The Emerging Leaders Podcast // Fischer Homes: Recent Episodes
Fischer Homes
An official podcast of Fischer Homes, the Emerging Leaders Podcast is where we collect wisdom, strategies, and insights from proven and successful leaders to help you go further and faster as a leader.
Amanda Bluso is a Production Process Manager in our Columbus Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode, we talk about:
- Amanda’s Career Story, and how she went from being a College Recruit to a Sales Counselor to an Elite Coach to becoming a Production Process Manager
- We also had our first ever listener question, submitted by Amie Cipolla from the Indianapolis Division about the crossover from Operations and Sales
- How leaders need to embody the integrity of the organization and invest in their team
Timestamps:
- 2:16 - Amanda’s career story
- 9:23 - “People can be so impatient!”
- 11:00 - The Elite Coach role
- 17:05 - Jon Jasper, “Become the obvious choice”
- 21:08 - First ever listener question - Amie Cipolla
- 25:40 - The challenges of the sales role
- 30:18 - Bag O’ Questions
- 34:16 - Key Takeaways
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 5 of a series where I chat with the 2020 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2020.
In today’s episode, I spoke to James Allen, Sales Counselor from the Cincinnati Division, 2020’s Overall Sales Counselor of the Year. James is one of our most tenured associates having been a Sales Counselor for over 27 years with Fischer Homes, and he had an incredible sales year in 2020 selling 64 homes totaling up to $29.5 million. In this podcast we talk about:
- James’s career story starting in the military, to IT in corporate America, and then to Sales Counselor at Fischer Homes for 27 years
- How James maintains a positive mental attitude and overcomes negativity
- How James systematically approaches his work and personal development
Timestamps:
- 3:15 - James’ career story
- 11:08 - Commitment is the key to success
- 19:36 - The importance of trust
- 22:45 - “Put them in control”
- 26:15 - Learn new tools; put them to work
- 27:23 - James career mentors
- 30:07 - Bag O’ Questions
- 35:09 - Key Takeaways
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 4 of a series where I chat with the 2020 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2020.
In today’s episode, I spoke to Lindsay Edelen, Lifestyle Design Coordinator with the Louisville Division and the 2020 Customer Satisfaction Award Winner. In this podcast, we talk about:
- Lindsay’s career story from business school in college, working in the floral industry, being an entrepreneur, and eventually a Lifestyle Design Coordinator.
- How Lindsay is forward thinking and makes time to grow even in a busy season.
- The value of writing goals and writing your own personal strategic plan
Timestamps:
- 4:12 - Lindsay’s career story
- 12:30 - “Overdeliver!”
- 14:00 - Motivation and innovation
- 15:25 - Jeff Bezos, “I’m passionate about sleep”
- 23:00 - Busyness prevents growth
- 27:30 - Perfectionism prevents completion
- 30:00 - “Goals show how you’ve grown”
- 31:05 - Lindsay’s career mentors
- 33:15 - Bag O’ Questions
- 37:28 - Key Takeaways
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 3 of a series where I chat with the 2020 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2020.
In today’s episode, I spoke to Michaele Blackburn, NKY Construction Manager here at Fischer Homes, but in 2020 she was the company-wide Field Manager of the year: In this podcast, we talk about:
- Michaele’s career story, and how she went from being a practicing lawyer to becoming a Field Manager.
- How leaders must be confident in themselves, their teams, and their mission
- How Michaele likes to win, and she uses her competitive spirit to grow herself and her team
Timestamps:
- 4:38 - Michaele’s career story
- 9:25 - Construction misconceptions
- 11:30 - Patience & flexibility
- 12:45 - The importance of a humble confidence
- 16:32 - “It’s more fun when you’re winning!”
- 19:36 - Michaele’s career mentors
- 21:40 - People - the biggest complaint
- 23:50 - Bag O’ Questions
- 28:47 - Key Takeaways
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 2 of a series where I chat with the 2020 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2020.
In today’s episode, I spoke to Megan Wesdorp, Loan Originator with Victory Mortgage and the 2020 Loan Originator of the Year. In this podcast, we talk about:
- Megan’s career story and how she went from studying abroad in college to becoming a bank teller to becoming the Loan Originator of the year.
- How important it is to focus on the details to build trust with customers
- How flexibility with your career gives you an incredible competitive advantage to grow
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 1 of a series where I chat with the 2020 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2020.
