Addicted to WINNING: Recent Episodes
Jeff Brekken
Farm work manifests itself in a person’s identity. For Jeff Brekken, it ingrained in him the value of a hard day's work showing him the worth behind what he was doing. By the time he was 8 years old, Jeff could drive a truck and was working 60-hour weeks beside his family on the farm. At this point, he already understood his time, labor, and heart should be valued so he asked to be paid a fair sum – $1 an hour – for his work.
When Jeff wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was on the ice, commanding offense for his hockey team. The tactical skills and teamwork hockey nurtured in Jeff set him up to take on the real world by storm. However, when he reached that place later in life, Jeff realized that this hard work he used to derive value from wasn’t appreciated the way it should be at any standard 9-5 job.
He held onto the faith in himself that had been fermenting since childhood and set out to create a fulfilling future. In 2000, Jeff started a construction business and successfully built over a hundred single-family homes. That still wasn’t enough. He craved more and had the drive to go after it.
Combining his passion for helping others with his drive to not only do more but to always do better Jeff founded Blue Sky Benefit Solutions. Even that wasn’t enough so he started this show, Addicted to Winning, to bring you the insight, advice, and life lessons to help shape your view of your own self-worth, future and bring your aspirations within reach.
Everyone struggles in life, many struggle professionally, but we all have to struggle before we win. Get addicted to those struggles and get addicted to winning!
EP 134 - Shelly-Anne McKay, Nearly Working Yourself To Death
We definitely live in a hustle culture. Everyone seems to be talking about how you need to show up and do the work, but less popular is talking about how this concept can be taken to an extreme. An extreme than can be fatal, as it almost was for Shelly-Anne McKay.
Shelly-Anne McKay is a compassionate and intuitive Food Addiction Coach dedicated to guiding successful women towards holistic wellness and sustainable recovery. Shelly-Anne’s philosophy extends beyond conventional approaches, actively incorporating joy-centric strategies and fostering meaningful connections to add vibrancy to the recovery process.
Beyond coaching, Shelly-Anne is the Co-Founder of a Boutique Holistic Wellness agency specializing in planning bespoke health and wellness workshops and retreats for organizations and groups. She is inspired to support organizations proactively addressing addiction prevention for leaders and teams through a mental health approach.
What You Will Learn
- How Shelly-Anne learned to get up, dust herself off, and try again and not give up
- What Shelly-Anne is learning about life and relationships that is helping her find balance
- The reasons Shelly-Anne makes sure to fill her own cup and not neglect herself
- Why truly stepping into your authentic self can be extremely powerful and freeing
- How Shelly-Anne nearly worked herself to death while working on two files simultaneously
- How going to school to be a coach changed Shelly-Anne in a way she had not anticipated
- The serendipitous way that Shelly-Anne met her mentor while swimming in the ocean
- How talking about Soul Sisters United caused things to align in order to be manifested along with a whole heap of hard work
Favorite Quote:
“Everyday I just try to do one thing better. One thing different. One thing new.”
- Shelly-Anne McCay
CONNECT WITH SHELLY:
ShellyAnneMcKay.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 133 - Zach Swartzendruber, You Don’t Fail Unless You Quit
There are a lot of opinions about what it means to fail. For some of us, failing means quitting, and anything short of that shouldn't be considered failure. If you keep going, you are winning. You only lose when you give up, so don’t quit!
Zach Swartzendruber is a founding member of Total Trucking Resource, a benefits and enrollment guru, as well as a marketing and branding geek and dreamer for Benefits For Trucking.
Benefits For Trucking is a 3rd Generation Benefits Services Agency that is hyper-focused on helping the Trucking Industry. Along with Swartzendruber Solutions, they can bring your company a unique and more engaging experience with employee benefits and your enrollment experience.
What You Will Learn
- How growing up in an entrepreneurial family made Zach want to head that direction himself
- Why you can’t quit if you plan to get to win no matter what that means to you
- The reality that industries can fluctuate and how you can weather the storm
- How the rising cost of diesel fuel has affected the trucking industry thus affecting Zach’s business of dealing in benefits for truckers
- Why outsourcing some of the more mundane tasks can help you focus and become more profitable using virtual assistants
- Why Zach values his family and having experiences above all else and uses money as leverage to achieve those things
- All of the different things that Zach can do to help those in the trucking industry
Favorite Quote:
“Winning is not quitting, and you can’t win when you quit. That’s failure, you fail when you quit. It’s that simple.”
-Zach Swartzendruber
CONNECT WITH ZACH:
BenefitsForTrucking.com
Zach@BenefitsForTrucking.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 132 - Benny Fisher, From Unemployable to Entrepreneur
Many of us find ourselves facing entrepreneurship because we’ve tried just about everything and found ourselves pretty much unemployable. At that point, there’s not a whole lot of other places to go, so we (hopefully) embrace it and start working towards it.
Benny Fisher is the Founder & Visionary of The Big Fish Contracting Company, and an experienced public speaker, business consultant, and marketer.
Benny has a knack for networking among business owners, and capturing stories of business, entrepreneurial journeys, and overcoming adversity.
What You Will Learn
- What the Driven Genes are and how they have affected Benny’s life and upbringing
- The effect ADHD has had on Benny’s life after being diagnosed at a young age
- Why Benny is grateful for the way he was raised even though it would never fly in today’s society
- How Benny learned to upsell as a young child while selling candy bars or his baseball team
- Why did Benny quit going to college to sell cars and end up selling drugs and what he learn from that
- How Benny fought through his self-doubts and the doubts of others to get himself out of the drug world and went legit
- How Benny learned to be addicted to his business in a positive way at first and then later used pharmaceuticals to cope with the stress and later overdosed
Favorite Quote:
“I was kind of forced into entrepreneurship because I had tried everything else, and I wasn’t employable.”
-Benny Fisher
CONNECT WITH BENNY:
Benny Fisher is the embodiment of customer service & building connections. Early on in his career he found that the key to success was through delivering superb customer service no matter the task in front of him. In addition to his philosophical focus on service, Benny also saw the importance for building deep and lasting connections with anyone that crosses his path.
BennyFisher.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 131 - Jeff Brekken, Why Are We Not Asking Why?
Why are we not asking why more often? Are we afraid of the answers? Many times understanding our internal motives as well as the motives of others will help us find our way through the struggle we’re currently enduring. Oftentimes we know that but are afraid to go there. But what if we weren’t?
What You Will Learn
- How thinking about your motivations can help get down to your purpose and the reason that you and everything else matter
- Why do we tend to ask why a lot less as we get older and more experienced
- How asking yourself why you do things can help you get through sticky situations
- How asking why in your relationships can help you understand your partner’s motives and what they are looking for from you
- How studying your own motives can help you be more vulnerable and why that is a good thing
- Asking why helps get you through the hard times and find a way out
- How asking why will help you find what is truly in your heart.
Favorite Quote:
“You can’t achieve absolute 100% of your dreams when you are not vulnerable and when you are not asking yourself why.”
-Jeff Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 130 - Natalie Heckert, Be Willing to Do It Afraid
We often assume that people who are doing the things we fear are not afraid. Chances are they are just as scared as we are and are just feeling the fear and doing it anyway. If you wait until you are in the absence of fear, you will probably never strike.
Natalie Heckert has been the CEO of NATS (Nutrition & Aerobic Training Service) for 18 years, a Mrs. Minnesota finalist, a contestant on the Price is Right, auditioned for Oprah’s “Next Big Invention”, and worked with Tracey Yukich while she was on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”.
Natalie has invented a variety of fitness products and has starred in numerous exercise videos. She designed, helped develop and implement a state-of-the-art wellness center for Tastefully Simple, an Inc. 500 organization. She also originated and helped develop a two-year Health & Fitness Specialist Degree program in partnership with the Alexandria Community & Technical College and adjunct instructor.
What You Will Learn
- How not wanting to lose drives Natalie to put in the work to do what it takes to win
- What growing up on a farm taught Natalie about life and the effect it had on her work ethic
- Why Natalie was motivated to move from small town in Minnesota to Los Angeles when she was only 18 years old
- What Natalie had to go through to make it on her own in Los Angeles
- How Natallie ended up working at Universal Studios training stars and celebrities
- Why you need to speak to yourself like you love yourself
- How Natalie was inspired to create Club E Fit by her lack of time for the gym when she was working at home while caring for her children
Favorite Quote:
“How bad do you want it? Are you willing to risk? Are you willing to do it afraid?”
-Natalie Heckert
CONNECT WITH NATALIE
Club E Fit Crew
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 129 - Jeff Brekken, You TRULY Need Help In Life
It’s absolutely true that no one can do it alone. There is NO WAY that you can be the best person that you can find for every single task in your business. There is more than likely a chance that you also can’t afford to hire for every position that needs to be filled, so what options are you left with?
What You Will Learn
- Why you can’t be a loner and you need to surround yourself with good people
- Why you need friends who view your relationship as a two-way street and aren’t afraid to give back when you need them
- Why you should reach out instead of getting frustrated when you encounter the parts of your business that you are less skilled at
- The benefits of outsourcing over hiring to do things internally in your business
- How exercising gets the blood flowing and gets your brain going and the ideas can start coming
- Why you need to build a team of experts around you to help you do the things that don’t require your special touch
Favorite Quote:
“You truly need help in life. Don’t be frustrated in areas you don’t know that much about. Get help for that.”
-Jeff Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 128 - Lisa Marie Platske, Reaching Into Your Devine Operating System
There are many examples of what a leader resembles, and how they conduct themselves. No one realizes that a true leader has characteristics that are not the same as anyone else. A leader is someone who has become clear with themselves and has become focused on the mission. It requires clarity, focus, determination, and the willingness to go against the grain and trust oneself.
Lisa is an Executive Business Coach, and Founder of Upside Thinking and UpsideSummit.com who offers assistance to Leaders internationally through her program Summit to help them craft themselves into the Leaders they were meant to be. She has been recognized by the International Alliance Of Women, The White House, and The United States Small Business Administration for being one of the top 100 women making a difference in not just their community, but in the world.
Lisa and Jeff speak about LIsa’s program “Upside Summit” and how it has made an impact in the leadership community. Lisa talks about the clarity of reaching into your divine operating system and coming to terms with your darkness. Lisa felt abandoned by God due to constant violence in her household during her upbringing. She discusses the purpose of the 7 pillars in her program and how it may make you rethink why you feel stuck in the same place constantly.
Favorite Quote:
“I would rather move three things a mile each than a hundred things an inch.”
-Lisa Marie Platske
How to connect with Lisa:
Forbes
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 127 - DeLaine Blazek, Living Vs. Merely Existing
In today’s world, it can be so easy to exist and find yourself going through the motions merely. It takes effort and persistence to truly build a life that means something, though it certainly can pay off in quality of life. Do you want to live, or merely exist?
DeLaine Blazek’s educational background is as a clinical counselor but she has spent most of her career in sales. She has been in all roles from entry-level business development to the CEO and doubled her income 5x in her professional career (so far).
Now, she is focusing on her coaching practice for women to teach them how to do the same thing through Solis Coaching and Consulting. In 2023, Delaine released the book Power Your Pay: The All-In Female Entrepreneur's Guide to Make Millions & Still Be Yourself. It became an overnight international Amazon Best Seller in 10 categories!
What You’ll Learn:
- Where DeLaine’s curiosity first started and how she feels it benefits her in her life
- Why DeLaine went from being a psychologist to moving to becoming a business coach
- The actions that DeLaine took to earn the respect of her male colleagues in a male-dominated sales position
- How DeLaine met her business partner by stepping outside of her comfort zone
- Why the most successful people are usually just the ones who were the most persistent, not necessarily the ones who had the best ideas
- Some of the books that have influenced DeLaine the most on her journey
- Why it’s so important to choose who you have in your inner circle and allow yourself to be influenced by
Favorite Quote:
“Do you want to live in this life or do you want to exist in this life?”
-DeLaine Blazek
Connect With DeLaine:
Solis Coaching and Consulting
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 126 - Jeff Brekken, Inner Circle Talk
Your inner circle can easily be compared to having your very own personal Board of Directors. Who would you appoint to that board and why? How closely does your inner circle currently resemble that dream Board of Directors, and if doesn’t, would you be willing to make changes to get it there?
What You’ll Learn:
- What exactly is your inner circle and why it’s so important to be choosy about who is in it
- The reasons why Jeff has been slowly paring down his inner circle
- How decreasing the number in your inner circle will help you get your time and your life back
- Why and how you should rank the 5 people closest to you that you speak with the most
- What to do if you realize you are the most successful person in your inner circle
- Why you should think about your inner circle like your own personal board of directors
Favorite Quote:
“You either work for time or you work for money.”
-Jeff Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 125 - Jeff Brekken, Moving Into a Camper in The Desert With No Amenities
Sometimes with drastic change comes… well, drastic change. Sometimes we need to do something to physically remove ourselves from a situation to allow for the movement of the mind to follow.
There are various levels to this, one of which is to sell all of your things and move into a camper in the desert with no electricity or running water. Which brings us to today’s episode…
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Jeff recommends going back to Episode 124 with Jeremy Schreifels and listening if you have not already.
- Why Jeff is thinking about rebranding the podcast and what he would rebrand it to
- What has caused Jeff to sell his possessions and move to the desert and live in a camper with no water and no electricity
- Why it’s not selfish to put yourself first and why that’s what you need to do to help others succeed in what they are trying to do
- Why you just need to get up and do things and why that really is the answer
- How Jeff was able to recently let go off some baggage that had plagued him for 15 years
- Why you shouldn’t care what the haters think even if they’re in your family
Favorite Quote:
“When you live your life, you put yourself first, and that’s not selfish.”
-Jeff Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 124 - Jeremy Schreifels, Growing In Alignment With God
Many times we feel alone on the journey of life. But as we continue on we realize that we are not alone, in fact, there is a copilot beside us. Often as we go along, we realize in fact that we are the ones who are the copilot and that we must align ourselves in a way that creates a symbiotic relationship between pilot and co-pilot.
In every endeavor, Jeremy Schreifels’ story reverberates with the resonance of triumph over adversity, creativity harnessed to drive entrepreneurial success, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
As an interdisciplinary producer, songwriter, drummer, percussionist, speaker, and educator, Jeremy Schreifels has been bringing music to broad audiences for more than two decades. His focus across all of these art forms is emotional connection, bridging lyric, rhythm, and melody to best serve the vision of both his creations and those of the artists he works with.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to integrate your spiritual life into your business life and why they don’t necessarily need to be two separate things
- How cutting out a lot of the noise allows you to listen and to focus in a way you couldn’t previously
- How powerful is your perspective on your experience in the journey of life
- Why flashing a stranger a smile in the grocery store or somewhere can move mountains for that person
- Why you don’t have to have things figured out to make goals and start planning
- How the path the answer will reveal itself once you start to put in the effort to make things happen
Favorite Quote:
“Why does there have to be a separation, or a boundary, or a compartment that you leave your spiritual life in because now you are in business?”
-Jeremy Schreifels
Connect With Jeremy:
JeremySchreifels.com
www.Roadto99.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 123 - Zack Babcock, From Prisoner to Podcaster
A process can be started by anyone, we often think to ourselves that we won’t be that one percent and amount to anything. The reality is that we can overcome anything and apply pressure onto others for their sake to achieve the task at hand. Zachary Babcock is going to share his story in disparity and give you a reason to move forward.
Zachary Babcock is the Founder and CEO of Alpha Dog and he also carries multiple titles including devoted Father and Husband, and the Chief Visionary of the podcast PowerTrain.
Jeff bring’s on Zachary who carries a social following of an outrageous amount of views on his social media platforms, but that’s not all. Zach shares his oppression of going through prison and having to carve his path to success. Zachary discusses the topic of podcasting and what it takes to reach the next level. Diving into the process and the heart it takes to complete the process- Zach talks about how his clientele has inspired him to keep driving forward.
What You’ll Learn:
- The number of people Zach has helped since launching his podcast
- Figuring out Zach’s way, especially in the marketplace going back to 2018
- The shift Zach made after leaving prison
- The process of Zach leveraging his podcast right away
- The motivation that drives Zach to help others and hear their stories
- What made Zach decide to monetize his podcast
- The trauma Zach confronted in 2021 to level up his mindset
- Why Zach is motivated to help others
Favorite Quote:
“I knew that I was going to get to this point someday, it was going to happen because I wasn’t. I was going to die in the process someday it was either I was going to do it or I was going to die trying- that was now it was going to go. I was going to go all in. I just didn’t think it would be through podcasts.”
-Zachary Babcock
Connect With Zachary:
Underdog Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 122 - Steph Livers, The Evolution of Your True Passion
Some people find what they want to do when they are very young and do that thing for the rest of their life. For most of us, life will follow a different trajectory that will see our passion evolve as we encounter and discover the many things that life has to offer. Stephanie Livers embodies the idea of having many irons in the fire. She is a single mother and is homeschooling 4 boys ages 10-11, 3 of whom are triplets. In addition to family life, Stephanie is also the Founder of Executive by Stephanie, a clothing line for professional women whose mission is to empower women in the workforce one outfit at a time. Stephanie has changed paths multiple times in her life, starting with a degree in Chemistry, spending some time as a math and science teacher for elementary students, and now as CEO of Executive by Stephanie. She proves that your true passion will evolve over time, and certainly not look the same throughout your life. What You'll Learn:
- What being Addicted to Winning means to Steph in her life
- Why Steph feels that drive comes from within a person and that they must follow through and do the work just like anyone no matter how they are set up
- How the way Steph’s parents’ own drive influenced her desire to accomplish things
- The effect that playing on an otherwise all boy hockey team growing up has had on her drive still to this day
- Why Steph put college on hold to go pursue a job opportunity that changed her life
- What came next that then caused Steph to put her career on hold for 5 years and then switch career trajectories to something totally different but related
- The events that led to Steph designing a clothing line for professional women
- How Steph’s passion has evolved and changed along the way
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“My current passion is finding something that I can share with my kids, but that’s also going to leave a legacy for them.”
- Steph Livers
Connect with Steph:
Executive By Stephanie
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 121 - Eddie Blanco, Rethinking Real Estate Teams
Often Real Estate agents find themselves as independent contractors just winging it, doing every job themselves, even if they’re not the best at it. But why? Eddie Blanco and his team are rethinking real estate teams in a way that allows them to be more specialized in their roles, and the results are definitely speaking for themselves. Eddie was born and raised in Miami and is a first-generation Cuban immigrant. He’s stayed in the area because he loves the weather, diversity, and excellent fishing opportunities – but also because he’s committed to serving as a reliable and accountable resource for his clients and friends. He is the broker and owner of Stratwell, a real estate brokerage with offices in Miami and Naples, Florida. Eddie and his team have closed more than 3,000 real estate transactions since 2008. Eddie is the Founding President of The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. He is the 2022 incoming president of the Miami Association of Realtors and the Elite Real Estate Network president. What You'll Learn:
- What drives Eddie to get back up when finds himself down
- How the Rocky movies have helped shape Eddie’s mentality towards persevering
- Why understanding who you are is such an important goal to work towards
- The story of Eddie being humbled by the real estate crash of 2008
- Some of the lessons that Eddie learned having to rebuild things from the ground up
- Why Eddie believes it is that he is here on the planet Earth
- The reasons Eddie will readily share his knowledge of how to be successful in the real estate business
- How Eddie’s real estate company differ from your average real estate broker
- Why having the right butts in the right seats is so important to your ability to succeed
- Where Eddie thinks the Real Estate market is headed in the next few years
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“My business is simple, it’s people and properties. It’s all about relationships. There will always be people transacting in real estate.”
- Eddie Blanco
Connect with Eddie:
Stratwell's Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 120 - Justin McClintock, Tapping Into the Spiritual Realm
There are certainly times along the journey when we could use just a little bit of extra help along the way. People find this help in many ways, often in the spiritual realm. This was the story for Justin who developed his sense of spirituality as he was developing himself into the man he is trying to be. Justin McClintock is a Sales Representative with eXp Realty who has lived and worked in Dufferin & Simcoe County his whole life. With a background in construction and licensed in Real Estate from the young age of 20, he's passionate about Real Estate Investing, human behavior, and working towards his full potential in everything from personal & business to spiritual development. Justin is an intuitive Top Producing agent serving families, first time buyers, investors & new home developers with a focus on a high-level client experience & referral-based business, striving to not only meet but exceed the sophisticated needs of today's consumers by meeting them where they are. What You'll Learn:
- How curiosity caused Justin to question things and wonder if there were different ways of going about everyday things
- How Justin’s sister also influenced his ability to question things
- The role hockey played in allowing Justin to be more disciplined at an early age
- How a movie lead Justin to the idea that he should become a real estate agent
- How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad changed the trajectory that Justin was on
- The process Justin had to go through to become a real estate agent
- How turning the focus on helping others can cause your career to blossom
- Why doing the right thing never gets old and never stops working
- How a factory job led to Justin’s journey into personal self development
- How Justin was introduced to the spiritual world
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“You’ve got to go out there and do it, even when you don’t feel like it. And it’s usually always worth it in the end.”
- Justin McClintock
Connect with Justin:
JustinMcClintock.ca
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 119 - Jeff Giagnocavo, Leveraging Acceptance and Perspective
Oftentimes all we really need is to learn to accept what is, and to adjust our perspective to reflect acceptance. This can help get through conflict, which is almost always present when trailblazing leaders are breaking new ground. Jeff Giagnocavo is a business owner and Visionary Leader focused on healing and impact for others. He is the Founder and Leader of The Big Ticket Life and is 100% focused on doing life and business on his terms and helping others do the same. Jeff’s mission is to cement his family's legacy through the impactful work he does for others. To always be additive and seek greatness for his family and those he serves and to improve their lives and their businesses. What You'll Learn:
- The factors that contributed to Jeff getting 5 number ones on his latest book on Amazon
- How acceptance has helped Jeff get to where he is in his career and personal life
- How adjusting your perspective can help you deal with conflict as a leader
- Jeff’s opinion on how much sleep a person really needs each night
- How not eating 3 hours before you go to bed can help you get more restful sleep and allow your body to focus energy on healing
- Why people can’t flip their mattresses and double the life like they used to
- How sharing about his childhood traumas has helped him grow and feel more free
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If everybody could just speak on anything and everything, I think it would just add more volume and not more impact.”
- Jeff Giagnocavo
Connect with Jeff:
TheJeffG.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 118 - Susan Rucker, Excellence is NEVER Made To Be Easy
Whatever you do, you should try to make an impact. We have many more opportunities to do so than we even realize. Making an impact can be as easy as flashing a smile at someone. This may be the only smile they get all day. Making an impact can be easy, but excellence is much harder.
Susan Rucker is a #1 Best-Selling Author, Impactful Strategist and Speaker, Coach & Executive Partner to Develop People and Businesses to Make the IMPACT They Want and Get Meaningful and Sustainable Results. She is recognized as “The People Whisperer” for her ability to connect with and transform people and organizations to achieve breakthrough results.
Alongside developing strategy, Susan has successfully coached and trained thousands of leaders on how authenticity, integrity, and resilience make or break personal and professional relationships. Her Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) work builds high-performing collaborative teams by cultivating workplace cultures that celebrate differences, ensure equity, & make everyone feel supported.
What You'll Learn:
- Where Susan’s drive originates from
- How Susan ended up in the United States after being born in Korean
- Why you must figure out who you are to truly live an authentic life
- What are some of the main reasons Susan thinks people are unhappy
- Why Susan feels everyone is capable of excellence at different levels
- How persistence is the answer to get you where you want to go
- How everything we do or don’t do makes an impact around us
- The story of how Susan was able to reconnect with her Korean family members
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“No matter where you are, what stature, where you live, anything; when you live authentically, you can live happy ”
- Susan Rucker
Connect with Susan:
Impactful Strategies
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 117 - Brittany McKnight, What a CPA Should REALLY Be Doing For Your Business
From financial planning & reporting, to overseeing and implementing new point-of-sale and software conversions, Brittany McKight has had both a bird’s eye view and been in the trenches of the back office. Through her experience, She’s found that her passion is serving those in service-based industries with a desire to grow their business and make an impact.
As a coach, she helps entrepreneurs maximize and monetize their full potential so that they can have life and freedom on their own terms. As a CPA, she provides monthly accounting and CFO-level services using an effective framework for scaling a business from any level.
Brittany is passionate about helping people use money for the tool that it is, to become leaders in their company, and to have a positive impact on the world.
What You'll Learn:
- What keeps Britany going when she starts to feel overwhelmed?
- How did Brittany’s upbringing play a role in what she does now?
- How to understand what the data is telling you even if you’re not a “numbers person.”
- How learning to simplify your accounting using systems can help you understand it
- What makes Brittany different from your average CPA?
- How a CPA can do more than just help with compliance
- Why saving money from hiring a good CPA is the same thing as gaining more income
- Why it’s all about making an impact in no matter what you do
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“You understand numbers, but you don’t understand what they’re telling you. That’s what the problem is.”
- Brittany McKnight
Connect with Brittany:
Progress Coaching and Consulting
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you think! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
So many people in business are only concerned about 2 things:
Scaling and growing.
Here's the challenge..........
At the core of every single business exists people.
People are so essential to the construct of every single element of a business.
In many cases, those who are employees or contractors are the face of your business.
I have a client at Iconic HR that I've been working with and for the past 6 years, they've done very well operating the business without HR.
They did so well, they ran it up to the tune of $100M in sales.
Here's the challenge.......
If they're to continue to grow, they won't be able to grow to the next level without the assistance of Human Resources.
Why?
Because people are at the core of their business.
First, let me say this.....
It's a miracle and an anomaly for most businesses to rise to such great heights without HR.
They're a unicorn in business, but nonetheless, their systems and processes have allowed them to create such a unique position for them.
In this episode, I'm breaking down the importance of how to assess the growth of your company.
I'm really focusing on business owners in this episode.
It requires you to take a unique approach to where you started.
The mistakes you've made.
Lessons you've learned.
I know most business owners do not want to look inward and admit defeat, but most people don't take the time to reflect.
If it's your intention to grow and scale your company, you've got to look at where you've been, where you are now, and where you want to go.
There are many different things to think about such as:
- Your Onboarding processes
- Welcome letter
- Policies and Procedures
And that's just the shortlist. This doesn't include training.
You want new employees to come in with a full understanding of how the company operates, their specific roles, and responsibilities, and why it's important to really nail this part of the process.
Many businesses are missing this at the very beginning of their hiring process.
FACT: Most businesses do not like recruiting.......
FACT: This is also a good reason to hire an HR company, like Iconic HR.
If you're looking for a roadmap to why it's important to leverage HR to help your company grow and scale without complications, pull up a chair, bring your notepad, and get ready for a crash course that will end up saving you wasted time, countless headaches, and the crippling effects of poor execution.
The success of a company is all based on a few key elements.........you'll learn the most important ones to focus on starting TODAY!
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
EP 115 - Chris Gardner, Mindshift Financial, How the Private Family Banking System Makes You Wealthy
Have you ever wondered where your desire for “more” comes from when you have what society considers “enough?” Is it genetic? Is it a motivation fueled by socioeconomic situations? Or is it simply learning how to pair hard work, diligence, and discipline into creating something bigger than yourself that will serve your family long after you’re gone? We’re not talking about life insurance today. We’re talking about pissing excellence and the power of creating a big secret most banks don’t want you to know…………The Private Family Financial System.
Chris Gardner is the Founder and CEO of Mindshift Financial helping educate families on understanding how to create generational wealth by leveraging their current income and creating a system where reliance on traditional banks becomes a thing of the past.
In today’s episode, Jeff and Chris discuss where the “wanting of more” originated citing the possibilities of genetics, hard work, and mindsets and habits learned in childhood. Chris shares how he played sports in school motivated by the desire to simply win. Jeff and Chris highlight why financial literacy is not being taught in schools and what we can do to help educate our families moving forward. Chris shares how Mindshift Financial is helping business owners and entrepreneurs who feel they’re paying too much in taxes, as well as why it’s important to set up a Private Family Banking System.
