Designed To Grow: Recent Episodes
Austin
Austin Stahl is a former high school teacher whose desire to learn has inspired him to sit down with the founders and leaders of companies. They discuss their inspiration for entrepreneurship, what prepared them to lead a business, and important lessons learned along the way.
Mick is a Chartered Financial Analyst and the author of “Mellow Your Money: How to Surf the Market and Build Wealth Without Stressing Yourself Out”. Mick also owns his own investment firm called “Heyman Investment Counseling”
**In this episode we discuss how Mick helps his clients find financial security through long-term growth strategies in financial markets. Mick illustrates his journey into investment counseling and what he has identified as the ideal method to building wealth in the stock market.
http://www.heymaninvestmentcounseling.com/
https://mellowyourmoney.com/**
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Derrick is a General Contractor and the founder of McClintock Building Company. His company serves as experts in whole house remodeling, additions, landscaping and much more.
Before Derrick started his own construction company he was a professional motocross rider. Early in his professional career he competed in racing and then focused more on freestyle and long distance jumps.
In this episode Derrick talks about his career in motocross and the severe impact it had on his body. He highlights his path into construction and the barriers he had to overcome to become licensed and start his own company.
https://www.mcclintockbuildingcompany.com/
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
**Co-Founder of Everywhere Beer, Daniel explains how he and his old co-workers turned a fun idea into a fully operational brewery. This episode highlights the financial and logistical challenges within starting a beer company. Daniel also highlights his perspective of growing the business as the head of marketing.
https://everywherebeer.com/
instagram: @everywherebeerco**
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
**Dan has spent the last 20 years working in the tech industry focused on health care and private equity. In this episode, Dan does an amazing job breaking down what private equity is and how it affects business owners and their employees.
He talks about what are the consequences of buying and selling businesses and how that process takes place. Important themes that we discuss are “confusion over what is success”, “the holy grail for entrepreneurs”, and “cultures within privately versus publicly owned companies”**
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Dr. DeAnna Crosby is the Clinical Director at New Method Wellness as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
New Method Wellness is a dual diagnosis treatment center that specializes in treating substance abuse addiction and underlying mental health issues. Dr. DeAnna has been featured on multiple episodes of the Dr. Phil Show, NBC News, and several other news outlets as the expert in Mental Health.
In this episode DeAnna highlights the necessary actions required to be a high-level professional in the mental health industry. As a highly experienced LMFT, DeAnna identifies how important self-help and compartmentalizing stress is for therapists. Furthermore, she breaks down how addiction contributes to mental illness and vice versa.
https://www.newmethodwellness.com/
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Andrew is the founder of The Brew House located in San Juan Capistrano, California.
In this episode, Andrew goes into great detail about how he turned a fun idea into a fully operational restaurant and bar. This episode highlights the financial and logistical challenges within the restaurant industry. Andrew also talks about the lessons he’s learned from a failed partnership when he started the business.
https://www.brewhousesjc.com/
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Natalie is the founder of Verso Homes, a real estate agency located in Southern California.
In this episode, Natalie discusses her path to entrepreneurship, why 85-90% of real estate agents quit, and what the future of the housing market looks like in Southern California. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate market, Natalie accurately defines the necessary actions needed to be successful in this industry.
https://homesbyverso.com/
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Terry is the founder of The Burns Company. Established in 1988, The Burns Company builds and designs some of the most luxurious residential outdoor landscapes in Southern California.
In this episode, Terry highlights the necessary actions and milestones needed to achieve long lasting business success. Terry’s leadership and wisdom has guided The Burn’s Company to survive multiple recessions and a pandemic. His approach to building a business and growing it for the future is emphasized through integrity, investing in people, and professionalism.
https://theburnsco.com/
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Kim is the founder of Guiding Hands Healthcare and the author of “Becoming Who You’re Meant To Be”. Guiding Hands Healthcare is a company that supports treatment centers by offering programs to help individuals suffering from mental health concerns, alcoholism, and addiction.
