the importance of grit, passion, and competitiveness (and why WSU has got it!), how to support WSU sports during this time, and so much more!

Jen is living proof of how special WSU is and what it looks like to lead from a place of heart –and you don’t want to miss this episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:24] How she knew WSU was the school for her

[3:49] What it’s like being a student athlete now versus in the 1990s

[6:09] When she started thinking about her career beyond playing sports

[7:22] What coaching at the collegiate level is like

[8:07] Where she learned her leadership skills

[10:18] The perks of coming from a small town

[12:06] How being from a small town affected her recruiting style

[13:32] The winning formula

[15:18] The vibe of the current coaching team across WSU sports

[17:00] What being a successful coach looks like for her

[19:15] How she’s shows up for her team through adversity

[21:11] How to be a supportive fan of WSU this year

Links:

Website: www.flatstickpub.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like being a student-athlete at a Division 1 university? Can they find the balance between being a student and an athlete? And do college athletes stay involved with their sport after graduation, or do they move on?

We’re answering these questions and MORE with our incredible guest today!

As a former WSU athlete, the amazing Katie Hyppa has been able to weave her love of basketball into her post-college daily life --from fundraising for her alma mater’s athletic department to coaching a high school basketball team. And she’s here to tell her story!

Katie graduated from WSU in 2012, finished her Master's at WSU in 2014 (as a student-athlete, by the way!), and now works for a super cool Coug-owned business, Flatstick Pub, as Chief People Officer. Did we mention she’s a new mom to twin boys?

In today’s conversation, Katie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what being a student-athlete was like, why she’s inspired to give back to kids through the love of basketball, her career trajectory after WSU, and how she’s living out her dream life scenario!

We have a lot to unpack in this episode, so hit that play button, and let’s go!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] How Katie’s athletic career started

[4:16] A behind the scenes of the student-athlete life

[6:21] Planning a life and career beyond her sport

[8:28] How she integrates Basketball into her post-college life

[10:00] Inspiring and giving back to kids and athletes through basketball

[11:56] Her career trajectory after graduating from WSU with her Masters

[14:16] Why Flatstick is a unique Washington-proud venue

[16:17] What her role as Director of People looks like

[19:02] Who has been her inspiration through your basketball career and coaching career

[22:01] Her current life motto

[23:46] How she’s living out her dream job and life scenario

Links:

Website: www.flatstickpub.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Behind every great football team is a leader who instills strong core values in every player. A leader that teaches a player skills and mindset work that’s applicable on and off the field.

When a team’s culture is built on communication, connection, discipline, trust, and respect, you have the key ingredients necessary to make a lasting legacy.

Who is this leader I’m alluding to?! If you haven’t guessed it–

Today, I am talking to the one and only Jake Dickert., Head Football Coach at WSU! Jake started his college coaching career in 2008. He’s since made a name for himself as a mindful and focused leader who truly cares about his players, whether they're winning games in Martin Stadium or navigating campus life.

There’s a reason Coach Dickert is in the seat he’s in today, and we’re talking about how he’s building a team culture through communication, connection, and discipline.

We’re (of course) chatting all things football –but we’re also diving into leadership and creating a team dynamic filled with trust and respect. Coach Dickert even explains the decisions behind who plays on game day, how he instills core values with the team, the power of creating a clear vision and executing it, and what he’d be doing now if he wasn’t the head football coach!

Leadership isn’t easy, but Jake makes it look that way! He is filled with deep insights and actionable advice –-so don’t miss this episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:23] WSU’s biggest recruiting strength

[3:58] The benefits of coming out of your comfort zone in a small town

[5:00] Why Coach Dickert sets clear expectations and standards with his players from the start

[5:50] What he values about the culture of Pullman

[8:09] The expectations of Cam Ward going into the upcoming football season

[11:45] The decisions behind who plays on game day

[13:30] Why everyone’s role on the team is different but equally important

[15:21] Why the culture of the team is so important

[17:00] How he implements core values with the team

[20:00] The power of creating a clear vision

[21:40] Applying mindfulness and focusing techniques to team leadership

[23:30] What he’d be doing now if he wasn’t the head football coach

[26:30] Advice for achieving your goals and making them a reality

[27:50] The discipline that comes with chasing your dreams

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Do you live in the moment? Or do you pull out your phone to relive the moment later? What songs bring you back to your days in Pullman? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

These are some deep questions.

But they’re also relevant and meaningful, and thought-provoking.

And we’re talking about them in today’s episode because I’ve got the GOLDen guest of the century on the CougsFirst! Podcast!

If you’ve spent just five minutes in Pullman, I’m sure you’ve met him, know of him, or even gotten a ride home from him at the end of the night. He’s that kind of Pullman famous.

Yep, I’m talking to the one and only DJ Goldfinger. You might have seen him around town at Stubblefields, CJ’s, BEACH, Valhalla, Pullman Fourth of July parties, Dunes, CCN/CCS, or even beginning of the year apartment parties. He’s everywhere –and for good reason!

DJ Goldfinger has been DJing for over 25 years, from Vancouver to Portland and, of course, Pullman itself. He’s the myth, the legend, and Pullman’s favorite DJ.

And he’s here to talk shop.

We’re talking about everything from the bonds and connections WSU creates and the lost art of living in the moment to making those dream-making moves and leaving behind a legacy through music.

I am so PUMPed for this conversation–pun intended. So listen in and listen well because there are some big takeaways we all need to hear and digest and implement inside this episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:04] How a flier at his Portland apartment led him to Pullman

[2:39] His first DJ gig in Pullman

[4:16] An inside look at the Timber Lumberyard

[7:00] How he made his dream of Timber come to life

[8:12] The importance of creating a place for 18+

[9:30] The connection between WSU and the Cheers sitcom song

[11:26] Why he loves DJing and expressing himself through music

[13:28] The beauty of living in the moment

[15:00] How human behavior at gigs has changed over time with technology

[16:36] Why he loves rowdy Bingo nights at the Timber Lumberyard

[18:00] What he gets up to when he’s not DJing

[20:44] What his DJing style looks like and how he reads people in the moment

[23:04] What you didn’t know about DJ Goldfinger

[31:00] Why his go-to songs change depending on the classes

[32:00] The legacy he wants to leave behind for WSU students

[36:00] How songs bring back memories

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djgoldfinger/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberpullman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timberpullman

Website: https://timberpullman.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Growing up and eventually working for your family’s business is no small feat. Especially when this Washington farming heritage owns and runs multiple different brands in a variety of industries.

But what roots everything together is family, farming, and giving back to the community.

Yet those burning questions are still there: What’s it like working with your dad? Your aunts? Your brother? How do you diversify your products and stay relevant? How do you break into new industries as a farmer? How can you capitalize on your agricultural expertise through partnerships? How can your family-owned business create opportunities for your local community?

Get ready for some answers because today’s guest is a fourth-generation Monson whose family roots began in farming and agriculture (in the 1930s!) and continue to grow and expand with cutting-edge distilleries, cideries, vineyards, and so much more!

Taylor Monson Jackson, grew up surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and cattle. After graduating from WSU (class of ‘16), Taylor started working for the family business first as a lab tester and tasting room associate before shifting into her current role as the Director of National Sales and Marketing at Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery business, Destination Brands, and Monson Ranch Distillers.

Taylor is giving us the inside scoop on what it’s like being a part of a family-run business, why diversifying your offers and business is key to weathering the shifting landscape, how she navigates the different brands of her family business, their passion for WSU, and the benefits of partnerships.