What You'll Learn:
- The lessons Chris learned from losing while playing baseball, football, and basketball in school
- Theories as to where the drive for wanting more in life comes from citing possibilities being linked to DNA, work ethic taught and learned in childhood and mindset
- A simple overview of the Private Family Banking System and how it’s beneficial for you and your family starting today
- Why entrepreneurs and business owners are flocking to work with Mindshift Financial
- Chris’ biggest motivator today and where he invests his time when he’s not behind the desk
- Failures of the education system and how Chris is turning that around for adults and children alike starting with financial literacy
- Compound effects of never having to pay bank fees again
- Why being plugged into powerful networks of smarter, more intelligent, and dynamic people will show you what’s possible in terms of living a high-quality of life
- How you don’t have to have thousands of dollars to start your own Private Family Banking System
- How to get out of debt in a 3rd of the time
- Chris’ big hairy audacious goal involving motors
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you look at the Rockefellers, they still have a ton of money and they have 100+ millionaires in the family and so what they do is they continue on the legacy and that’s what we teach our clients how to do and it’s not as difficult as you think. It’s actually pretty simple. You just have to change your mindset and the process by which you do it.”
- Chris Gardner
Connect with Chris:
Mindshift Financial
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Jeff Brekken, Questions You Should Ask Yourself
Picture that you’re heading on a journey. Not a physical journey, but a journey of self-discovery and vulnerability. That’s what will lead you to your ultimate goal. That is where to find the growth that you are seeking.
Take some time to think of your earliest memories, where did you come from? What made you who you are and what you were? That’s what shapes your past, but you now hold the pen and get to use it to write the next chapter.
It certainly pays to at least examine these things, if not using them as catalysts for change. Questions like these are some that you should be pondering as presented by Jeff in this solo episode of Addicted To Winning.
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Sometimes we get caught up going through the motions of life and can’t see the bigger picture. To gain perspective, It often helps to slow down and reflect.
If we fail to do this, we may get distracted by the many shiny things life has to offer, causing us to forget why we are here, and what we should be doing. Reflecting can help ensure that we are where we need to be, doing what we need to be doing, and if we are not, it can bring to the forefront of our attention so we can make adjustments
In this solo episode, Jeff offers up 3 things that he uses as reflection points to help him sort through and see things a bit more clearly when life seems to get out of sorts.
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Sometimes we have to take a journey of 10,000 days to come to the conclusion of the lesson we're supposed to learn. Sometimes they're not lessons, but revelations that help create us into the next version of who we're intended to be on the earth and to the world. There are assignments we're on that will help to make the world a better place. Sometimes, we have to go through the deepest fjords of struggle and artifice until we finally claim our focus and start living according to our souls.
No one understands the value of connections and relationships like Aimee Ball, serial entrepreneur, and tech founder. She's one of the most interesting people you could have the pleasure of meeting. Over the course of her lifetime, she's been endowed with the foundational elements to create the very world she exists in and build businesses that are congruent and in alignment with her personal life and soul journey.
What You'll Learn:
- How trust, credibility, capacity, and character are necessary to build relationships personally and in business
- The technology company Aimee founded and how it helps entrepreneurs
- Why it's important to build trust and how your foundational beliefs have a direct correlation to your success in business
- The true imbalance of the "Balance Wheel"
- When Aimee realized she was putting on a facade of someone she was not
- Why putting small deposits into trust accounts was not serving her in business or her life
- A raw revelation of how she felt about her business and why she was not happy
- A few ways Aimee got herself out of some of her struggles
- Aimee's new podcast and why Jeff believes it is one to watch for in the Fall of 2023
- How to choose only the clients you want to work with
- Why taking on all clients is not a great idea
- One person who had a major impact on Aimee's life
Favorite Quote:
"It's okay to cheer yourself on. It's okay to cheer others on. It's bullshit to think it's not!"
- Aimee Ball
Connect with Aimee:
Trust Keg
TikTok
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Nothing happens by accident. There are no coincidences. A clear-cut journey has been mapped out, but the path is never quite as clear. There are times when you will question if what you're doing in your life is truly in alignment with who you are as a person. Pay close attention to this. It's your beacon attempting to put you back on the right path according to your purpose and journey. That is one part of finding success in this life and the other is living intentionally and being present in the moment of each and every iteration of your life.
Billy Lahr is an Intentional Living Coach, Mindfulness Teacher, and Host of The Mindful Midlife Crisis Podcast. His 21-year career in education helped him set the stage for the next iteration of his life which is helping to guide others both here and in Asia to find the best ways to be present and quickly uncover their "purpose" on this planet.
In this episode, Jeff and Billy share a childhood connection they never knew about until recently. Billy shares how he is motivated by words of affirmation and the power most people feel when they are praised for the progress they are making in their lives. Jeff shares a reflection about a time when he was coaching kids in Hockey for 7 years and the impact of taking them from mediocre status to elite as both human beings and players. If you're looking for something to listen to dripping with authenticity and value, this is the episode you should listen to this morning.
What You'll Learn:
- Why the statement "I just want to see you win" from a coach of Billy's that mpacted him so much
- The experiences Billy learned from working with students who came from emotionally, behaviorally, and socioeconomically challenging situations
- The one thing Billy wanted for his students as an educator
- What "Next Level Universe" is and why you should check it out
- A big lesson Billy learned as a Dean of Students
- Why he sold his condo and all of his belongings to move to Seoul, Korea
- What he discovered while he was there
- The process of reflection, learning, and growing and how you can do it consistently over time
- Why delivering bad news didn't suit Billy
- The defining moment Billy was able to be himself, be more authentic and more genuine
- Who "Iggy" is and why he's significant in Billy's life
- The difference between mindfulness and being present
Favorite Quote:
"People are like pizza dough. You don't pull from the outside. You pull from the inside to the outside to make it even."
-Billy Lahr
Connect with Billy:
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Some of the holes in life don't get filled until much later. It requires going through the processes of first learning who we are, asking ourselves what we want and why, and then removing every single obstacle in our lives to make it happen. Hardships and lessons are guaranteed as part of the journey. You'll continuously question yourself but know that life is simply testing you to see how badly you want it.
Sean Barnes is a Business Consultant, Executive Leader, Mentor, and Podcast Host of "The Way of the Wolf." His main drive and mission is to focus on developing better leaders and businesses by leveraging 3 key components: People. Process. Tech.
In this episode, Sean and Jeff waste no time getting into the source of everything that's right and everything that could use improvement in the world. They take a deep dive into Sean's life uncovering the moment he realized enough wasn't enough. Sean shares some deeply personal perspectives as to why his failures and shortcomings were affecting him in interpersonal relationships and in business. He, like many other entrepreneurs has had a very lonely journey, but it's a similar story of one that requires the development of someone important to creating the best world possible....................YOU.
What You'll Learn:
- The one question Sean continuously asks himself on his journey
- Why his father leaving created this "chip" on his shoulder
- The 2 businesses Sean started straight out of college and how they're doing now
- Why Sean left Information Technology to work in Human Resources as a Team Lead
- The importance for businesses to understand the roles they're hiring for
- How to find the right fit for the right roles
- One thing Sean did when he first started his podcast that he still does today
- What happens when you buy all the boats, cars, and vacations and how to fill that empty hole
- How to use a podcast to "monetize" your future
- The importance of building your presence on social media and why it's important to your brand
- Why Sean saved and lived well below his means for 2 years before deciding to leave his 6-figure corporate job
- How you can start acting on your vision, dreams, and goals
Favorite Quote:
"Hard skills and technical skills are required, but soft skills, man, they're like superpowers this day and age."
- Sean Barnes
Connect with Sean
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes
https://www.instagram.com/the_wayofthewolf
YouTube: youtube.thewayofthewolf.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes
Email: Sean@thewayofthewolf.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
A person is only as strong as they work especially when you try to juggle taking care of your family and paying your bills. Being a servant to a community can mean many different things but to actually be a servant requires grit, hard work, and dedication. Larry holds the standards of a true servant.
Larry Brekken found his passion in Farming and serving his community. Larry spent 27 years of his career as a volunteer Fire-Fighter helping others and saving lives. Larry is also a devoted Father and Husband who has been happily married for almost 60 years. Larry shares nothing but wisdom and love to his children who grew up to be successful.
Larry talks about many experiences in his life but the main focus is his dedication to his family. Jeff and Larry both speak about the scariest moment that Larry came across in his career, the advancements in Agriculture and how much they’ve changed since the 1970’s. Larry talks about why he still works to this day being in his 80’s.
What You’ll Learn:
- What Addicted to Winning means to Larry
- Larry's experience farming and his passion for it
- Larry speaks about how much Agricultural Technology has advanced
- Speaks about his time as a firefighter and the scariest moments he experienced as one
- The moment that made Larry break down and cry in his career
- The acceleration of technology
Favorite Quote:
“You take care of your employees, give them respect, and treat them like family and they will treat you right and give you 110% .”
-Larry Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The safety of yourself and your family is something you should never have to worry about. There's a solution to feeling more protected in this unpredictable life.
Steve Schabacker is the Owner and Founder of Valhalla Research, and the Owner of Sheepdog Firearms. Steve started Valhalla Research with the goal of helping his clients with their customized firearms needs where they do everything from decals to design. Steve is also a Father, Husband, Coach, Serial Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Forbes Contributor. Steve is a 2 time Best Selling Author who also runs his own podcast called Tactical Entrepreneur.
Steve addresses safety with firearms and what his team does to make everybody feel comfortable about buying and using a firearm for protection or recreational use. Jeff and Steve speak about a workshop they went through that taught them more than they already knew about self-defense. Steve breaks down how he got into the firearm industry and why being a part of Apex changed his position of leveling up.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Steve started Valhalla
- What Steve does for his clients and for Law Enforcement
- The business model Steve created to make clients feel more comfortable
- Why learning Firearm Defense is a useful life skill
- The ceiling Steve had to break to become surrounded by other Entrepreneurs
- The importance of making memories with family
- Why Steve is devoted to building his freedom
- The reason Steve involves himself in workshops
- Why Steve goes above and beyond for his clients
Favorite Quote:
“It's very rare for me at least to come across someone else that owns a business and there's a whole different set of problems when you own a business than when you work for somebody.”
-Steve Schabacker
How to connect with Steve:
Website
Amazon
Forbes
Podcast
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There are many examples of what a leader resembles, and how they conduct themselves. No one realizes that a true leader has characteristics that are not the same as anyone else. A leader is someone who has become clear with themselves and has become focused on the mission. It requires clarity, focus, determination, and the willingness to go against the grain and trust oneself.
Lisa is an Executive Business Coach, and Founder of Upside Thinking and UpsideSummit.com who offers assistance to Leaders internationally through her program Summit to help them craft themselves into the Leaders they were meant to be. She has been recognized by the International Alliance Of Women, The White House, and The United States Small Business Administration for being one of the top 100 women making a difference in not just their community, but in the world.
Lisa and Jeff speak about LIsa’s program “Upside Summit” and how it has made an impact in the leadership community. Lisa talks about the clarity of reaching into your divine operating system and coming to terms with your darkness. Lisa felt abandoned by God due to constant violence in her household during her upbringing. She discusses the purpose of the 7 pillars in her program and how it may make you rethink why you feel stuck in the same place constantly.
Favorite Quote:
“I would rather move three things a mile each than a hundred things an inch.”
-Lisa Marie Platske
How to connect with Lisa:
Forbes
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The world is only what you think it is because "they" tell you what to think it is. Who is "They?" The one-percenters who manipulate the narrative and highjack the mindset of people around the world. "Divide and conquer" is their motto and they do it through advertising, programming, manipulating economies, starting wars, creating distractions and leveraging fear and the perception of happiness all in their attempts to keep their narrative flowing.
Back in 1993, the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas were suspected of stockpiling weapons which created a national narrative of distraction, despair, and disdain on all fronts. They tore through their way of life and this opened some big debates in society on the topic around cults, community, and religion.
As someone raised Catholic, I learned quickly there are cult-type elements in every religion, organization, and community. I didn't see them until 1993 when I really started analyzing and deconstructing everything I've been programmed to believe.
There are going to be people who want to come into your life and have you live on their terms, according to their narratives. They'll use all of the tactics above to control and manipulate you, but remember, it's up to you to define the type of life you're going to live. You always have a choice to do something different, to go a different way.
Keep people in your life you're aligned with and stick with them. Those who don't belong will show themselves out, and in some cases, you may have to show them out, especially if they're toxic to your community, your family, and your life.
Stay focused on positive things. Keep believing in the true purity of the human spirit. Have faith, walk in it, and demonstrate it every day. Others will see what you're creating and want to be a part of it.
That's how you change the world.
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Many people wake up every day thinking money is their most valuable asset. Nothing is further from the truth. The most valuable asset we all have is time. We can manage it, conserve it, expand it, give it, and collapse it. If you can master time, you will become the master of your time. The amount of things you get done with the time you have is determined by how productive you are, the relationships you make, and your ability to keep moving despite challenges, disruptions, and distractions.
Drewbiew Wilson is the Chief Marketing Officer of Apex, Host of the Crushing the Day Podcast, author, speaker, and example of what's possible when you use your time to invest in helping people.
This week, Drewbie shares how he got started in business dating back to playing video games and learning to barter, trade, and work as a team with online friends. He learned early to build communities, outlining rules and codes of conduct, setting goals, attaining objectives, and focusing on the most beneficial outcomes for everyone involved.
He talks about the importance of serving in the number 2 position in any company, some of the pitfalls, temptations, and why most people fall prey to the human condition of battling the ego instead of serving the organization and leader.
Drewbie shares the challenges most families face when finding the perfect balance in investing family time over working toward a big hairy audacious goal he's excited about.
I bring up the topic of A.I. and Drewbie shares some pretty interesting perspectives including, why he thinks A.I. has always been here, and some of his theories about what we can expect in the future. Drewbie shares a process for using A.I. to help. you collapse time and save, making you more productive and profitable at the same time.
Favorite Quote:
"Your speed of execution is what generally creates your success."
-Drewbie Wilson
Connect with Drewbie:
Book: Crushing the Day
Podcast: Crushing the Day
DrewbieWilson.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Resilience. Perseverance. Faith. These are strong qualities.....necessary qualities in anything and everything you need to do while you're here on this planet. You're going to be tested, challenged in every aspect of your life. You're going to need a toolkit and support system to pull from, especially as you're going through anything that leaves you feel like you're on an island.
Matthew Roda is a Family Man, Marketing Agency Owner, Fractional CMO, Leadership Coach, Podcaster, Speaker, and Ultra Runner who works vigorously to help others power through some of the toughest parts of all aspects of their lives.
Today, you're in for an enigmatic journey of spiritual proportions.
Matthew shares his life starting back into his childhood, some of the lessons he learned, how he was raised, why he's grateful for how he was raised, and why he believes he's always had a guardian angel with him the whole time. The level of consciousness present in this podcast is one that will leave you with goosebumps.
Favorite Quote:
"For 20 years, I was leading people down the wrong path, but now I'm back doing what I am supposed to be doing on this earth."
-Matthew Roda
Connect With Matthew:
What You'll Learn:
- Some powerful life lessons Matthew has learned along the way
- How Roda Marketing serves entrepreneurs by helping fulfill one of the biggest needs at a fraction of the investment
- Why Matthew is grateful for his parents and the way he was raised
- The reason why a few specific people are so important to Matthew
- Who he'd spend one hour with if he had a chance
- One of Matthew's favorite books which is fun and easy that he reads a couple of times a year
- Another book Matthew loves and why it's has validated everything he's been processing the last 22 years
- Why Matthew believes and knows he's had a guardian angel with him the whole time
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Everyone we meet in life starts with a first impression. Who you are, what you do, and how you do it is all judged when you first meet someone. The same happens to you. You're being judged whether you like it or not from the very first moment you meet someone. The same carries over to your business. The way you present a product, a service, or simply approach relationships with clients are all being judged based on what they see the moment they see it.
Jason Harrell is the founder of Front9Box.com which is one of the premier Golf Subscription Box sets on the market today.
In this conversation, Jason and Jeff dive deep into what prompted his journey into how he lives his life and operates in business. Right now, people have a lot of choices when it comes to whom and what company they do business with, but there is one distinguishing factor.......
Presentation.
This is where everything starts and ends for most people looking to make the best investment possible in anything they do. Jason leans in on the processes he went through to refine the client experience and made it easy.
He and Jeff have a candid discussion about what it takes. to make the biggest impact in business, why its important to make things easier for your clients, and how to retain them by simply doing things differently in business that most are not willing to do.
They get on the subject of Dad Jokes and Jason shares how the whole thing got started featuring a story involving his 11-year-old son.
Jeff and Jason also talk about Apex, what it is and the importance of getting connected and staying surrounded by like-minded winners, and why it will be the one thing to help you get clear quicker in your business and move the needle farther in less time.
Lean in close and get ready to start taking a more serious approach to running your business instead of running in circles.
Connect with Jason:
Front9Box.com
JasonHarrell.Info
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
I have friends and know people who have worked all their lives towards retirement. They've invested and saved their resources. They've spent years planning to take that trip to the Grand Canyon, take the cruise around the world, backpack through Europe, and go scuba diving in the Grand Cayman only to retire after 40 years and fall into a routine that left them uninspired. In some cases, they passed away months later.
I know that sounds dark, but that's the reality for many people.
Life is a journey. We've been programmed to give the best part of our youth to "Building the American Dream," acquiring things, stuff, and everything that doesn't mean two squats at the end. In some cases, we neglect our families, stay leveraged up to our eyeballs in debt, write our dreams down in a book, and put our "someday" list on a shelf to collect dust.
This episode is a reminder that you have the ability to deprogram yourself from everything you've been taught and conditioned to believe.
Have you started working on your dream yet?
Are you doing what you love to do every single day? Remove the excuses and find a way to make it happen. You've been blessed with the same level of creativity to make it happen, and at this point in human history, you have all the tools to materialize it.
Have you taken that trip you've wanted to take for the last 5 years?
Why not?
There are pitstops along the way in life and it's by design. Sometimes, it's an illness that puts you down for a bit.
An unexpected job change forces you out of your hypnotic patterns.
A child graduates and leaves the nest.
Divorce. Loss of assets.
And a multitude of other things that could happen over the course of your lifetime.
While you're here, you may as well enjoy it.
Have fun with it.
Take a break and make time to make the time so you can life the most magnificent life you've been dreaming of.
Afterall, it's a journey, and it's up to you to make it colorful!
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
If you look closely, you'll see there are hints, clues, and roadmaps to help you on your journey. They come through songs, books, podcasts, movies, and natural disasters. That's the beautiful thing about life....it's always pointing you where you need to go. If you ignore those signs and synchronicities, you're lucky if you get a direct message directly from another human being.
Adam McChesney is a serial entrepreneur, Owner at Hite Digital, St. Louis, and his digital marketing agency is responsible for managing $2 million dollars a month in Ad spend on Google. But Adam started just like everyone else......the beginning.
In this episode, Adam shares where he began and attributes much of his success in being an athlete, playing soccer in middle and high school, and later college. He talks about the pivotal roles his coaches played in helping in his formation. Jeff and Adam talk about the difference between making money and the importance of finding true purpose by starting with having faith in yourself and focusing on a bigger vision. Jeff and Adam have a candid conversation about why athletes hold a higher advantage over anyone else working in sales.
What You'll Learn:
- Some of the best advice and wisdom shared by Adam's coaches when he was playing soccer
- Why Adam thinks athletes excel in sales more than the average person
- One of the first jobs Adam held after college and what inspired him to pursue starting an online business
- The year Adam launched full-time into entrepreneurship
- The fear and anxiety most entrepreneurs experience and why its important to lean into the power of believing in yourself
- A favorite book both Jeff and Adam have an affinity for and why
- The one thing that has to happen every single day, week, month, and year before success can be achieved
Favorite Quote:
"I was never the biggest, the fastest, or the strongest, but I was the smartest (in soccer) which has served me well in business."
-Adam McChesney
Connect with Adam:
Adam McChesney
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Addicted to Winning started exactly 100 episodes ago. There have been many guests from various walks of life, with varying experiences, and different industries who have come to generously to share their failures, great successes, and the lessons they've learned on their journey. All of them have been shining examples of what it means to be addicted to winning. For the 100th episode, there could not be a better guest to have on in honor of this monumental moment.
Robert Nelson is more than a guest, and more human than most human beings. He's a father, author, speaker, business consultant, sales professional, master grant writer, and mentor to youth.
You may want to pull up a comfy chair, clear out the distractions, and get ready to take a cosmic dive into existentialism. In this episode, Robert takes us back to his childhood as a kid on the streets of Chicago, doing battle with distractions that come with drugs and drinking. He shares the pivotal moment he was awakened as a child and later as a young man and father.
In this episode, Jeff asks Robert what drives him. Robert shares how we're provoked by life to take action as human beings. He explains the process of discovery is part of learning lessons, gaining experience, and elevating to the next plane of consciousness. Robert explains that 90% of the activity required to keep us alive is done without our knowledge; it's a miracle.
Jeff and Robert talk about how to identify goals necessary to solve the problems of this world and help the masses. They talk about their views on spirituality, religion, and the difference between the two.
Listen in as these two take you on the most impactful, existential, and transformative conversation you'll have the pleasure of being involved in this year.
Favorite Quote:
“I will say this though, that I've realized that the term is controversial because what is winning? Winning isn't a nebulous concept. You have to really give consideration to winning involves having a goal. But a lot of people think to win, that means somebody got to lose. It means by whatever means necessary, regardless of who gets hurt in the process, I got to win. But that's not real. The reality, and this is one of the most profound things I've ever discovered, is that Jeff, winning”
“It was love. I'm like, this is a being that I'm accountable for. So if it required my life to get this done, I got to do something about this situation”
“Only people that never fail are supposed to never do anything, right? You got to fail. And it's a part of the process of discovery.”
“There's a discovery to be made wherever you go”
-Robert Nelson
Connect with Robert Nelson
Linked In @Robert Nelson
Website: https://carechair.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/realrobertnelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-nelson-21978114/
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The number one most under-discussed topic in society right now is mental health. It's a silent epidemic and one that has created a vacuum of greed in the pharmaceutical industry and medical fields. Every day, people are misdiagnosed and treated with prescription drugs whose side effects hurt more than help, sometimes including a derailed life or even death.
Lori Jewett is an entrepreneur and Author of the Book, 80HD. She's a wife, mother, and someone whose main mission in life is to help people heal their traumas in life, and find their true path to impact.
In this episode, Lori comes in amped up for Jesus and shares how she just finished the popular human reset program, 75Hard, which requires you to work out twice a day, drink a gallon of water, stick to a clean diet, no sugar, and read 10 pages in a self-development book.
Lori shares her journey from childhood when she was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and was prescribed medication with the side effect that led to an unsuccessful suicide attempt at 19. This begins the journey of this episode and sets the tone for one of the most important discussions people should be having more often.
What You'll Learn:
- How Lori was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
- One very popular prescription that left her feeling numb
- Why it took her 10 years to get her misdiagnosis off her medical record
- The power of Vivance and the added benefits it provides to people with ADHD
- A true-to-life illustration in the movie "Up" that is our lives and how it correlates to life insurance
- The biggest opportunity right now in employee benefits and why you should have it
- Where Lori recorded her audiobook
- What kids need from a teacher
- The power of keeping a running list
- Two books Lori read that changed her life
Favorite Quote:
"Everybody wants to complain and yadee, yadee, yada, but no one is willing to go that extra mile and help people and help bring awareness that it's okay to talk about things."
-Lori Jewett
In this episode, Jeff shares the value of being raised a farm kid, and the lessons learned, and Lori chimes in with some impactful wisdom about what children truly need from adults and how you can be a better influence on them. They talk about the importance of mental health issues in the nation. Lori and Jeff discuss the importance of mental health is one of the biggest opportunities for employer benefits. Lori talks about her book 80HD, and shares her overall vision for what impact she wants to leave in this world.
Connect with Lori:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The parent-child relationship and experience vary from person to person. You could talk to one person and they absolutely adore their parents. Ask another person, and their experience would leave you believing they were raised by the spawn of Satan.
No matter your upbringing, and no matter your experience, if possible, it's important to ask your parents a few important questions.
The answers to these questions will remove any doubt, inconsistencies, hearsay, and rumors you may have believed throughout your entire life.
Imagine if future generations didn't have to rely on hearsay or stories passed down from generation to generation. As you may have experienced, it's always best to go to the source for the truth or the closest thing to it. The stories would be a reliable depiction of who the members of your family, are, and would probably add some color commentary as they were experienced in real-time.
In this episode, Jeff shares some of the questions he asked his parents like:
- What was the best advice you received?
- What questions do you wish you could've asked your parents?
- Biggest regret?
- How was your experience as a parent?
- When did you have your first drink?
- Where was your first school?
Now, let's go one step further. With the cost-effective and easily accessible forms of documenting these stories through videos, photos, writing, and publishing, you have the ability to leave a roadmap for future generations with stories of a distant time, the logic deployed at that time, social attitudes, and insights better shared from the source than speculation.
This episode will be one for the books and give you some perspective to take an active role in living your life on purpose.
And it won't be long before your children have it in their minds to ask you the same questions.
This episode will prepare you for all of it!
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
You can't escape the pain. It's a consequence of life. You can try and numb yourself, but it's not sustainable for the long term. Wherever you go, there you are. Everything about you gets carried with you until you decide to unpack the hurt, pain, and trauma. It's necessary in order to grow. The big mistake most people make is continuing to carry their traumas with them into the next part of their lives, friendships, or even a new relationship.
Stephanie Castro is the Owner of At Home Pet Sitting and we have the pleasure of her sharing the journey she's taken to process the traumas and disappointments of life.
In this episode, Stephanie and Jeff share their experiences with marriage and the disappointment of divorce after investing much of their time believing they were living the happily-ever-after. Stephanie recalls talking to a friend when she was crushed who had invited her to Landmark Forum, a very popular group focused on self-development.
Jeff and Stephanie talk about the spiritual sides of belief, watching signs from the universe, and having blind faith when it comes to taking unprompted action. Stephanie talks about her journey into an intense self-development program with Landmark and described it as the equivalent of opening the refrigerator door, opening it, and seeing the Grand Canyon.
Stephanie shares how she was at rock bottom when she made a blind decision to take a chance and invest some time in herself at the end of her marriage. In front of hundreds of people on Zoom, she shares her absolute disappointment at the ending of her marriage with a room of perfect strangers. (Just a little-known fact about Stephanie: She is not a huge fan of public speaking).
This episode is riddled with takeaways for anyone going through a rough patch in life. Lean in and prepare for a very intimate discussion about the core of life.......the heart.
What You'll Learn:
- Hitting rock bottom can be a necessary step to opening oneself up to self-improvement.
- Vulnerability and growth can be powerful tools to become “awake” and gain a new appreciation for life.
- Sharing one’s story can help in the healing process.
Favorite Quote
"I'm on this journey. I don't think it'll ever end. I will always be on this journey of getting to know myself."
-Stephanie Castro
Connect with Stephanie:
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
According to a recent survey in 2023, 21% of adults are experiencing at least 1 mental illness. That equates to about 50 million people in the United States. 55% of them have not received any treatment. 32% of them reported depression. Those are astronomical stats to throw at you, but good to know in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. This is no laughing matter. It's a higher call to action. It's not enough to simply raise awareness or donate funds to a campaign that simply funds the organization that provides mental health services. It is the responsibility of each person here on this planet to keep the world filled with sunshine. As you can see there is a huge demand for people who want and need your support. Some will not ask for it, so it's important to make a conscious effort to reach out to people close to you. A simple phone call, text, DM, email, or invitation to lunch or dinner occasionally makes a huge difference in someone's day. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to spread positive messages and consider a mental health benefit for employees and their families. 2. Laughter can help reduce stress and anxiety. 3. Doing something nice for others can go a long way in helping to promote positive mental health.