In this episode we discuss how Kim went from being homeless dealing with addiction to leading a company that focuses on rebuilding lives that have been crippled by addiction. This episode highlights how mental health contributes to personal and professional success along with how to incorporate mental health strategies into your daily routine. Kim’s passion for helping those suffering from addiction has led her to establish a team of loving individuals who have a heart for those in need.https://guidinghandshealthcare.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Who-Youre-Meant-Destructive/dp/057855786X
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
In the past every episode has been focused on professional growth but for today’s episode I wanted to talk with my wife Bekah about growth in marriage. In this episode we talk about how our relationship has grown and from when we first started dating to now. We discuss why we knew we were ready to get married, what we prioritize, and how being married has benefited our careers.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
John is a retired professor of Business and Engineering Ethics. He taught at several universities including UCI, Loyola Marymount, and Chapman. John also worked at Hughes Aircraft Company where he managed secret government programs in R&D and Integrated Logistics.
In this episode we discuss the importance of ethics in business and engineering and how real world application doesn’t always fit the theoretical application taught in universities. We talk about why businesses are more likely to disregard their ethical framework and the consequences of these unethical practices.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Martin is the founder of Diedrich Coffee and Kéan Coffee. He first opened Diedrich Coffee as a neighborhood coffeehouse in Costa Mesa in 1984. During the next 20 years of operation, Diedrich Coffee became one of the largest coffee companies on the west coast. Establishing themselves as direct competitors with Starbucks.
In this episode we discuss Martin’s journey from growing up on a farm in Guatemala to moving to the US to start one of the most successful coffee companies in Southern California. Martin grew up with a relentless determination to always find a way and figure it out. His combined passion for coffee and sustainability led him to be one the first climate conscious coffee companies.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Sarah is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and is certified in Perinatal Mental Health. Sarah specializes in pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, and general life transitions.
In this episode we discuss Sarah’s journey to becoming a therapist, the signs and symptoms that someone may be suffering from a traumatic event, and when should someone seek professional help. Sarah does an amazing job highlighting the reality of being a therapist and what it takes to be a professional in her field.Website: https://nurturewithincounseling.com/
Phone Number: 714-987-7393
Instagram: @sarahpacetherapy
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Brandon is the CEO and a founder of MVL, a luxury training apparel company.
MVL stands for “My Valued Lessons”. The name of the company comes from Brandon’s story of redemption. Before starting MVL, Brandon was a star athlete, a college student, and a natural entrepreneur but made poor life decisions.
He was expelled from college, made the news, and served jail time. After hitting rock bottom, Brandon’s pain and disappointment in himself led to him completely changing his life and starting MVL. Brandon’s story is one of redemption and should be an example that you are not who you were in the past and everyday is an opportunity to prove to yourself that you are designed to grow.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Dr. Diana is the founder of Acts of Wellness. As a physical therapist, she specializes in Lymphatics and Oncology. Within her specialty of lymph, her heart and soul goes out to helping cancer patients, breast cancer survivors, and those going through post-op plastic surgery.
In this episode we discuss where her passion for treating lymphedema came from, active treatments she does with her patients, and the importance of adversity for business growth. Dr. Diana’s heart and care for her patients comes from her deep connection to her faith.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Dr. Calahan is the founder of Calahan Family Chiropractic.
As a chiropractic specialist, her primary focus is in family wellness where she provides prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care. Seven years ago, she started her practice seeing private clients at their homes. Today, Dr. Calahan operates and manages a medical office that includes several other specialists.
In this episode we discuss her journey through medical school to starting her own practice. Dr. Calahan does an amazing job at illustrating her first steps in starting a business, how she defines success, and what medical school doesn’t teach you.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Joe Wilshire is a Co-Founder of Project Social, Rad Beer Co., and MGW Commercial Builders.
Joe is a professional when it comes to business and has dedicated his life to entrepreneurship. He started his first business when he was 14 years old cleaning vacant lots in San Bernardino. From his experience in construction to establishing one of the most popular restaurants in Orange County, Joe is a master when it comes to business development.