Did we mention she comes from a long line of Cougs? You definitely don’t want to miss this unique episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] What it was like growing up in a multigenerational Cougar family

[3:00] How her family’s farming roots set the stage for the success

[6:00] A quick rundown of the entire Cougar family

[7:45] What made her decide to go to WSU

[9:10] How WSU led her to Seattle and abroad before going back to Pullman

[11:20] The story behind the Goose Ridge name

[13:17] How the company continues to diversify

[13:55] Why hospitals and the military started buying their surplus of bulk wine

[14:40] What the shifts into the distillery business look like (& what they’re making)

[16:30] How they make Vodka from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

[18:24] How they navigate branding all their different products

[20:22] Behind-the-scenes look into their Kraken partnership

[24:00] Why ag and farm and winemaking is an untapped job market

[26:00] The benefits of doing market research for the wine and distillery brands

[29:13] Advice for people working in a family business

Links:

Goose Ridge Winery: https://www.gooseridge.com/

Monson Ranch Distillers: https://monsonranchdistillers.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Imagine getting into college by the skin of your teeth, throwing yourself into all the extracurricular activities available to you at university, switching majors three times until you find the right fit, going abroad (and traveling out of state) for the first time in your life, and then becoming a young leader in your hometown community developing opportunities for people to grow and succeed.

Now imagine you’re 24 years old, and you’re only just getting started!!

Today I’m chatting with the incredible Jerry Martinez, a first-generation college graduate of WSU (Class of ‘20) and youngest son of two immigrant farmworkers from El Salvador.

Jerry is sharing about his journey through university, including how he barely got into WSU, why he switched majors before finding the best fit, the importance of getting involved in extracurricular activities at university, why every experience you have is relevant for your career, and how he ended up back in his home town as the Executive Director for the Downtown Pasco Development Authority.

This is a story of determination, hard work, a little luck, and a lot of open-mindedness –and you definitely don’t want to miss it!

Not only will you hear about Jerry’s unique experience, but he’s also giving sage advice for graduating high schoolers, newly minted Freshman Cougs, and recent college graduates on the importance of creating your own version of success and supporting your local community.

So hit that play button, and let’s go!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:55] The power of community

[1:48] Why his parents immigrated to the Tri-cities area

[4:05] How he ended up at WSU last minute after an unusual application process

[5:57] What the WSU Camp Program is, and how it helps migrant families get into higher education

[6:47] Switching majors until he found one that worked for him

[9:40] Why reaching out and asking questions can help you find support faster

[11:04] How to get involved in extracurricular activities at WSU

[12:00] The pros of attending WSU’s CACHE conference for high school students

[14:07] Getting involved in leadership development outside of the classroom

[15:44] The benefits of going to university in the middle of nowhere

[16:29] What the First Generation Abroad Program is, and how he got involved

[20:06] The benefits of studying abroad and being in a different culture

[22:25] What it meant becoming a first-generation college graduate

[25:32] Jerry’s post-college career trajectory during the aftermath of COVID

[28:00] Why everything you do and are involved in is relevant experience

[32:30] How to support your local community

Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrymartinezwsu/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Did you know hospitality is a massive part of WSU and the WSU culture? We have one of the top hospitality programs in the nation and are in the top 10 in the world!!

In this episode, we’re shining some much-deserved light on the service industry and talking all things hospitality with a leading expert passionate about helping business owners chase their dreams and share them with the world!

Today, you’ll meet WSU alums and diehard Coug fan Anthony Anton, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association. Not only has Anthony been with the association for more than 20 years, but he draws on his own experience of being raised in a family with more than 70 years of hospitality experience in the state.

Anthony’s mission? To make Washington State the best place in the world to run a restaurant or hotel.

Sounds easy enough, right?!

Anthony is on the CougsFirst! Podcast to share sage advice on how to succeed in the hospitality industry, AND he’s giving us tips and tools that can be applied to business across the board!

Tune in to hear why having a passion for hospitality is key to finding success, how he’s helping protect and engage the hospitality business climate, what the service industry needs to work on post-COVID, and how hospitality businesses can adapt to the changing leadership styles for the next generation of workers. Plus, he’s answering the million-dollar question: where did the workforce go?

If you’re ready to learn about how vital hospitality is for our communities (and why we should always support these small businesses), plus so much more, then this episode is for you!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:36] Why one of his biggest regrets is graduating from WSU early

[4:23] What is Washington Hospitality Association + its history

[7:30] Why an educational foundation in hospitality is a key part of what WHA does

[9:00] The benefits of working in the service industry

[9:50] His journey to becoming the president and CEO of WHA

[11:00] His passion for working with dream-chasing business owners

[14:28] Why having a passion and core mission is key to success

[16:30] The effects of COVID on hospitality businesses

[17:34] Where the hospitality industry is heading

[19:00] What the hospitality industry needs to work on post-COVID

[21:42] The scoop on workforce issues we’re experiencing and when it will recover

[25:55] What’s happening with the labor participation rate

[27:00] Advice for business owners looking to hire the right people

[28:05] Why owners need to listen to their workforce and adjust to new styles of leadership

[28:40] A key indicator that your company culture isn’t up to par

[35:08] Why WSU offers a safe environment to build great relationships

Links:

Website: https://wahospitality.org/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

WHA is to restaurants and hotels what AAA is to drivers.

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All right, Cougs, you’re in for a treat today!

If you enjoy football, business, and finding success in failures, consider this your sign to tune in to today’s episode!

Today, I’m talking to WSU alumni (class of ‘82) Greg Porter, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, and Master Analyst in Financial Forensics and Managing Director in the CBIZ Berntson Porter Bellevue office.

But Greg’s story involves so much more than the accolades behind his name.

From emancipation to concussions and building successful businesses to upstream mergers, Greg shares his unique journey through his college (+ grad school) football career and professional career, where the common thread involves him defying the odds at every opportunity.

If you’re ready to hear a crazy story about a Coug’s resilience, why success always comes with risk, and how to build relationships throughout your life, this episode is for you!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:00] How he got a lot of press as an emancipated high school footballer

[3:34] What he did with 13 athletic scholarship offers

[7:02] How two concussions led to a lesson learned about business and life

[10:04] Why you shouldn’t make rash decisions in the state of confusion

[11:32] How he navigated playing football while attending graduate school

[14:00] Building up his Kirkland, Washington-based CPA firm

[16:18] What an upstream merger looks like and why he decided it was the right decision

[19:10] How he built a firm that was attractive to the top CPA firms in the US

[20:24] What it’s been like to move to a publicly traded CPA firm with a large market cap

[22:00] Why success always comes with risk

[23:39] How to build relationships whether you’re from the area or not

[25:13] Why doing good work is the key to building a great business

[27:48] How to find a mentor if you’re starting a business today

Links:

Website: https://www.cbiz.com/about-us/locations/company-details/cbiz-berntson-porter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbiz/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbz

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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If you’ve flown into Pullman recently or made the drive past –you might have noticed the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport has been receiving a little TLC.

But why did the upgrade happen? What went into the new and improved airport runway? What does this multi-million dollar airport redevelopment mean for the Pullman and Moscow communities?

We’re getting into all that and more with our super special guest, Tony Bean!

Originally from Montana, Tony is now the Director of the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Tony’s been in Aviation for over 25 years, working in everything from TSA to Helena Regional Airport Airport and Yellowstone Airport before moving to Pullman in 2011.

More recently, Tony guided PUW through a $154 million runway realignment project to retain air service to Seattle, expand service to Boise, support and increase connectivity, and improve the standard of travel amenities and convenience to the public.

Tony is giving us all the history of the airport, the updates, what’s happening behind the scenes, and what this means for the area. Plus, you’ll learn about the laws behind aviation, why Congress got involved in this project, how to find millions of dollars of funding, and why local communities benefit from airports.