In today’s episode, I spoke to Yue Yan, Land Operations Specialist, and she was the corporate recipient of the Internal Customer Satisfaction Award. In this podcast, we talk about:
- How she quickly achieved success at Fischer Homes, her first full-time job after college
- How leaders must be humble and build trust by demonstrating a commitment to the work and their team
- Why it’s so important to always try your best in every situation because you don’t know how your actions will impact your future
Timestamps:
- 2:27 - Yue Yan’s career story
- 7:15 - “Developers are making a difference”
- 11:40 - Stability, Commitment, and Embracing Imperfection
- 14:05 - Humility
- 15:10 - Empathy
- 15:50 - “People fall in love with solutions, not problems”
- 17:00 - Yue Yan’s career mentors
- 18:30 - Bag O’ Questions
- 22:40 - Key Takeaways
Shawn is the Chief Information and Technology Officer here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Shawn’s career story and his path to become CITO
- How pitching in extra effort to serve the team creates a Win-Win relationship for you, your career, and your organization
- How change is a challenge for every individual and organization and it needs to be managed with objective systems and processes
Timestamps:
- 2:17 - Shawn’s career story
- 7:39 - Flexibility in a growing company creates a win-win relationship
- 9:58 - Thoughts about the “c-suite,” finding your passion
- 10:55 - Behave like a boss; make his job easier
- 11:40 - The invisible IS department
- 13:53 - Being taken advantage of; job-hopping problems
- 18:15 - Change management
- 21:33 - “The key is communication”
- 24:16 - The elephant and the rider
- 25:36 - Change for change sake; Russian pencils
- 27:48 - Pervasive is down?!?
- 30:08 - The importance of empathy
- 35:26 - Maintaining a proper and positive perspective as an employee
- 38:39 - “The jobs that everyone wants are rare and valuable”
- 40:14 - Collaboration and internal drive
- 42:53 - Bag O’ Questions
- 50:19 - Key Takeaways
Doug is a Market President of our Atlanta Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Doug’s career story and his path starting in accounting to becoming Market President
- The importance of supporting your team by being present and available
- How the best leaders face uncertainty with unwavering optimism on one hand and confront the brutal facts of reality on the other
3/25 Virtual Book Club Registration: https://forms.gle/r4VxTv8bNTPmk4ya8
Timestamps:
- 2:40 - Doug’s career story
- 7:30 - Dealing with strengths and weaknesses
- 10:10 - Doug’s motivation
- 11:30 - Overcoming leadership deficiency
- 14:47 - “He doesn’t do the work!”
- 17:05 - Our flawed sense of entitlement
- 19:40 - “Experience comes over time”
- 20:47 - The characteristics every leader needs
- 23:40 - The repetitive cycles of the industry
- 25:45 - How different company cultures are
- 27:10 - The important decisions Doug makes as a leader
- 30:42 - Bag O’ Questions
- 38:19 - Key Takeaways
Brad is a Market President of our Indianapolis Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Brad’s career story and his path to become Market President
- Why knowing and playing to your strengths is so important
- How a good leader isn’t the smartest person in the room, but rather the person that collaborates and empowers others
Timestamps:
- 1:17 - Brad’s career story
- 3:27 - Benefits and challenges of having a sales role
- 4:28 - The “Five Essential Skills”
- 5:05 - Brad’s “6th Essential Skill” - People Management
- 6:30 - Collaboration as a leader
- 9:10 - Humility Removes the “Toxic Relationship”
- 11:44 - Every leader needs fear
- 12:30 - “Productive Paranoia”
- 15:45 - The power of setting goals
- 18:04 - Happiness vs. Contentment
- 19:22 - The power of investment in others
- 21:50 - Bag O’ Questions
- 26:20 - Key Takeaways
KEP Electric: http://www.kepelectric.com
Kevin is founder of KEP Electric, a successful, innovative electrical contracting company. KEP Electric is one of our most trusted Trade Partners here at Fischer Homes. For nearly 20 years, KEP Electric has wired tens of thousands of homes throughout Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky markets. They have a proven and successful track record working with many of the nation's top 100 homebuilders, as well as regional, local, and custom home builders. In this episode we talk about:
- Kevin’s passion for construction and the skills and experiences that built his success
- We also talk about why Fischer Homes is the Builder of Choice for KEP Electric and how we maintain that status
- How KEP Electric and Fischer Homes have established an amazing win-win strategic partnership that has fueled both of our successes
Timestamps:
- 2:35 - Kevin’s career story
- 9:05 - The value of Trade Work
- 15:15 - The pride that comes from Trade Work
- 16:04 - Essential skills for success
- 18:00 - How to be the ‘Builder of Choice’
- 24:22 - Important leadership decisions
- 27:29 - Leaders must listen