Now, more than ever is a great time to spend time investing back in people you may have lost touch with. One simple connection will make more of an impact than you know.
How To Get Involved: Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further. If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Life is a beautiful thing. In the beginning, before we are numbed by the shadows of this Earth, we can feel the vibrations of life.
The wind blowing, the crashing of the ocean waves, the chirping of the birds, the pounding of the rain on the pavement, and the thunderous roars of large crowds in stadiums.
They are beautiful moments that drift from second to second, minute to minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year.
But it's not constant. We get addicted to the highs of life and are constantly searching for sustained fulfillment. Some choose alcohol. Some drugs. Some don't get a second chance to try it again.
Sarah Vincent is a drug and alcohol counselor at Serenity Lane and Founder of the non-profit Soul Purpose. She helps people find their way back to sobriety by working with at-risk youth and drug/alcohol recovery and has also studied spiritual practices such as grounding, chakras, and crystals to help people heal themselves holistically. Sarah emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health and encourages others to take control of their life and start their journey to recovery.
What You'll Learn:
- How Sarah has dedicated her life to helping others overcome addiction.
- Why she uses spiritual practices such as grounding, chakras, and crystals to help people heal holistically
- She emphasizes the importance of physical and mental health and encourages others to take control of their lives
Favorite Quote:
"I can make really dumb choices sober, so Lord knows I don't need drugs and alcohol for that."
-Sarah Vincent
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There's a song by Garth Brooks called, "Unanswered Prayers." If you've never heard it, listen to it as soon as you can. It's a perfect song to listen to in the moment you look up in your life and realize it's completely different than it was 5 years ago, and in a good way.
There are so many paths we take, and so many journeys we go on in order to discover and uncover the essence of who we are. It's the search for the reason we're here. Not mankind, but us personally. Part of our lives have been mapped out and the rest is determined by the choices we make.
In this episode, Jeff takes a deep dive in a short period of time to share his upbringing as a Catholic, and while he's no longer practicing, he is a spiritual person who believes you can pray to God without being in a building.
Jeff talks about the importance of making time to live in reflection, gratitude, and a realization he had about the last 10 years of his life that you may share as well.
He talks about some important lessons he learned during his time on the farm with his father and grandfather and how he believes things always happen for a reason.
In this episode you'll learn:
- Why Jeff believes everything happens for a reason
- How patterns keep showing up over the course of our lives and why it's important to pay close attention to them
- A journey Jeff has been on for the last 4 to 5 years that has surprised him
- Jeff's logic as it pertains to the lessons and experiences we have and how they're important today
- Why it's important to reach out to people you haven't spoken to in awhile
- An offer to you that Jeff welcomes with open arms
- One of the biggest and simplest lessons Jeff learned from his Father and Grandfather
Moments of joy, sorrow, and calm, will come and go, but there's a message in each one of those moments.
Be sure to take some time. Take it in. Breathe.
Remember, everything and everyone you meet is by intention, and it's all for a reason.
Sometimes you won't know until time has been allowed to flow by.
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Life is interesting in many ways. In our 20s, we spend it chasing what we think we need to be, who we need to be, lusting for the things of this earth. Materialism and frivolity run hand in hand and then in our 30s, there's a subtle calm that comes. It's indicative of comfort, and in some perceptions, settling.
In our 40s, we have experience from the last 20 years and realize we spent many minutes, hours, days, and years running away from who we truly were this whole time.
Looking at a tape measure and estimating the average life expectancy of around 83 years old, we rip away 40 years from that and then reality sets in. Our lives are half over. We have unfinished business. Our minds start to wander in regret, and sometimes cherishing better times in our lives, and then a loud siren goes off alerting us to the fleeting time left on our clocks.
This week, Jeff does a deep solo dive on how life is a journey. Everything that has happened since the moment we arrived was ordained and like a song, the experiences we have, the people we've met, the challenges we've faced, and the successes we've enjoyed can be synced to a symphony.
What You'll Learn:
Why it's important to enjoy the journey you're on
How comparison drains the human spirit and how to cycle out and into something more positive
Simple steps you can take and things you can do to get aligned with gratitude for everything in your life
How to cultivate authenticity in your life
Why it's important to constantly develop yourself over the course of your life
Favorite Quote:
"Be present every day. Put your phone down in conversations. Don't look around. Look people in the eye and literally just be present. It's just you and that person there. It will absolutely turn your life around."
-Jeff Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
"Life on Your Terms: Overcoming Adversity, Embracing Change, and Creating a Fulfilling Life with Tanya Russell"
When you compare your journey to others, it creates conditions around self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and absolute loss of drive and focus. You have a unique reason you're here. It's been built into your DNA. Most people are 99% alike in who they are with the exception of the 1%. It's by design. Not one person, including twins on this planet, is exactly alike.
Tanya Russell is a serial entrepreneur, high-performance coach, and wellness spa owner. She is a huge advocate and practitioner of Kaizen, a Japanese practice of continual improvement as it pertains to business. She has taken her experience in life and business.
In this episode, Jeff and Tanya do a deep dive into the true value of freedom, lessons learned in childhood, and Tanya's discovery and love of numbers. She shares her journey of working at McDonald's at 15 years old and how that led to her owning multiple businesses. Jeff and Tanya have a great exchange on the importance of what it means to "Live Life On Your Terms" truly means.
What You'll Learn:
- The lessons Tanya learned after the passing of her Mother, Father, and Brother
- How everyone processes grief and what it means to love yourself through it
- Why it's important to enjoy your life now instead of waiting until retirement
- One book that will help you uncover the path to self-love, recovery, and enlightenment in hard times
Connect with Tanya:
Book: "Life On Your Terms," By Tanya Russell
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
One of the most commonly overlooked benefits of any health coverage is mental health.
There are benefits that aren't being utilized that would be beneficial for you, your family, and your professional performance at work.
As an employer, encouraging your employees to utilize the mental health benefits that come with their insurance coverage helps them, and their families, and helps them become more clear, balanced, and productive in their work.
It's great for them, you as the employer, your clients, and your company overall.
In today's society, we're dealing with higher rates of depression, anxiety, confidence, blockages, and much more. A lot of it has to do with an unhealthy balance of exposure to social media, "perceived societal norms," and a multitude of distractions thrown at us.
Most employer-provided insurance covers mental health, but there's a stigma around it. It's almost become a trigger word for society. Keeping up the appearance of being okay is more important than "being" okay.
It's time to stop talking about "mental health" and pay it forward with "virtue signaling" posts and really dive into helping those who are stuck, get unstuck, get healthier, and be more productive.
Everything that starts in the mind eventually comes outside!
Make sure it's only the very best!
This week, Jeff shares a few thoughts about the benefits of paying attention to your mental health and shares and reads a very strong testimonial written in letter form from "Sarah," an employee of a company that recently sought out this benefit, and her insights were profound.
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
If you've ever questioned the existence of God and required proof, there are people walking this Earth who have been transported to hell and physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially. Some never make it back, but for some, divine intervention plays a part in giving them a second chance. Max Nijst is an author, speaker, coach, and founder of Fearless Happyness and host of the Fearless Happyness Podcast. He is a proud husband, father, and grandfather and resides in Fallbrook, California with his family. Since 2003, Max has been clean, sober, and an advocate of mental health and drug addiction recovery. After joining the Navy and getting divorced, he found himself in a downward spiral of partying and drug use. After getting a felony possession charge and spending time in jail, he changed his life with the help of his sponsor and his friends. Max learned to be grateful and to help others and now works in the field of addiction to give back. Max believes that everything happens for a reason and that his recovery was due to divine intervention. What You'll Learn * Max has been clean and sober since 2003. * After spending time in jail, he changed his life with the help of his sponsor and friends. * Max believes that his recovery was due to divine intervention * Why Max chose to go back to help others with addiction * The massive effects his actions had in his life and the number of people he hurt and impacted by his selfishness and addiction * What drives Max to this very day * Why he does what he does and some solutions he uncovered for challenges unresolved in society
Favorite Quote:
"I kept making promises to my Mom. I'd tell her I would get better, get a job, and I would find the kids so she could be a grandma again. Then she asked me, "What are you going to do?" I said, "I don't know." In that moment she believed me and for the first time, I saw in her face a look that there is hope."
-Max Nijst
Connect with Max:
Fearless Happyness Podcast
Website
Book: Fearless Happyness
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Unlock Your Potential by Embracing an Independent Mindset and Diverse Perspectives Nowadays more than ever, we need to create space for relationships and harness the value of diversity in the workplace, as well as understand systems and recognize the amazing personalities that make the world great.
Kendra Pink is the founder of PNP.Works helping entrepreneurs harness the power of systems, processes, and tools to streamline and create a true opportunity for maximized efficiency, and profitability in business.
In this episode, Kendra and Jeff have a very colorful and cordial conversation about the importance of clearing your mindset, and how to apply this to creating workflows in your business to make an impact permanently.
Key Lessons 1. Creating space for relationships and harnessing the value of diversity in the workplace is key to success. 2. Flexible learning options and recognizing different perspectives is essential. 3. Understanding systems and recognizing different personalities is important to make the world great.
Connect With Kendra PNP.Works
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
We all have predestined paths. There are no mistakes, no coincidences and nothing is an accident. We were born into this world to take a journey back to our truest selves. Sometimes the road is riddled with challenges that range from unhappiness in our work, relationships, addiction, disappointment.....the list goes on. Dustin Johnson is a serial entrepreneur who started in the fitness space and now has expanded into e-commerce. He and his wife Tanya travel the country in their bus spreading the word of hope, inspiration, love, and the importance of working like your life depends on it every single day. Dustin Johnson shares his insights on what it means to be "addicted to winning" and how writing a book was a form of healing for him. He talks about his own journey of overcoming losses and how sports shaped his competitive spirit. He also discusses the ups and downs he and his wife faced, including his drug addiction, her endometriosis, and their declining marriage. Together, they sold their possessions and traveled for nine months to rebuild their relationship. Finally, he shares his experience of launching a new apparel company, Burn the Boats, which sends positive messages and helps people reach their full potential. What You'll Learn * Dustin Johnson overcame losses and drug addiction to become an entrepreneur. * He and his wife sold their possessions and traveled the world to rebuild their marriage. * Through his apparel company, Burn the Boats, Johnson has found a new purpose in helping others reach their full potential. * Why Dustin quit playing sports in High School and a confrontation that took place between himself, his Father, and the coach * The dark road Dustin chose to take despite coming from a family of champions * Lessons learned along the way * When Dustin met his wife * Struggles with unfortunate loss, and how Dustin reconciled to live a better life despite all. of the adversity, he encountered in his life * A couple of life-changing decisions Dustin made which completely brought him and everyone he loves back to the path of light
Favorite Quote: "The gift of life is that it is never the same - so decide to make the most of it, spread love, and never settle. "
- Dustin Johnson
How to Connect With Dustin Facebook Instagram Burn The Boats Book: Strength Through Struggle How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Brandon Schwartz from Schwartz Law Firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares his thoughts on what "addicted to winning" means to him - striving to be the best in all aspects of life, supported by his competitive nature from playing sports and growing up with business-owner parents.
He also discusses the transition from hockey to law, the trend of false discrimination and harassment claims, and how employers are trying to balance working from home with going into the office.
He talks about his dream dinner with two historical and military role models and the need for people to look for ways to succeed rather than looking for reasons to fail, before detailing the firm's focus on relationships over transactions.
Key Lessons 1. Brandon Schwartz has transitioned from hockey to law and has learned to balance his competitive nature with his business background. 2. Discrimination and harassment claims are becoming more frequent, forcing employers to find a balance between working from home and going into the office. 3. Schwartz Law Firm focuses on relationships over transactions and encourages people to look for ways to succeed rather than looking for reasons to fail.
Summary Brandon Schwartz shares his thoughts on what "addicted to winning" means to him. He believes it's an attitude to strive to be the best in every aspect of one's life and he attributes his competitive nature to playing sports, growing up with business-owner parents, and seeing them work hard to provide for their family. Hockey players who recognize and learn from others are more likely to be successful
Through hard work and a team-oriented mentality, one can achieve success even if they are not the most talented. This was proven by the leading point scorer of the ECHL team in 2008, who had 16 goals and 36 assists. Former NHL player Thomas Vanning describes his transition from playing hockey to law, noting that the competitive drive and thinking steps ahead of opponents that hockey requires is also true of litigation
He loves the law and the competitive nature of litigation, which made the transition relatively easy. Jeff discusses the importance of preparation in legal cases and visualization in athletics. He also talks about the trend of false discrimination and harassment claims, and how employers are struggling to find quality workers and protect their data while allowing employees to work from home
Employers are trying to figure out how to balance working from home with going into the office. HR should be tailored to the company and not be one-size-fits-all. Brandon works with his dad and stepmom in their family law firm, and his dad has taught him to understand the importance of why he's doing something, and not just simply doing it.
Schwartz Law Firm is built on referrals and works tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for its clients. Founder Martin Schwartz and his son Brandon have a strong belief in their ability to deliver and work together to ensure the best results. They have mutual respect and often have lunch together to discuss cases. focuses his law firm on closely-held business disputes, construction litigation, family law, contract negotiation/drafting, and personal injury. He is licensed in Minnesota, Iowa, Arizona, and the US Supreme Court. He would use an hour of his time to spend with family, then his two grandpas who developed Irish Spring and worked for Bell Mobile.
Brandon talks about his dream dinner with two historical and military role models, his appreciation for Martin's positive attitude, and the importance of fighting fair and shaking hands afterward. He also recognizes the negative effects of keyboard mentality, and the need for people to look for ways to succeed rather than looking for reasons to fail. Brandon from Schwartz Law Firm, a Minneapolis-based law firm, shares how to get in contact with them for legal services.
Connect With Brandon:
Schwartz Law Firm
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Life is going to take swings at you like a pendulum in a clock keeping the tempo of your time second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. Depending on what's happening in your life, time will move faster, or slower. Sometimes, it feels like it's moving in reverse, creating an environment of stagnation. Other times, it feels ethereal, enigmatic, or hopeful. Such is the essence of life.
Over the last couple of weeks, Jeff has had some pretty interesting conversations with some highly-elevated individuals. Their elevation has nothing to do with anything tangible on this planet. No cars, houses, money, prestige, or position is tied to their clarity. It is divine wisdom that brings perspective into this plane of existence. You can't find it in the store or buy it online. It's not available for sale.........the perspective is a gift.
What You'll Learn:
- Who Theresa Golden is and how you can get to know her better
- A unique theory about rainbows and pots of gold never explored
- Some of Jeff's biggest fears and why they've shown up on his "bucket list"
- Why enjoying a particular experience can be beneficial to you
- How reframing your mind and getting back is important after a setback
- Little-known ide effects of eating yellow snow you should know about
Connect with Jeff:
Iconic HR
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
One thing you can count on is life will always bring you something new, something unfamiliar, sometimes breathtaking, and at other times, terrifying. But those are usually pivotal moments that are infused with experiences, lessons, and many times, blessings. Depending on what you believe or don’t believe, there is a natural flow and order to the world we live in both physically and spiritually. We’re all on the same journey with different experiences. The great thing is, we have one another to share and help guide one another in the right direction at various stages in life.
Angela LaLande is a Wife, Mom, Business Owner, Author and speaker. She started her career in law and currently serves as owner and attorney at LaLande Title in Youngsville, Louisiana where she offers home buyers, realtors, lenders, and builders title insurance, escrow, and closing services for both residential and commercial properties.
Today, Jeff and Angela take a deep dive into her interpretation of what it means to be addicted to winning. She shares a couple of very personal and challenging moments in her life that could’ve made or destroyed her career. Angela talks about her faith and the grace she’s received along the way through the power of the Biblical word, the love of her family, and the support from perfect strangers. Angela talks about the power of prisms and how similar human beings are to the constructs of these powerful tools here on earth.
What You’ll Learn:
- Who Augustin-Jean Fresnel is, what he’s known for, and why has he’s become a superhero for Angela
- The pivotal moment in college that almost broke her law career
- Lessons learned from trials, tribulations, and accusations
- How judgment can cause a person to derail their life starting with their confidence
- Why Angela decided to name her book The Lighthouse Method
- Driving factors behind her current vision moving forward from setbacks and obstacles in life
- What the Lighthouse Method is
- The technology that has made Light Houses such powerful life-saving aids for captains of the high seas
Favorite Quote:
“You become a prism by becoming transparent and purified by where the impurities in your life become extracted allowing you to become a conduit for light.”
- Angela LaLande
Connect With Angela
The Lighthouse Method
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Life can be filled with the most enjoyable moments. The best ones are the smallest. Nell Tice found her passion in living life to the fullest and embracing those smaller moments. I’m excited for her to share her story and why she loves helping others.
Nell Tice is a woman of many roles. She is well known as a Digital Creator who is the host of the Sandcastle Radio show, she also runs her own travel vlog with her husband KennyandNell. Nell is the owner of EnTICEing Media where she handles a variety of photography and digital content creations. Nell is an Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, Speaker, Traveler Youtuber, Podcast Host, and Radio Host.
Nell speaks about her journey about how she took the step into broadcasting and digital creation. After losing her job in 2008 from the market crash Nell wanted to explore the world and help influence others to find their happiness.
What You’ll Learn:
● Feeling that inner sense to help other people
● The creativity and inspiration that music brings to everyone
● Why Nell never thought she would have her own radio show
● How the video streaming and social media industry can change everything for a person
● The transition Nell made in 2008 after the market crash
● How challenging it can be trying to discover your life purpose
● The unexpected opportunities that come later in life
Favorite Quote:
“I have the ability to highlight those aspects of people's lives to show why they're the best mother, why they're the best colleague, why they’re the best company to work with, why you’re the best neighbor or the best friend. It takes it to a different level, there's another step to my abilities and being able to help people and I have always felt that there was more. “
-Nell Tice
Connect With Nell:
Bio Site
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Jeff does business in your bedroom. He co-owns Gardner’s Mattress & More, the region's
premier better sleep store. He is fanatical about the 5-star experience and has gathered thousands of 5-star reviews. His book Sleep Better has helped thousands of people wake up happy too.
As a driven entrepreneur, he has licensed both his own custom software and educational marketing materials to others in his industry and in other industries.
Jeff’s marketing skills and knowledge are regularly featured and acknowledged online, in books, and in magazines.
He is best suited to working with clients in a fractional visionary role with high-performing integrators who realize they can hit new levels but just need an ally and visionary to support their efforts to get there.
Jeff G addresses why you shouldn’t be scared to speak up. After sharing some dark points in his life Jeff sheds light on how those moments can be your way to give others motivation and a voice. He also talks more about his businesses and what he gets out of coaching others.
What You’ll Learn:
● What Jeff does to give back to his community
● The technique Jeff does in his podcasting to reach out and inform others
● What Jeff plans to get from starting his company Big Ticket Life
● The intel you can use to decide if you want to do business with a client
● Where are you putting your messages for your team-what are your values in them?
● How Jeff got into Marketing and what drove him to be a mentor
● The impact self-development can have on yourself and others
Favorite Quote:
“If you’re leading, they are looking to you. . “
-Jeff Giagnocavo
Connect With Jeff:
● Website - www.TheBigTicketLife.com
● Website - www.TheJeffG.com
● Website - www.GardnersMattressAndMore.com
● Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeffgiagnocavo
● LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgiagnocavo/
● YouTube - www.TheBigTicketLife.live or https://youtube.com/@thebigticketlife
● Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeff.giagnocavo/
● PodMatch, Big Ticket Life Show Page
● PodMatch, Jeff Giagnocavo Guest Profile Page
● Forbes Business Councils Profile Page
Jeff Giagnocavo in action - sampling of work and profile
● https://thejeffg.com/jeffinaction
Gift - no opt in, just grab it
● https://thebigticketlife.com/mainstreet
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Reaching for your dream and being told flat out that you are not good enough, or that you should find a different career can be demoralizing. It can make a person think that what those other people are saying is true. This wasn’t the case for Sheral DeVaughn. I’m excited for you to hear her amazing story today and the trials and tribulations she beat to get where she is today with the success she has had in Radio.
With many impressive roles, Sheral DeVaughn has made a huge impact in her community and has helped a lot of people feel like they can be their authentic selves. Sheral is a Communication Strategist and she is the CEO, Founder, and Director of Speaking With Sher. She is also a radio host, Best Selling Author, and Podcast host of her podcast Cocktails and Conspiracies. Sheral usually spends her free time with her family and is an Ultra Kayak Racer.
Pursuing a career in a relatively male-dominated industry Sheral knew exactly what to expect from others. Sheral and Jeff both speak about the people that we put in our lives not by mistake but on purpose. This episode is full of life lessons, and examples of what we may experience at some point in our lives. Sheral addresses why she never let someone tell her she wasn’t good enough and how she turned that into motivation to work harder to be able to help others have a voice.
What You’ll Learn:
- What it’s like coming from a family where women do not have an equal value to a man
- The comfort Sheral felt being on stage and in front of a microphone
- When Sheral knew she needed to pull herself out of her negative mindset and readjust her thinking
- What it felt like when Sheral finally got her opportunity
- The importance of showing your vulnerability before being your authentic self
- What substance abuse can do to yourself and your image
- You are only as strong as the core values that you have for yourself
- Controlling what you let others think of you and how to overcome the fear of being rejected by others
Favorite Quote:
“There were other people that were in the space that I was in and if I can tell my story somewhere and touch one person and save them from half of the misery that I went through, then that’s a win like no other. “
-Sheral DeVaughn
Connect With Sheral:
Speaking with Sher
Cocktails and Conspiracies
Amazon
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Feeling restricted and unable to be your authentic self is one of the worst feelings a person can have. It can impact your everyday life and the way you present yourself to others. Luckily after finding peace, love, and clarity, Theresa Golden made her stand and went after her dream.
Theresa Golden is a loving Mother and Grandmother, she is known as The High Priestess of Love. Theresa now at the age of 67 has continuously lived her life to help others. She is a Musician, Reiki Master, Practitioner, Teacher, and Speaker.
After a 43-year marriage, Theresa had enough of giving herself a reason to hold back from what she wanted to do, what she knew she was born to do. Theresa shares her story of where she was mentally during her relationship, and how her upbringing with her mother and siblings created her deep passion for creating music and being a vocalist.
Jeff and Theresa both address the importance of recognizing when you’re lying to yourself and not showing yourself enough love. The message of what relationships and friendships teach us is what inspired Theresa to create her song “Journey to love” and why she hopes that it will positively impact others.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Theresa stayed in her marriage even though she wanted out after 25 years
- Being your authentic self regardless of others' judgment
- The process Thresea went through to release her first EP during the Pandemic in 2020
- Why you need to take a step back and see if you truly love yourself
- Recognizing when you’re lying to yourself
- The difference between acting with a limited mindset, and a free mindset
- Where Theresa's dedication to helping others comes from
- The passion for music that runs in the Golden family and how it impacted Theresa
Favorite Quote:
“I used to tell people that Theresa is like this: you can love me, like me, or leave me. Whichever is your choice? Whichever you choose. Guess what? Theresa is still going to always love you and I know that I can love you at a distance. I’ll never fake my love away, I'll never stop loving because that’s what I am. That’s who I am. “
-Theresa Golden
Connect With Theresa:
Theresa Golden
Email: TAGolden12@gmail.com
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
When life gives you a community with a limited mindset, you take it in your hands and crush it. Being an entrepreneur takes long nights and grit. Not everyone makes it to their vision- except for the people who stay hungry. Jonathan is an example of someone who has retaliated against the social standard and put his effort in full force.
Jonathan Lautermilch is a newly made Father, Husband, in his professional life Jonathan is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Fit Pro Collective, and he is also the Owner and Founder of Smart Shark. As an Elite Business Consultant, Jonathan always provides his clients with what they need by giving them a smile along the way.
Raised in a household where success was based on the degree you’ve obtained or the salary you make, Jonathan broke those barriers as he entered into Entrepreneurship. Jonathan discusses his upbringing and how he built his business to help other people. Jeff and Jonathan both speak about what mindset is and what we can do to control it for ourselves, starting by ignoring what it is doing to other people.
What You’ll Learn:
- Knowing when to start competing for yourself and not others
- The reason Jonathan became addicted to winning
- Understanding that there is plenty of room at the top
- Where Jonathan found his place as an entrepreneur
- The process of becoming a CEO
- Changing your mindset to focus on the 2 important things that you need to be driven by
- How Jonathan and his wife bonded by working together
- Jonathan’s bitter experience working in the corporate setting
Favorite Quote:
“The more that I focus on being better today than I was yesterday and overcoming myself and not focusing on overcoming where other people are at, the more it’s really allowed me to flourish and grow and build my life. But what I call by design and not by default.”
-Jonathan Lautermilch
Connect With Jonathan:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Creating a change for ourselves to have more clarity or feel better about who we are can be difficult. Usually, it takes going through a traumatic experience or living in the pattern long enough to want to adapt. Athena went through both of these situations which pushed her out of her comfort zone and into her uncomfortable process to get to where she is today.
Athena Simpson is a Serial Entrepreneur, and business brand strategist. Athena has also advised higher Fortune 500 clients, she's a master at providing business hacks, and runs her podcast called the Unrestricted Live.
After focusing on her health and her career goals, Athena made the change. She speaks about how she changed her diet, and her circle, and how she achieved the business goals and lifestyle goals she always wanted. Jeff and Athena discuss what it does for you to cut out all of the bad habits and create new ones that are focused on helping your success.
What You’ll Learn:
- What Athena learned from receiving clarity
- How Ariel workouts helped with Athena's mental health and mindset
- Changing your language to improve self-development
- Redefining yourself without bad habits
- What cycle hacking is
- The benefits of dieting and fasting
- Being aware of what you’re putting into your body and how it can affect you
Favorite Quote:
“The Language that we use has such a huge impact on the day-to-day so I've been very intentional about switching out words to make sure it matches my overall vision.”
-Athena Simpson
Connect With Athena:
AthenaSimpson
BioSite
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Everyone is given the gift of life, and an opportunity to make something from it. It can take any amount of time to finally reflect back and see what the life lessons were teaching you the entire time- but it is up to you to make the change. Tracy Read is a hard worker who built her focus on taking care of herself and her family by any means necessary.
Tracy Read is an Entrepreneur, Mother, Grandmother, and Clinical Trial Administrator who is a strong advocate for helping victims who have experienced Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking. Through her business Damsel In Defense, she provides women, and men of all ages with self-defense tools and teachings to provide safety.
Growing up and being on her own since the age of 16 Tracy speaks about the lessons she learned and the tribulations that impacted her mindset. After reflecting back on her past Tracy shares what she allowed to define her to become successful and how remaining humble and hard-driven got her to where she is.
What You’ll Learn:
- How we take control of our trauma
- How Tracy manages to work her 9-5 and juggle her business
- Finding the most in opportunity no matter your experience level
- The reason Tracy left her first husband and how it affected future relationships
- What Tracy does to retain a focused vision and mindset
- Why trauma follows until it is resolved
- Being cautious of your surroundings in life, business, and relationships
Favorite Quote:
“I’m turning 60 this month and I'm just now resolving traumas all my life but it’s sad that it took me that long- I didn’t learn the traumas I didn’t know .” (On Why we never see the process until way later)
-Tracy Read
Connect With Tracy:
Damsel In Defense
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
People are ever changing. When we get on track and start something we don’t realize what the point of the journey is until it’s over. Finding the right people to surround yourself with, even get into a relationship with is a part of the process. Kekua found her way through everything but it wasn’t until the smoke cleared.
After her divorce, Kekua decided it was time to create her business HBIC (Head Bitch In Charge) where she is a Leader for Women mentoring them onto the path to success. She is also an Author and a wonderful loving mother of two.