You definitely don’t want to miss this special episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:04] From Montana to the Marine Corps Boot Camp

[6:30] How Tony’s perspective of people was shaped by screening passengers in TSA

[7:50] The history of the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport

[10:44] Why they decided to recreate an airport from scratch

[15:00] What’s involved in planning and executing a huge airport revelopment project

[16:58] How to find millions of dollars in funding

[18:29] Why they went to Congress to change a law

[20:22] Why you have to mitigate wetlands near airports

[24:00] The benefits of taking on a such a significant project

[25:30] Why the federal government controls aviation

[27:45] The public and private parnerships and collaborations behind the PUV

[30:17] Why airport infrastructure is locally owned and controled

[32:00] What the airport can provide to the local community, including WSU

Links:

Website: www.flypuw.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Ever wondered how a 30+ year career can pivot and change? Or what it’s like to work for a company that started small and has grown exponentially? What about taking over the management of that company?

In today's episode, we have something a little different for you. If you’ve spent any time in Pullman –which Hello! This is the CougsFirst! Podcast –you have probably heard of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.(aka SEL).

Well, I am joined by none other than the Chief Executive Officer, Dave Whitehead!

Dave has been with SEL for going on 29 years and is responsible for overseeing global operations and translating the company's executive vision into effective corporate strategies that prioritize quality, innovation, service, and growth. He’s also a registered professional engineer credited with over 73 patents and holds a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and an honorary doctorate in electrical engineering.

Oh, did we mention he’s an ‘89 WSU grad? Yep. He loves Pullman, WSU, and Coug games just as much as we do.

And today, he’s talking to us about what running a big business in a small town is like, why plenty of Cougs work for SEL, how he transitioned from an engineer to a leadership role, the power of mentorship, and his best 3 tips for excelling in business.

Dave is sharing Cougar advice, life advice, and business advice, and you don’t want to miss this episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:17] Why the WSU labs changed his trajectory

[3:12] The benefits of moving back to his college town

[4:30] What is Schweitzer

[7:15] How he runs a big business in Pullman

[8:45] What it’s like hiring Cougs right out of WSU

[9:29] How WSU students can get the edge on getting hired at SEL

[11:30] 3 tips for excelling in business

[13:00] What the transition into a leadership role was like

[16:01] How he refined his leadership skills

[17:00] The power of having great mentors

Links:

Website: www.selinc.com

Podcast: www.selinc.com/schweitzerdrive

Social Media Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-whitehead-198ab511/

@DWhiteheadSEL

@SEL_News

https://www.facebook.com/SchweitzerEngineering

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Being a multi-passionate entrepreneur takes a lot of work, and it certainly isn’t for everyone. But, if you are ready to take the leap, ask yourself, what will you gain from chasing your dreams?

Our guest, WSU class of ‘08 alumni, Cody Beebe, followed the pack to a certain point before realizing his passions fell outside of the 9-5 corporate world.

And in 2008, Cody decided to “take a few years off” to follow his passion for music…but those “few years off” are still going strong over a decade later. He took the leap and followed his dream – and now he’s sharing his incredible multi-passionate entrepreneurial journey with the CougsFirst! community!

How multi-passionate is Cody? Well, he’s not only a musician but a father, husband, brewery owner, co-owner of a videography company, a freshly minted cow farmer, and owner of the Chinook music festival.

Cody is the epitome of a serial entrepreneur, and while he’s got a lot of things going on, the incredible part about his journey is that all of his businesses intertwine together and involve a lot of WSU alumni! He’s sharing all about the WSU relationships he cultivated and how they helped shape his journey as a business owner.

This conversation is refreshing, it’s exciting, and it’s inspiring because --as you’ll hear --Cody still got value from his WSU education but stayed true to himself and followed his passion outside of academia –and we can’t wait for you to hear about his experience and lessons learned along the way!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] Why he followed his passions instead of pursuing civil engineering

[4:33] How the 2008 economy changed his trajectory

[8:00] What he loves about entrepreneurship

[10:00] His entrepreneurial trajectory after graduating from WSU

[11:30] How his band became it’s own.business entity

[12:57] The idea that sparked the Chinook Festival

[14:00] How all of his businesses intertwine and work together

[16:37] Advice for entrepreneurs launching their first, second, or third business

[18:05] Embracing your personal brand to build your business

[19:45] Lessons learned from wearing multiple hats and running multiple businesses

[21:00] The importance of staying present and focusing on what you have right now

[23:40] Why doing the self-work is important, regardless of whether you’re an entrepreneur or not

[25:28] How he came to co-own a community-focused brewery

[33:37] How WSU has influenced and impacted his life

Links:

Chinook Fest Website: www.chinookfest.com

Chinook Fest IG: @chinookfest

Videography Website: www.digitalvendetta.com

Videography IG: @digitalvendetta

The Outskirts Brewery Company: www.outskirtsbrewingco.com

The Outskirts Brewery Company IG: @outskirtsbrewingco

Facebook Band Page: www.facebook.com/codybeebeandthecrooks

IG Band Page: @codybeebemusic

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Fact: The Coug family does not stop when you graduate.

I’ll be the first to confirm that the Coug family extends far and wide! As long as you’re willing to show up to events and stay active in the WSU community, your Cougar experience can last a lifetime!

So how can you stay plugged into all things Cougs? How about checking out the WSU Alumni Association?!

In today’s episode, I am talking to the one and only Mariah Maki. She’s got a lot of accolades behind her name, with the most recent being Associate Vice President and Advancement & Executive Director of the WSU Alumni Association.

Mariah is making history as the sixth WSUAA executive director since the position was created in 1934 and the first woman to assume the role.

Let’s just say she’s the Queen Bee of the Alumni Association and I am SO excited to talk to her all about her experience working in higher education, what the Alumni Association is (and what it does), plus the inside scoop on scholarship opportunities, wine and dining programs, homecoming, and why Coug nation is so special!

You definitely want to hear about the amazing things the Alumni Association is cooking up for us this year, so tap that play button!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:30] Growing up in Pullman

[4:00] How she ended up as a recruiter for WSU after college

[5:15] Getting the call to become Associate VP of the WSU Alumni Association

[6:00] The culture difference between Arizona State and WSU

[7:00] Why the connection of Cougars is so special

[8:20] What is an Alumni Association

[10:00] How to get involved in the Alumni Association

[13:00] The connection between the Alumni Association and the license plate program

[15:35] The craziest Coug plate she’s ever seen

[17:36] The opportunities scholarships open for WSU students

[18:46] What you get inside the Wine By Cougs program

[20:07] An inside scoop on the VIP hospitality program

[23:20] Unique events students and alumni can be a part of

[26:06] Why Homecoming is a special reunion event for Cougars

[28:25] Why you should get involved with your local WSU chapter

Links:

Website: https://alumni.wsu.edu/

Princeton Review: https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=top-20-best-alumni-networks-public-schools

Wine By Cougars: http://alumni.wsu.edu/winebycougars

License Plate Program: alumni.wsu.edu/license

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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If you like cheese, ice cream, a little history, and a whole lot of WSU, have I got the episode for you!

In this episode of CougsFirst! Podcast, I am talking to John Haugen, a Pullman born - Colfax raised WSU alumni (‘93) whose trajectory has taken him from agricultural and engineering to assistant manager (circa 1995) and manager (circa 2015) of –none other than– the Creamery!!!

Yep! I’m talking about that Creamery! Home of the world-famous Cougar Gold®, a fair-wage workplace for WSU students, and a renowned business that’s putting Cougs first!

During our conversation, John not only talks about the history of The Creamery at WSU, but he’s sharing his personal story on how he ended up at WSU, and why he loves what he does.

But that’s not all! Oh no. You’ll also hear the true story behind Cougar Gold® and Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, why the Creamery is passionate about providing educational opportunities for students, and how they come up with new cheese and ice cream flavors –plus so much more!