- 29:40 - Bag O’ Questions
- 35:52 - Key Takeaways
Blog Link: 7 Awesome Email Templates to Request Co-worker Feedback
Jon is a Market President of our Columbus Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Jon’s career story and his path to become Market President
- How to demonstrate your readiness for promotion by being a rockstar in your current role
- How important integrity is to leadership
Timestamps:
- 1:31 - Jon’s career story
- 4:40 - Five areas of focus for division leadership
- 6:58 - The surprising thing about being Market President
- 10:24 - Be a Rockstar in your current role
- 12:00 - Become the obvious choice
- 15:17 - Raising your hand
- 17:47 - The need for feedback
- 19:39 - Integrity in leadership
- 25:30 - Everyday is an interview
- 28:02 - Surround yourself with great people
- 31:01 - Bag O’ Questions
- 38:26 - Key Takeaways
Website: https://www.otiswilliams.com/
Otis Williams, is an author, award-winning speaker, facilitator, seminar leader, and personal growth coach specializing in motivation, leadership, communication, and change. For over two decades Otis has been inspiring people to find the courage to follow their dreams. In this episode we talk about:
- Courageous Leadership, defined as saying and doing what’s right no matter what’s in front of you
- How we miss incredible value by giving into fear
- How leaders need to model courage to their teams
Timestamps:
- 2:07 - Biography and career story
- 5:19 - Courageous Leadership
- 7:27 - Fear in Leadership
- 16:37 - Common corporate fears
- 18:10 - Conquering fears
- 24:24 - How to grow in courage
- 29:29 - Conquering fears to grow your career
- 30:29 - Growing your courage muscle
- 33:05 - Transparency and authenticity in leadership
- 34:32 - Bag O’ Questions
- 39:31 - Key Takeaways
Paul Allen is the General Counsel here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How leaders manage risk rather than eliminate risk
- How the most important part of planning is the action it creates
- How to take control of your life and your goals by embracing the uncomfortable
Timestamps:
- 1:39 - The role of Legal Counsel plays at Fischer Homes
- 4:46 - Risk Management vs Risk Elimination
- 8:20 - Growing in risk tolerance
- 12:01 - Bullets and Cannonballs
- 16:54 - Monte Carlo Analysis
- 17:58 - Culture of Integrity
- 19:34 - The surprising thing about General Counsel
- 23:39 - The importance of action in planning
- 27:03 - Empathy in leaders
- 30:04 - Team-orientated decision making
- 31:33 - Bag O’ Questions
- 36:36 - Key Takeaways
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Angela Duckworth
Bob Hawksley is the CEO here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Building your career tool chest - learning and growing new skills and experiences
- The importance of the people side of things
- How to be the best at what you do by outlearning and outworking everyone else
Timestamps:
- 1:54 - Bob’s Career Story
- 8:49 - The value of working for the Fischers
- 11:11 - Outlearn and outwork everyone else
- 17:39 - Tools in your toolbox - The value of learning
- 19:26 - The surprising thing about the CEO
- 23:37 - Understand what you want to pursue
- 27:51 - The need to keep growing
- 32:08 - Understanding the past and look for future opportunities
- 34:30 - Bag O’ Questions
- 39:15 - Key Takeaways
Michelle Groeschen is the Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- The Value of working for a Family-Owned Company
- The Importance of Integrity and Honesty in Leadership
- How attention to detail takes you from being an average leader to a spectacular leader
Timestamps:
- 1:48 - Michelle’s Career Story
- 5:41 - When did you know Fischer Homes would be home to your career
- 9:01 - The value of working in a family-owned company
- 10:26 - The surprising thing about the Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting
- 12:56 - Get out of your chair and make connections
- 15:11 - Managing variable compensation
- 20:01 - Growing in detail orientation
- 22:26 - Embracing change
- 25:43 - Integrity and honesty in leadership
- 29:21 - The importance of hiring the right people
- 30:16 - Protecting the Organization
- 32:10 - Bag O’ Questions
- 41:22 - Key Takeaways
Nancy Spivey is the Marketing Director for DBL Law, the largest law firm in Northern Kentucky. Before her current role, she’s had an exciting and diverse career starting as a sports writer in high school, print production in college, different roles in PR and Community Development before landing in Northern Kentucky where she worked her way up the ladder to become Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her entire career, she has built and cultivated powerful connections, and those connections fueled her success.
In this episode we talk about:
- How networking and making powerful connections helps you advance your career.
- How networking is not only for when you are looking to make a career move. We talk about all the ways it can add value to you and your career.