Jeff host’s special guest Kekua as she speaks about why she carries her passion for helping other women break the standard that they are given. Dealing with an unhealthy relationship is one of the most difficult things a person can do- you never realize what the situation is until it’s already happened. Kekua shares how she found clarity and built herself to where she is today.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Kekua developed herself after her divorce
- Recognizing manipulation through other people
- Finding worth in the gift that you’re given
- Learning that you don’t need to latch onto someone just because they show you love
- What Kekua learned from working with other entrepreneurial groups
Favorite Quote:
“All these things they’re negative if you’re a woman, if you stand for yourself, if you have self respect. All these things that you and I understand are positive- these are important. But as I was growing up if you had any of that you were a bitch. That was a bad thing and of course people put names on you when they want you to retract from it, withdraw from it, be afraid of it, but I do have self respect now. I have learned to love myself, I do stand up for myself, I do know what I deserve. So if a bitch is what you want me to be then Baby I’m a bitch .”
-Kekua Kobashigawa
Connect With Kakua:
HBIC
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Happiness is an emotion that people label on certain things like Traveling, Finances, and People. It’s none of those things, happiness stems from who you are and what you’re feeling in life. Amy Cattaneo has become an expert over the years of unlocking the secret to what it is and how it can positively show more in what we do.
Amy Cattaneo is a Co-Owner of a 7 figure Gym Infinite Personal Training, and Happiness Coach. Amy spreads joy to her clients by restructuring their mindset to find out where their happiness truly stems from. From Personal Fitness, Informing clients about essential oils, to creating a positive impact by shifting clients Happiness- Amy has always been a hustler.
Growing up in New York Amy felt like she was meant for something more, after moving to Texas with her boyfriend at 15 Amy realized it wasn’t her location that was why she wasn’t happy- it was something deeper. Jeff and Amy discuss what happiness is and how you can unlock it. Amy speaks about how she got into Personal Fitness and why she was so attracted to helping others.
What You’ll Learn:
- Amy’s Happiness course and why she created it
- How much society has shifted
- Amy’s mindset on competing and why she focuses on herself instead of others
- The upbringings Amy and how she ended up purchasing her business
- Why Moving to Texas at 15 opened her viewpoint and how it ended up being one of the best things that happened for her
- What focusing on your worth truly means
Favorite Quote:
“Happiness is the state that I want everyone to be in.”
-Amy Cattaneo
Connect With Amy:
Amy Cattaneo
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
To grow up having everything taken away from you can have crippling effects on your mindset. Coming up from nothing and thinking the world is against you can create a negative mindset. Taking action is the key to helping others and making an impact in a positive way. Patrick Bolanos has been dragged to the bottom and has been working his way to the top to help improve other people's lives by creating opportunities.
Patrick Bolanos is a Husband, Father, Podcast Host, BJJ Expert, but most importantly he is the Owner of the Working For a Dream Baseball Academy, a Non- profit organization that provides coaching, funding, and baseball equipment to the children and teenagers of Nicaragua. He is also the Founder of Trailer King Builders, a trailer production company that builds food trucks, and other trailer equipment for your company's needs.
There's a difference between being dedicated and being a natural hustler. Patrick no doubtedly embodies both of those qualities. Patrick speaks about why you are in control of the process. The process isn’t against you, it is for you. Patrick shares his experiences growing up dealing with a corrupt government in the 1970’s/ 80’s, and he shares how he used this as motivation to go in search of a better life, not just for his family, but for others who are in pursuit of the next level of greatness and living a great life.
What You’ll Learn:
- Patricks upbringings moving from Nicaragua to the U.S.
- Why winning is a tradition in the Bolanos family
- What Patrick did to get his education
- The process it took Patrick to level up
- The turning point Patrick experienced in 2017
- Why Patrick decided to move back to the U.S. in 1998
- How Patrick established his Baseball Academy “Dream Academy” and how it has impacted others
- What being of uncomfortable means to Patrick
Favorite Quote:
“Was I passionate about being an entrepreneur before? No. Was it something I would think about? Absolutely, but you can create the passion that is not something that is within you, you can create it if you make the decision to work towards something every single day.”
-Patrick Bolanos
Connect With Patrick:
Trailer King Builders
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Consistency and proficiency are skills that aren’t easily mastered. Everyone starts off as a student. What makes the master is determined by the work put in to gain the experience and wisdom. Jeremy Schreifels started his journey like anyone else did, but once he saw an opportunity he persisted on finding new ways to level up.
Jeremy is a Father, Husband, 2x Best-Selling Author, High Level Musician, Master Networker, and Co-Founder Of Monumental Voice Media. At Monumental Voice Media Jeremy provides his clients with coaching that allows them to launch their own Podcast and Audiobook, while also providing the best quality of Producing and Editing services that leaves them with a smile.
Jeremy talks about his versatility in music and how it has opened himself up for opportunity. Starting as an Educator Jeremy shares how he went from being a teacher to becoming an Entrepreneur and sharing his passion for creating and playing music. Jeff and Jeremy touch on what it means to network and separate the people you want to be around to increase your ability to grow.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why staying consistent is important to Jeremy
- What being a Musician means to Jeremy
- The passion Jeremy has for music and how it impacted his mindset
- Jeremy and Danny’s vision for their Media Company
- The scaling growth of the Audiobook industry
- Why Podcast are becoming more influential
- What it takes to build a proficient relationship
- The impact of losing his Dad at an early age that made Jeremy into the man he is today
Favorite Quote:
“For me it’s opened my eyes to what is possible and brought me into a space with what I at this point call my people. People who are like minded who think like I do, who have ambitions and passions and purpose like I do.”
-Jeremy Schreifels
Connect With Gail:
Music By Jeremy
Monumental Media
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
It takes a special kind of person to live a long and healthy life with a leveled mindset, Gail Kraft goes above and beyond to reach past the ceiling that was set above her. Gail knows what it means to persevere through tough times and find positive solutions to them. Today Gail shares her life experience and what made her into the woman she is today.
Gail Kraft is a Published Author, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, and a Motivational Speaker who is an Empowerment Master who speaks about the empowerment process and what it takes to clear your mind to allow more focus towards your success.
Gail Kraft speaks about how in a 3 year span of time in her mid twenties she went from being a single Mother on welfare to being a homeowner, and manager by focusing on what she needed to do to become successful. Gail and Jeff address why people avoid the responsibilities to focus on changing what’s going on now and make an excuse for what’s happened in the past rather than come to terms that the past isn’t in the present.
What You’ll Learn:
- The first time Gail started her Personal Empowerment Journey
- What our life's purpose is and how Gail found her addiction to success
- What it takes for others to believe in themselves
- The impact societal programming makes on people
- The feeling of abandonment Gail carried throughout her life
- Focusing on your instinct over your skillset
- Why winning is multidimensional to Gail
- Understanding why we allow fear to block a clear sense of power
Favorite Quote:
“When I got fired that's when I said ok I know what I need to do because i’ve done it before and I know how far I need to take it all the way and I started looking at myself and seeing like what I don’t like about me and is that really who I am or is that the person I became or is that the person I was told I was.”
-Gail Kraft
Connect With Gail:
Books
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The most pain that comes from every relationship is the healing process. Relationships don’t work unless you already love yourself. When two people come together, they come with “stuff.” Sometimes, it’s stuff that hasn’t been resolved. It could be childhood trauma, abandonment, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and everything else that should be unpacked before committing to a relationship. Stephanie shares her story of how she found her way during her healing process after her marriage.
Stephanie Castro is the Founder and CEO of Stay at Home Pet Sitting. She is also a Real Estate Investor,Creator of Marketing and Graphics, and Entrepreneur. Stephanie also leverages over 13 years of experience in the Oil and Gas Industry with a Graphic Design background.
Stephanie addresses the healing process that helped her as she got through her divorce. As Jeff and Stephanie speak, they are focusing on the value of a relationship and how impactful it can be to be on the same page as your partner. Stephanie talks about how she got into Real Estate and what that does for her today and how her degree in Graphic Design has created an endless amount of opportunity for her in her industry.
What You’ll Learn:
- Learning to not be a victim but a victor
- How Stephanie got herself into Real Estate Investing
- The bomb Stephanie felt on the third year of her marriage as it went off
- What Stephanie needed to do to properly heal
- What makes a relationship truly work
- The fair perspective of loving yourself
- Why trauma impacts us more than we realize
- Understanding what your love language is and how it ties into your partner
Favorite Quote:
“It’s all inside if you can remove everything, even people in your lives and you can still stand with nothing, no items, no nothing and you can still be happy within- to me that's winning.”
-Stephanie Castro
Connect With Stephanie:
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
A process can be started by anyone, we often think to ourselves that we won’t be that one percent and amount to anything. The reality is that we can overcome anything and apply the pressure onto others for their sake to achieve the task at hand. Zachary Babcock is going to share his story in disparity and give you a reason to move forward.
Zachary Babcock is the Founder and CEO of Alpha Dog and he also carries multiple titles including devoted Father and Husband, and the CHief Visionary of the podcast PowerTrain.
Jeff bring’s on Zachary who carries a social following of an outrageous
amount of views on his social media platforms, but that not all. Zach shares his oppression of going through prison and having to carve his path to success. Zachary discusses the topic of podcasting and what it takes to reach the next level. Diving into the process and the heart it takes to complete the process- Zach talks about how his clientele has inspired him to keep driving forward.
What You’ll Learn:
- The amount of people Zach has helped since launching his podcast
- Figuring out Zach’s way especially in the marketplace going back to 2018
- The shift Zach made after leaving prison
- The process of Zach leveraging his podcast right away
- The motivation that drives Zach to help others and hear their stories
- What made Zach decide to monetize his podcast
- The trauma Zach confronted in 2021 to level up his mindset
- Why Zach is motivated to helping others
Favorite Quote:
“I knew that I was going to get to this point someday, it was going to happen because I wasn’t. I was going to die in the process someday it was either I was going to do it or I was going to die trying- that was now it was going to go. I was going to go all in. I just didn’t think it would be through podcasts.”
-Zachary Babcock
Connect With Zachary:
Underdog Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Rejection is one of the largest fears a person can have, but it shouldn’t control our destiny. We allow those inner demons of fear to block the light and stop us from what we are trying to accomplish. Amy Hesper dealt with the blockage of that fear until she involved herself more into her faith and found a few great mentors to help guide her.
Amy Hesper is an Artist who specializes in Unique and Common Art that spots visual Meditation and Spiritual connections. Amy is also an Entrepreneur, and a recently Published Author of her book “Loving yourself like God Loves You”. After doing inner-reflective work, Amy found a path that she uses to help others improve their confidence and how they view themselves.
Jeff host’s special guest Amy Hesper where she addresses why loving yourself can be the hardest thing to do without support. Amy speaks about the hardships of feeling rejected and bullied in her upbringings and what it did to her mindset during her teenage, childhood years. Jeff and Amy discuss the importance of finding a circle of supportive people and getting close to them.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Amy had low self-esteem and confidence in her upbringings
- When Amy decided to push away negative thoughts and mindset that she was experiencing
- The lonely journey of working towards your dreams and happiness
- What the power of words can do to a person
- The struggles an empath deals with technology always advancing (social media)
- Why Amy’s Grandmother was her first real mentor and how she guided Amy
- The spiritual gifts that Amy uses to help others and her “why”
- The experience in 2010 that took Amy down her creative path
Favorite Quote:
“I am worthy, I am Loved, I am winning and of course God loves me because here I am- He’s the one who kept me going.”
-Amy Hesper
Connect With Amy:
Art Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Finding success at any early age can be difficult for our minds to fully understand, especially without proper guidance. It’s always humbling to be able to reach out to a mentor to seek advice or maybe for some help when starting a business or jumping into the ownership position. Brent Knott started off early as an entrepreneur and has been grinding ever since to continue his success.
At the age of 23 Brent Knott was led by his mentor as he became the full time owner of “Design It Wraps” where he helps his clients with all vehicle decal needs. Brent is also a devoted husband, and entrepreneur.
Today Jeff host’s Brent Knott, a successful entrepreneur who shares his story of the upbringing he had when he started out as a business owner and the people he emulates. They both discuss the importance of becoming involved with groups and how networking can pay off and help you find more leads. Finding focus within your business can be difficult but not for Brent, and he addresses why he was able to continue growing his business and level up as quickly as he did.
What You’ll Learn:
- The structure of coaching Brents mentor paid back to him after selling the company to Brent
- Why Brent wanted a down turn in his business
- The obstacles of working into a corporate setting and recognizing when core values do not align
- What 75 hard did for Brent and his mindset
- The biggest take away Brent got from completing 75 hard
- The Where Brent really wants to be with his company
- How joining these entrepreneurial groups can be a low risk high reward
Favorite Quote:
“That’s my passion that really gets me up in the morning, like it’s cool to feel fulfilled for yourself- but to help other people feel fulfilled is even more fulfilling.”
-Brent Knott
Connect With Brent:
Facebook- Design it Wraps
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The real truth of addiction that no one realizes until it is too late is how it slowly poisons your mindset and the others around you. It creates a false sense of euphoria, which Jerry struggled with for the longest time until a phone call from his daughter changed the entire course of how he viewed himself with his struggles.
Jerry Gerken helps his clients find the vehicle they need for an affordable price. Jerry is not just a Husband and a Father, he is also an Entrepreneur, Marine Corps Veteran, Podcast Host, Published Author, and a 10x Marine wrestling National Champion, and a Servant of God.
Jerry speaks about how he got into sales and what he does to gravitate business to his clients by generating them more revenue through coaching. Jeff and Jerry talk about what Addiction does to people when they keep reaching for that “last itch” and what it takes to leap over the hurdle of quitting. Jerry addresses why wrestling has been a huge part of his life and how he enjoys giving back by coaching and creating opportunities for athletes.
What You’ll Learn:
- The feeling of knowing you had an impact on your predecessors
- Why Jerry got into car sales and how the recession impacted him in 2007/2008
- The 5 F’s Jerry lives by to lead a happy life
- What makes listening to a book every week so important to the process of how Jerry lives his life
- The reality that Jerry faced when he knew he had a Gambling problem
- The strong belief about Mana and how it works in our lives
- Why Jerry found his passion in coaching
Favorite Quote:
“That was it for me, it was at a point where you know what- this is wrong. I can’t continue to do this, I'm doing a disservice, it's my ethical duty to be successful for my family .”
-Jerry Gerken
Connect With Jerry:
Apple Podcasts
Link Tree
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The truth is we don’t have many people who are faithful in society today. Everyone is scrambling to find the quickest way to benefit themselves and not the ones relying on them. It wreaks of desperation and quite frankly, is an insult to what it means to be genuine. There are so many aspects to life and business, and it’s not hard to blur lines. Having a solid moral code is important. You can’t have 2 moral codes and be a genuine human being. At some point, you’ll end up compromising one or the other and this affects both your personal aand ultimately your professional life.
Matt Davis is the President of GDI Insurance where he helps his clients bring value to their Risk Management and Insurance Programs. In his personal life Matt is a devoted and loving Husband and Father. He has also been recognized by Forbes over 12 times for being a Published Author.
Matt addresses why his morals are the key component of his business. Jeff and Matt talk about the mindset of being in insurance and why it can be difficult at times, especially when you have to deliver some unfortunate news. Matt shares how hard he tried to leave the insurance industry, but found himself becoming passionate with what he does, and being able to help other people.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Matt takes pride in helping his employees become successful
- What makes addicted to winning important to Matt
- How Matt got into the Insurance industry
- The type of businesses Matt specializes in providing the best insurance possible to his clients
- Why Matt appreciates his team confronting him when there is an incident with core values not being followed
- Why it is critical to respond as a business owner and not react
- Who Matt looks up to and why he follows their advice and teachings
Favorite Quote:
“What I consider winning may not be the same thing I mean, yes dollars and banks are important and I’m not near where myself and my wife want to be in business and it all, but what it comes down to is who is around us, we finally hit a point in business especially where our team…… where we were getting success our team started individually being successful in our lanes and vertical and seeing that happening is awesome.”
-Matt Davis
Connect With Matt:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Anyone can crawl out of hell with the right determination, Eric wasn’t dealt a good hand in life starting as early as his upbringings when he was 7. Today’s episode is filled with hardship and the darkest truth that you will hear someone admit. Fortunately you get to hear how Eric turned his struggles into success.
Eric Rogers is the Founder of Rogers Fitness Academy where he helps other Entrepreneurs and CEO’s reach peak performance in their fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Eric is also a devoted husband and a loving Father, along with an entrepreneur and coach.
Today Jeff is host’s Eric Rogers, a man who has climbed more obstacles than the average person. Eric speaks about his experience of why going to Jail saved his life and how it impacted his mindset. Jeff and Eric cover what it means to be an ideal client and to also be a good person. Eric shares his pain that he went through not to be a Victim but to remind you that we are all in control of how we handle the darkness that comes our way.
What You’ll Learn:
- The trauma Eric had to own from his childhood
- Erics struggle with addiction from 8 years old to 24 years old
- How Erics addiction got to the point of him being shunned from his family
- The inner demons Eric had to face after his wife took their child and left him
- The ideal client that we need to look for
- What we take for granted until it’s gone
- What it took for Eric to realize he can’t dwell on the things he can’t control
Favorite Quote:
“Who are you when everything from you is gone, who are you when everyone leaves you, all the moneys gone and you’re left with nothing."
- Eric Rogers
Connect With Eric:
Instagram- The page will be available by next week
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Traumas are the things that hold us accountable for who we choose to be. We can allow them to take over our lives or we can deal with them head on and use them as a life lesson.
Rachel is the CEO and Founder of Exercise Your Soul, Transformation Coach, Speaker, and a Mother. Rachel found herself as a Relationship Expert by providing for her clients by helping them face their true emotions by confronting them head on and accepting them.
Rachel has a large variety of experience in her field, but what Rachel addresses with Jeff is the biggest question we all ask ourselves. Why is it easier to help other people going through a situation than it is to help ourselves? The pressure of trauma. Rachel talks about what made her realize why her first marriage didn’t work. It wasn’t her husband, it was herself not being clear about her emotions. The biggest misconception is we tell ourselves we are fine, happy, nothing is wrong. It’s about digging up what's really bothering you. You can’t love others without loving yourself.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why are we wired for thriving
- The unique joy Rachel experienced as a educator
- Why it is good to recognize the skill traits you have
- The importance of facing your traumas
- What makes us afraid of discomfort
- The bitter truth of loving someone who doesn’t love themselves
- What makes Rachel passionate about helping other people find themselves in their emotions
Favorite Quote:
“It’s that energy of like yes I am embracing life to the fullest and it doesn’t matter what the context is, it doesn’t matter what the content is. I am showing up as my authentic self with what is true for myself in this moment waiting, waiting like I'm doing it. I am doing this life thing.”
- Rachel Sartori-Thomas
Connect With Rachel:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Business owners and companies are struggling to juggle answering calls and completing the clients request at the same time. Luckily there is Outsourcing. Outsourcing is the best way to answer your clients needs and requests so that you have time to focus on your current task with another client.
James King Baskins is the CEO and Founder of Outsource Kings, a company that outsources tasks that would hold companies back from completing their job. James is an Author, and Entrepreneur. He has been sober for the past 14 years when he realized at the age of 20 he needed to make a change for his health and mindset.
James addresses why he carries his passion for Outsourcing and helping other people and how in 2008 when he got sober how his journey started. James speaks about the pattern of working minimum wage jobs with no higher employment opportunities that got him motivated to shift his mindset to the success he has today. Jeff and James share more about outsourcing as James explains his process that his company does to help others get what they need for their businesses.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why James got into outsourcing
- What Outsource Kings does for their clients
- What Addicting to winning means to James
- Why James is the epitome of Addicted To Winning
- The hurdles of his own mindset James had to change in Business and in LIfe
- The struggle James faced in his upbringings as a young entrepreneur
- James struggle with his addiction and how he has embraced his sobriety
Favorite Quote:
“Spending money was the biggest indicator of my investment and involvement with this coach.”
- James King Baskins
Connect With James:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Just about anyone can give advice to another person. For that, advice from a person that has experienced adversity, grit, failure, and perseverance should be the one qualified to guide others so they don’t make the same mistakes.
Tomas Keenan is the Founder of Step It Up Academy, Fractional COO, Husband, and Father. Along with that Tomas is also a Best-Selling Author of UnF*ck Your Business. Tomas carries many roles but his main goal is to provide educational information through his podcast: Step It Up Entrepreneur, and the services he provides businesses so they can adjust the inefficiencies in their model.
Tomas and Jeff both address why you need to have a system in place for your business such as a CEO, COO, HR, and other employee resources. Tomas speaks about his experience being in Service Based Business for over 20 years. Tomas talks about his upbringings and why he is dialed in as an Integrator who isn’t afraid of becoming versatile.
What You’ll Learn:
- How being involved in team sports molded Tomas mindset on grit and hardwork
- The difference of becoming a visionary & an integrator
- Why finding your “yes” person is key to your business
- Why Tomas loves working with service based businesses
- The process Tomas does for his clients during the audit process
- Tomas goals for the future
- The best Investment you can make for yourself
Favorite Quote:
“The skill set that I learned in that time frame- working with a lot of Coaches, working with a lot of Businesses, a lot of Mentorship really helped me develop into the person I am today & I now am able to take those skill sets and deliver them to my Customers, my Clients in a way that it’s pretty much broken down into complexities of Businesses.”
-Tomas Keenan
Connect With Tomas:
Amazon
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Today’s world as an Entrepreneur is advancing constantly with new innovative ways to brand, market and adapt your business model. The one thing that stands out the most is being short and direct. In today’s short attention-spanned society, you have 3 seconds at best to make an impactful first impression.
David Brier is the CEO of DBD International, Entrepreneur, International Best-Selling Author of His Book “Brand Intervention”. With over 40 years of experience in the industry- David is constantly looking to help Business Owners create the best model they can create through Branding and Marketing Techniques.
David addresses why you have to be direct to get the point across when attempting to sell your Brand. He talks about why he thinks of Steve Jobs as a role model for all Entrepreneurs by being one of the first to revolutionize how we as business owners shape our business models and brand them to consumers and clients.
What You’ll Learn:
- The difference of Branding and Marketing
- Why being present in the conversation is critical
- David’s passion of creativity and art
- Why modern day sales are advancing beyond marketing
- The difference of a typical marketer and a advanced marketer
- Why you have to know your audience you are looking to sell to
- The technique David uses to rebuild companies through Branding
- The largest weak spots for Entrepreneurs
Favorite Quote:
“Addicting to Winning is me being aware that the interaction that i’m having with someone can either be ordinary, average, predictable, or extraordinary, and I don’t mean extraordinary like( Oh this person is going to pat me on the back) No it’s how do I interact in such a way so it’s to elevate here.”
-David Brier
Connect With David:
Amazon
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Waking up with a smile is the best thing you can do for yourself. People are caught up in the little negative things that happen like having a flat tire, spilling their drink, or even showing up to work late. The main focus is clearing your mind and focusing on what went right for the day. Are you ready to put a smile on your face?
Barry Gabster is the Founder and CEO of Initiate U which is an Digital Marketing company where they specialize in helping you expand your business and grow it to it’s potential. Barry is also a Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author who is an expert in Networking and Marketing who focuses on Public Relations.
Barry speaks about why he is in the Digital Marketing Industry and how he helps others from multiple other Industries. Jeff and Barry talk about how immersed people have gotten into Digital Technology in the past 20 years. Barry talks firmly about how he prepares mentally in both his personal and professional life to handle the rapid changes. Mental Preparation is one of the most important things an entrepreneur can carry to prevent situations they can control from getting out of hand.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Barry grinds the 18 hour days
- Talks about the different industries he helps
- Why Barry got into the Mortgage Industry
- What Barry wants his advertising agency to become
- How Barry is becoming Elite
- The Unique Marketing Tactic used to attract clients
- How Barry’s acting career as a child formed him into an outgoing person
- The 6 P’s Barry uses through life's valleys
- Why Barry enjoys bringing a smile to peoples faces
Favorite Quote:
“That’s the thing, it's just like an insurance policy, it's almost by thinking of what could happen when you’re fixing the effect of that thing that pops up in that situation that occurs.”
-Barry Gabster
Connect With Barry:
Website
Toll Free Number- 833- 422- 4227
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
A person is only as strong as they work especially when you try to juggle taking care of your family and paying your bills. Being a servant to a community can mean many different things but to actually be a servant requires grit, hard work, and dedication. Larry holds the standards of a true servant.
Larry Brekken found his passion in Farming and serving his community. Larry spent 27 years of his career as a volunteer Fire-Fighter helping others and saving lives. Larry is also a devoted Father and Husband who has been happily married for almost 60 years. Larry shares nothing but wisdom and love to his children who grew up to be successful.
Larry talks about many experiences in his life but the main focus is his dedication to his family. Jeff and Larry both speak about the scariest moment that Larry came across in his career, the advancements in Agriculture and how much they’ve changed since the 1970’s. Larry talks about why he still works to this day being in his 80’s.
What You’ll Learn:
- What Addicted to Winning means to Larry
- Larry's experience farming and his passion for it
- Larry speaks about how much Agricultural Technology has advanced
- Speaks about his time as a firefighter and the scariest moments he experienced as one
- The moment that made Larry break down and cry in his career
- The acceleration of technology
Favorite Quote:
“You take care of your employees, give them respect, and treat them like family and they will treat you right and give you 110% .”
-Larry Brekken
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The safety of yourself and your family is something you should never have to worry about. There's a solution to feeling more protected in this unpredictable life.
Steve Schabacker is the Owner and Founder of Valhalla Research, and the Owner of Sheepdog Firearms. Steve started Valhalla Research with the goal of helping his clients with their customized firearms needs where they do everything from decals to design. Steve is also a Father, Husband, Coach, Serial Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Forbes Contributor. Steve is a 2 time Best Selling Author who also runs his own podcast called Tactical Entrepreneur.
Steve addresses safety with firearms and what his team does to make everybody feel comfortable about buying and using a firearm for protection or recreational use. Jeff and Steve speak about a workshop they went through that taught them more than they already knew about self defense. Steve breaks down how he got into the firearm industry and why being a part of Apex changed his position of leveling up.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Steve started Valhalla
- What Steve does for his clients and for Law Enforcement
- The business model Steve created to make clients feel more comfortable
- Why learning Firearm Defense is a useful life skill
- The ceiling Steve had to break to become surrounded by other Entrepreneurs
- The importance of making memories with family
- Why Steve is devoted to building his freedom
- The reason Steve involves himself in workshops
- Why Steve goes above and beyond for his clients
Favorite Quote:
“It's very rare for me at least to come across someone else that owns a business and there's a whole different set of problems when you own a business than when you work for somebody.”
-Steve Schabacker
How to connect with Steve:
Website
Amazon
Forbes
Podcast
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
In every village there is a King. That King tends to take what they want leaving the village farmer left with no crops to sell or feed to his family. Taxes work the same way, the Government being the King decides they deserve a piece of your crops because you’re growing too much. It’s time to take back those crops to feed yourself.
Keith Gause is the Founder and CEO of Tideland Financial and Tideland Consulting, He's a Husband, Father, and Veteran. Keith grew up watching his single Father hustle in the Plumbing Industry and learned from an early age how to be an entrepreneur. Towards the end of his senior year Keith enlisted in the Air Force where he served from 2000-2005 as part of the AFSOC (Special Forces). After finishing his time in service Keith decided to get into Insurance where he ultimately ended up opening his company.
Keith talks about his upbringing and how he ended up in the Industry of Consulting and Finances. Jeff and Keith also talk about three strategies that will help your business save money on your tax bill. Keith addresses why you need a solid tax foundation and how you can save money through the IRS Augusta plan.
Favorite Quote:
“My Dad instilled in me that winning is what we make winning. It’s not necessarily running up the scoreboard it’s not getting the trophy at the end of the season but it’s what you did during the season independently that’s winning.”
-Keith Gause
How to connect with Keith:
Tideland Financial
Phone Number: 904-401-9327
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There are many examples of what a leader resembles, and how they conduct themselves. No one realizes that a true leader has characteristics that are not the same as anyone else. A leader is someone who has become clear with themselves and has become focused on the mission. It requires clarity, focus, determination, and the willingness to go against the grain and trust oneself.