After you listen to this episode, go order some cheese, go support the Creamery, and most importantly, Go Cougs!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:41] Why John started working at the Creamery as a college student

[3:04] How he ended up back at the Creamery during his engineering career

[4:10] The history of how the Creamery came to be

[8:00] Why education has been a key part of the Creamery

[9:27] How Ferdinand’s got its name

[11:00] Who gets to name the cheeses and ice creams

[13:35] How they come up with new flavors and secret menus

[15:34] The inside scoop on Ferdiands ice cream process

[17:45] The bestselling ice cream flavors

[19:00] What you don’t know about the WSU Creamery

[20:20] What is the UCMA Wniversity Creamery Managers Association

[21:00] The secret behind Cougar Gold®

[25:49] The true story behind the year WSU ran out of cheese

[26:20] How to get your cheese shipped directly to your door

Links:

Website: https://creamery.wsu.edu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WSUCreamery

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsucreamery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSUCreamery

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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As alumni, we all know WSU is a special place. The experience of being a part of the Coug family is something we want more students to experience – including the athletes we recruit to our sports teams!

But the athletic world needs money to stay competitive – so how can we step up our competition so WSU can remain relevant while funneling talented student-athletes into Pullman?

Having an organization like the Cougar Collective – working hard behind the scenes to raise funding for our athletes– is a great start!!

The Cougar Collective connects, facilitates, educates, and supports businesses, fans, and charities through NIL deals with Washington State Student-Athletes.

Let’s be honest here. NIL (Name, Image, & Likeness) is a part of every university conversation – including WSU – and it’s here to stay.

So we might as well leverage NIL and use it for two reasons:

1) To further connect WSU in this community

2) To reward players that will dedicate their time and talent and (hopefully!) get some wins for us

To explain all this and more, WSU alumni Robbie Tobeck (Class of ‘93) and Zach Thornton (Class of ‘22) are on the CougsFirst! Podcast to tell us all about NIL and the Cougar Collective.

Founding member and Co-Chairman (Robbie) and Development Director (Zach) of the Cougar Collective are telling us all about what NIL is, how the Cougar Collective is making an impact, what we can do to help open up opportunities for our WSU athletes, and so much more!

Through mutual partnerships, the team behind the Cougar Collective is keeping WSU competitive by winning all-star athletic recruits to our athletic rosters!

And it's time we learned more about it!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[3:36] What is NIL and how it affects WSU

[5:35] How NIL has morphed

[7:02] Why WSU is behind other colleges and universities when it comes to NIL

[8:28] Why NIL regulations fall under a Washington state ethics law

[10:24] How WSU athletics is feeling the implications of NIHL in sports recruiting

[13:16] The importance of being competitive in sports and why money is necessary for this

[14:50] What is the 1890 Club and how can people get involved

[16:31] Business opportunities and campaigns that can come from donating to the Cougar Collective

[17:42] Different ways to promote your business using Cougar athletes

[20:14] How to select athletes to work with

[23:29] The future of allowing university athletes to make money off their names

[27:42] Why players appreciate monetary support through the Cougar Collective

[29:20] How NIL deals can enhance the student-athlete experience at WSU

Links:

Website: www.CougarCollective.org

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Are you ready for a wild story? A story that has Cougs and WSU sprinkled all over it?

Good, because this episode is about an ‘07 WSU Alumni who has a lot of fun things happening in her life. She’s had numerous pivots, twists, turns and ultimately, she has a pretty wild Coug story that I KNOW you’ll enjoy!

Are we going to talk about nonprofits? Oh yes. Hiking the PCT? You betcha. Corn and soybean farms in Iowa? Ohhh yeahh. How she got the coveted WSUCOUGS license plate? Absolutely.

Want to know the coolest thing about this wild, wild story? Today’s guest is living proof that you just never know where you will run into a Coug.

In today’s episode of CougsFirst! Podcast, I am talking to the amazing Rachel Bearbower, a financial industry dropout turned nonprofit Executive Director turned nonprofit consultant.

Rachel supports nonprofit changemakers in their effort to reclaim their time so they can have more time to build better relationships with donors and raise more for the mission they love while creating sustainable impact in the world.

During our conversation, Rachel tells us all about her unique adventures post-WSU, why WSU has always been a common thread throughout her adult life, how she landed in the nonprofit sector (plus details on that industry), what she’s learned about picking up and moving to a farm in Iowa, and so much more!

This episode is PACKED with goodies, so tune in to hear how special it is being a Coug and why graduating from WSU is only the beginning!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:45] How a Huskies family created a Cougar

[2:47] Why she moved across the country to Boston

[4:50] How WSU was a common thread in her life post-college

[6:14] Why she quit finance to start a nonprofit

[7:58] How she ended up on the PCT 15 years after hearing about thru-hiking

[9:38] Running into Cougars on the PCT

[13:00] Life on a corn and soybean farm

[14:42] What she’s learned about picking up and moving onto a farm

[17:17] The story behind her WSUCOUG Iowa license plate

[19:47] Why it’s so special being a Coug

[21:18] What it took to build a nonprofit from the ground up

[22:36] What is a nonprofit

[24:38] What to consider before starting a nonprofit

[28:19] How she’s connected to the CougsFirst!

Links:

Instagram: @smallshopstrategies

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbearbower/

Website: www.smallshopstrategies.com.

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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In the grand scheme of Cougar Nation, a lot of people have brought tradition, spirit, talent, and so much more to the table here at Pullman. From football coaches to professors and students, we have a lot of incredible people involved in this small-town university.

But what about the man who is literally the voice of the Cougs? (and WSU, for that matter!?)

I personally think a little light needs to shine in this man’s direction, and after you listen in on this episode, you will, too!

Glenn Johnson is not only the Mayor of Pullman (since 2004!) and was a professor at WSU (from 79 to 2014), but he’s also been the Public address announcer for Cougar football and Men’s basketball since 1980 (yep, that is 43 years in case you were wondering!).

And if you’ve attended any home football or basketball game at WSU in the last four decades, there’s a good chance you’ve heard him speak –and if you haven’t—then this episode is for you.

Glenn tells us all about his public address work for WSU, including how it’s changed over the years, the Cougar stadium traditions he’s initiated, and how he stays sharp on what’s happening during the games.

He also speaks about his work as Mayor of Pullman and what the growth of Pullman means for the town’s future, plus so much more!

He’s got wisdom, he’s got energy, and if you want to hear Glenn’s honest thoughts on Pullman and WSU, press that play button!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:16] From small town California to small town Washington

[3:00] How a weekly coffee group gave him insights on local news

[4:30] 43 years of public address work for WSU

[5:43] What you didn’t know about past WSU stadium games

[8:30] How public address rules have changed during his career

[11:00] Cougar traditions he’s initiated through the PA system

[13:14] How he prepares for Coug games

[15:07] Working with the marketing and fan experience producer

[17:30] Upgrades of the WSU pressbox

[20:49] Staying sharp and on top of what’s happening during the game

[23:00] The changes that happen within a college sports teams

[26:09] Why he doesn’t do PA for the money

[27:19] Being mayor of Pullman

[28:30] How he’s improved the Pullman airport

[37:00] What he thinks of other PA system announcements

[38:00] What the growth of Pullman means for the future of the town

[42:00] Why community college is a great start for some people

Links:

Pullman Bio

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Have you ever stopped for a second and really looked at the value and opportunity that exists right in front of you?

There are so many instances in life and business where opportunity is just a connection or conversation away. But did you ever think that your next opportunity could be sitting at the bottom of a hill in a little town called Pullman!?

If you’re a WSU student, alums, faculty or fan, I’d love to see a raise of hands from those who actually took advantage of everything Pullman has to offer while there…because, honestly, the opportunities are endless.

And if you know where to look…or who to turn to, there are amazing collaborations that you can become a part of in this wonderful town in Eastern Washington.

Today I am talking to the amazing Marie Dymkoski, who is truly at the center of Pullman in so many ways. Marie is the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, and she is quite literally the “Jane of all trades” with experience that spans so many areas and departments in and around Pullman.

As a collaboration expert, Marie uses her unique skill set to help make her community stronger together –and she’s sharing all her insider knowledge, including what makes Pullman such a unique community, why it’s flourishing, how to get involved, and why WSU has a huge influence on this little college town.