- Nancy’s shares her networking game plan that you can start implementing immediately to see big results
Timestamps:
- 2:54 - The value of a diverse career
- 5:17 - Non-linear career growth
- 6:47 - Making a wrong career move
- 8:28 - Why connections matter
- 9:54 - Practical ways to make connections
- 12:59 - Are you too busy to network
- 15:47 - Using connections to add value to your current role
- 17:39 - The value of helping others
- 19:55 - Internal connections
- 22:26 - Genuine and purposeful connections
- 24:15 - Script for networking messages
- 25:45 - Small touch points
- 26:12 - The air traffic controller leader
- 27:39 - Agile Leaders
- 29:14 - Bag O’ Questions
- 32:05 - Key Takeaways
Article: Increasing Risk Tolerance with your Career: https://www.themuse.com/advice/changing-careers-is-scary-but-this-advice-will-get-you-past-the-fearTim Hall is the Corporate Product Manager in the Architecture Department at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How Tim navigated his career non-linearly to become a leader in our Architecture Department
- The importance of finding new solutions to old problems
- How saying “yes” will grow your risk tolerance and your career
Timestamps:
- 1:50 - Tim’s Career Story
- 6:20 - Diversifying your career
- 9:18 - How to get out of your comfort zone
- 13:25 - Lateral Career Movements
- 14:10 - The surprising thing about being a Corporate Product Manager
- 17:29 - New Solutions to Old Problems
- 22:13 - Advice to your younger self
- 24:47 - Don’t be afraid to take on risks
- 27:00 - The Power of “YES”
- 28:15 - The Bag O’ Questions
- 31:07 - Key Takeaways
Leadership Style Quiz: https://www.idealist.org/en/careers/quiz-leadership-style
Dave Stroup is the Vice President of Construction and Development here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How Dave advanced his career from surveying to the VP of Construction and Development
- How Dave understands that stress is a choice while he manages lots of ongoing projects spanning huge geographic areas
- How there should be mutual respect between leaders and their teams
Timestamps:
- 2:09 - Promotion to VP of Construction and Development
- 2:42 - Field vs. Land
- 3:42 - Dave’s Career Story
- 6:10 - The Love of Development
- 9:20 - The surprising thing about VP of Construction and Development
- 10:14 - Managing large geographic areas
- 11:22 - Stress is a choice
- 12:32 - Challenges in Land Development
- 14:25 - Mutual Respect in Leadership
- 17:27 - Diversify your experiences
- 18:41 - Bag O’ Questions
- 23:30 - Key Takeaways
Doug is the Senior Vice President of Operations here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How to take a consultative approach to you job fix problems and increase productivity
- How to reduce fear and increase confidence in your career
- How working smarter by leveraging your resources pays dividends down the road
Timestamps:
- 1:48 - Doug’s Career Story
- 4:41 - Why Homebuilding
- 6:36 - Finding clarity for your career path
- 9:16 - Confidence in your career
- 11:54 - Collaboration between Construction and Sales
- 14:55 - The consultative approach to your job
- 16:56 - The role of the Senior VP of Operations
- 18:51 - Leaders need drive and empathy
- 22:28 - Work Smarter, Not Harder
- 30:29 - Important decisions
- 33:46 - Bag O’ Questions
- 37:16 - Key Takeaways
Tim is the President and Chief Operating Officer here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How to own your own career path. Tim modeled a non-traditional career path. With the guidance of mentors, Tim directed his own career path (forward, horizontally, and even taking a step back with the strategic purpose of moving forward).
- The importance of having mentors in your life and also stepping up to be a mentor for others
- How Tim builds winning teams by leading with a balance of inspiration and accountability
Timestamps:
- 2:15 - Career Story
- 6:45 - The non-linear career path
- 7:45 - The love of deal making
- 12:50 - A step back to move forward
- 15:50 - Be willing to listen
- 16:35 - Growth at Fischer Homes
- 18:20 - The importance of mentoring
- 22:23 - Own your career path
- 23:30 - The surprising thing about the President/COO
- 26:50 - The balance of inspiration and accountability
- 30:21 - Empathetic leaders
- 31:32 - Patience
- 36:15 - Most important career lesson
- 38:40 - Bag O’ Questions
- 43:17 - Key Takeaways
Article: Seven Best Practices For Networking That Actually Work: https://www.inc.com/nicolas-cole/7-networking-hacks-you-need-to-start-using-immediately-and-actually-work.html
Jamie is the Director of Human Resources here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Interview best practices. Jamie has interviewed hundreds and hundreds of candidates in her 20-year career here at Fischer Homes, and she shares some valuable advice for how to excel in your next interview, especially if you are a current associate interviewing for an internal position.
- We talk about how important humility is in leadership.
- How networking and making connections are key to your career growth.
Timestamps:
- 3:47 - Career Story
- 12:09 - Interview best practices
- 15:17 - Internal candidate Interview best practices
- 18:39 - The importance of humility in leadership
- 23:06 - The mission of HR
- 23:59 - How Jamie grows as a leader
- 30:19 - Networking
- 33:59 - Bag O’ Questions
- 39:32 - Key Takeaways
Tarina is the Director of Internal Operations here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How Tarina started her 30 year career here at Fischer Homes as the receptionist, and she went on to hold 9 different positions.