In this episode, we discuss Joe’s journey through several of his entrepreneurial ventures, what it takes to be a professional in business, and the most important role within a company. Joe’s appreciation for hard physical labor and his dedication to the entrepreneurial lifestyle is highlighted through his incredible generosity in helping others accomplish their dreams.
Show email: designedtogrow1@gmail.com
Instagram: @designedtogrow_podcast
Tom Cordato is one the founders of Artifex Brewing based out of San Clemente, California.
Tom has dedicated most of his life working in the restaurant and retail industry. With an emphasis in family, Artifex is locally known as a family-run company and is a staple piece in San Clemente’s brewery community.
In this episode, we discuss the reality and challenge of establishing a craft beer company, building relationships with your employees, and three key qualities required for a successful restaurant.
Joey Molina is the founder of Zion Worship and they just dropped their very first EP called “Sights and Sounds” yesterday January 29th!
Joey has dedicated almost his entire life to music and leading worship. His unbelievable talent in music and leadership have provided him with the necessary tools to build up a team that is designed to build a house for the Lord.
In this episode, we discuss Joey’s experience with planting multiple churches and how he envisions the purpose of Zion Worship. Joey and I talk about the value of growing a team with an emphasis in a family-like culture, building mental endurance, and Joey’s description of what success and failure looks like in a church.
Ryan Moore is a phenomenal science teacher and has been teaching science and leadership electives for the past three years. His passion for child development and his charismatic personality have set him up for significant leadership roles within his school.
In this episode, we discuss Ryan’s path to becoming a middle school teacher. We talk about why teachers are getting “burnt out”, the value of having a great reputation within the education community, and building rapport with students.
Brendon Bigcas is the Chief Marketing Officer for Acquire Crowd. Their mission is to help businesses utilize Ad Technology to increase conversation and click-through rates to further grow their client’s companies.
Brendon has over five years of marketing and strategic business growth experience. His passion for videography and marketing have paved the way for his success in many of his entrepreneurial ventures.
In this episode, we discuss Brendon’s path into marketing and how his passion for videography and entrepreneurship has led him to where he is today. From identifying key words to breaking down customer acquisition and customer retention, Brendon goes into great detail about how to build a successful marketing campaign.
Today’s guest is my wife Bekah Stahl. Bekah is a personal trainer at Renaissance Club Sport. She specializes in strength training and PNF assisted stretching.
Bekah has over four years of personal training experience and was recognized as the number one personal trainer in 2022 at one of the most exclusive gyms in Orange County. Her extensive knowledge of strength training is highlighted in her ability to train and transform the physical health of her clients for long lasting results.
In this episode, Bekah discusses her pathway into fitness and breaks down the fundamental benefits of strength training. From starting out with zero clients at the beginning of Covid in 2020 to being acknowledged as the number one trainer in 2022, Bekah share’s incredible wisdom in her story.
In this episode I go over the three biggest lessons learned in 2022.
- Curiosity drives creativity.
- How to motivate or encourage a student who is completely disengaged in the class.
- What does getting 1% better actually look like.
I also want to say thank you to everyone who listened to the podcast! Your support has meant the world to me and I can't wait to make even better episodes in 2023!
**Frank Damico is the President of California Communication Specialists. They specialize in the installation of network cabling infrastructures that carry voice and data information throughout a commercial building.
Frank has over 20 years of experience and is a professional in the cabling industry. With creative and effective ideas, Frank has upgraded the antiquated and flawed methods used by past cabling companies.**
In this episode, Frank discusses how his career started in the cabling industry and how his company has revolutionized the installation of cabling infrastructure.
Dave Eason is a Pilot with close to 15 years of experience flying. He has his Airline Transport Pilot certificate or ATP license, which is the highest flying certificate that a civilian can achieve.