Not only will this episode get you more connected to (and PUMPED about) what Pullman has to offer, but you might just learn a little bird fact or two.

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:30] What it means being the Executive Director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce

[2:46] How she connects the community together

[5:15] The benefits of living in a small community with a transient student population

[7:54] How she ended up in Pullman, Washington

[9:57] What’s so special about Pullman

[12:18] Why graduating students should consider staying in Pullman

[14:20] The separation between the WSU campus and downtown Pullman

[17:00] The opportunities you’ll find when you get off the hill and check out Pullman

[18:19] Taking advantage of summertime Pullman without the noise of WSU

[19:04] How CougsFirst! Is similar to the Chamber of Commerce

[21:24] Why people are choosing to come back to Pullman

[25:49] The birds of Pullman

[27:52] Embracing her love of birding

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-dymkoski-iom-76701515/

https://pullmanchamber.com/

https://www.instagram.com/pullmanchamber/

https://www.visit-pullman.com/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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If you haven’t been around for the last nine months or so, things have been on the up and up for CougsFirst! and a huge part of that is because of Tony Poston, who has been steering the ship for all these exciting changes and new opportunities for any and all Cougs!

Tony Poston (for those who don’t already know) is the Executive Director of CougsFirst! and he’s back on the show to give us all the juicy updates and cool stuff that has happened in the last six months and the super exciting CougsFirst! events coming up in 2023!

If you're listening in real-time, we thought we were due for a check-in on how it's going, how it’s been, and what's going on inside the world of CougsFirst!?

Luckily for you (and me!!), Tony is spilling the beans on the exciting new changes (hint: a revamped Career Expo is involved), and you definitely DO NOT want to miss the upcoming CougsFirst! events Tony and the team have cooked up for us!

CougsFirst! is upleveling and fast, and I, for one, am ready for it! And I KNOW you will be too!

So if you’re ready for some fantastic Coug networking and growth opportunities, personally and professionally, keep your eyes peeled (and your ears open while listening to this episode!) because Tony is giving us the inside scoop as soon as you hit that play button!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] Tony’s role with CougsFirst!

[2:08] How CougsFirst! has evolved since Tony took over

[4:00] What is the CougsFirst! QB Classic?

[7:15] The idea behind the creation of After Hours Events for Cougs

[10:00] How to stay up to date with CougsFirst!

[11:32] How business members find success via the CougsFirst! Community

[13:20] How to naturally build connections with other Cougs that benefit your business

[17:00] What the thought leadership stage is, and why it got started

[19:00] Behind the scenes of the revamped CougsFirst! Show

[21:35] What inspired the thought leadership stage and educational side of the tradeshow

[22:45] An opportunity to learn and grow beyond your diploma

[26:00] Cool things to do as a college student in Pullman

Links:

Episode #2 with Tony Poston

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2-from-college-hill-to-cougsfirst-theres-nothing-better/id1636050291?i=1000570864994

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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What does leadership mean to you? And how can we achieve breakthroughs while leading a team through challenging times?

Our guest today has been in the trenches of disasters and led his teams through hardships by showing up, coming together, honoring each other, and asking good questions –and he’s here to talk about both his experience and share his expert advice on how to build resilience so we can thrive under pressure.

Today I am talking to the incredible Dr. Dan Diamond, WSU Alumni Class of ‘79, medical professional, author, award-winner, and leadership expert who equips leaders with tools to rally their teams to make a difference when it matters most –and he has the experience to back it up.

Over the years, Dan has worked as the Director of the Medical Triage Unit at the New Orleans Convention Center following Hurricane Katrina, led one of the first medical teams into Haiti following their devastating earthquake, and deployed to the Philippines following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). He’s received awards and recognition from the American Red Cross, Washington State, and the Executive Office.

In this episode of CougsFirst!, Dan shares his wisdom on leadership, making a difference, and persevering through challenging times. Be prepared, Cougs, because this will be a powerful episode!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:37] A history lesson on Dr. Dan Diamond

[3:08] Why different people respond differently to disasters

[4:10] The process of discovering how to thrive under pressure

[7:02] What kept bringing Dan back to working in disaster zones

[8:30] The four different mindsets you can have during difficult times

[11:05] How to show up for others on a heart-first level

[12:04] What makes WSU so special

[13:57] The importance of feeling safe in your business, in leadership, and on teams

[16:07] The story of why he doesn’t wear tighty whities anymore

[19:00] The power of diversity

[21:29] Why people can always change

[22:37] How to ask better questions

[23:00] Why great leadership is about teamwork

[24:11] The importance of always having hope

Links:

Beyond Resilience: Trench Tested Tools to Thrive Under Pressure by Dan Diamond, MD (http://amzn.to/1UqS05z)
Conversations Worth Having by Jackie Stavros (https://amzn.to/3TazliB)
Leading Well from Within by Daniel Friedland (https://amzn.to/3h88Wod)
XChange (http://xchangeapproach.com)
Trench Tested -- Podcast (https://www.dandiamondmd.com/podcast)
Trench Tested -- Blog (www.dandiamondmd.com/blog)
LinkedIn -- (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandiamondmd)
Facebook -- (https://www.facebook.com/dandiamondmd)
YouTube -- (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDbNfqIPt6OTBrk3C-HS6Gw)

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

Leading Well from Within: A Neuroscience and Mindfulness-Based Framework for Conscious Leadership

Beyond Resilience: Trench-Tested Tools to Thrive Under Pressure

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College athletics is known to have a life-changing impact on young athletes. But how? You might be surprised to find out that it has less to do with setting collegiate records and more to do with the coaches and staff supporting them along the way.

Not only can coaches and coaching staff help athletes see things in themselves that they otherwise wouldn’t see, but they can also give them the tools to help them achieve their goals both on the field –and, more importantly– off the field.

That’s exactly what today’s guest knows to be true –and he works hard to ensure this approach is reflected throughout every facet of Cougar Athletics, and he’s on a mission to create an environment where young people know that life is about progress, not perfection.

Seriously, get ready for this episode because I am joined by the incredible Pat Chun, THE Washington State Director of Athletics, who has overseen a transformation of Cougar Athletics since he arrived in 2018. From record student-athlete academic achievement to record-setting fundraising and transformative facility projects to innovative student-welfare programming –Pat has had a huge impact on WSU.

And we’re talking ALL about it.

Now, if you think we’re going to talk about sports and athletics (plus who his favorite Cougar athlete is), you’d be right! But we’re also talking about so much more.

During our amazing conversation, Pat explains why he prioritizes academics for his student athletics, the joy he gets from his job, how he finds coaches that align with WSU values, and how he navigates raising a family in a college town where everyone knows your name.

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:35] How Pat ended up in Pullman, WA

[8:45] Why Pullman was the right move for his family

[9:47] How to raise a family in a college town where you’re well-known

[14:15] What is an Athletic Director

[17:00] The simple role of a great Athletic Director

[18:13] Why academics is so important for student-athletes

[19:15] Working hard in the classroom and on the field

[21:13] How to find and hire coaches that align with WSU values

[23:00] Two factors WSU has that attract great athletic coaches

[25:35] The standout coach that impacted his life

[27:33] His favorite Cougar athlete

[30:00] The joy that comes from being the WSU Athletic Director

[32:38] How to support Cougar Athletics

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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How far has your school pride and spirit taken you? I think most fans would agree that you can be a million miles away from Pullman but that Cougar Pride is hard to shake.

But has your Cougar pride resulted in a WSU tradition that’s been going on for almost 20 years?

Every Saturday on ESPN during football season, Cougar alums and fans around the country have been viewing the efforts of an organized grass-roots group led by WSU alums since 2003.

And today’s guest has been an integral part of this movement since the beginning –when a side hustle he picked up from Tom Pounds turned into a WSU tradition.