Lisa is an Executive Business Coach, and Founder of Upside Thinking and UpsideSummit.com who offers assistance to Leaders internationally through her program Summit to help them craft themselves into the Leaders they were meant to be. She has been recognized by the International Alliance Of Women, The White House, and The United States Small Business Administration for being one of the top 100 women making a difference in not just their community, but in the world.
Lisa and Jeff speak about LIsa’s program “Upside Summit” and how it has made an impact in the leadership community. Lisa talks about the clarity of reaching into your divine operating system and coming to terms with your darkness. Lisa felt abandoned by God due to constant violence in her household during her upbringing. She discusses the purpose of the 7 pillars in her program and how it may make you rethink why you feel stuck in the same place constantly.
Favorite Quote:
“I would rather move three things a mile each than a hundred things an inch.”
-Lisa Marie Platske
How to connect with Lisa:
Forbes
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Society is set in ruins, people scratching at an opportunity that they are told they will never see, streets filled with crippling poverty while the “Big Man” spends their time feeding their own network versus the people of the community. That is a notion that is unfortunately seen around the world. People are shut away from opportunity based on their social class left to deal with the cards they were dealt. However, there is a Warrior within us all waiting to become a Hero.
Carl Amery is a man who has experienced a lot in such a short amount of time. Carl is a Veteran in the British Army where he retired as a Sergeant Major after serving for 18 years, he is the Co- Founder of Clients In Abundance (Director Of Sales), Mentor, Speaker, and a coach.
Today’s episode has special guest Carl Amery. A man of true perseverance who made the decision to take action against the adversities he found himself in. Today’s focused conversation is based on the differences of a Visionary and an Integrator and how similar they both can be. Carl speaks about the poverty he grew up in and how he built his way up by implementing a plan into action. Jeff and Carl both discuss why you need to be identifying the people you surround yourself with and how they benefit you. But also recognizing the investment you need to make in yourself.
Favorite Quote:
“I just doubled down all my strengths and I let the other strengths get taken care of by the people who are strong at these naturally and that's a big mistake people make. They try to make themselves something they're not and that can burn them because they're like why do i feel like shit all the time? It's because you're trying to be someone you're not.”
-Carl Amery
How to connect with Carl:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
People often focus on the mindset that being successful is depicted on the material items you own. The real success comes from your heart. There's a difference between being rich and being wealthy. The rich have money, yet they spend it to keep up socially. The wealthy endure the journey of pain and brokenness to keep up with integrity and are continually reinvesting back in their people and into the world.
Steve Gamlin is an Author, Speaker, Coach, and Creator of Vision Boards Mastery. Steve endured severe adversity in 2002 by losing everything he had; His wife at the time, his job, and his life. Since then from about 2003 up to now Steve has been living his life focused on 8 major areas. It all started when Steve recognized the importance of having a life coach when he decided to build himself back better.
In this episode Jeff and Steve will be discussing what it means to be a visionary. Steve shares his insider knowledge from experiences that he went through himself and the experiences he went through as a coach. Steve is going to be sharing his true definition of what it means to have success.
QUOTE:
“My addiction to winning is to leave at least one situation a day better than the way you found it.”
-Steve Gamlin
How to connect with Steve:
Website
Steve's calendar
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Everyday the universe finds lessons to teach, dreams to foil, and plans to ruin everything good. This isn’t because you have a certain level of “luck”. That would be too broad, the universe attacks you viciously in every angle at every chance to make you better. There is a purpose for how events occur and how you become affected by them. The universe knows the lessons you need to go through to test if you’re ready for the next level.
In today’s episode Jeff goes solo for the first time since episode one. Jeff speaks about the three major gut punches that impacted him the most. Murphy (Adversity) is a ruthless dog waiting to tear you to shreds. For Jeff, he learned quickly in his early and late teens by going through a few traumatic events that prepared him for when he became an adult. The main discussion is going to be focused on how important it is to take care of yourself before others, paying attention to whom you’re spending your time with, and how you’re investing that time. When you get slapped in the face by life, what are the next steps you take to move forward?
Jeff shares these experiences by himself to set the tone on how he built himself on track to become truly addicted to winning and discover his true worth.
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
You pay your way to an outcome that will never fill the void. Oftentimes people are so influenced by a name over someone who truly hustles. Consistency will allow you to do anything in this world. Sometimes it takes a shorter amount of time to reach that business goal or achieve that skill you want– but it all comes with time. There is a false narrative that success is overnight. It goes back to the old saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” What’s your Rome? Do you want to influence or do you want to quit the moment you encounter adversity.
Callye Keen is President of the “Red Blue Collective”, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. Callye is based out of the Washington D.C./Baltimore area helping others reach their goals by finding innovative ways to help people save their money and time to grow their business.
In this episode of Addicted To Winning Callye Keen gives the perspective of time and effort. Jeff and Callye will discuss the importance of reaching out to your inner circle (Not talking about friends). The main focus of this episode is to guide the baseline for your future investments to yourself. Callye will be speaking about how he grew into the person he is today by dedicating his time to learn from those who are many steps higher than he is.
What You’ll Learn:
- What the true definition of “failure” means
- Why investing your time with a mentor who is more successful is impactful
- The techniques Callye uses to separate himself from the average entrepreneur
- What makes focus leverage
- Where you may be going wrong with the social media platforms you’re using
- The reason Callyes license plate says “Winner” and what the means to him
- Why do people trade their time for money
- How damaging it is to compare your success and failures to other people
- Why Callye created a facebook post of the skills he has to teach other people
- Why your mindset can greatly affect the way you do business
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Actions create opportunity, and then as we get those different levels of elevation we are able to see as we walk up the mountain what the true view of what the mountain range looks like. We can really see the valley, we can see all the peaks-we can see the art of the possible. ”
- Callye Keen
Connect with Callye: LinkedInWebsite
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The world revolves around the instant outcome. When people attempt a goal they sell themselves short. Usually everyone wants to be the shepard but ends up being the sheep. When you mine for the diamonds and constantly get stuck with iron, you quit before you realize you’re only a foot away from the prize.
Alex Jeffrey’s (Mr.Leverage) originally from the United Kingdom, moved to the United States is Founder of “Marketing with You”. He is also Co-Founder of “Clients in Abundance”. Alex is a serial entrepreneur, coach, and a father. Alex has been a business owner since the age of 20 bringing a smile to whomever he meets.
In today’s episode Alex explains the true definition of gratification. Jeff and Alex go into the importance of character and sales. They share a little about their upbringings, and dark moments that impacted them for the better. Alex talks about how people need to come to terms with the stuff they don’t want to confront or talk about. The truth is you never know who may need to hear your story or the advice they may carry.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Alex’s divorce really impacted his mindset
- Alex’s journey with self sabotage
- What makes validation deceptive
- How being completely opposite in views with your business partner can be important
- Why not researching into the use of technology for your business can be hurtful to yourself
- Where relationships create the leads which gives you sales
- How Alex avoided 10 years in prison in his early 20s
- When dealing with numbers why it’s important to throw out emotion
- What shapes us to obtain a better character
- Why confidence is a powerful tool
- Why Alex was miserable showing off materialistic items
- The importance of delayed gratification
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“We are all wounded children walking in adult bodies. ”
- Alex Jeffreys
Connect with Alex:
Facebook Group
Clients in abundance
How To Get Involved:
Addicting to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for the next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue SKy Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/ Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Today, Bennett Maxwell gives you a run down on his background of who he is and why his young business is rapidly growing. Jeff and Bennett also cover the topic of mental health, Standard operating procedures (SOP), and how to become more proactive when establisheing the foundation of your company.
Bennett Maxwell is a serial entrepreneur and investor based out of Pleasant Grove, Utah. He’is the former co-founder of “Switch to Solar.” In June of 2021, Bennett made the decision to leave the company and become the founder of “Dirty Dough” cookie company. Bennett also is the founder and owner of Maxwell Real Estate.
In this episode, Bennett and Jeff discuss how Bennett was able to build his current business “Dirty Dough” from the ground up in just eighteen months. They also both go over how important it is to make sure your employees are put first so that they feel appreciated.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why mental health should be put first
- The vision and drive Bennett had to expand his new business
- What made Dirty Dough quickly stand out from competitors
- How the standard operating procedures “SOP” are critical to the business
- The journey that made Bennett into the entrepreneur he is today
- How Bennett got involved in mental health foundations
- How Bennett created an item that no one else has in his industry
- Three important things to build you into an adaptive entrepreneur
- What is your true networth without you in the equation
- Why starting at a young age by making door to door sales boosted Bennett’s confidence and improved his business strategies
- Bennett talks about how in 2021 he launched into an unexpected opportunity
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“A true business has to run without you in it., so what is your NET if you have to replace yourself?"
- Bennett Maxwell
Connect with Bennett:
Website
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit solutions & RIse Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
As Jeff and Jon dive into this episode, you will learn alot about what it truly means to focus on the basics. There will be learning tools and mindset tools that you may never have thought of using before. The simplicity of operations and situations in life can become difficult to separate from reality. At the end of the day everyone overthinks common sense.
Jon Paramore is a lead integrator, consultant, who also has been a business owner for the past twenty-two years. He is also the founder of The Smash Co. where they specialize in taking control of your contracting business. Smash Co. works with entrepreneurs providing services such as coaching, marketing sales, operations, and recruiting.
In this episode, Jon and Jeff discuss the importance of learning new versions of yourself and your character. Jon adds onto this topic by discussing how refinement can be beneficial. How many times are you willing to schedule potential failure and pain to become successful?
What You’ll Learn:
- Why we control a vast majority of what happens to us
- The tenacity Jon carries in himself
- What it means to be a leader
- How the basic fundamentals will benefit you further than raw talent
- Common sense is the most important tool you need
- How taking a break can be detrimental to yourself and your business
- How failure can help you appreciate the wins
- Three important things that will carry you further than most people
- Jon’s perspective on leveraging both time and energy in a efficient manner
- Why a visit with Adam Smith opened his mind to explore the true meaning of being a mentor
- Jon talks about a moment in 2009 that he will never forget
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Success doesn’t reward the wrong people. ”
- Jon Paramore
Connect with Jon:
The Smash Co.
Podcast
How To Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit solutions & RIse Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further. If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Data is a huge business. Everything you think, see, do, your purchasing habits, your preferences in brands of goods are all for sale to the highest bidder. Companies pay great money for this data. They invest in clever campaigns and tactics at all costs to obtain this data and leverage to get into the lives of consumers around the world starting with YOU. Dave Caroll is Founder and CEO of Dope Marketing, based out of Minnesota helping companies as big as Nike, TiVo, Ashley Furniture, and thousands of small businesses engage, connect, and convert their target avatars to kool-aid drinking consumers of your brand, business, products, and services.
This episode is a firestarter for anyone in business who has been trying to crack the code and answer the age-old question of, “Where are my clients?” Dave and Jeff jump into the episode sharing their common bond of being Minnesotans. Dave shares a lot from his childhood including being shuffled to over 9 high schools due to fights, relocation, and family disruptions. He talks a little about his early years of going into business moving tons of “dope” to a tune of over a million dollars by the time he was 17. Jeff asks about the pivotal moment that took Dave from the Dope game to Data. Dave lays out the best way to center in on your avatar and how you can use direct mail to find your target audience simply by compiling specific data. Jeff and Dave talk about a couple of books and influences that have helped shape the lives of many people in business. They discuss why passion and execution are the secrets to dominating in life. Dave shares one specific book that will help make you a better copywriter overnight.
Bring your pads and pens. Class is in session!
What You’ll Learn:
- How Dave started Dope Marketing
- What D.O.P.E stands for and why you should leverage in your business
- One company Dave has owned for 12 years that he hasn’t stepped foot in for 5 years
- A deep psychological trick to help you connect with people on all levels
- Why it’s important to look at the behavioral-driven data, life event data and use it in your business
- What Dope Marketing discovered about the demographics of people such as Nike, Ashley Furniture, and Tivo
- One book that suggests how to measure how much you can charge versus how much you can make
- How old Dave was when he was counting a million dollars in a hotel room
- The number of times Dave’s dad was married
- How many high schools Dave attended and why
- A big breakthrough after prison that led to Dave creating a company generating $2M per year
- How Dave took dope and turned it into data and created legacy-building enterprises
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Why getting real specific in your water can lead you to the honey-pot of success
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I saw very quickly that we could get audiences to match very well into Facebook by associating cell phone numbers and multiple emails and when Facebook would take away targeting like FICO score, or income or homeowner status, I’d go get a direct mail list and enhance them to a bunch of other databases and get it to 80%-90%. These experts were like, “Who the fuck are you, dude?” I was like, “I don’t know, you wanna buy some data? Let’s figure some shit out.”
- Dave Carroll
Connect With Dave:
Dope Marketing
Facebook- Dope Marketing
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Public speaking still tops the list of one of the most terrifying things people can do. Imagine being in a room, on a stage in front of 1,000 people. What would you say? Would you walk around on the stage, or stand at attention? For most people, they would prefer death over having to speak publicly in a room with even 10 people in it. Philip Sessions is founder of “Speaking Sessions” and is a motivational speaker who is focused on helping develop executive level clients to become dynamic speakers from boardroom presentations to speaking on stage in front of thousands of people. He’s a podcaster, father, and is happily married.
Jeff and Philip break open the episode with a very direct discussion about the fear of public speaking and how most people would prefer death. Philip shares how he was shy and often overlooked as a child. He talks about his experience working as an engineer, eventually making his way intentionally into HR to acquire more personal development and training. Jeff and Philip connect on HR and share some wisdom on how to properly train and groom employees for success without the fear of them leaving. Philip has an interesting story about Toastmasters and the confines which didn’t allow him to deploy his career in that direction due to limitations. The conversation turns to discussing business, being a visionary, and why it’s important to learn the art of delegation and surrendering control in order to grow and scale. This is a great episode dripping with diamonds of wisdom.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why the ego and bad tequila will get in the way of you growing your business
- Some side effects of just thinking about public speaking including the sweats, shaky voice, and how to build confidence
- Some psychological tricks you can deploy to help you overcome your fear of speaking in public
- Why executives become worse at public speaking and presentation the higher up the ladder they rise
- Jeff shares how having a podcast has helped him become a better and more confident public speaker
- What addicted to winning means to Philip
- How Philip overcame his shyness as a young man, especially in dating
- The many iterations of Philip from working in engineering, HR, and training
- Why engineering wasn’t the path to impact
- What made Philip decide to jump into personal development and training
- Why training employees is more important than simply paying them tons of money
- How to handle an employee who wants to leave your company
- Some of Philip’s favorite mentors and speakers in today’s atmosphere of personal development and leadership
-
Why business owners and visionaries are not willing to give up control and how it’s impeding their progress
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“Some people would rather be in that casket as opposed to giving that eulogy on getting on a stage. Depending on who it is, they may prefer death over speaking in front of people.”
-Phillip Sessions
Connect With Phillip:
Speaking Sessions
Speak Sessions Podcast
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Everyone learns, experiences, and grows in life differently. Some people figure things out after making one mistake, and others take longer than most. Sometimes, the fastest transformations don’t come until we hit our 40s or 50s. We carry lies we were told as children, often times, forgetting to update our belief system through the course of our lives. This is where we get stuck. Holding on to past hurts. Being unwilling to forgive and liberate ourselves from useless emotions of fear, shame, and guilt. The great news is, those who have figured it out have been successful in helping others break through these emotionally handicaps. Today’s guest is one of those people. Michelle Fuller is Founder of One Bold MF and is a transformation coach, lifestyle engineer, speaker, and contributing author who works with women to help them kick fear to the curb and finally get to making a commitment to the one person who matters most…………themselves.
Jeff and Michelle have a great conversation leading into today’s episode talking about the how the meaning of addicted to winning is choosing incredible over mediocre. She shares how over much of her life, she chose to settle because she didn’t know she had a choice. Michelle cites having no regrets in her life leading up to the present day. Jeff highlights Michelle’s company name and she shares how she helps women purse through their blockages from the past. Michelle gets vulnerable sharing her relationship with her mother. She makes the connections of how her mindset kept her from flourishing in relationships with men. Michelle uncovers some pivotal moments that finally released her from attracting the same type of man, and the hurts of the past that kept her stuck in life starting with choosing forgiveness.
What You’ll Learn:
- The impact of the death of Michelle’s mother
- How many times Michelle was married in 10 years and how many children she had
- Why you shouldn’t be afraid of fear
- What it truly means to be authentic and the process Michelle used to find her unique voice
- How much Michelle weighed when she graduated from high school
- The stories Michelle told herself about the nature of men and why she kept attracting the same type of men
- One thing that kept Michelle going through the turmoil of her 20s as a 2x divorced single mom
- A moment the therapist revealed how Michelle could change who she was and who was at the center of her suspended animation in life
- One pivotal conversation Michelle had with a former boyfriend that liberated her from a life-suffocating cycle
-
Why it’s important to forgive those who wrong you immediately
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I’m never going to say that I’m comfortable with people hating me. Noone is comfortable with that. That is a lie, but I can be comfortable with the feeling and then letting it go, and then realizing at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with me. It has everything to do with them and I’m just going to keep doing what I feel is right. As long as I’m in integrity, I have no problem with what you think of me.”
- Michelle Fuller
Connect With Michelle:
One Bold MF
Book: The Greatest Lessons I Learned from My Mom
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Life is simple. People make it complicated. Along our journeys, we’re taught that it’s a fairy tale. The agenda is lined out for us starting in school. There are new rules to learn. New structures. Processes we’re told to follow without questioning the reason why. Go to school. Make good grades. Go to college and find a good job you can work for the remainder of your life. Find someone to start a family with, get married, and sacrifice a good portion of your life raising your family. Today’s episode is going to give you a peek inside what it looks like to break with the conventional deadening of our society and the work required to rebuild a new you.
Kirstin Smith is the founder of Kirstin Smith Coaching, working with women to find their path back to their true selves through mindset, fitness, self-development, and business. She and her husband Jeff live in the Houston area with their 4 children.
Jeff and Kirstin jump in as most great friends do and start catching up on some of the developments that have occurred over the last 2 years of Kirstin’s life. They talk about politics and she shares a unique perspective on why her political party isn’t listed on the ballot. Kirstin shares how she started her college education as a ballerina, only to have it take her to the middle east where she discovered the truth about the world. Kirstin discusses the responsibility she put on everyone else to show up a certain way for her in her life. She talks about having children, raising them, and taking back control from the government structures that exist in public education. Jeff and Kirstin discuss marriage and the many bumps in the road that come up along the way, and how she and her husband now level them before they even show up. Kirstin shares some pretty powerful emotional and mental things she experienced along her journey to self-improvement and the revelation that changed the trajectory of her living her best life as a mom, wife, business owner, and an empowered woman set on doing one thing……….help other women escape the abyss of their lives and recreate it anew.
What You’ll Learn:
- One of the biggest takeaways about adversity that came to Kirstin 30,000 feet in the sky on a flight back from a recent trip; the losses, the setbacks, etc.
- Why Kirstin decided to leave her studies as a ballerina and made a pivot into Poly-science and religious studies
- Kirstin talks about her journeys to the middle east in disguise with middle eastern men asking about subversive text
- Kristin talks about her early days while she was dating her husband and the long conversation she had with some federal agents
- Kirstin shares what it means to be a raging anarchist and why you shouldn’t be scared
- The role Kirstin played once she quit her P.h.D. program and how long she ended up staying before she quit
- The psychological roller coaster Kirstin went on once she started having babies
- Huge takeaways about some of the stories we tell ourselves and how they can derail a marriage
- The power of networking with like-minded people
- Why Kirstin and her husband homeschool their children
- How communication and being an effective communicator can make or break your marriage
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One thing Kirstin did that allowed her to start her own business, become a beast with time management, and how she and her husband cemented their marriage last year
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“We had baby number 4. I’m like, I don’t know what’s going to happen here. And I had this realization that I can’t control how everyone else in my life is going to show up. I’ve been trying to do it for a decade, and it’s not working out, so I’m going to do something different. I decided to be the best version of me. I started going to the gym on a regular basis. I got my nutrition dialed in and took responsibility for it. No one was going to show up at the door, and say, “Here’s a hotter body that you ordered.” No, it takes work. I had only been bitching. I started working and got into the best shape of my life.”
- Kirstin Smith
Connect With Kirstin:
Book: “Confessions of an Unhappy Housewife”
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Sometimes we hang on to people, things, and habits longer than necessary. We focus on saving things that we allowed to grow stale, old, or failed to maintain to begin with. We think if we spend a little more time doing something, we’ll be able to restore something to its pure and original state. More does note necessarily mean more. Sometimes, you have to decide to quit and go in a different direction. Nikki Corson is the Owner and CEO of Roof Crafters, and the founder of the brand Prissy Nikki, keeping ladies looking lovely with lush lashes, and the host of the podcast Life Amplified. She’s a dynamic force of nature, mother of 2 beautiful daughters, and a serial entrepreneur who has come to share the journey that led her to leave that which didn’t serve her with grace and a fiery work ethic that would take her to the entrepreneurial rooftop.
Jeff and Nikki dive in deep immediately today as she shares her addiction to winning and the multitude of answers she has to that question. Nikki talks about some of the ignorance in believing she can do everything, even though she falls short many times. Nikki goes on to share why she left her marriage with only her daughters and the things she could fit in her car. She talks about how being a bold “line-crosser” who doesn’t take no for an answer. Nikki talks about something she’s struggling with at this current moment that is literally shutting her body down. She talks about the beauty of being an entrepreneur and the “balance” she has created.
What You’ll Learn:
- The opposite of imposter syndrome
- Why Nikki is unfuckwithable
- How long Nikki was married compared to her Mother
- One study that reveals what happens after 35 hours of work for most people
- The surprisingly kind things she has to say about her ex-husband
- Why Nikki believed she could change her husband and the revelations uncovered during this process
- A revelation from retired Superbowl Champion Setema Gali Jeff and Nikki heard at a recent conference they attended
- What Prissy Nikki is and why Nikki decided to start this brand
- The types of people Nikki is ultimately interested in being around and having around in her life
- A hilarious prank Nikki played on her sister that left glitter everywhere
- Two things Nikki doesn’t find attractive at all
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How to connect with Nikki
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I think I can do everything. I’m not scared to take more things on and so when I say that’s bad, sometimes I end up running myself into the ground cause I don’t know when to stop. I do realize that’s an issue and I’m working with mentors to stop that vicious cycle of crash and burn kind of thing to where I just go and my body literally just shuts down.”
-Nikki Corson
Connect With Nikki:
Prissy Nikki
Roof Crafters
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
In life, we receive messages and revelations that come to us in different forms. A close family member or friend. Heartbreak. An accident. Transformation. Everything we need to know and have for our journey here is woven into the fabric of our lives. But, we don’t always want to see what’s in plain sight. Sometimes, we have to take the hard roads up the mountains to help us realize the power of who we truly are before we can impact the world as intended.
Clint Riggin is Founder and CEO of Limitless Coaching, a one-stop-shop for helping entrepreneurs with maximizing their health and fitness so they can be better leaders, better parents, better business people, and overall, better human beings. He’s an 8-year Navy Veteran and competed in bodybuilding for 3 years.
Jeff and Clint don’t waste much time talking about a period of Clint’s life that almost removed him from the planet. Clint candidly shares how pressing his body to the limits with the use of various drugs almost destroyed his thyroid, sent him into depression, and almost led to his suicide. He shares a revelation he received from his father at the young age of 14. He wouldn’t remember this until much later in life. Jeff and Clint discuss the various masterminds they’re involved with, the importance of meditation and its transformative effects on the human psyche. They share their experiences they had at a 3-day event hosted by Lisa Marie Platske and why you should connect and get to know her. Clint shares his focus and vision on how Limitless Coaching is transforming the health and fitness industry by doing one simple thing………creating the synergy for overall wellness through connecting the mind, body, and spirit.
What You’ll Learn:
- The length of time Clint Competed in Body Building
- Why Clint’s Thyroid stopped working, why it led him to be addicted to drugs and close to suicide
- How many people live in their past and why it’s holding them back
- Creating time, mending relationships, and uncovering the truth of who you are
- The power of meditation and how it helps plow through the micro-stress signals our body receives first thing in the morning
- Why it’s important to have a mentor that will push you to do the work and hold you accountable
- Jeff reveals one instrument that will make your family into a wealthy one
- 3 people Clint would love to have dinner with be they dead or alive
- What taking 12ccs of TRT per week will do to your body
- Addictive personalities and the age Clint revealed he had one, and the wisdom his Father shared with him on how to use it
- Who Lisa Marie Platske is and why Jeff and Clint both love her; they’ll share their experience with you
- How Limitless Coaching has become a one-stop-shop for all of your health and fitness needs online
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What Apex is and what it’s about
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I didn’t know I had an addictive personality until I was 14 years old. My dad said, “You do have a genetic disposition and you can use it for good, or for bad.”
-Clint Riggin
Connect With Clint:
Limitless Life on Facebook
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Experience is a powerful thing. It’s not qualified by the length of time doing something, but the repetitions of doing so. The more you do something, the quicker you can become a master, giving you the experience to qualify you as an expert. Everything begins and ends with creating a vision, setting goals, focusing on the work that needs to be done, replicating it, and implementing quickly.
Doug Mitchell is President and CEO of Argenta Field Solutions and Argenta Solar. He and his family reside in Texas. His biggest goal is to constantly evolve into the best version of himself for his family, his employees, clients, and business associates.
Jeff and Doug have a great conversation today about some of the things that make them unemployable now that they’ve been entrepreneurs. Doug shares why telling people how to do their jobs got him fired from 20 of his. They discuss how imposter syndrome cripples many when joining a network of high-performance leaders, and how to break the frame of feeling inadequate by acquiring the knowledge to create the opportunities. Doug takes a deep dive into some close friends and influences he currently has in his life, as well as 3 people he would love to have dinner with. He shares a big hairy audacious goal he’s currently on track to achieve by the end of 2023 that will impact 100 families or more. Doug also drops in some wisdom about how the brain operates and software you can use that will make your life easier when it comes to running any business. Bring your notepads and get ready to take notes!
What You’ll Learn:
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
- The power of true mentorship and Doug’s first mentor
- Why it’s important to have a mentor as soon as you get into a career
- One big hairy audacious goal Doug has to make 100 6-figure earners
- How much money the company will have to make in order to hit that goal
- Doug shares something he heard about the brain from a friend of his that can benefit everyone in life and business
- The best place to leverage knowledge, network, and opportunities
- Doug’s first job working door to door
- What a PJ trip is and why Doug enjoys taking them
- A big source of discomfort for Doug he’s not experienced in over 10 years
- What Apex is and what some of the members in the network are doing in business
- One book Doug revisits every single year
- How Doug gets into a state to help maximize his impact in his life and business
- 3 people Doug would have dinner with whether they’re alive or not and why
- How to build a great sales team brick by brick
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Why changing the culture in your company starts with talking
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I had 20 jobs and got fired from 19 of them. I got fired from the 20th company twice, and then bought it.”
- Doug Mitchell
Connect With Doug:
TXBizDad
Podcast: Building Great Sales Teams
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
We have experiences while we’re here that give us a frame, scope, and reference. At the time, we don’t know why. Sometimes we second guess the importance of what we’re being exposed to or learning, even discounting as a minor irritation. But pay attention to the little details along the way in your life. Be alert to the coincidences that occur. Take note on how everything is always working out for you, despite your lack of qualifications. You have ordination on your life, an agreement you made before you came to this planet. Today’s guest is going to take you on a journey in this brief episode that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Hilary Jastram is Founder of J. Hil Creative, Inc and Bookmark Publishing. She’s invested thousands of hours in discussions with 130 humans to help extract their true stories and turned them into written books. She’s a dynamic host of the podcast, “Write Effing Now,” and is a best-selling author of “Sick Success: The Entrepreneur's Prescriptions for Turning Pain Into Purpose and Profit.” She lives in Minnesota with the love of her life, “D,” and all their fur family made up of cats and dogs.