Dave first began flying out of pure enjoyment while working construction. Then after accruing hundreds of hours and earning his multi-engine certificate he began flying for MedFly and then flying private charter flights for Paragon Airways. Today, Dave is a Part-91 Private Pilot which means he flys for the personal owner of the jet.
In this episode we discuss Dave’s journey from working in construction to becoming a Private Pilot. We talk about FAA requirements for flying certificates and the do’s and don’ts of networking in the flying community. Dave provides great insight and advice for anyone pursuing a career in aviation.
Jason is a former Professional Natural Bodybuilder and is currently the Director of Health and Wellness for Renaissance Club Sport in Aliso Viejo
Jason began pursuing bodybuilding after placing 4th in state for wrestling. He competed in the middleweight division for Bodybuilding and placed in the top 15 at USA’s. He has over 30 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry and has a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland.
In this episode we discuss the diet and exercise routines Jason used to train for bodybuilding competitions, his extensive understanding of health and fitness, and the qualities and knowledge that make a personal trainer great. Jason does an amazing job at explaining how personal fitness can benefit the lives of everyone and practical ways of how to get started.
Jon is the founder and head pastor of Zion Church. Located in San Clemente, California.
Jon and his wife Tayren officially opened the doors for Zion Church in 2020. Jon has been in full-time ministry for 10+ years and holds a Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry and a Master's of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University. Jon is passionate about helping people encounter the life-changing love of Jesus, building authentic community, and fighting for the unseen.Their vision as a church is to save the lost and ignite the saved.
In this episode we go into great detail about Jon’s calling to plant a church in San Clemente, valuable lessons learned about pastoral leadership, and his vision for Zion Church. We discuss how Jon defines success in a church setting and how he handles the pressure of being a head pastor for a large community. Jon provides great advice and an honest view for anyone interested in church planting or a career in ministry.
Dr. Taylor Henderson is a Physical Therapist and owns her own PT clinic called BloomWell Pediatric Wellness and Physical Therapy. Located in Laguna Hills, California.
Dr. Henderson founded BloomWell after discovering a gap in wellness and family education in the world of pediatric healthcare. She is a strong supporter of preventative care and believes wholeheartedly in empowering families through sharing her expertise in gross motor development. BloomWell offers a variety of services including infant wellness programs and one-on-one skilled physical therapy services.
In this episode we go into great detail about Dr. Henderson’s journey through grad school and how she fell in love with pediatric healthcare. We discuss the intense difficulty of becoming a physical therapist as well as the challenges of starting her own practice. Dr. Henderson provides great advice and an objective view for anyone wanting to pursue higher education, physical therapy, or starting a business.
Kayla is an artist and the founder of KaylaRae Studio. She is one of the premier artists located in Laguna Beach. She is specifically known for using acrylics and resin in her artwork. While most of her work is abstract, Kayla draws her inspiration from the flow of water and geologic features found just steps from her studio in Laguna Beach. Her art evokes a sense of serenity and familiarity found naturally in response to the peaceful surroundings.
In this episode we discuss Kayla’s journey from working out of a garage, uncertain about her future as an artist, to selling out months worth of work in a matter of minutes. We talk about the business perspective of starting an art studio as well as how therapeutic and beneficial creating art has been for her personal life.
**George Hubbard is the Director of Sales for California and Hawaii for Service Corporation International. Service Corporation International is the largest funeral home and cemetery company in the world. It is publicly traded and did more than 4 billion in revenue last year.
And you’re probably thinking “oh gosh, this guy is going to be really weird”. Which is funny because George is the last person you would expect to work for a funeral company. He is a surfer who spends as much time as he can at the beach and with his family.