Yep! I am talking to the one and only CJ McCoy, President of Ol’ Crimson and ‘98 WSU alumni, who still keeps to his WSU roots with a crazy passionate side hustle that has everything to do with Coug Nation.

After graduating from WSU, CJ pursued higher education and now lives across the country, working as a Provost at Shenandoah University. Now, he’s on the CougsFirst! Podcast to talk all about his experience at WSU, how the Ol’ Crimson streak on ESPN gameday got started, a behind the scenes look at the logistics involved in getting the WSU flag to the right location, and why they are always looking for passionate volunteers to be part of this long-standing tradition. Plus, he’s sharing his 4 best tips for new university students that will set them up for success.

It’s a great episode filled with tradition, gumption, perseverance, and school pride! You don’t want to miss it, so press that play button!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] How CJ ended up at WSU

[2:58] Why he made his way back to higher education

[5:00] What makes WSU so special

[8:03] Why Clemson and WSU are similar

[9:00] How the Ol’ Crimson streak on ESPN game day got started

[11:30] The team behind Ol’ Crimson

[14:00] How to know where ESPN game day will be

[16:00] Behind the scenes of the Old Crimson logistics

[18:27] Why he gets nervous shipping the flag to Cougs

[20:45] How the flag almost got lost

[22:32] Best game day he’s attended

[24:29] 4 tips for new Cougs or soon-to-be graduating Cougs

[29:00] The best lesson he learned at WSU.

Links:

Website: https://www.olcrimson.org/

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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How many Cougs can say they’ve been die-hard fans since the age of nine, back in 1971?! Well, today’s guest can! After watching his older brother and sister attend WSU, he finally got his chance in 1980 and graduated from the Murrow College in 1984. His involvement with the Coug Nation didn’t end there, however.

Greg Witter is on the CougsFirst! Podcast to talk about how he became a lifelong Cougar.

After majoring in journalism and working in the newspaper field out of WSU, Greg honed his communications skills in Washington, D.C., as a Senate and House press secretary, and later served as managing director of strategic communications at Alaska Airlines for many years before starting his own consulting practice. Along the way, he and his cousin John Witter launched a hobby that morphed into a full-blown digital media enterprise – Cougfan.com – that today is part of CBS Sports’ 247 network.

Greg remains one of the driving forces behind Cougfan.com, which is an insanely detailed resource hub for cutting-edge perspective, insights, observations, recruiting, and interviews on Cougar football and basketball, as well as a bit of volleyball, baseball and soccer. It is the go-to website for diehard WSU fans.

In today’s episode, Greg shares his crimson-hued life story, how he got his start in journalism (and where it took him!), and why he and John started Cougfan.com in 1998. Plus, Greg offers up some tips to finding a path in the communications world.

You don’t want to miss this episode, so hit that play button!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[00:37] Becoming a Cougar fan in the 4th grade

[3:01] How a late-night hobby turned into being a part of the CBS 24/7 network

[5:00] How Cougfan.com has changed in 25 years

[8:04] The most memorable Coug he’s met through Cougfan.com

[11:18] Interviewing Jack Thompson

[12:46] How Cougfan.com is a hybrid, committed to sound journalism yet obviously partial to WSU

[16:00] Discovering the unique human stories behind college football

[18:20] How he got his start in journalism

[21:00] The collaborative political environment of D.C. in the 1980s

[22:30] Why real-world experience matters

[23:43] How CougsFirst! and Cougfan.com share a common mission

[25:09] A behind-the-scenes look at the magic of CougsFirst!

[28:00] The ‘magical’ ecosystem of WSU

Links:

Website: www.cougfan.com

Twitter: @cougfanCOM

Facebook: COUGFAN.com

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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What do mindset and leadership have in common? Turns out a LOT!

Surprise, surprise – your mind is one of your biggest secret weapons. You just need to learn how to cultivate it and use it in a way that allows you to take back control and handle the many trials and tribulations of life –and football.

Because when your mental game is strong, your confidence grows, and when you have more confidence in yourself, you’re more likely to apply the knowledge you’ve gained to many areas of your life.

Today’s CougsFirst! guest is ALL about mindset and teaching kids from a young age what it means to be the best versions of themselves no matter what dream they go after (bonus points if their dream is playing college or professional football).

If you haven’t guessed it yet, in this episode, I’m talking to the 2013 walk-on football player who became one of the most decorated quarterbacks in WSU history – Luke Falk.

Luke is sharing all about his experience as a redshirt athlete at WSU, what it felt like being drafted in the NFL, how his mental ability was his strongest skill on the football field, and why he’s transitioned to coaching kids about the game of football by first building a strong mindset.

Tune in for a unique take on the mental game of football and why there are so many lessons learned that can be applied to both life and football.

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:39] What it means to be a walk-on at WSU

[3:12] How he stood out once he had his opportunity to play on the field

[4:22] Why a good mindset will aid your accomplishments

6:26] Why mental skills are great for leadership

[8:04] What he’s most proud of during his time at WSU

[11:31] The feeling of getting drafted into the NFL

[14:13] His biggest advice for the kids he coaches today

[16:02] Who has inspired and had a huge impact on him

[18:07] The transition from playing football to coaching football

[20:01] What makes a great coach

[21:47] The parallels between football and life

[23:44] Favorite football memory at WSU

[25:56] How private quarterback training turned into an online subscription model

[27:00] Why the application of knowledge is power

[30:19] Why we protect ourselves with a false reality

Links:

Website: www.4fbtraining.com

Lessons From the Legends Podcast https://www.4fbtraining.com/offers/LRu5xUzu/checkout

Instagram: @4fbtraining

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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What can athletes do after they stop being athletes? Maybe –like most of us– you’ve never had to worry about that, but there are plenty of high school, college, and professional athletes who seek out new opportunities and careers after they finish their sport.

Our guest today is no exception! After a full-ride to WSU on a football scholarship and 7 years in the NFL, Jed Collins realized he actually had a lot of skills (and even more passion) to build a business that makes a big impact.

Jed is a former NFL player, WSU alumni, husband, father, author, a CFP®, and founder of Money Vehicle –a mission-driven company trying to close the financial literacy gap!

Jed’s covering many topics, including his time as a Coug, what he’s learned from being a pro athlete AND an entrepreneur, and how we can all create a massive change in our field…pun intended.

There is a lot to unpack in this episode because Jed is coming in hot to share his wealth of expertise, knowledge, and experience in ALL the things, so buckle up and hit that play button because we’re in for a ride!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:00] Jed’s journey and contribution to WSU

[3:57] The long-term goals of most student athletes

[8:00] Taking the financial opportunity of going pro and maximizing on it

[8:39] Channeling a deeper drive to have an impact through your sport

[12:40] Using social media to contribute toward a bigger vision as an athlete

[16:12] Why an athlete should play for WSU

[18:27] Pick a school that can help you organize and build a strategy

[19:00] How he got into the NFL and what he’s learned from the experience

[22:07] Finding his purpose in teaching beginner financial literacy to students

[24:17] How to measure purpose and profit as an entrepreneur

[26:04] The biggest lessons learned from the football field

[30:00] Enjoying the phase of life you’re in right now

Links:

Website: www.YourMoneyVehicle.com

https://youtu.be/zjIWgfg3egg

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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The way we work is changing –and it’s changing FAST!

Flexibility is IN, and traditional employment models that require workers to put in 80+ hour weeks in an on-site cubicle are OUT.

Well, maybe it’s not ‘out’ completely, but the current workplace model is definitely shifting towards inclusivity, and we’re redefining what the work week looks like.

And we are HERE for it!

Today’s amazing guest has been at the forefront of this new workplace shift, and she is a loud advocate for workforce innovation, inclusivity, and flexibility for moms, caretakers, and every person experiencing alternative living situations.

Oh, did I mention she used to be the student body President at WSU? Go Cougs!!

Brea Starmer is a WSU alumni, mother, a writer, a speaker, and the Founder of Lions + Tigers, a talent lab driving workforce innovation and building bridges to the future of work.