Jeff and Hilary get to the episode in a friendly fashion discussing their affinity for Minnesota life and connect on having similar childhood upbringings. They talk about the power of extracting certain lessons from those experiences to help them get to a better place later in life. They discuss taking betrayal, dishonor, and impoverished circumstances and turning them to a creative motivation to make a better life. Hilary shares how she takes an author into being very succinct about what their book is about starting with the exercises that bring forth a resonant message. Jeff and Hilary talk about the importance of having a passion and standing out amongst the crowd. Hilary shares how she wrote her first book between the ages of 4 and 6 years old about a potato chip getting married. She has always written and discusses how writing comes easier than her interest in graphic design. Hilary shares how she discovered copy editing while being an Executive Assistant. One big opportunity would change the trajectory of her career back in 2015. You’re in for an up-close look behind the scenes of what it takes to write your life and bring your message to the world.
What You’ll Learn:
- The method Hilary uses to stay positive through the tough times
- Who 67-year-old Charles Hamm is, how he has 20,000 followers and why you should be one of them
- A course of study Hilary almost pursued in her life and the reason she didn’t
- How long Hilary has been copy-editing books
- The number of books she has copy edited for authors to date and when she started
- What it was like living with no electricity, extreme poverty while moving frequently
- Why every married couple should have a “talking stick”
- The name of Hilary’s book and podcast
- The adventures of the Minneapolis skywalks
- An exercise where Hilary used the appearance of a real-life perfect stranger (unbeknownst to him) to write a character in one of her first books
- A few authors Hilary has worked with
- Why doing nothing is more important when you’re angry or have a ton of stuff going on
- Knowing when is a good time to stop
- Why it was important for Hilary to learn how to fight properly
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How Hilary got into copy editing books
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“The biggest part of self-worth is we can sometimes be afraid to see how wonderful we are.”
-Hilary Jastram
Connect With Hilary:
Podcast: Write Effing Now!
Book: Sick Success
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Many entrepreneurs do not fit inside of a box, unless they’re the ones who have created it. Some start off their journeys taking corporate positions and rise through the ranks quickly, only to be left with a need and yearning to create beyond the scope and frame of the organization. This is rooted in our existential search for purpose, meaning and significance. Nate Johnson is Co-Founder and CEO of Maison Bloom, providing an elevated experience of perfectly dosed cannabis infused beverages to consumers wanting something healthy and refreshing. He originally started his career as a Chemical Engineer working for Shell in Los Angeles, rose through the Corporate ranks and later became a co-founder of a luxury clothing company based in San Francisco. After selling their business, he and his business partner teamed up to create Maison Bloom.
Jeff and Nate take a trip down memory lane as native Minnesotans as they share their affinity and love for hockey as they highlight the foundational lessons learned that would help them years later in business. Nate shares how an unspoken challenge thrust him into pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree in college. He and Jeff talk about the importance behind pre-launch and pre-sale branding, market research, and why it’s necessary to leverage it to ensure a successful launch of a brand. Nate explains what a “consumption lounge” is, and shares how they’re leveraging special events to promote Maison Bloom. If you are curious about the cannabis industry and the approach taken when it comes to educating consumers, while involving them in the development of particular brands, you’ve landed on the right episode.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Nate ended up getting a Chemical Engineering degree
- The Luxury Clothing line Nate and his business partner founded in San Francisco
- How Maison Bloom, a Cannabis infused beverage company was created
- How many milligrams of cannabis are in Maison Bloom’s seltzers
- Important lessons on leveraging other people’s skills
- What California Cool and French Sensibilities have to do with the Maison Bloom brand
- How human center designs can help you discover if a product is a good fit for the market
- Some of Nate’s favorite mentors including CEOs, Co-founders, and Influencers
- Pre-launch and pre-sale concepts and best practices for launching a brand correctly
- How sports like Hockey and Skiing helped Nate develop individually while preparing him to lead successful organizations
- How to learn more about Maison Bloom
- Why the Book “Evolve Your Brain,” by Dr. Joe Dispenza has helped Nate stay balanced
- The importance of relying on your discipline, experience, and knowledge is key to your success
-
How old Nate was when he started his first business and how long he ran it
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“If somebody can do it, then I can do it better. There’s no ego behind it. It comes from a curiosity to learn and evolve myself over time and that’s worked to my advantage.”
-Nate Johnson
Connect With Nate:
Love Maison Bloom
Email: nathan@avecbloom.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
“REGULATORS…………Mount Up!” That’s the phrase you hear as an employee or business owner when you learn HR (Human Resources) is in the building. HR gets a bad wrap for being black and white in their methodologies. They’re seen as the limiting part of a partnership, the rule keepers, the “complaint” department, and unfortunately they’re a necessary evil in business. That very mindset is about to change today as you learn what HR can be to you and your company. It was intended to protect, impact, organize, and mitigate organizations. Today, you’re going to learn what doing HR the right way will do to change the trajectory of the company positively starting today.
Lisa LaPlante is Chief Integrator at Iconic HR who leads small to large companies to becoming better organized, effective communicators, creation of the processes and systems that manage, scale, and grow organizations rapidly. She started her career in Pharmaceuticals and helped build many successful companies starting with their culture.
Jeff and Lisa jump into today’s episode like old friends from high school as they discuss why she’s addicted to winning citing a relationship with her divine self, a calling higher for the betterment of the masses. Lisa shares some of her influences, breaks down what HR is, why it’s important to any organization starting with employee number one. She shares how there are different iterations of processes, systems, and protocols that require training and accountability which allows businesses to grow healthily.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why you can’t take yourself too seriously
- How Lisa is getting stronger as she gets older
- What made her jump into HR many years ago
- Who her family is and why she admires them so much to this day
- The importance of when to Hire HR.
- Why it’s important to know what types of manuals you have be them living documents or something old and outdated.
- The journey for HR in most companies
- How to hire a “fractional HR company” as you’re building your business and how it will help you scale easily
- Why Iconic is tailoring conversations around specific hires for a business
- 5 things you need to know about a candidate before you hire them
- Things that should be done before determination
- 2 things you can do to help employees improve dramatically
- The power of the Arete’ Syndicate
- Solutions for Business Owners that transcend space and time while keeping the human element in it.
- Some of Lisa’s impactful and favorite books
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The power of empathy.
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“My approach is to interview in the transparency that I bring. I take people back a little bit by the questions I ask and the level of honesty that comes out in the interviews because I really want people to know what they’re getting. And it’s okay. I’m not for everybody. And a business owner shouldn’t be either. You should be hiring people to fit who you are and to fit what you need for your company.”
- Lisa LaPlante
Connect With Lisa:
My Iconic HR
Email: Lisa@myiconichr.com
Phone: 320-558-7558
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Being an entrepreneur is the equivalent of running with scissors………in both hands. It can be fun, and exhilarating, with an element of danger that could cost you more than your eye with one wrong step. Every single entrepreneur has figured out that working a 9-5 is not the true path to wealth creation, and at some point, they do the one thing 95% of people are not willing to do………bet on themselves. Today’s guest is one of those people who broke free from a corporate structure and is currently putting an industry on its back.
Dennis Morales is founder and CEO of The Drink Labs based out of L.A., California. He currently helps companies create every type of beverage from coffee drinks, energy drinks, to alcoholic beverages with their unique branding. They handle the research and development, manufacturing, and sales and distribution based on the way modern-day consumers purchase.
Jeff and Dennis dive into why Dennis is addicted to winning as he cites his early childhood, competition in athletics, and his affinity for math. Dennis comes from a very healthy childhood that led to a natural progression of attending college, getting a degree and making his way to work for corporate structures like 3M. There he spent many years in Research and Development creating solutions to man’s modern day challenges around energy, pain, hormones and everything that would result in products produced from some of the most effective solutions to come out of human ingenuity and pharmacology. Jeff gets straight into asking Dennis about how fulfilled he was working for companies like 3M where he shares how having a great salary, benefits, and 401K were not enough to keep him strapped to a 9-5. Dennis shares the one thing that made him break for something new, something fresh, and something that would create abundance in his life not found in a 9-5 corporate job.
What You’ll Learn:
- What made Dennis decide to break from 3M
- Where Dennis was raised
- The specific focus Dennis participated in while at 3M
- 3 Phases of the Beverage industry
- Why Research and Development are so important in the initial stages of any product launch
- Regulations surrounding manufacturing of products made for human consumption
- How distribution has changed since the advent of the Covid laced world
- Worldwide solutions found in nature such as roots, leaves, plants, and tree bark
- The power of networking and why Dennis enjoys being in the room with other high-performance individuals
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Why betting on yourself is one of the best things you can do starting today
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I like being around like-minded people. I didn’t know there were people out there that kinda thought the way that I did. They just have this gut feeling that there’s something, not necessarily bigger and better, but there was something more fulfilling to them than just your typical 9-5. In Pharmaceuticals, it was neve 9-5. It was always 12 to 16 to 18 hours a day just because of the nature of research, but in finding people and meeting people that have similar drives, they all do the same thing as I do and they bet on themselves.”
-Dennis Morales
Connect With Dennis:
833-4-Drinks
The Drink Labs
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Have you ever asked why some people are more successful than others? At this period in human history, we have access to more information, more technology, and more resources than ever before. There’s one differentiating factor that separates living a “common life” from those who live a high-performance lifestyle. That one factor is the most important relationship that determines the outcome of their lives………….their relationship with themselves.
Stacy Raske is the Founder of Inflowential Impact, helping Executives, Business Owners, and Leaders find the key within them to unlock their untapped potential in life, love, and business. She’s a best-selling author of the book, “Be a Boss and Fire That Bitch,” and Host of the InFLOWential CEO Podcast. Stacy is an Apex Executive Coach for Break Free Academy.
Jeff and Stacy plunge right into the episode to discuss how she developed her drive starting in childhood. They break down what it means to be a high-performance human being and how we are always “performing” in some capacity. Stacy talks candidly about the difference between chasing as opposed to simply being. The conversation turns to self-sabotage, self-abuse, and how to change the patterns producing the same generational cycles for many people that keep them stuck in life. Jeff shares his belief that everything happens for a reason as Stacy shares some of the battles we all fight that is connected to having the best relationship with the most important person first…………you.
What You’ll Learn:
- Some trauma cycles that keep us stagnant like self-sabotage
- Where Stacy grew up in early childhood
- Why it’s important to live in the discomfort of being in a community
- How to leverage the intelligence of a community to collapse time and obtain 5X returns in all areas of life
- What the true easy button in life is
- Why being a control freak was preventing Stacy from attaining more love, more money, and optimal health
- How clearing the way and creating the space for yourself will help you truly unlock the potential of what your life can be
- The direct correlation between purpose and freedom and why you can’t have one without the other
- Why it’s important to have a mentor and coach for your life, and not just your business
- Stacy’s ideal client
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How dealing with your internal climate will free you
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“The second I was willing to say to myself, “I am worth investing in at that level and my vision, my purpose, my impact, my passion is worth investing in at that level. And then I focus and I show up. You can find all the information online but without the accountability and support, and guidance to utilize those tools, we’re not going to show up and do it.”
-Stacy Raske
Connect With Stacy:
Stacy Raske
InFLOWential CEO Podcast
Book: “Be a Boss and Fire That Bitch”
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Not everyone is born to go a certain way or take a certain path while they’re here on this planet. Some accept, at an early age that they are to go to school, make good grades, go to college, get a job, and work 40 hours a week with a nice retirement egg to spend into their golden years.
Jeremy Schreifels is everything, but the typical societal cliche. He’s quite the opposite. Born in Canada and raised in Minnesota, Jeremy is the epitome of what it means to break the mold, burn it, and never look back. He’s a Producer, Author, Realtor, and songwriter. He’s written with some of the most prolific songwriters of today’s modern age affecting the culture of a generation while living quietly in Champlain, MN.
Jeff and Jeremy dive in and go existential on the meaning of life. The purpose of our gifts, and how to leverage a person’s natural talents and abilities is a strong theme in this episode as Jeremy shares the beginning of his music career, what he learned and what he knows. They talk about falling in love, writing, the process of writing and not letting the outcome of the end result get in the way of progress. They discuss the importance of having multiple streams of income and the beginning of Jeremy’s career.
What You’ll Learn:
- How old Jeremy was when he started his career.
- Some of the various cities Jeremy is working in this year with a total of 50 gigs for 2022.
- Writing music
- Playing music
- The gap between college and professional learning
- How many hours someone really works before their brain shuts off.
- Why it’s important to collaborate with people around the world
- A book Jeremy has coming out very soon
- Falling in love and what you can do to really take it to the next level
- How many hours someone works before they truly master a craft
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What it’s like working 20 gigs with 9 different bands
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And much more!
Favorite Quotes:
“As you begin, like most businesses, you have to take everything you can.”
“Three Years ago, I think one month I played 20 gigs with nine different bands and that just makes my head hurt just thinking about it. What I realized then was, yes, I can do all those things and I can do them well and the beauty is I can save all those charts and refer back to them. I don’t have to recreate the wheel every time. But what I really figured out is, I just really need to narrow this focus and be the best at only a few things.”
-Jeremy Schreifels
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Many people look for revelations in prayer, meditation, wishes, and everywhere you think they would be except for one place………………..another human being. If you watch to look, listen to hear and are present to receive, you’ll find the messages you’ve been searching for. Kevin Tetz Launched PAINTUCATION Instructional Videos in 1999 producing the award winning Paintucation instructional series focusing on fundamental automotive restoration and refinish techniques. Kevin has also enjoyed writing for magazines including Nashville Arts, Southern & Northern Rodder, Mustang & Fords, Car Craft, and Mustang Monthly, Car Craft, Wheel Hub and Truck Hub. Kevin has hosted his own TV series since 2000, including three seasons of “CLASSIC RIDES” on DIY Network and Nine seasons hosting and co-producing the popular “TRUCKS! TV” series on SPIKE Network. Currently his show “Hands On Cars” airs on Amazon Prime, and a third season is in the works. Kevin’s new book “Patina, creating and preserving” is available through Cartech Publishing, and he is developing an online trade school (Paintucation University) that will be available late summer.
Jeff and Kevin start the episode off talking about Kevin’s 10 year, 80’s hair rock band career where he learned some very important lessons about life, business, and knowing when to pivot quickly. Kevin shares a huge bit of wisdom he learned from the lead singer of a once-famous band called WASP, and the impact it had on his life. Jeff and Kevin talk about reinvention, and having to start over again in life, sometimes multiple times. A common theme of having a “service” attitude is highlighted. They discuss the brain, PTSD, and some of the effects of misfiling some memories that become “triggers” for us. Kevin shares the importance of physical health, and the huge factor mental health plays in our society. Jeff asks Kevin about Paintucation, a combination of paint and body, and education, which has made Kevin wildly successful in his life since 1999. Kevin shares how starting this one company led to oppportunitites to write, produce, and collaborate on projects that would leave most motor heads eaten up with envy. You’re going to love the energy, the education, and mindset of Kevin Tetz.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Kevin got his start in the music business
- The best advice Kevin got from the lead singer of a popular 80s hair band named “WASP” and the big revelation delivered to him one night in a club he was playing
- Why Kevin’s best friend told him he didn’t have time to co-write a song with him and the attitude he took when his friend told him no.
- One mantra Kevin breaks down and recites every single morning
- A pivotal moment in 1989 that caused Kevin to make a drastic change after 10 years in the music industry
- One model of success Kevin follows to this day
- Why Kevin decided to return to the automotive trade
- What Hands on Cars is
- How to realign yourself and get through past trauma by using knowledge and therapies
- Who Princeton Clark is and why you should care
- 3 Book Kevin recommends
- How long most music careers last in the music industry
- The power of having a good circle of friends
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Thoughts on mentorship, self-education, and leading with service
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And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“We have an insulated world that we live in and we live in the greatest time that there’s ever been to live in the human race. We have the longest life spans. We have the most opportunities. We’re in the most amazing digital age where training and info are at our fingertips. And we are cocooned with privilege, opportunity, and advantage. This feeling that everything is supposed to feel good is disingenuous.”
- Kevin Tetz
How To Get Involved:
Paintucation
Amazon Prime: Hands on Cars
Book: Patina: How to Create and Preserve
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
We all grow at different paces and at different levels. Some of us know what we’re supposed to do when we arrive on this planet and some of us take time ignoring that very “thing” until it becomes blatantly obvious. We all have a plan while we’re here and there are a few that do not require a “Plan B.”
Danny Galvez is an Emcee/Hype-man for Apex who works with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and investors from all walks of life. He is the Founder of Voice Your Life Media which helps those same business owners and authors create their podcasts and narrate their audiobooks for the world to hear.
Jeff and Danny jump right into the episode wasting no time in catching up, sharing their familiarity, and talking about real things in life, like the thrill of not having a plan B. Danny shares some insights that brought him from young adulthood, having a large family, the challenges of pursuing a formal education due to financial issues, some of the mentors he had, and some of the lessons he learned while trying to figure out what his “thing” was. He details out some adventures in Radio and an opportunity to reinvent himself in the Mortgage industry. Danny talks about marriage, DJing weddings, and working for a greedy boss. A grand revelation came that drew all lines back to one simple question: “What Do YOU want?”
What You’ll Learn:
- One question Danny is bold enough to ask
- Knowing the true value of your worth and where to leverage and outline the true value of what it’s going to cost to make that investment
- The rigged collegiate system to which Danny was a beneficiary all because he had a Spanish surname
- Why it’s important to narrate your own audiobook
- How Danny started in narrating audiobooks and the genres he auditioned for and landed opportunities
- 4 Key mentors that have contributed to Danny’s success and how he arrived working with one of the most influential personalities (Ryan Stewman) on Social Media.
- One thing Danny loves to do more than ANYTHING in the world.
- The path that has led him to emcee, entertain, and introduce some of the most influential thought leaders in business
-
An earth-shattering question he was asked at dinner one night and his honest answer
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“We are not perfect as human beings. We are not perfect as business owners. We are not perfect as family people. There are quite a few areas we could use some improvement in our lives, but we don’t have to do it by ourselves.”
- Danny Galvez
How To Get Involved:
Connect With Danny
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
The journey to overnight success comes with many potholes, dead ends, and obstacles many have powered through to become “overnight successes.” (This usually takes about 10-20 years) At a young age, many of us have been taught to work hard, expect no handouts, and remove any and all obstacles in our way.
James Golden is the Founder and CEO of Pavement Management Group and Goalden Consulting where he works with cities to create better roadways and coaches high performers to level up in life and business.
Jeff and James jump in on the episode with some hard-hitting dialogue that brings the truth of life to the surface where James shares his early beginnings in childhood, the core values instilled in him, and the work ethic that created him into being a kidpreneur at an early age. James shares his path post-high school and shares some coincidences that turned out to be much more substantial than he would’ve known at the time. A chance meeting with a friend’s Dad a year later affirmed exactly what he knew he had to do but didn’t have the confidence and courage to do so. James speaks candidly about where he is headed as a result of staying consistent, his software company, and his overall perception of what has to happen in order to stand out and get noticed in life and in the marketplace. James shares why he loves LinkedIn and how he’s built a 7-figure company with that one social media platform.
What You’ll Learn:
- What happened to James’ Dad in 2019 that changed his mind set and set him on a trajectory to a different life
- The mindset James was raised with that set the tone for his entrepreneurial journey
- The one hip hop lyric that resonated with James coming up
- James’ experience as a paperboy and how it exposed him to marketing for the first time
- One of the first things James did to make money as a kidpreneur
- What James did to buy his first pair of Jordan’s
- Why James had to learn how to drive at 5:00 am in high school
- A cool story about 2 of James’ mentors he met at 2 different times in his life that happened to share the same name
- The first company where James worked as an intrapreneur and how large he grew the company as a fractional COO
- The pivotal moment that changed James’ life December 2010
- How a positive mindset and perception of the world makes all the difference in how much time is invested in disappointments and successes
- One trip to Florida and chance encounter that would lead to a large breakthrough for James and his family
- James’ nickname as a younger man
- How James approaches every single person he meets
- The power of LinkedIn
-
Where James’ company is headed faster as a result of joining Arete’ and Apex networks.
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“Most of us as business owners who have been doing this for a minute, don’t need help with the business. Sure, we can all make improvements. We have coaches for that. But usually, the things and shit that’s bothering us and where we’re struggling are usually things on the outside that we’re not dealing with.”
- James Golden
How To Get Involved:
James Golden
JG3 Coaching
The Goalden Hour
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
In life, there are people who think they’ll be able to take away your freedom, choices, and ultimately, your independence. And there are those who crush that toxic thinking by doing the work, making no excuses, and setting themselves up for true independence by doing the hard work. Aimee Ball is a serial entrepreneur, software creator, business coach, and consultant who went from being a single mom of 2 children with no money in the bank to someone who set herself up with a nest egg of independence for life by doing one simple thing……working her ass off.
Today, Jeff and Aimee go to the beginning where most people find themselves before true success hits; one of the most painful moments in their lives. Aimee shares how her husband came home one day, said he didn’t want to be married anymore, and cleaned out their bank accounts leaving her with nothing except for a broken heart and two children. Jeff dives in deeper and asks about Aimee’s climb up from those circumstances, her first major job, and her dive into entrepreneurship. Jeff and Aimee talk about the importance of how most people don’t truly know the value of their worth. They talk about taking experiences from your own life, sharing them, and how they can change the trajectory of someone else’s life.
What You’ll Learn:
- The story behind the circumstances that made Aimee go into entrepreneurship
- What truly pisses Aimee off
- Aimee’s favorite book that changed the game for her
- Why not being willing to listen can cripple most people
- The importance of creating a nest egg that will preserve your independence in life and business
- Why $20,000 a month was not enough for Aimee and what she was giving up for very little money
- The true value of your worth
- A snapshot of how to breakdown and analyze your business quickly so you can recapture your time and enjoy your life
- The various areas of running a business you may need to outsource to save your sanity
- How Aimee started her Marketing agency
- Results Aimee is getting for hundreds of industries by creating a simple software and automating it
- The title of Aimee’s never to be released Netflix movie
- One huge money-making tip for Coaches, Consultants, service-based businesses, and how to free up more time (Make more, work less)
-
One of Aimee’s first jobs that included travel, hotel accommodations, and left her bored
-
And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“Society places these arbitrary values on us, but when you realize that your value is priceless and everything you bring to the table, it’s a game-changer.”
- Aimee Ball
How To Get Involved:
Entrepreneur Ecosystem
Inside the Upside
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There are people roaming this planet that are born into struggle. They are born into poverty. They are born into circumstances that stunt the growth of average people. But all of these things are only temporary if you’re willing to bust your ass and put in the work daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, consistently.
Brandon Brittingham is the CEO of The Delaware Group with the number one in homes sold in 2021 and number 5 in the nation. He’s a Real Estate Coach, Apex Executive Coach, Mentor, and best-selling author of the book, “Converting Units to Dollars.” (Now available on Amazon)
In today’s episode, Jeff and Brandon talk about some of the hardest challenges he had growing up and the struggles he saw his grandparents endure, and how this drove him to become who he is today. Brandon shares why he went into fashion at a young age, his pivot into Real Estate, and why he made it. Jeff asks Brandon about his early start in real estate and how one video led to an opportunity working with the Federal Reserve, and how one message ended up helping thousands upon thousands of people. Brandon shares how he was able to survive the financial crisis of 2008 and what he did to come out of it. They talk about some of Brandon’s favorite mentors, and how instant gratification has become a huge focus and a very debilitating mindset for a majority of the population.
What You’ll Learn:
- How Brandon grew up and why he made a climb out of his circumstances
- Brandon’s early career in fashion and why he pivoted into Real Estate
- Where true opportunity lies if you’re paying attention
- What consumers truly care about and how to craft that message by doing a few simple things
- Why Brandon enjoys showing people what it is that he’s done so they can have the same success
- One simple secret most people don’t know about successful people they’d be surprised to learn
- Some of Brandon’s favorite mentors include Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank
- Why making it about you is the wrong approach when starting in real estate
- How to prepare for a real estate career that will not explode overnight and why
- A few powerful things Brandon learned at various networking events and groups
- One NFL Champion Brandon is friends with and his insight into peak performance
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Why doing the things you don’t like are the foundation for building success
-
And much more!
“If your mindset isn’t right, you’re money is never going to be right. There’s no CRM, secret pill, or shit that you can buy that’s going to change or fix that. For everybody that asks how do I become number one in the state and number 5 in the country, ruthless consistency over time, having really good habits, and putting in the work. I know how simple that sounds, but that’s really what it is and what it comes down to.”
-Brandon Brittingham
How To Get Involved:
Get Brandon’s Best Selling Book: “Converting Units to Dollars”
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There’s a certain drive that only exists with Entrepreneurs. Some of it is learned, some of it is a result of motivating circumstances, and some of it is inborn. It’s that undying desire to keep powering through to the next level in life and business, no matter the circumstances and creating an environment to ensure success, even when things get hairy.
Monica Byers, is Founder and CEO of Sugar Creek Transportation, and the founder of the powerful brand Mother Trucker Life. She has a fleet of 115 Big Rigs blazing the roads of the United States and 90 trailers. Monica has doubled her fleet from last year and has goals to do the same thing in 2022.
Today, Jeff and Monica discuss her childhood inspiration, the various ventures her Dad was involved in, the motivating factor that led Monica to being so driven to win, the importance of having side hustles, no matter what, and some of the jobs she worked while she was focusing on building her Trucking company. Monica and Jeff talk about what it took for Monica to get started in the trucking industry and why she doesn’t have to have a CDL to run a trucking company. They discuss how Monica grew her company from a few trucks to 114+, as well as discussing the main reason for most of her exponential growth in her business.
What You’ll Learn:
- Who Monica’s biggest influences were growing up and in her early years in the workforce
- The motivating factor that drove her to being addicted to winning once her children were born
- What made Monica change majors after getting her associates in Aeronautical Engineering
- What it was like working for her Dad in this once-famous video store chain
- The 3 things Monica learned from her favorite mentor that set her up for future success
- Why a 40-hour work week won’t cut it nowadays
- Some of the things Monica teaches to her truckers that come to work with her at Sugar Creek Transportation they won’t learn anywhere else
- Monica’s winning perspective that keeps her tough through challenging times
- Why Monica puts back 50% of her money back when she gets paid
- One of the best lessons Monica recently learned from an Uber driver
- What the Dream Manager is and how to unlock the law of reciprocity
- How many trucks Monica started with when she first got into the trucking industry
- What Monica looks for when hiring drivers
- Why ethics is a maker or breaker of any trucking company
- Who will be operating the trucking company when Monica is retired
- Why Monica likes to talk to each and every driver before she hires them and some of the intimate things they discuss that have nothing to do with trucking
- Some of the unfortunate things that happen in the trucking industry that would destroy the average person
- A story about a man who sat in Monica’s office and why he broke down crying
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“I’ve been asked what kind of side hustle or hobbies I have. I live, eat, breathe trucking. This is my hobby. I love what I do”
-Monica Byers
Connect with Monica:
Sugar Creek Transportation
Mother Trucker Life
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
You dial 911 and they show up. They don’t wear capes, but their yellow jackets very well could be just that. They are trained to be fearless, quick problem-solvers, and they willingly put their lives in danger with no guarantee of coming home to their families. They are the firefighters and paramedics of our great nation. But there’s a darker tale that reveals an epidemic where our beloved protectors have no one to rescue them.
Nick Wingo is a former firefighter paramedic who retired to dive headfirst into his PTSD by creating Building Grit, a program focused on helping other firefighter paramedics address the big hairy elephant in the room……PTSD.