- We also talk about how she advanced her career when there was no career path laid out before her.
- How she writes what she calls her personal strategic plan every year by setting big, ambitious goal.
Timestamps:
- 3:18 - Tarina's work history and career path
- 10:48 - Advancing your career when there is no ladder
- 12:49 - Taking a step back to advance your career
- 15:47 - Finding your passion
- 19:40 - The moment when you want to retire at Fischer Homes
- 20:54 - Showing your passion for the organization
- 22:44 - Tarina's Personal Strategic Plan
- 27:39 - Advice to start your career
- 28:54 - Who made you who you are?
- 30:19 - Bag O' Questions
- 34:10 - Key Takeaways
Steve Whaley is the Director of Marketing here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How Steve came from another industry but built found and built his career in Homebuilding
- How humility and optimism breed collaboration and growth
- If you truly want to be successful you must adapt and change and challenge the status quo
Timestamps:
- 1:45 - Steve’s Career
- 6:03 - Digital Marketing at Fischer Homes
- 7:31 - The Importance of Forward Thinking
- 8:23 - The Future of Marketing in Homebuilding
- 11:48 - The St. Jude Partnership
- 14:23 - Humility Breeds Collaboration
- 15:18 - Optimism Through Adversity
- 17:02 - Embracing Opportunity
- 20:08 - The Importance of Collaborating with Other Departments
- 22:46 - Challenge the Status Quo
- 28:38 - The Most Important Decisions Leaders Make
- 32:52 - Over deliver on Impact to the Business
- 33:48 - Bag O’ Questions
- 38:07 - Key Takeaways
Elizabeth is the Director of Sales here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Elizabeth’s career path from a Leasing Agent to the Director of Sales
- Why every aspiring leader needs sales skills
- What separates an OK salesperson from a Great Sales person
Timestamps:
- 1:50 - Elizabeth’s Career Story
- 4:45 - Being Recruited for Fischer Homes
- 7:11 - The 2020 Sales Badge of Honor
- 9:50 - Continuous Pursuit of Improvement
- 11:40 - Continuously Improvement for Elizabeth
- 15:35 - Advice to Start your Career
- 18:20 - Why every leader should have Sales Skills
- 21:40 - What separates an OK Salesperson from a Superstar?
- 25:25 - The willingness to take feedback and use it
- 28:05 - Bag O’ Questions
- 36:44 - Key Takeaways
How to Use Active Listening to Coach Others: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/coaching-others-use-active-listening-skills/
Steve is a Construction Manager in our Atlanta Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- The value of listening
- How Steve pursues growth by “expanding his boundaries”
- Steve’s advice for new Field Managers
Timestamps:
- 1:38 - Steve’s career story
- 6:30 - Moving to advance your career
- 9:06 - Biggest challenge moving to a new division
- 11:06 - The value of listening
- 12:06 - Discipline
- 14:12 - Expanding your Boundaries
- 22:26 - Advice to new Field Managers
- 24:34 - Who helped you achieve your success?
- 28:06 - Bag O’ Questions
- 31:08 - Key Take Aways
Growth Mindset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ
25 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/develop-a-growth-mindset/
In today’s episode, I spoke to Jenny Back, Division Coordinator from our Louisville Division, and she was the divisional recipient of the Internal Customer Satisfaction Award.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Jenny’s experience transitioning to Fischer Homes from another builder
- Advice Jenny has for anyone finding themselves in a time of change
- How Jenny always finds success from learning and growing
Timestamps:
- 1:45 - Reaction to being recognized
- 3:55 - Jenny’s career story
- 3:49 - Fischer Homes acquisition
- 5:14 - When the transition clicked
- 7:35 - Fischer’s commitment to training
- 9:10 - Overcoming insecurity of seeking help
- 10:15 - Always keep learning
- 12:00 - Dogwood Homes transition
- 13:30 - Who helped you achieve your success?
- 17:20 - Become a Fluid Concept
- 18:45 - Bag O’ Questions
In today’s episode, I spoke to Troy Rucker, Field Manager from the Columbus Division, 2019’s Overall Field Manager of the Year.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Troy’s career journey in Fischer Homes
- The mental aspect of the Field Manager role
- Troy’s unique system for controlling the chaos and achieving stress free-productivity in his work
Timestamps:
- 1:46 - Reaction to being recognized
- 3:25 - Troy’s career story
- 5:59 - Passion for Residential Construction
- 7:32 - Why construction?
- 8:39 - What contributes to your success?
- 10:37 - Systems and processes
- 11:33 - A typical day with systems
- 15:11 - A life without systems
- 16:51 - Advice for a Field Manager
- 18:44 - Who helped you achieve your success?