In this episode of CougsFirst!, Brea and I discuss her time at WSU, including why she decided to run for student body president, what she learned from her experience, and how it impacted her career. Brea also shares how unexpected events in her career trajectory led her to build a consultancy specializing in fractional work and why her passion is to create a bridge for companies to meet their workforce where they’re at in their current stage of life.

You don’t want to miss this conversation, so hit that play button, and let’s GO!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[3:30] How Brea ended up at WSU

[5:41] The epic campaign of becoming President of the WSU student body

[9:18] Fun facts about being in a university student government

[13:27] Advice for students wanting to get involved in the student government

[16:24] Laser focusing on a corporate career after WSU

[18:11] How Cougs have shown up in her career

[20:00] Where the momentum stopped in her career and how she pivoted into entrepreneurship

[22:32] A high-level run-down of what Lions+Tigers specializes in

[25:00] Solving the working model for moms, caretakers, and alternative living

[29:51] What she’s learned by bringing people together in this new business model

[32:00] Tapping into your values when faced with decisions in business and life

[34:02] Changing the trajectory for those who come behind

Links:

Website: https://lions-tigers.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lionsandtigers/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breastarmer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionstigersco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lionsandtigersco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LionsTigersco

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreaStarmer

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Are you thinking of trying something new? Cool.

GO FOR IT.

There is always a reason to learn something new– today’s guest went from high school track star to WSU college football player before turning NFL pro and, eventually, settling down as a philanthropist.

Embrace your fears and just go for it!!

In this episode of CougsFirst! We get to hear the incredible story of Rueben Mayes, MBA, CFRE, ex-NFL, former WSU footballer, co-author, TEDx speaker...I mean, the number of accolades and accomplishments to his name could fill up a large book.

Rueben has had a fantastic football career, and he’s also been a huge contributor to the philanthropy fundraising space in Pullman. Now, he’s turning his sites to Seattle (but don’t worry Pullman, he’s staying right where he is).

Rueben has so much to share, and I think today’s episode is both an awesome Coug conversation and a great story filled with important takeaways and tangibles you can apply to your life and career, including the desire to give back.

You don’t want to miss this episode, so hit that play button and let’s go!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:35] From a Canadian small town to a WSU football scholarship

[5:20] The mindset needed to succeed as a student athlete

[7:38] Behind the scenes of breaking the 1984 NCAA rushing record

[9:30] What it takes to go from college to professional football

[12:00] The highlights of his professional NFL career

[13:48] Why you need to embrace your fears and just go for it

[15:12] Deciding what’s next after a successful career in football

[17:17] The skillset he carried over from the football field to philanthropy

[18:46] What you might not realize about fundraising

[20:00] Tips on how to become an effective leader

[24:46] What he does to add light and encouragement to people’s lives

Links:

TEDx You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsvSWkEHNDk

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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How do you decide what career path to pursue? And then, when you’ve made a name for yourself in the industry, how do you make the shift when you’re ready to try something new?

Today’s guest has the answers!

From breaking into a predominantly male industry to using connections and contacts to jump to a completely different industry, this episode is PACKED with all kinds of career lessons and inspiration from –you guessed it!— a fellow Coug!!

Today I am talking to the incredible Jaymee Sire. Jaymee is an Emmy-award winning television & multi-media host, the President & CEO of E is for Eat, Inc., host of Food Network Obsessed Podcast, and, of course, a WSU alum.

Jaymee has had quite the career since she left WSU, and she’s on the CougsFirst! Podcast to share her journey from sports to food blogging to podcasting and how WSU fits into it.

You definitely don’t want to miss this episode, so hit that play button!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:19] What made her choose sports broadcasting

[4:23] The most interesting sport event she’s covered

[6:48] How she maintains enthusiasm during tough sporting outcomes

[8:34] Shifting from the sports industry to the food industry

[10:01] Her experience through layoffs and starting a food blog

[14:00] Networking her way into the food industry

[16:11] The intention behind the Food Network Obsessed podcast

[19:01] The different approaches to podcasting and broadcasting

[30:00] What makes WSU so unforgettable

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaymeesire/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaymee

Food Network Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-network-obsessed/id1545586439

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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I don’t necessarily need to say this (but I WILL) because we all know it – WSU is special.

We all seem to have a deep connection with WSU, and it never goes away (not that we want it to, either!)

While most of us moved to Pullman to attend WSU, today’s guest is Pullman-raised, WSU-educated, California experienced, and back to Pullman for the quality of life. Now he’s back in the town where he was always meant to be and works hard to give back to the university that gave him so much.

Today I am talking to Duane Brelsford. Yup, THAT Brelsford!

If you haven’t noticed, his name is everywhere, and that’s because his company and his family are so deeply connected to WSU and the town of Pullman.

In this episode of CougsFirst!, we are talking all about learning from failures, what makes WSU so unique, the fulfillment of giving back, and why it’s important to embrace both the community of Pullman and WSU.

Duane has so many stories and SO much wisdom, and he’s sharing it all with us today – so tune in to learn more!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:30] The symbolism of where the WSU Visitor Center is located

[4:14] Duane’s ties to WSU + his WSU journey

[7:20] The most impactful part of his WSU experience

[9:37] The Brelsford 100 year Pullman legacy

[11:55] What makes WSU unique from other colleges

[17:59] What makes a business successful in Pullman & why feedback is important

[20:55] How recent grads can leverage their career once they enter the workforce

[23:05] The importance of learning from failures (with Duane’s example)

[25:09] What he’s learned during his leadership journey

[28:41] Wisdom and advice for the newly accepted college student

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website:

https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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I’ll be the first to say that college mascots are a big deal! As WSU alums, we ALL know who Butch T. Cougar is, right!?

When Butch isn’t getting the crowds roaring on gamedays, he is representing the university at various events both on and off campus as a brand ambassador!!

I mean, the job sounds pretty epic….but who’s inside the mascot costume, and how on earth did they get there?!

This episode of CougsFirst! Is answering ALL your burning questions about Butch, and I am SO excited for it because I am talking to not just ONE but TWO previous Butch T. Cougar mascots!!

Max and Zach are on the show to share personal Butch stories, history lessons about Butch the mascot, the secrecy behind Butch, and what they’re doing to promote and encourage more involvement with Butch T. Cougar!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:33] Wrangling all the previous Butch’s together into a database

[4:19] How animal rights activists shifted Butch from a live cougar to a student in costume

[6:02] Why colleges have secret mascots

[9:10] How to prepare for a Butch tryout

[13:56] Random requests for Butch appearances

[17:28] Navigating the secret of being Butch without your peers knowing

[20:12] The pros and cons of being Butch in college

[23:30] The legacy Butch T. Cougar has left behind

[33:48] Making the jump from Butch to corporate

Links:

LINK TO SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION LET’S GET BUTCH PAID:

https://foundation.wsu.edu/give/?fund=15b4a22b-a490-4744-a7a0-b317c9ada2cc&cat=idonate_programs&area=idonate_cougar_athletics&utm_source=ambassador&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=herbert-meeker-butch-t-cougar-scholarship

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Communities that support each other can make a HUGE impact! Luckily for us Cougs, CougsFirst! is ALL about community and connection.

But how does connecting with the Cougar community impact your career, your business, and your life?

Our guest today is sharing how WSU influenced his trajectory and why Coug Nation it’s now a key part of his life and business.

In this episode, I am talking with the legendary 'Throwin Samoan,' Jack Thompson! Jack played football for the Cougs in the late 70s and played in the NFL for 6 years before moving back to Seattle to raise his family and reconnect with his beloved WSU!

Did I mention he serves on the Board of Directors for the WSU Foundation AND is a Co-Founder of CougsFirst!?!

Jack is sharing his side of the Cougar community, the importance of being bold (even when it almost gets you thrown off the football team!), and why the genuine care and concern of the Cougar community led him to choose WSU and co-found CougsFirst!.