Not only is he the Founder Building Grit, but he’s also the Founder of the Non-Profit, Gifting Grit, focused on helping firefighter paramedics across the nation source mental health coverage, cover co-pays and other out of pocket expenses. Nick is a best-selling author, and podcast host.
Today, Jeff and Nick waste no time kicking down the door on the mental health crisis amongst firefighter paramedics in our country. Nick shares the number of “line of duty” deaths compared to the staggering estimate of suicides amogst this unique group of individuals. Jeff voices his outrage at the mental health system and Nick shares the slow process of bringing this all to light by simply doing one simple thing……….finding help for himself. He talks candidly about his experiences as a firefighter and specific instances that, over time pushed him over the edge and into treatment for PTSD. Jeff and Nick discuss drinking, suicide, and how it’s all connected to firefighting paramedics. Gifting Grit is a non-profit started by Nick to help others like himself secure mental health treatment before it’s too late.
What You'll Learn:
- The number of Nick’s friends who died in non-duty related situations
- What inspired Nick to start Gifting Grit during treatment
- One big hairy audacious goal Nick has as a result of being spit out by the organizational structure within the firefighting paramedic organization
- The effects of his Nick’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what he battles with on a weekly basis
- Nick’s plan for a 3-Day event to help people through PTSD based on things that are currently working for them
- When Nick discovered he was shoving his emotions deep down
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Effects of Alcohol and PTSD
- What happens to the brain when you can’t get out of your own way and how to solve it doing one simple thing
- Cyclic natures and how to break them
- How many firefighters die each year from “Line of Duty” related circumstances
- The estimated suicide rate within the community of firefigher paramedics
- One multifaceted focus that has helped Nick live an enhanced life on his journey to help a million people
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I should never have to be a dime out of pocket if my job was the one that caused me this mental health stress, nor should anybody else. And let’s be honest, the drinking and drug problems come as a direct result of the stresses of the job. They’re a direct result of the trauma they deal with. Now, do we all have a choice in how we deal with it? Absolutely. But if you’re not taught tools or ways to deal with this (trauma), you’re going to end up in this position.”
-Nick Wingo
Connect with Nick:
Nick Wingo’s Website
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Some of the hardest working people can be found on the farms of America producing the very food that makes it to the grocery shelves. It’s a tireless, 7-day a week job requiring hard,thankless work sunup to sun down. Jason Graybeal is founder of the Graybeal Group, providing insurance services for home, auto, agriculture, and beyond. He’s a serial entrepreneur, Host of the “No Bull Business and Brews” podcast and a brand new author as of the airing of this episode. He’s active in many circles and leads his multiple companies with a farm hand’s work ethic. Today, Jeff and Jason take a dive into Jason’s childhood as he shares spending time with his grandpas and the lessons they taught him about hard work, doing good business, and life. They also discuss why they enjoy catering to farmers, their work ethic, and what makes them the hardest working people on this planet. Jason talks about some of the choices he had to make just to keep his business afloat over the last 20 years and his drive to share those lessons with fellow entrepreneurs in the hope of saving them 7 or 8 years of trouble, time, and money spent. Jeff talks about Jason’s new book dropping today titled, “See and Seize: Lessons from Merging and Acquiring Agencies and Assets.” Be sure to pick up a few copies for you and your friends on Amazon!
What You'll Learn:
- What Jason’s grandfathers did for a living
- The true work ethic of farmers and what it takes to successfully run a farm
- Jason’s inspiration behind his first book titled: “See and Seize: Lessons from Merging and Acquiring Agencies and Assets.”
- Why it’s important to be fearless as an entrepreneur
- The biggest humiliation Jason endured over the last 20 years of his entrepreneurial journey
- What it means to manage a team of 30 in the insurance industry
- Jason’s entry into the insurance field and the very first agency he worked at
- Who Dick Ferrante’ is and why he’s important to Jason
- Jeff and Jason talk about why it’s important to listen to learn versus listening to reply
- The one thing Jason does when he goes to large networking events
- Jason’s favorite beer
- Two books that have had the most effect on Jason, one that he reads repeatedly and a book that has launched them both into great success in insurance
- Why being willing to start from zero has had a huge impact in Jason’s ability to acquire insurance agencies
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Small town America, Farming, Agriculture; those are the people that work harder than anybody in any industry can ever realize. They just don’t get it. You think you work hard? They work sunup to sun down everyday throughout the entire year. There’s always something to do.”
- Jason Graybeal
Connect with Jason:
Graybeal Group
Get Jason's Book: "See and Seize: Lesson from Merging Agencies and Acquiring Assets"
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Have you ever wondered where your desire for “more” comes from when you have what society considers “enough?” Is it genetic? Is it a motivation fueled by socioeconomic situations? Or is it simply learning how to pair hard work, diligence, and discipline into creating something bigger than yourself that will serve your family long after you’re gone? We’re not talking about life insurance today. We’re talking about pissing excellence and the power of creating a big secret most banks don’t want you to know…………The Private Family Financial System.
Chris Gardner, is Founder and CEO of Mindshift Financial helping educate families on understanding how to create generational wealth by leveraging their current income and creating a system where reliance on traditional banks becomes a thing of the past.
In today’s episode Jeff and Chris discuss where the “wanting of more” originated citing the possibilities of genetics, hard work, and mindsets and habits learned in childhood. Chris shares how he played sports in school motivated by the desire to simply win. Jeff and Chris highlight why financial literacy is not being taught in schools and what we can do to help educate our families moving forward. Chris shares how Mindshift Financial is helping business owners and entrepreneurs who feel they’re paying too much in taxes, as well as why it’s important to set up a Private Family Banking System.
What You'll Learn:
- The lessons Chris learned from losing while playing baseball, football, and basketball in school
- Theories as to where the drive for wanting more in life comes from citing possibilities being linked to DNA, work ethic taught and learned in childhood, and mindset
- A simple overview of the Private Family Banking System and how it’s beneficial for you and your family starting today
- Why entrepreneurs and business owners are flocking to work with Mindshift Financial
- Chris’ biggest motivator today and where he invests his time when he’s not behind the desk
- Failures of the education system and how Chris is turning that around for adults and children alike starting with financial literacy
- Compound effects of never having to pay bank fees again
- Why being plugged into powerful networks of smarter, more intelligent, and dynamic people will show you what’s possible in terms of living a high-quality of life
- How you don’t have to have thousands of dollars to start your own Private Family Banking System
- How to get out of debt in a 3rd of the time
- Chris’ big hairy audacious goal involving motors
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you look at the Rockefellers, they still have a ton of money and they have 100+ millionaires in the family and so what they do is they continue on the legacy and that’s what we teach our clients how to do and it’s not as difficult as you think. It’s actually pretty simple. You just have to change your mindset and the process by which you do it.”
- Chris Gardner
Connect with Chris:
Mindshift Financial
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There is one thing many businesses around the world are experiencing right now during this unparalleled time in human history……. finding exceptional talent to lead and work in their organizations. If this sounds like a pain point for you at this very moment, you’re going to love getting to know today’s guest.
Kip Knippel is founder of Kip Search Headhunters and since 2012, he and his team of powerhouse headhunters have been helping companies across the United States locate CEOs, Presidents, and other key Executive positions lead the next generation in business from manufacturing to law.
Today, Jeff and Kip discuss their common Minnesota roots, football, hockey, baseball, and a legendary coach from St. John’s University. Kip details how his journey into law school in Minneapolis provided him a launching pad into commercial real estate where he went on to work for many years including one of the largest real estate firms, CB Orchard Ellis. From there, Kip shares how he made his way into Executive Search, later being recruited for a firm where he worked for a spell. After a few years of doing this, he started to acquire his own clients, and now has created one of the most sought-after firms for Executive recruitment. Jeff and Kip discuss the foundational importance of establishing a long-lasting relationship with each and every client and each and every prospect. If you’re looking to remove the transactional feel from your business, you’ll want to tune in to this episode.
What You'll Learn:
- Where Kip attended law school and his decision to make a switch in focus after many years in commercial real estate
- Why he decided to stay in Minnesota, even though the cold is not his favorite
- The power of launching your business by first joining a group of professionals in the field you’re intending to be in for advice, collaboration, and partnerships
- The one thing Kip learned about most business owners who started with partners and what they cited they would do differently if they started their business all over again
- Kip’s most favorite book that spans over 1300 pages and why he shares it with friends and colleagues
- The power of networking and the power behind powerful groups like Arete’ Syndicate and Lions Not Sheep and how Kip walked into a room full of strangers and left with lifelong relationships
- Jeff discusses the comparison of Apex and the power of aligning yourself with people who move, think, and transact life and business like you do
- Kip shares “what’s next”
- Core Values and the importance of mindset
- A recruiting hack that has helped Kip and his firm over the last 10 years in business
- The number of people on Kip’s staff
- Why it’s important to have onboarding, training processes, and staff to manage the flow of business into any company
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“It is culture, and it is fit and it’s ethics, integrity and core values. If a person’s core values line up with the organization, then that’s success. That’s the golden piece there.”
- Kip Knippel
Connect with Kip:
Kip Search
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
One of the biggest opportunities most people miss on their way to success is only focusing on what they can get out of a relationship instead of serving their clients first. Today’s episode is part II and continues with Scott Simons of CMA Valley Dealerships and a special guest.
Ben Rexrode is the General Manager for 8 CMA Valley Dealership franchises and 5 stores. He masterfully manages all departments including New Cars, Used Cars, Service, and Parts. He’s happily married and skillfully plays the violin.
In this episode, Jeff has a few surprises for Scott and Ben as they discuss the power of taking care of people by not being pushy, listening to what it is they truly want and need in their next vehicle without any expectation. Ben shares the impact of creating powerful relationships first by educating, informing, and finding solutions for their clients first before asking for their business, even if it means they go with another dealership. Scott, Ben, and Jeff do a deep dive on truck features and share a little about what CMA Valley Dealerships can do and continue to do for many of their clients across the nation.
What You'll Learn:
- How many departments across how many locations Ben Rexrode manages
- Scott shares Ben’s secret to successfully managing their various locations
- Ben sheds light on his approach to working with people and doing business simultaneously
- Why treating people fairly is the most important thing you can do in your business today
- The insight on extended warranties and how they manage fulfilling them
- Some cool features of one of the hottest trucks in the United States right now….The TRX
- Rumors Jeff has heard about TRX trucks and their hellcat engines
- Ben breaks down the reason these lovely beasts may no longer be on the road
- Why some MRSPs are $50K-$60K over at some dealerships and not at CMA Valley Dealerships
- When CMA Valley Dealership got started and the origination of their parent company
- Some of the cool features CMA Valley is able to offer as upgrades to their clients
- The best way to contact Scott Simons and Ben Rexrode
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Well tell people what we do. We don’t push ourselves on them. We’re here to serve. We form real relationships and tell people if they ever need anything to reach out. Then we help them. Ben connects, follows up and connects with our clients. That’s the secret.”
- Scott Simons
Connect with Scott:
Clubhouse - Breakfast of Champions
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Many people born into small communities across the United States usually migrate to bigger cities for opportunities and experiences offering a grander, “golden life.” There are a few rare people in this world that remain close to home to build off the rich foundations of ethics, morals, and hard work demonstrated by their families. They commit to a focus. They use their talents to create long-lasting opportunities and relationships that build their communities into something geared towards excellence.
Scott Simons is one of those rare individuals walking this planet. He is Managing Partner and General Manager over 5 West Virginia Car Dealerships, Co-Host of the highly successful show on Clubhouse.io, Breakfast of Champions with over 115 thousand followers, is a speaker, business consultant, savvy investor, and deputized sheriff. He’s a proud father, and happily married to his sweetheart for close to 40 years.
In today’s episode, Jeff and Scott take an Olympic-sized dive off a cliff into some of the most powerful and important topics on the minds of the average entrepreneur starting with discussing life in a small town, the difference in yesterday’s work ethic versus today’s work ethic. Scott shares some deeply personal things about his life he hasn’t shared anywhere else on any other platform discussing why his father worked 5 jobs, what it was like living with extended family, getting his ass spanked in school by teachers, the power of networking and the transformation that occurs when you get over imposter syndrome. Scott gets vulnerable as Jeff asks him why he’s doing everything that he’s doing. ***HINT: It’s not because he’s bored. You’re in for a real treat. This is part 1 of 2 in the series, so tune in. Part 2 will drop Thursday, January 6th.
What You'll Learn:
- Why Scott’s Dad worked 5 jobs
- How many children Scott’s Mom had in her family growing up
- The price Scott’s childhood home sold for back in the 90s
- Life lessons Scott learned as the class clown and a “restless” student
- Why it’s important to involve your kids when talking about money
- How fighting and drag racing can shape you to be beneficial in being an entrepreneur
- A time when corporal punishment was permitted in school and Scott’s experience in grade school
- The importance of setting up an S-Corp and how it’s leveraged to create sustainable a sustainable legacy for your family
- Impactful groups in which Scott has been able to generate pre-sales by simply asking one question during live meetups
- The name of one of the most listened to shows on the app “Clubhouse” where you can listen to Scott most mornings with special guests discussing life, business, and everything in between
- Why it’s important to do this one thing over everything in marriage
- Hard lessons every manager, CEO, or business owner will want to know
- Where to allocate your gross earrings every time you are compensated
- Knowing the value of your time and how to determine when to “buy” it back
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Be careful of being critical of others in front of your children. What’s said in the front of the car is heard in the back of the car.”
- Scott Simons
Connect with Scott:
Clubhouse - Breakfast of Champions
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
If you’re tired of living in the world we’re in, you’re about to meet one person that has found a simple solution to changing the trajectory of life and business by simply getting back to the basics.
Jonathan Fodera is co-founder of Integrated Business Financing which helps thousands of business-owners do everything from building business credit, providing credit card processing services, to securing various types of business financing to solve real-time needs for the modern entrepreneur. He’s also a savvy Real Estate investor and has become a beast in streamlining his time, allowing him to invest in franchises and other passive income investments that will feed his family for generations.
Today, Jeff and Jonathan talk about recreating a new life by making simple moves, living below your means, starting what you finish before you start another venture, and various types of business financing available. Jonathan shares a very simple process that will help get the whole country and life as we know it back on track. He speaks candidly about getting back to the basics of living life well but doing so with common sense. Jeff and Jonathan also chop it up a bit about their mutual love for hockey and the powerful impact of being surrounded only by the very best people in any room you walk in.
What You'll Learn:
- Where Jonathan worked and what he did at night while he was attending college.
- Parting words of wisdom from his uncle that encouraged him to work his ass off
- Jonathan’s first job on Wall Street and why only 2 people were left out of 80 at his firm after an 8-month period
- Why business partnerships aren’t for everyone
- How Jonathan views every single company he invests in
- What Jonathan does with money when it’s sitting in his account
- His experience of living life in his native New York compared to Florida
- Why you should sell all your stuff before you move
- How being in the right room with the right people will help you operate at a higher level
- What to do when you make mistakes in business and how to leverage them to your benefit
- A powerful mission that has refocused the way Jonathan is going to live his life moving forward
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“Busy is not a f#cking badge of honor.”
“I think sometimes people think they can consume all the information but not do anything to implement it.”
-Jonathan Fodera
Connect with Jonathan:
Integrated Business Financing
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Some of the best things in life come from struggle, challenge, adversity, and abandonment, which drives people to go certain directions in life.
Jeff Smith is the founder of Cannon Fitness and Performance, Host of the Tactical Empire Podcast, Co-Owner of 68 Rental Properties, and is a Business and Fitness Coach. His previous career took him into the Army Special Forces with the Ranger Battalion, one of the most difficult achievements to attain in the Army. He is a father to 4 children ages 2 years to 9 years of age. To say his life is busy is an understatement.
The two Jeffs discuss the challenges of coming up in school, playing sports that drove a natural competitive spirit in both of them. Jeff Smith talks candidly about growing up without a Dad and having adversarial engagements with adults on his way to maturity. Jeff also shares his journey from the Help desk at State Farm after the military to, eventually working his way into IT where he worked building systems out for years before he and his wife opened a gym. They talk about society, focusing on the family, home schooling, and the overall mission of our time here on this planet.
What You'll Learn:
- How Jeff coped with a non-traditional childhood
- Sports he played while in school
- Jeff’s discovery of entrepreneurship and how he battled being unfulfilled
- What it takes to be a high-performance individual by working less time by investing more
- The lack of financial education in the United States and why people have to continue to slug away working more
- Powerful investment vehicles that are available in the world we live in
- Why Jeff is passionate about hosting masterminds and the power of connecting other people to help move them forward in their lives
- The biggest reason Jeff and his wife Kirstin decided to homeschool their children even though they’re more enterprising than the average entrepreneur
- A unique ecosystem of leaders focused on family values
- The reason why there is a breakdown of great leaders in our communities
- What Jeff’s legacy will be and where he gathers his inspiration
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I am passionate about understanding my responsibility for those 4 human beings I created and that is my legacy more than any other thing that I’m gonna leave behind and how are they going to impact the world.”
-Jeff Smith
Connect with Jeff:
The Tactical Empire Podcast
The Real Jeff Smith
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There’s a magnificent thing that happens when you’re integrated into entrepreneurship at a young age……you rage against the machine.....like today’s guest.
Michael Burns is founder of Lifestyle Realty, Lifestyle Lending and Lifestyle Mortgage. He’s an established Real Estate Broker, Loan Officer, and Real Estate Investor. In plain terms, he’s a beast of a businessman turning fears of the average person to feed his insatiable appetite for wanting more out of life with his family, his fitness, business, and overall drive to success.
Today, Jeff and Michael discuss the early years of playing baseball, California hockey, football, soccer, and golf that encouraged his spirit born outside of the box. Michael shares how he worked his family’s nursery in California until they sold it. It was there that he learned about managing a business, keeping inventory on perishable plants, and the financial ups and downs most entrepreneurs encounter, especially during economic depressions. They discuss college versus real-world experience and the power of how his experience gave him the advantage over many of his peers.
What You'll Learn:
- What Michael’s Dad said when he revealed he dropped out of Junior College
- Michael’s challenge with public education and post public education
- The discovery he made when he took his very first job out of college
- How Michael outsold 20-year veterans of one company to a tune of $10M in one year smashing a record
- Why he left a high-grossing sales position
- The pivotal moment that led Michael to move to Utah to begin building his empire
- Why an iceberg is the official logo of Michael’s real estate team
- Reasons Michael got started as a real estate agent and how he built out a mortgage company to feed his streams of revenue
- Specific numbers of huge success and losses in Real Estate
- The mindset required to break through the noise
- Biggest motivating factors for why Michael does what he does (Hint: It’s Not Money)
- Jeff shares a revelation from a live event Michael and his wife hosted
- The lessons he’s learned from working with one human being
- Rollercoasters of desire and insatiable wants and how to change the perspective and share a message the world will want to emulate
- What Michael tells people to invest in no matter how much money they have
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“When I started working on myself on the inside, everything else took care of itself. We’ll double our income. My marriage is truly the best it’s ever been. My family unit is awesome. Health and fitness, the people in my life. The more I’ve gone all in on my life, literally everything else has fallen into place.”
-Michael Burns
Connect with Michael:
BurnzTeam
Podcast Coming Soon: Freedom Lifestyle Experience
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There’s a saying that goes: “Everyone has a book in them.” And the reality is this is a true statement and it’s also true that less than 90% of the population ever start, much less finish writing a book.
Mike Fallat is a best-selling author and founder of Dream Starters Publishing, helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and influencers write the one story they’ve all been waiting to write and don’t have time to finish in 30 days.
Today, Jeff and Mike talk about the journey of schooling and education that revealed there was more for Mike to accomplish in life. They share an affinity for hockey, the competitive nature of the sport which translates into a necessary tool to use to succeed in today’s business landscape. Mike talks candidly about the importance of expanding your network by simply shaking hands, connecting, and continuing the journey of self-education. Jeff and Mike get really transparent and lay out the roadmap of how to create, build, and how there are no accidents or coincidences in the people we are pushed by the universe into meeting.
What You'll Learn:
- The number of books Mike read before he started Dream Starters Publishing
- Why he decided to go into publishing books
- One conference that changed his life, and how he spent most of his time there doing one thing most people didn’t
- The position Mike wanted to play in hockey, and the grand revelation he had dating back to childhood about who he was
- Lessons Mike learned from his very first mentor and the cold hard truth about entrepreneurship
- The tactic Mike used to get the attention of a girl on LinkedIn
- How the average person has more content as of today to get a book written within the next 30 days
- Processes behind making it to the best-sellers list and how to get started today
- Why it’s important to write your book now and the multitude of opportunities that would extrapolate the numbers on your P&L in the next 6 months once you’re published
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I am a best-selling author. I have something nobody else has. Wow! I can do something great with this. Then all of a sudden, people not only came to me to help them with entrepreneur stuff, but they said, “Hey, can you help me write a book?” So here I was off and running all because of the universe was pushing me out of what I wasn’t supposed to do.”
- Mike Fallat
Connect with Mike:
Dream Starters Publishing
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
In every human being, there’s a box that gets unlocked at some point in their lives. Sometimes it comes early in life and sometimes, much later. The differentiation in when and how all stems from your focus and more importantly, your attitude.
Jay Nixon is a best-selling author, speaker, coach, mentor, and founder of Thrive Forever Fit Podcast, and is owner of Thrive Fitness Studio. His drive and dedication to excellence started at a young age when he was left with only his mom after his father died suddenly. Today, he’s parlayed what many would deem a chaotic life, and changed his life by changing his attitude and simply doing the work.
In this episode, Jeff and Jay talk about significant loss in life, the journeys through a chaotic life, suicide, unfortunate turns of events, and answering the call to excellence in the direst moments in life. Jay shares one of the biggest breakthroughs of his life that sparked an insatiable appetite for self-development on his journey to self-awareness. Today, he’s charged with helping thousands of individuals find their center and rediscovering the path they were intended to be on while on this planet.
What You'll Learn:
- How Jay channeled the rage from a significant childhood loss
- The reason Jay still carries a dollar bill in pocket to this day, and what’s written on it
- Why Jay became a coach
- The importance of being coached, being in a mastermind of some type and why it’s necessary for you if you’re going to thrive moving forward
- What living in a town of 4,000 people was like and the reality of how most people live
- How giving up certain things and people in life is a requirement if you’re going to continue growth
- Why consulting for the NFL Alumni was not enough to fill Jay’s “Why”
- How a flood in a region of California where it rarely rains, completely changed the trajectory of Jay’s lifted after his business flooded
- Having blind faith, and how to use it to your advantage
- Suffering great loss in rapid succession and how to cope
- Changing your language and how you talk to yourself, can change your life
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“I’m not saying it was easy. There were moments where I had to talk myself off the ledge, but that flood moved me from where I was comfortable to where I needed to be. I just wasn’t doing it. Even though things have been chaotic at times, everything happened for me, not to me. It’s amazing what faith can do if you believe.”
- Jay Nixon
Connect with Jay:
Thrive Forever Fit
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There are real conversations that men have with themselves, but never with one another, until today's episode.
Kris Whitehead is a best-selling author, speaker, Executive Business Coach and Founder of New England Custom Remodeling, Founder of Iconic Alliance, and is the Director of Executive Coaches at Apex helping salespeople and business owners connect the dots from today to a brighter tomorrow.
In this episode, Jeff and Kris get raw, real, and dive into uncomfortable territory for their gender..........they discuss feelings and their driving forces. They also share a little about the entrepreneurial journeys they've each been on, the contrast between a younger generation, negotiating in relationships, and the best way to move forward at every turn. Kris brings you into a room of some of the most powerful people on this planet, collapsing time and making shit happen by doing one simple thing...........knowing your value.
What You'll Learn:
- One of the biggest lessons Kris didn't learn until his 40s that he wished he would've learned in his 20s
- The one body part Kris uses when he's losing a marital battle
- Why pursuing making more money to buy more stuff is an empty pursuit
- Kris reveals the number one thing YOU need to know NOW
- How to create a utopic world where there is no suffering
- The reason Jeff knew he liked Kris when he met him
- How to find the value of who you are
- What H.A.L.T. stands for and how to use it to identify troubles spots in relationships
- How Ego will destroy everything you've worked to build
- One group that's welcoming you into a world of the esoteric community of the living world
- Everything that Kris gives away for free and how to find it
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
"It only takes one person to not tell the other person sorry, but to understand the source, because I'm not fighting my wife. I'm fighting the principality and that argument is never going to get anywhere, and what I've learned to do is drop down on one knee, ask for the forgiveness and wisdom and move forward."
- Kris Whitehead
Connect with Kris:
Iconic Alliance
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Everything you have in your life, the reality you’re living in is because you brought it into existence with your thoughts, relationships, the work you’ve done and ultimately, every single choice leading up to you reading this. If you’re searching for something profound, you’ll find it in today’s episode of Addicted to Winning.
Our guest is Shawn Henry, CEO and Founder of Efficient Home Services who serve their clients in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina with roofing, solar, windows and doors, and HVAC needs. Shawn is also a new owner of a gym franchise. He’s the founder of a non-profit, KLM (Kids Lives Matter), vetting organizations who are enlisted to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children who have been trafficked back into society.
In this episode, Jeff and Shawn discuss a little about Shawn’s past, the true source of his competitive nature, the power of finding mentors along every leg of your journey. Shawn gets real about how he took his life from being the kid no one wanted their kids to hang around, being a high school drop out to reclaiming his life. Jeff and Shawn talk about the importance of philanthropy, the 75 hard program, and what happens when you focus on every important aspect of your life by doing one simple thing……….THE WORK.
What You'll Learn:
- How Shawn went from being a bad kid, a high school drop-out with no college education, multiple arrests, and catapulted himself into a different life.
- What to do when people doubt you and push you away
- Why it’s important to find a good mentor and the number one quality to look for before you enlist their leadership
- KLM (Kids’ Lives Matter) and how they’re working with powerful companies to rescue children who have been trafficked by the foul of this earth, and providing counseling, support, and reintegration into society in a healthy manner.
- The power of Philanthropy
- How the power of visualization and repetitive thoughts got Shawn out of what could’ve been a lifetime slump
- Building culture and relationships is more important than making money
- The 2 major things Shawn wants in his life after building a successful empire
- How to get anything you want by applying 2 simple concepts
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you can create a culture of self-development and winning, it makes the company run so much smoother and then it’s easy to promote from within”
- Shawn Henry
Connect with Shawn:
Efficient Home Services
KLM (Kids Lives Matter)
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
When it comes to interpersonal relationships, there’s no one who can go deeper than our guest today. She goes so deep, she can see into your past and beyond your future.
Lisa Marie Platske is a force of nature who made her journey into Law Enforcement as a leader, and trainer in earlier years, and after some time, she transitioned into becoming the founder, President, and CEO of Upside Thinking and is an international best-selling author in 5 countries, speaker, and coach. Lisa Marie works with people from all walks of life personally and in business.
In this episode, Jeff and Lisa Marie have a very intimate and candid conversation about the power of doing for others, living in integrity, perspectives on hiring, how leadership is based on influence, the power of the upside, seeing things differently, and how to create a positive mindset.
What You'll Learn:
- Why Lisa Marie felt entangled in knots during her career in law enforcement
- How he navigated a traditionally male-dominated sector of the government
- A pivotal moment in her career that changed the trajectory of how she validated herself
- The importance of knowing your true worth, not only as a professional, but as a human being
- The transformative phases business owners go through during their journeys
- Power moves and creating power mindsets
- Lisa Marie’s favorite poem from Ralph Waldo Emerson that provides a deep philosophical insight everyone could implement
- How Lisa Marie came to create Upside Thinking
- The exploration Lisa Marie took to discover the next step after leaving a very “safe” career in law enforcement
- What the 7 pillars of leadership are and how they’re applied
- The ONE question most people are never asked
- One of the biggest negations most make in their lives and self-sabotage their paths to success
- The transformations most business owners encounter
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“Comfort doesn’t change the world. Vulnerability changes everything.”