- 22:36 - Bag O’ Questions
Article to Read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Say Yes, Even When the Answer is No by Chris Hurchins: Link: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/316018
This is a special episode of the Emerging Leaders Podcast. It’s Part 2 of a 4 part series where I chat with the 2019 Fischer Homes award winners. In each episode, I will help you get to know each of them a little bit and learn more about what made them so successful in 2019.
In today’s episode, I spoke to Hannah Worth, Assistant Marketing Manager, and she was the corporate recipient of the Internal Customer Satisfaction Award.
In this episode we talk about:
- Hannah’s experience in the Co-Op program
- Advice Hannah has for anyone starting in a Co-Op position
- How Hannah is always willing to say “yes’ to new projects
Timestamps:
- 1:48 - Reaction to being recognized
- 2:41 - Hannah’s career journey
- 4:10 - Transitioning from being a Co-Op
- 5:03 - The Co-Op Experience
- 6:22 - Hannah’s advice for Co-Ops
- 7:21 - Always willing to say YES
- 10:18 - The risks of taking on new things
- 12:13 - Who helped you achieve your success
- 17:24 - What are your future goals?
- 18:24 - Bag O’ Questions
Travis Constance is a Sales Counselor from the Columbus Division, and he was 2019’s Overall Sales Counselor of the Year. Travis closed an incredible $16.52 million dollars in sales in 2019. In addition to his stellar sales success, Travis is also one of our Elite Coaches, training and leading new Sales Associates as they start their careers with Fischer Homes.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Travis’s career journey in Fischer Homes
- How Travis learns from mistakes to grow
- Massive Action creates Massive Results
Timestamps:
- 2:00 - Reaction to being recognized
- 3:02 - Travis’s Career Journey
- 7:00 - Finding your “calling”
- 10:55 - The passion of selling homes
- 13:15 - Sales insights
- 14:38 - Don’t be afraid to fail
- 17:20 - How to find your Sales Strengths
- 21:40 - Who helped you achieve your success
- 24:20 - Bag O’ Questions
- 29:08 - Key Takeaways
Jack Kenkel has over 30 years of banking and residential lending experience. Jack and Henry Fischer formed Victory Mortgage, LLC in 1991 and then formed Victory Community Bank as a de novo bank in 2002. Jack served as Manager and President of both entities through that entire history until his retirement in May 2020, overseeing billions of dollars worth of mortgages made to qualified homebuyers. Today he serves as a consultant to the current Victory Mortgage management team providing invaluable guidance through a time of transition.
In this episode, we talk about:
- The importance of relationship building in customer service
- Forming lifelong partnerships, like he and the Fischer family did
- How integrity and strong core values are vital to success for a leader
- The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
Timestamps:
- 3:18 - Introduction and Work History
- 7:37 - The concept for Victory Mortgage
- 11:16 - Forming healthy partnerships
- 13:14 - Why you can always trust a grave digger
- 15:16 - The role of luck in success
- 16:24 - Prevailing through adversity
- 17:24 - The euphoria of great customer service
- 18:30 - The risk and fear of the unknown
- 21:55 - The power of relationships
- 26:30 - Don’t be afraid to hire the person who could take your job
- 27:26 - Bag O’ Questions
Brian is a Market President of our Cincinnati Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Listening to both sides of the story
- How to bring passion into your work
- The simple approach to advancing your career
Timestamps:
3:30 - Introduction and Work History
7:12 - Starting at the bottom
8:50 - What were your long-term career goals starting out
9:50 - The move to Construction Manager
11:40 - Driving your own success
13:44 - Biggest lesson in life
14:50 - The need to hear both sides of the story
18:07 - What does a workday look like for you? Walk me through a typical day.
19:07 - What is something surprising about your role that few people know or understand?
20:06 - What did you need to learn to be a Market President
21:58 - The risk of the status quo
24:25 - Prioritizing tasks
25:05 - Bag O’ Questions
27:30 - Key Takeaways
Charmaine Powell is a Sales Manager of our Louisville Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- You need to lose the ego if you want to succeed
- Charmaine’s non-traditional, but effective, path to leadership
- Achieving work-life balance through blending your work life and your personal life
Timestamps:
2:04 - Introduction and Work History
4:28 - The challenge of changing careers
7:13 - Stay Humble, Hustle Hard
11:16 - Getting promoted
13:00 - Something surprising about being Sales Manager
15:06 - Should every Sales Counselor become a Manager?