If you plug into this episode, you'll hear the heart behind what CougsFirst! is doing, why it's doing it, and why every Coug loves being a part of the WSU family. So tap that play button!!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:20] The nickname behind Throwin’ Samoan

[4:45] The story behind how he become a WSU quarterback

[11:52] Why you have to be bold sometimes

[14:40] Lessons learned from life in the NFL

[16:30] How Jack ended up at WSU

[21:17] Experiencing WSU for the first time

[26:45] Jack’s why behind the founding of CougsFirst!

[30:59] How his business has benefitted from being a part of CougsFirst!

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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Cougs are all over the state of Washington –so there is always an opportunity to network and grow your business or career alongside other Cougs.

I mean, honestly, what makes WSU so great is the passion behind our university and the support you feel no matter where you run into a fellow Coug.

And here at CougsFirst!, we’re ALL about Cougs supporting Cougs, but we’re also huge proponents of Cougs rallying around and supporting WSU in whatever way they can – and President Schulz agrees with us!!

In this episode of CougsFirst!, I am talking to President Kirk H. Schulz, who has been guiding WSU through an incredible transformation since 2016.

With his help, big things have been happening at WSU, and the opportunity to be a part of our amazing Cougar Nation is growing. And we are so excited to see where the university is heading!

President Schulz is spilling the beans on the direction he’s taking WSU, what he’s already done to make WSU even better than it already is (I know, is that even possible?!), AND all the exciting things happening at the WSU campuses.

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:34] How Kirk ended up at WSU

[5:47] What a land grant university means

[7:53] How small businesses benefit from land grant universities

[12:00] What it means to be a Coug at the different campuses

[14:55] Fun facts about the President’s Mansion

[17:09] Updates on the Spokane Medical School

[20:41] The momentum of WSU sports in 2022

[25:06] What makes the culture at WSU so unique

[27:14] President Schulz thoughts on CougsFirst!

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

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If you’re a new entrepreneur, a seasoned business, or you’re just looking to network and meet other WSU business owners –you NEED to check out CougsFirst! Even if you’re just looking to support a Coug Owned Business in whatever industry… odds are they are part of this community.

CougsFirst! was started so that people of all ages –students, recent grads, and alumni– can be successful and get business from the network. It’s built on relationships and that “cougs support cougs” attitude we’ve all grown to love from WSU.

We’ve made it our mission to encourage Cougar Nation to get in the habit of taking the intentional act of seeking out Cougar-owned, managed, and affiliated businesses. Need wine? A car? Cheese? Insurance? A new credit card? Odds are there’s a Coug Owned business you can support.

And today we have one of the original members to give us all of the details, plus some BIG announcements for 2023. Meet Glenn Osterhout, founding member and board member, who was there from the beginning and shares our enthusiasm for the future.

If you don’t know Glenn (which you should!), he’s a successful Financial Advisor at Cascade Guided Wealth and in his 11th year as Chairman of CougsFirst! So he’s been with the community as it’s grown and evolved through many seasons. Which is why he is the perfect person to share its history!

I am so excited because big things are happening inside this community, and we can’t wait to have you join us in this next chapter of CougsFirst!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[4:29] Glenn’s journey after WSU

[8:20] The benefit of starting CougsFirst! as a private sector business

[14:01] What the structure of CougsFirst! looks like and the pivots they’ve made

[17:43] Industries involved in CougsFirst!

[21:47] Examples of massive success from being a part of the CougsFirst! community

[24:41] Success stories of recent WSU grads who joined CougsFirst!

[27:42] What having a new Exec Director means for CougsFirst! moving forward

[31:13] Advice for having an impactful experience at WSU

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

Follow Glenn on LinkedIn

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Raise your hand if you loved your time at Washington State University? Now how about life after WSU with your fellow Cougs? Watching games. Going to Homecoming. And supporting other Coug owned businesses?

I have BOTH hands raised!

I can absolutely verify that the CougsFirst! community has opened up huge opportunities and careers for current WSU students, recent grads, and alumni alike. And I have insider information that they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Today I am talking to Tony Poston, Founder of College Hill, a branded merchandise studio, and the Executive Director for CougsFirst!

I am so excited to dive in and talk more about Tony's journey. From being a WSU student who founded a super successful company (from his apartment) to being a part of the CougsFirst! community, Tony has recently transitioned into his newest role: the FIRST ever Exec Director of CougsFirst!

In this episode, we’re talking about what direction CougsFirst! is moving with his expert guidance, what CougsFirst! prioritizes, and why you don’t have to be a business owner to reap the benefits of being a part of the community.

But really, overall, we’re getting the first-hand account of Tony’s journey from a WSU student, to alumni, to business owner, and how he’s giving back to his alma mater through CougsFirst!

Tune in to hear more about why CougsFirst! is changing the game of networking!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[1:37] An overview of College Hill and how it got started

[3:39] Why CougsFirst! was a good fit for him as a business owner

[5:30] The benefits of being a part of CougsFirst!

[11:23] Why people come to the tradeshow even as non-business owners

[13:20] What it means to hire CougsFirst!

[14:44] Advice for recent grads to jumpstart their career

[18:10] How he turned over the reins of his company

[23:50] Why bigger isn’t always better in business

[27:05] What he’s looking forward to with the future of CougsFirst!

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

Tony's episode on When I Grow Up:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-34-building-a-brand-with-guest-tony-poston/id1555125099?i=1000539002595

Follow Tony on LinkedIn

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Welcome to the FIRST ever episode of The CougsFirst! Podcast hosted by yours truly, Kelsey Knutson, WSU Class of ‘12.

As a WSU alumni, I can vouch that being a part of Cougar nation is an amazing experience and opened up so many doors and opportunities for both myself and my fellow cougs. (My first big girl job… WSU Seattle. When I went to beauty school? Owned by a Coug. Started my own networking group? You guessed it, co-founded with Cougs).

But one of the most impactful things that has happened on my entrepreneurial journey is getting involved in CougsFirst! And that story starts almost 10 years ago.

Now, CougsFirst! is a networking group and a community built on the premise of supporting a Coug through life and encouraging success in whatever endeavor they pursue.

We’re that group cheering you on and supporting you in any way we can!

But what you might not know about is how CougsFirst! got started, why we’re here, and what we’re up to. (Hint: a brand new podcast!!)

And the idea of having a dedicated channel to highlight Cougs who are out their building empires or working in cool businesses sounded like the perfect way to provide inspiration, support, education and entertainment to our Coug family.

Thus, The CougsFirst! Podcast was born!!

And we have some awesome things in the works.

Tune in to this episideo because it will give you a solid foundation of what CougsFirst! is about and how I ended up in the hostess seat of The CougsFirst! Podcast.

Cheers, Cougs!

Leave a 5 star review on iTunes or Spotify!

What we discussed:

[2:00] Kelsey’s experience at WSU

[4:30] The wild Cougar connections that show up in life

[7:00] Thing I’ve learned from my experience as a business owner

[12:00] Why you need to lean into your core values when pursuing your career

[15:13] Fine tuning what to include in the CougsFirst! podcast

[19:21] How CougsFirst! came to be and what it’s going to look like

Links:

Find out more about our community via the CougsFirst! website: https://www.cougsfirst.org/

Want to find all of the CougsFirst! businesses? Checkout our directory https://cougsfirst.org/cougsfirst-businesses/

Connect with us on social media:

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cougsfirst/

Tweet us: https://twitter.com/CougsFirst

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougsfirst

Checkout our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0dcpwZLRSu7gFOxpVGMlw

Connect with Kelsey Knutson!

When I Grow Up Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-i-grow-up-pod/id1555125099

Coug business owners get a FREE strategy call: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/coug

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knutsonkelsey/

The CougsFirst! Podcast: Recent Episodes

Kelsey Knutson