In this episode we discuss George’s development over the last 32 years with SCI from being a sales counselor going door to door to then becoming the Director of Sales for California and Hawaii. We talk about the importance of creativity in sales, developing discipline, and how doing right by people will carry you throughout your career.**
Acacia Warren is the Single-Subject Coordinator for University of California, Irvine’s MAT and Credential Program. Acacia's education includes:
- Ed.D., Educational Leadership, University of Southern California
- Concentration: Teacher Education in Multicultural Societies (TEMS)
- M.A., Educational Administration, California State University, Dominguez Hills
- M.A., Education, University of California, Berkeley
- B.A., Liberal Studies, University of California, Riverside
Acacia has experience being an Elementary and Middle School teacher, Assistant Principal, Data Coach for LA Unified School District, author of two books, and a Professor at multiple universities.
In this episode we discuss effective practices for teachers, administrators, and how education has developed in public education over the last 20 years.
Tiffany Booth is the VP of SBA (Small Business Administration) at Meadows Bank. She oversees and manages the loan closing and processing of loans for small businesses through her bank. She started out working as a receptionist at 17 and then years of hard work and high performance she was promoted to be a VP at her bank.
In past episodes I have talk with founders of companies about how they got started and how they received their initial funding. In this episode we discuss the bank's perspective of everything that goes into processing a small business loan. We discuss the qualifications to receive this loan, how banks judge the risk factors of a new business, and the consequences of not repaying the loan when payments are do.
Zach Henderson is the Founder and Program Director of Saddleback Stags Lacrosse. The youth cub lacrosse program is based out of Southern California and was established in 2021. The program started with just two teams, but one year later it grew to five teams with athletes ranging in age from middle school through high school.
Zach is also a PE teacher as well as the Head Lacrosse Coach at Aliso Niguel High School. In 2021, Zach and the team went on to win the CIF Championship. Zach is a phenomenal coach as well as compassionate leader. He looks to develop everyone on the team to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field
Sage Petersen is a fashion influencer and works for Volcom as their e-commerce merchandiser for their girl's and woman's catalog. Sage's fashion can be described as wearable and casual while still being upscale and sophisticated.
In this episode we discuss how someone can grow their social media platform, the realities of being an influencer in fashion, and negotiating with brands as an influencer. Sage is a great example of someone lives and acts the same on social media as well as in real life. She encourages others to pursue what they love and use their innate talent in developing a career.
Gina Martucci is the founder of Ocean Custom Drapery. Her company's main purpose is to provide their customers with the finest and highest quality drapery, blinds, shutters, and shades. All the company's products are American made and all drapery is sown locally. Ocean Custom Drapery services all residential homes in Orange County and the surrounding cities.
Gina has been providing blinds, shutters, shades, and drapery for over 16 years and absolutely loves what she does. Her top priority is customer satisfaction. She has over 100 five-start reviews on Yelp that all highlight her professional and charismatic character as well as her elite knowledge of customer drapery and home design.
Gina is a small business owner who prides herself on professionalism and personally taking care of each customer.
Welcome to the Designed to Grow podcast, my name is Austin Stahl and this episode is all about getting to know me and my background. I've always been interested in the "how" and "why" some people have achieved amazing success and at the same time passionately love their life and the people they surround themselves with.
With this podcast I am going to talk to and learn from those who have dedicated themselves to pursuing their dreams while caring for others. Many of my guests will be founders of companies and leaders in their own profession.
My intention is to provide a platform for leaders in business to share what they have learned, how they learned it, and what they are doing to continue to learn. I believe that everyone is capable of learning and that we are all Designed to Grow.
Garret is the founder and sole managing member of Clear Water Plumbing. Garett spent most of his childhood traveling the world with his grandfather which led to him receiving a rather informal education. With his experience from traveling the world Garett began working at LA Fitness at an entry-level position but within three months became the General Manager of his location. Later on Garett was introduced to the construction and plumbing world where he quickly became the number 1 plumber in his company. With his unbeatable work ethic and ability to think creatively, Garett founded Clear Water Plumbing.
Clear Water Plumbing is a residential plumbing company located in Southern California. Garett McClure founded the company with one purpose: to serve the community by doing top-quality work at great rates. With more than ten years of experience in both plumbing and construction, Garett brings a depth of knowledge and breadth of experience to your plumbing needs.