16:25 - Work-life balance
19:12 - Biggest lesson in life
21:00 - Growing up in an entrepreneurial family
24:00 - Blending Work and Personal Life
26:50 - Bag O’ Questions
30:16 - Key takeaways
YouTube Motivation from Jason Finch: Arnold Schwarzenegger This Speech Broke The Internet AND Most Inspiring Speech
Jason Finch is the Market President of the Northern Kentucky Division here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- The role of risk in leadership and success (no risk, no reward)
- Personal Accountability
- Changing the World by Building New Homes
Timestamps:
2:37 - Introduction and Work History
4:50 - The Importance of Attention to Detail
7:20 - How to become a Market President
8:12 - Starting from humble beginnings
12:25 - Changing Lives by Building New Homes
17:20 - The sales path to Market President
18:29 - Biggest struggle starting out
20:15 - QBQ! Personal Accountability
24:55 - Something surprising about being a Market President
26:33 - Biggest lesson in life
28:20 - Burn the Boats
31:10 - Bag O’ Questions
35:34 - Key Takeaways
As an entrepreneur, former executive, husband, and father of three, Cory Carlson understands the pressures working parents face. He is passionate about helping business leaders win both at work and home.
Twenty years in corporate America gave Cory amazing opportunities as he worked his way up to the executive level. But he also saw brokenness: work without purpose, strained marriages, and absentee parents. Business leaders especially were often not living life to the fullest. When Cory discovered coaching, it helped him become a better leader, husband, and father. So he left his corporate career to help other leaders achieve a healthier work-life balance. Currently, Cory lives in Cincinnati with his awesome wife and three amazing children.
Cory has a Civil Engineer degree from University of Missouri and a MBA from Rockhurst University.
Cory is the author of Win at Home First, an inspirational guide to work-life balance. His book was Amazon #1 New Release in 3 Categories and listed in FORBES as ‘7 Books Everyone On Your Team Should Read’.
Follow Cory on social media (@carlsoncory) and www.corymcarlson.com.
Timestamps:
- 4:18 - Work Life Balance vs Seasonal Recalibration
- 5:40 - Introduction and work history
- 9:15 - Ebb and flow of work and life
- 11:50 - What does Recalibration look like?
- 14:00 - Define what rest looks like for you
- 15:50 - What if my work doesn’t slow down
- 18:10 - Speed up by slowing down
- 20:00 - Blocking time to move the needle
- 23:00 - Competing Home and Work priorities
- 31:50 - Bag O’ Questions
- 34:10 - Connecting with Cory Carlson
Rachael Abramson is the Information Systems Project Manager here at Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- Leaders need to have balance of Heart and Head
- Taking on projects and roles that move you closer to the balanced middle of Heart and Head
- How any movement with your career is good movement
Timestamps:
- 2:38 - Introduction and Work History
- 6:08 - How do you know something isn’t a fit?
- 8:20 - Leveraging technology to support relationships
- 9:00 - Changing roles from Head to Heart
- 11:00 - It’s ok to change your mind on long-term goals
- 13:33 - Design approach to business objectives
- 15: 32 - The challenge of Heart or Head in isolation
- 18:00 - Heart and Head Application
- 21:00 - Fear of lateral movements
- 22:53 - What is surprising about your role
- 25:50 - Let silence be your reward
- 28:35 - Bag O’ Questions
Jen Beck is a speaker, author and coach as well as a Registered Nutrition Consultant, Certified Personal Breakthrough Facilitator and LIIFT emotional release practitioner. She has been honing her craft through education and her own personal journey for the last 20 years. She is a master at creating shortcuts and life hacks to help you create a lifestyle that provides complete health - mentally, emotionally, and physically. Jen's passion for nutrition and personal greatness came after her mother suffered significant losses in her health. Jen is on a mission to change lives and empower you to have the life and health of your dreams.
Connect with Jen BeckWebsite: https://www.completehealthrevolution.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompleteHealthRevolution/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgB9unRSqXzjrcf_Tw1g_8Q/featured
5 Health Hack for Busy People: https://lf121.infusionsoft.app/app/form/5-health-hacks?cookieUUID=66826dcd-21c6-4b0b-a343-7efee419793b
Complimentary 30-Minute Session: www.CompleteHealthRevolution.com/health-breakthrough-session
Timestamps:2:46 - Introduction and Work History
5:58 - The Holistic Lifestyle
7:05 - Stress Management
9:18 - Stress and Comfort Food
12:20 - Healthy Nourishment
16:00 - How connected should we be?
19:20 - Set your day with intention
19:50 - Mindfulness
23:30 - CIRCLE EXERCISE
30:00 - When is time for Mindfulness
34:08 - Negative Effects of Stress
35:00 - The Importance of Self-Care
37:25 - Bag O’ Questions
Robert Bosley is the CFO of Fischer Homes, and in this episode we talk about:
- How to own your weaknesses
- The importance of surrounding yourself with “organic mentors”
- Aggressively seeking corrective feedback
Timestamps:
- 2:38 - Introduction and Work History
- 3:19 - What does a workday look like for you? Walk me through a typical day.