- Lisa Marie Platske
Connect with Lisa Marie:
Upside Thinking
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Our guest today is the epitome of what happens to many entrepreneurs just before they have the “great awakening” in their lives that takes them on a whole new trajectory personally and professionally.
Steve Schabacker doesn’t mince words and he doesn’t waste time when it comes down to doing the work. He’s currently operating 4 companies including an IT Services Company, a Security Services company, 2 Gun Shops, an Online Gun Store, and a gun manufacturing business. The name of his brand is one you won’t forget: SheepDog Firearms, named for the SheepDog that lives his life in hopes one day the wolf that never arrives, does. Guns. Ammo. Training. He’s also the host of the Tactical Entrepreneur Podcast.
In this episode of the Addicted to Winning Podcast, Jeff and Steve get right to the journey that brought Steve the realization many entrepreneurs have at one point: start your own business. They discuss the ugly parts of not knowing what you don’t know in business, the effects it has on them personally in their health, relationships, business partnerships, as well as the lessons they learned from taking imperfect action through various iterations of their careers.
What You'll Learn:
- Why Steve loves hiring and training people with very little firearms experience
- How starting a business is more about filling a need than filling your pockets
- Why connecting with clients on a personal level is so important to the livelihood of your business
- The moment Steve decided to jump out of depression and take imperfect action towards building something bigger than himself
- A night when he wasn’t sure he was going to live to see his wife and children the next day
- 3 Big passions Steve has intended for his life moving forward
- Big challenges most businesses face that can be solved with 3 easy solutions
- Why creating a culture in your business and establishing core values attract a certain type of clientele
- How a business can differentiate themselves instead of becoming a commodity business.
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“Anytime you have a commodity business, you’re going to have some problems long-term with sustainability.”
“The lessons I learned are worth every bit of pain. Because without that, I’m not. We look at the choices we make and say, if you could go back in your life and change anything, what would you change? Nah, I wouldn’t change anything. They’re all connected.”
- Steve Schabacker
Connect with Steve:
Podcast: The Tactical Entrepreneur Podcast
SheepDogFirearms.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
There are some people you meet and just by looking at them know they have struggled with real demons and won.
Mike Claudio is one of those people. He’s Founder and CEO of WinRate Consulting, coaching countless entrepreneurs on their self-employment journeys, Host of Big Stud Podcast, and Co-Founder of A Champions Shoes that has donated over 2000 pair of shoes to children in need across the United States in just 10 months.
In this episode, Jeff and Mike plunge into discussing doing things that aren’t in alignment to who you are as a person. Mike opens up wide and shares his journey through college, getting a job in Corporate working for Verizon Wireless, making 6 figures a year, his battle with alcoholism, obesity, and the pivotal moment that made him quit his cushy corporate job and take a $100K pay cut. Jeff and Mike dive into knowing what’s truly important at the end of the day.
What You'll Learn:
- The value of the golden handcuffs Verizon slapped on him
- Mike shares an image that stopped his middle management training dead in its tracks
- What happens when you go through 30 day quota sales cycles for 9 years in a row
- How corporate equips you enough to be informed to sell a product and pays you well enough to not ask questions
- The process required to take a company from $300k per year in sales to $2.5 in under 2 years
- The power of learning quickly and rebranding yourself in a brand new industry
- 2 show stopping questions that leave Mike speechless for a moment
- What Mike has learned about how to be a killer coach
- The best way to launch a foundation with maximum impact
- How A Champion’s Shoe has changed over 2000 lives in less than 10 months
-
Perspectives on being married and making sacrifices
-
And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“When I’m looking at numbers of these businesses. We were talking about per transaction stuff, cost of employees, cost of sales, so I was learning a lot about business by asking questions. Sales 101. But people are like, I need these tablets and I was like, what kind of impact would these tablets even have for you? I don’t wanna sell you something you don’t need. Let’s talk about it.
I learned the value of an employee, the value of sales, and I got that Verizon invested a lot of money in me and my commission was a really small part of that and I’m not knocking their commission plan. I was just saying if I can do this here, what can I do out there? Here’s the crazy part. I did not have an answer. I just knew I would figure that out. I do not know the answer to this question other than it must have been God because I didn’t know how I was going to pull that off. I knew I was worth more and I’m gonna go figure it out.”
-Mike Claudio
Connect with Mike:
Podcast: Big Stud Podcast
YouTube
Foundation: A Champion’s Shoes
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
At a young age, Daniel Blue realized if he was going to make it in this world, he’d need to develop a tough skin and keep pressing forward. Along the way, he took some hard hits and learned some valuable lessons about life, love, and finances that serve him well to this day.
Daniel Blue started his career in Sales at the ripe young age of 18, quickly earning 6-figures while powering through an addiction that continues to plague many people today. He quickly figured out how to leverage his ability to earn and create a business. He’s now the founder and CEO of Quest Education, a platform dedicated to showing people how to become their own banks and access their 401K and retirement plans tax and penalty-free. Daniel is the Co-Host of How Winners Win Podcast, and best-selling author of B.L.U.E. Print to Your Best Retirement.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Jeff and Daniel talk about some impactful events that led to learning the lessons to grow from impoverished to living an enhanced life style, abandonment by someone you love, addiction, becoming a parent at 19 and the challenges associated with climbing out of dark hole into a star-filled sky.
What You'll Learn:
- What Daniel did when his father abandoned him at 12 years old
- The challenges Daniel overcame with drug addiction
- How his mismanagement of financial resources created him to be an authority in living well and well below your means
- How to redirect your IRA, 401K, and retirement accounts penalty and tax-free
- Why his Mazda 3 is more significant than his Range Rover
- The point where Daniel decided to leave a thriving Real Estate firm to start at the bottom again
- How using your business as a vehicle will fuel your passions to the top
-
A network that has kept Daniel on track, accountable, and allowed him to only work with the very best people on the planet
-
And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Yes, we can get advice from mentors and people we look up to, however, it hits different when you actually experience that pain and own it, take accountability for fucking up and then you look yourself in the mirror and you’re like, okay, what can I do better, how can I make changes that way I can be a better person? ”
- Daniel Blue
Connect with Daniel:
Website: Daniel Blue
Podcast: How Winners Win
Book: B.L.U.E. Print to Your Best Retirement
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
It’s not every day you meet someone like Sammie Knight. You know the guy that walks in a room full of people, knows something about almost every single person, and always has an impactful conversation with anyone he meets.
Sammie Knight is more than a father, husband, and business owner. He’s a patriarch of mankind and he doesn’t spend much time talking about his accomplishments, but rather looks for opportunities to help people in ways only written about in books. Sammie is a ReMax Experts in Mississippi, Founder of Summit Management Services, and founder of Motto Mortgage Superior.
Jeff and Sammie waste no time diving right into this episode discussing the current state of society, W-2 jobs, the importance of life beyond knowing how to run a business and balance a P&L. They go deeper discussing the difference between a coach and a sponsor, while sharing childhood lessons learned from their fathers.
What You'll Learn:
- The difference between a coach and sponsor
- One childhood story from Sammie’s Dad in a cemetery that reframed the way he would think the rest of his life
- His mindset when it comes to the benefits of a college education and good old fashioned hardwork
- How to hire based on talent and natural ability
- Finding your worth starting with your mentality
- Why Society is making things more complicated than it needs to be
- The secret recipe he uses when he has people to his hunting camp
-
How to create a powerful network with blue collar workers to powerful people around the world
-
And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“What you're willing to do for your family with your heart should be tireless.”
Connect with Sammie:
OxFord Homes
Email: sammie@oxfordhomes.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
Have you ever met someone as if they were carrying the secrets to life’s mysteries?
Chris Clear is that “someone” who injects curiosity, excitement, and a refreshing charity of spirit when it comes to all matters in life and business. He’s a proud father of 3 and happily married man who cut his teeth cold-calling in sales, and after many repetitions in various positions, a layoff back in 2011 spawned him later becoming a partner in Atlantic Merchant Services. He’s the owner of many storage facilities, and has one of the largest Facebook Groups for gun enthusiasts, Rimfire Tactical and is the host of the Rimfire Tactical Podcast.
In this episode, Jeff and Chris take a deep dive into reinvention through turning hobbies and passions into passive income. They discuss their shared passion of helping other business owners navigate the challenges faced every single day, with nothing to sell. Pay close attention to the golden nuggets Chris drops as it pertains to a simple way to create passive income with little to no overhead, in an industry that has a huge demand, no matter the state of the economy.
What You'll Learn:
- How getting laid off in 2011 was the best thing that could’ve happened to Chris
- Why having nothing to sell while you’re helping someone can be your biggest asset in landing your next client
- The power of taking a passion and turning it into a unique way to make money
- An important industry that’s bullet proofed and profitable in any economy
- One important lesson from starting a Facebook Group that will change your life personally and professionally
- The importance of diversifying starting with something you enjoy doing
- Turning lessons into sales opportunities for the future
- And much more!
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“If you find something that you enjoy talking about and you enjoy teaching somebody, man, if there’s a way that you can turn it into a career or something to get fulfillment from, that’s the American Dream.”
-Chris Clear
Connect with Chris:
RimFire Tactical FB Group
RimFire Tactical Podcast
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
He woke up in the hospital handcuffed to the bed with a police officer in the room, not remembering what happened. In today’s episode, you’ll be taken on a journey of self-actualization most people won’t share.
John Highley hails from Dayton, Ohio, where he cut his teeth at Dannon Yogurt until one fateful day changed the course of his life. John is founder of Marketing Savage working with entrepreneurs to find their full encompassing path to fulfillment personally and professionally. He is a best-selling author of Marketing Savage: True Wealth. True Health. True Life. and host of the Tactical Mentor Podcast.
In this episode, Jeff and John take a non-traditional dive into an entrepreneurship journey that started with his door being kicked in and being hauled off by the police. They discuss the presence of God intervening to get John’s attention to answer a calling to help more people. In this episode, Jeff and John discuss the importance of having the important conversations with the most important person on the planet. They discuss the challenges and successes of business, the pitfalls, and navigating the search to happiness. John gets real and raw in this episode.
What You'll Learn:
- How to create a profitable-one man YouTube channel
- What steps to take the moment you have “ah-ha” moments
- How John changed an industry by making one video
- Why creating training and tools for your clients and employees will change your life
- The compound effects of providing so much value, you have clients for life
- Lessons learned from a good old-fashioned beating
- A book John turned to that has helped him change the way he looks at things in life and business
- The power of belief and how John’s helped people break the shackles of conformity
- And much more!
Favorite Quotes:
“If you get a sliver of the big piece of pie, you’re doing well. You’re doing really well. But here’s one of the secrets to why I can sell this product to so many people, because I believe in it at such a high level and our employees believe in it at such a high level, where that energy transfers to anyone who works with us.”
“Everytime that we blow something up, there’s something called “The Dip.” Every single time. Every single time. The dip is what I wait for now when I know we’re going to take it to the next level. Most people don’t realize this, but every business, everything they launch, every online project, when you put it out there, you’re going to meet your biggest failure. And that’s going to be a dip and most people walk away and give up. When that happens to me, I know that my biggest success is right around the corner.
In fact I have a trampoline in my office. I left it with my assistant when I left Ohio as a reminder that as you jumped on it, that little dip, that when you dip down, that is the momentum you need to go higher.”
-John Highley
Connect with John:
Marketing Savage FB Group
Marketing Savage Website
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.
At a young age, Taylor Sherman was told by her parents she was special, and she believed it. This has been her driving force as well as being in pursuit of the “best” Taylor out there.
Taylor Sherman started her sales career at the young age of 18 while attending college. She sold jewelry in the homes of other ladies and catapulted herself into advertising, and later into the world of Human Resources and Benefits Solutions. She currently works with Blue Sky Benefit Solutions and is one of the managing partners in HRevive designed to serve other members of the HR Community in a positive way through education, training, and access to VIP connections within the community. Taylor is an investor, sales trainer, and coach.
In this episode, Jeff and Taylor discuss her journey from 18 years of age to current day and the lessons she’s learned. They discuss the psychological effects of doubt during dark times, and the importance of using visualization and hard work to overcome any and every obstacle in life and business. You’ll also receive a special invitation to join a powerful panel of speakers from various industries during their FREE HRevive Summit September 23, 2021. Check the show notes for details on how to sign up.
What You'll Learn:
- The motivation that propelled Taylor into jumping into sales at a young age while she was still in college
- Navigating various industries and the challenges that come with making adjustments
- How to create more time by earning and learning
- Importance of the employer-employee relationships and how to best foster a positive work culture
- Taylor’s realization about herself during one of the most challenge times in human history
- How to handle abandonment as a commission-only sales professional
- And much more!
Favorite Quotes:
“I love that I’m working toward financial freedom. Once you’ve learned how to earn and multiply money, it shifts the way you think about things and the way you see time.”
“When I first got started in the benefits world, I discovered that everyone had left me; the person that trained me, the person that brought me on board, they left, and I felt alone. And during that time, when you’re a commission-only sales person you rely so heavily on yourself and during that first few months, I really lost a part of me. I didn’t know. That was another dark time and I didn’t know if sales was for me.”
- Taylor Sherman
Connect with Taylor:
Email: Taylor@blueskybenefits.com
HRevive Summit September 23, 2021: Sign Up
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping
Jessica Stroud is a force of nature in life and in business. From the outside, she’s a bright, bubbly, superstar with pink shoes to match her pink-tinted hair, but when you meet her in person, you know you’re in the presence of humility, tenacity, and focus and infectious exuberance.
Jessica is the epitome of living a “no-excuse” lifestyle. She’s co-owner of Midwest Insurance Agency, Founder of The Lady CEO Brand, Host of the Lady CEO Podcast, and best-selling author of The Lady CEO: From the Corner of Poverty and Dysfunction to Lady CEO. Jessica is a social media speaker, an Executive Business Coach for the powerhouse network, Apex and an investor. Owner/Head Coach at Referrals Without Asking and she is known for generating hundreds of high-quality leads on auto-pilot annually. She is married to her awesome husband and business partner Brian and they currently live in the Kansas City area with their 2 boys and 2 fur babies.
In this episode, Jeff and Jessica discuss the importance of separating your true identity from what you do for a living, her journey from dysfunction and poverty, some of their favorite books, and the importance of being coached and surrounded by those who are more successful than you. Jessica shares how she gets hundreds of leads year after year without asking, and how to manage a tidal wave of referrals without sweating.
What You'll Learn:
- What made Jessica decide to ditch a comfy 6-figure job in Pharmaceutical sales and jump headfirst into Insurance
- The power of leveraging yourself as a person to take over market by helping others grow their business
- How to help as many people outside of her industry as possible
- Adding true value to any and every relationship you have
- One question she asks before she decides to take a meeting
- What she looks for when recruiting talent
- How to get 20 years worth of work done in 18 months
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“If you haven’t stopped and looked around and said, “I am in a prison and I built my prison brick by brick,” are you really even trying? Are you going fast enough? Probably not. When I went from 300 referrals to 600 referrals, that was a huge lesson for me. I had to set up a team and I had to do it quickly.”
- Jessica Stroud
Connect with Jessica:
The Lady CEO Podcast
Book: The Lady CEO: From the Corner of Poverty and Dysfunction to The Lady CEO
Get Referrals: Learn From Jess
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping
Matt Berthot is a machiavelli of life, especially music. He currently serves as a Vocal Music Teacher in Winfield, Kansas, Teacher at Heroes’ Journey, Coach and Creator at Journey8, EFP, at Estill Voice Training, Podcast Host of Voice by Matt, and Founder of VoiceByMatt.com
Starting out in life, Matt began his journey as a “jock,” excelling in wrestling, making his way to college until he discovered the magic of music. From here, his passions took root and he developed an exceptional ability to teach, motivating students to find their true selves in their talents and leveraging it to perform at an exceptional level. Some of his students have gone on to work with the Jonas Brothers and grace the unattainable stages of Broadway.
In this episode, Jeff and Matt talk about the early years of struggling most people face when revealing their true talents despite being doubted by those who were close to him, the importance of being yourself, struggles with physical health, and the innate power each one of us has to change our lives in one decision.
What You'll Learn:
- How Matt overcame haters and limiting beliefs of other people
- The secret to losing 60 pounds in 6 months
- Ways Matt was able to use the Laws of Attraction to create an ideal life while collapsing time
- Mindset tricks you can use to escalate rapid growth through maximum impact
- How to create synchronicity with people who bring you opportunities you never could’ve dreamed possible
- Habits required to create a killer mindset to win in all areas of life
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“So my definite major purpose is to help people become the best version of themselves by helping them find their voice, their true voice, their authentic voice. Not what somebody told you to say in a speech, not how you read from a book, but what is it that’s you? That’s it.”
- Matt Berthot
Connect with Matt:
VoiceByMatt
Podcast: Voice By Matt
Email: VoicebyMatt@gmail.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
Jessica Dennehy was raised in the Bronx, New York with aspirations of being a Fly Girl like J-LO, until she realized she didn’t have the skills necessary to do so. As a back-up, becoming an attorney was her next option.
At the age of 26, Jessica became a New York Stock Exchange Regulatory Attorney. This was fueled by her passion for reading, giving perspectives, and hearing perspectives of others. Ten years ago, she made a huge pivot leaving her prestigious position, generous salary, and corporate structure to pivot into entrepreneurship. She is the founder and creator of “Mad Men Barbershop,” and works as an independent attorney helping entrepreneurs avoid the pitfalls of being self-employed. She is an author and business consultant.
In this episode, Jeff and Jessica discuss what it’s like to work in an unwelcoming environment, coping mechanisms, mindset, and the tenacity required to navigate a stunted corporate world. They share the importance of having healthy habits, creating an ideal life, and making the most of the lessons learned along the way personally and professionally.
What You'll Learn:
- The truth about the treatment of youth in the corporate world
- How Jessica decided to jump from her well-paying corporate salary into entrepreneurship
- The mindset of an unfulfilled person not easily seduced by money
- Structuring your day to work for you and not you working for it
- The importance of keeping a healthy mind and body during the journey of entrepreneurship
- Thinking bigger than your 5-mile radius
- And much more!
Favorite Quote:
“The lesson is in the thing that got you to the win. I’ll bet you that whatever you just won at, it wasn’t just your first time trying that out. You tried a bunch of stuff. It didn’t work and you learned from it, which allowed you the capacity and potential to win. So the winning is just the prize, but the failures are really just lessons.”
- Jessica Dennehy
Connect with Jessica:
PivotAndSlay.com
Book: Pivot and Slay: The Ultimate Guide to Mindset Mastery
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
Marc Zalmanoff aka “The Fitness Ninja” is one of those rare individuals that comes along every now and then who makes you happy to live in this world. Since 2003, he’s been helping people live happier, healthier lives through improved fitness, nutrition, and mindset.
Marc is the founder and owner of Marc Z Fitness and Nutrition, host of the “Make Good Choices” Podcast, co-founder of the Fit Pro Collective, co-host of Real Talk with Real Fit Pros Podcast, a 1stPhorm Legionnaire and best-selling author of “Make Good Choices.” Over the last 19 years, he’s coached thousands of people from all walks of life with one mission in mind: leave people better and remind them to make good choices daily.
In this episode, Jeff and Marc discuss the importance of choosing to be happy and maintaining a positive disposition no matter where your life started. They take a deep dive into how eating healthy and exercising has helped thousands of people find the clarity and focus necessary to change the trajectory of their lives. They also discuss Marc’s initial “why,” raising children, being entrepreneurs, and various strategies in life and business that have helped Marc over the last 19 years of his career impact and help more people make good choices.
What You'll Learn:
- The one person in Marc’s life that influenced his positive disposition and outlook on life
- How to develop the skills necessary to run a successful business with a smile on your face
- Marc’s understanding of what stoicism is and how he applies it in his life
- The mentality Marc has when it comes to living his life daily
- Insights into how to grow a business during a global pandemic
- Why doing the little things daily and consistently prepared him for the biggest windfall year in business
- And much more!
Favorite Quotes:
“Two of the main tenets of stoicism are the fact that you don’t control anything but your thoughts and your actions. You can’t control what other people do or say, you can’t control the weather, who’s the president…….all the things most people worry about we have zero control over”
“At the end of the day, I have to know that I’ve done my part in my actions and then on the mental side of things, I’ve controlled my emotions properly, channeling and understanding you get to control it.”
- Marc Zalmanoff
Connect with Marc:
TheFitnessNinja
The Make Good Choices Podcast
Book: Make Good Choices
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
At 24 years of age, most people were going to college, attending a tech school and simply "finding themselves." Every now and then, you meet someone who breaks the traditional path and paves their own road.
Jenn Carrasco is someone who at an early age was faced with being a single mother and had no other option in her mind, but to journey into entrepreneurship. She's the Founder and CEO of Virago Skin Care Studios, Vskin Care Lines, Business and Branding Maven, and Marketing Wizardress, an Executive Business coach, and soon, a new author. (October 2021)
In this episode, Jeff and Jenn discuss the journey of enduring significant loss, the lessons learned, and the mindset required to power through to the next level in life and business. They also discuss the number one secret to collapsing time and mitigating losses in business.
What You'll Learn:
- How Jenn protected her business from being high-jacked by a jilted lover and failed marriage
- The simple shift that allowed her to break free from an insurmountable mountain of stress, pain, and defeat
- Daily processes that took her from simply being a single mom, running a business to becoming an IFBB Pro
- The importance of investing in the right network to meet the right people to get you to the next level in life and business
- Daily practices that you can implement in your life to change the trajectory of your future
- And much more!
“Don't listen to others. I don't mean don't listen to anybody, but definitely take it with a grain of salt, because when people tell you things in your life, they do it from their perception. They're telling you because it's going to affect them in the long run.
They think that they're giving you good advice but it's only on how it affects them, not me. I learned that I should only do what I want. I trust my gut instinct, and I follow it."
- Jenn Carrasco
Connect with Jenn:
Jenn Carrasco
Facebook.com
Podcast
Vskin Care Line
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
What if your boss came in one day and told you that you had to work from 6 am to 10 pm every single day? Would you accept it? Would you have the ability to simply walk away?
Brian McKittrick is an entrepreneur, author and business coach who started his career in sales at Guitar Center. His 20 year career in sales has led him to work, manage and train for “Big Box” Brands like Office Max/Depot, Ultimate Electronics, and Best Buy. He has taken his knowledge in sales and leadership training and built an empire through recruiting, training, and has created a predictable plan of success for his agency, Insurance of Texas which currently serves all 50 states including Washington D.C.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Jeff and Brian discuss the various challenges faced when making the transition from W-2 employee, commission sales, management, and the secret to navigating each new “level” with fluidity. They also take a deep dive into how to keep a personal touch in business through education, training, and coaching.
What You'll Learn:
- How Brian went from a Retail Management position to 6-figures in commission his first year in sales
- The winning mindset necessary to lead and succeed in business without a college degree
- A unique way of parenting that has helped him in his personal and professional life
- How to walk into any situation prepared and confident no matter the outcome
- The number one reason every single entrepreneur needs a coach
- And much more!
“Fear holds a lot of people back. If you’re here today, if you’ve survived, if you’re here at this point, chances are your worst day is behind you. It will be as long as you keep progressing forward.”
- Brian McKittrick
Connect with Brian:
BrianMcKittrick.com
Facebook.com
Email: Brian@InsuranceofTexas.net
Book: It Ain’t Rocket Surgery
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
What drives you to be better? Pushes you to be the best version of yourself? If you don’t have an answer, it’s time to find one.
Drew Laine is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. Every challenge he takes on disrupts each respective industry while also making a significant social impact. Drew’s current portfolio consists of 13 brands across the software, manufacturing, sporting goods, and coaching industries.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Jeff and Drew connect over their shared passion for hockey and the impact it has on a person’s character as they grow up. Drew also breaks down how he finds the motivation to keep pushing his own limits and the life lessons that have come from these experiences. Listen in for an episode that will drive you to do more than you could ever imagine.
What You'll Learn:
- How Drew took his passion and made it into something that has a real and tangible impact on others
- What keeps him pushing forward even when the threat of failure gets in his way
- Why Drew says he does not want to deal with the mediocre in life and how this mindset drives him towards success
- And much more!
“As humans, we need to find a way to be greedy enough to care enough – not just about you and the people in your life – but about people across the country.”
- Drew Laine
Connect with Drew:
Penaltybox.com
Penaltyboxfoundation.org
Drewlaine.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
What does it take for someone to want better for themselves? How does anyone figure out how to be the person they daydream about?
John Wetmore went from car repossessions, foreclosure, divorce, and bankruptcy all before he was 35 years old to never having to worry about providing for his family again. John didn’t grow up well-off and never truly experienced financial security growing up. John wanted to change his situation and now owns and operates a life insurance agency with a team of over 1200 employees.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Jeff and John connect over their financial struggles, careers in insurance, and how they ultimately reached the path wanted their lives to take. John also explains how mastering time and patience as well as being okay with trial and error has made him a better leader. Listen in for an episode that will realign your way to winning!
What You'll Learn:
- What made John want to reach a place where he was secure and comfortable in life
- How he learned from his financial struggles to jumpstart his career
- Why getting out of his own way allowed the company to flourish
- And much more!
“I started putting forth so much effort towards big goals, started writing down goals and dreams. I started talking about them and expressing them and putting them out there and just challenging myself to do more than I could ever do. And it just came together fast.”
- John Wetmore
“You can't drink a pill and get better at everything today. I can get someone to believe they can do more in a few minutes, but for them to believe they can be better – that takes time.”
- John Wetmore
Connect with John Wetmore:
Johnwetmore.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
Starting any business often begins with trial by fire. Establishing a core set of values is an essential element to that business plan that is overlooked far too often.
Matty Kondrup, better known as Matty K, is a husband, father of three, and the President and CEO of The Matty K Travel Group which employs over 40 agents nationwide and specializes in travel ranging from family getaways to destination weddings. Matty is fairly new to the travel agent world but has successfully launched and grown his business despite the COVID-19 pandemic grounding flights.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Matty and Jeff discuss how establishing your business’s values is as essential as any business plan, financing, etc. They also discuss how embracing their entrepreneurial spirit allowed them both to follow their passions and build successful businesses. Listen in for an episode that will get you thinking about the next big thing.
What You'll Learn:
- Why Matty chose to pursue the travel industry after serving decades as a first-responder
- What he learned early on in his experience as a travel agent
- How Matty was able to excel in an industry new to him and launch his own business soon after
- And much more!
“Anytime you start a business, you think you have all the answers. You think you have a roadmap laid out, your business plan, financing, and everything is all ready to go. Then you start and realize … you know nothing.”
- Matty K
Connect with Matty:
mattyktravelgroup.com
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!
A person can fill a dozen different roles on any given day. We each can be a lot of things all at once and through the various stages of life. It’s a sense of humanity that keeps us inherently linked.
Welcome to Addicted to Winning hosted by Jeff Brekken. Jeff has been a lot of different people: family farmhand, hockey player, husband, insurance consultant, and much more. Every role from his past has helped him succeed during those he takes on in the future.
On this episode of Addicted to Winning, Jeff welcomes listeners and sets the stage for his new journey as a mindset podcaster. This show is about deciphering personal experiences in order to elevate the lives of those around you while propelling your personal journey onward. Listen in for an episode that will get you excited to win wherever life goes.
What You'll Learn:
- How early life experiences build a strong foundation for Jeff’s work ethic
- What prompted him to start sharing this insight and advice on the show
- Why sharing experiences with those around you builds a community for success
- And much more!
“I want to give you a new way to look at life, at business. I want to give each of you pieces of the puzzle so that when you are listening to one of our guests you have that ‘oh my god’ moment and say: wow, you know that's it, that's what I have been missing.”
- Jeff Brekken
“Everyone I know puts their pants on one leg at a time – from the billionaires, millionaires, to people who are struggling to pay a bill right now. But everybody has one thing in common ... everybody can learn something from each other.”
- Jeff Brekken
How to Get Involved:
Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out.
In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions insurance agency on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.
If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!