- 5:04 - What prepared you for being a CFO?
- 5:54 - What is something surprising about your role that few people know or understand?
- 7:25 - The value of knowing your weaknesses
- 8:21 - Robert’s path to becoming CFO
- 11:11 - How to find a Village of Organic Mentors
- 14:25 - Advice to an aspiring CFO
- 18:16 - Taking Risks to Grow
- 21:51 - What are some techniques to help someone out of the "Ditch " they are stuck in?
- 23:29 - Humility and vulnerability are the path to leadership
- 27:31 - Diversity is the engine of problem solving
- 29:57 - The importance of humility in leadership
- 31:18 - Finding the Win-Win
- 33:16 - Leaving a Legacy; Begin with the End in Mind
- 37:31 - Robert’s First Step to Becoming CFO
- 39:50 - What advice do you have for movement when there isn’t an obvious next step?
- 40:55 - What is currently in your Netflix cue?
- 41:56 - Favorite 90’s Jam
- 42:22 - What is the last gift you gave someone?
- 42:57 - What was or would be your High School Yearbook superlative?
- 43:36 - A penguin walks through the door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
Greg Fischer is the Chairman here at Fischer Homes and in our conversation we talk about:
- How he approaches tough decisions. What is his process?
- What challenges has Fischer Homes endured in the past and how it survived and came out the other end better and stronger.
- Greg shared some thoughts about innovation opportunities during this season
Timestamps:
- 4:00 - Introduction and Work History
- 4:50 - Fischer Homes is a “Cyclical Business”
- 6:20 - A typical day for Greg Fischer
- 8:00 - The sacrifice of leaving Operations
- 9:10 - Data guides tough decision making
- 10:15 - The Scientific Method of decision making
- 11:30 - A case study in missing the real problem
- 12:40 - Patience and focus assist a leader in decision making
- 14:00 - Fischer Homes endures hardship
- 17:45 - New opportunities for Fischer Homes
- 21:13 - Necessity is the mother of invention
- 23:30 - Opportunity in hardship
Gemma Maxwell is a Land Acquisition Manager here at Fischer Homes, and in our conversation we talk about:
- Gemma's career from offshore drilling to home sales to Land Acquisition Manager
- The value of sales training to every position
- How to bring your passion to your job and get out of the “ditch”
- Practical advice on preparing yourself for the next role
Timestamps:
- 1:49 - Introduction and Work History
- 6:40 - The lifetime value of learning sales
- 11:10 - What are some techniques to help someone out of the "Ditch " they are stuck in?
- 14:08 - What does a workday look like for you? Walk me through a typical day.
- 17:20 - What is something surprising about your role that few people know or understand?
- 19:14 - Gemma’s Life at Sea
- 20:49 - If someone wanted to be you, what would you tell them?
- 23:52 - What makes you feel inspired or live your best life?
- 25:24 - The value of mistakes
- 27:20 - Learning Relationship Builder from her father
- 30:38 - Learning to disarm people like Joy Ireland
- 32:10 - Structure of the Land Department
- 32:50 - Managing multiple passions in your work
- 36:53 - What is currently in your Netflix cue?
- 37:25 - Favorite 90’s Jam
- 38:18 - What is the last gift you gave someone?
- 38:52 - What was or would be your High School Yearbook superlative?
- 30:00 - A penguin walks through the door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
Ann Kresky is a Sales Manager here at Fischer Homes, and in our conversation we talked about:
- What it’s like to go from a Sales Counselor to a Sales Manager
- Work-Life Balance
- The value of sticking with an organization long enough to establish deep roots and gain something Ann calls “Tribal Knowledge.”
Timestamps:
- 1:51 - Introduction and Work History
- 4:24 - What was it like to go from Sales Counselor to Sales Manager?
- 9:10 - What does a workday look like for you? Walk me through a typical day.
- 11:38 - What is something surprising about your role that few people know or understand?
- 13:14 - What person helped make you who you are today? What did they teach you?
- 15:38 - “Sometimes you need distance before you appreciate the push”
- 17:04 - Staying long enough to gain “Tribal Knowledge”
- 19:49 - Work-Life Balance & Time Management
- 27:24 - Have you ever had multiple passions/paths? And if so, how did you determine what was the right path for you?
- 30:01 - Looking back at your career path, what did you NOT see coming that was challenging at first, but ultimately became a blessing?
- 32:40 - What are some techniques to help someone out of the "Ditch " they are stuck in?
- 37:14 - What is currently in your Netflix cue?
- 37:24 - What is your favorite 80’s jam?
- 37:42 - What is the last gift you gave someone?
- 37:54 - What was or would be your High School Yearbook superlative?
- 38:14 - A penguin walks through the door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?