Jake's Garage

Sat down and discussed WFRD's past, present, and future with Brendan. I had a great time and am very grateful he was able to get out to the garage. We dove into our culture and discovered it had been building for a long time, Brendan just popped the lid and let it out!

Nate and Jordan have a lot of experience and offer great perspective. Give this one a listen if you want to get to know these two guys a little more. This was a good one!

Spoke with Jeff Lesniak today. Had a great time learning about his progression into and through the fire service and where he still wants to go. He lays out his priorities and the importance of family from the start. It was a great conversation and we have plenty more we could talk about. Unfortunately, we didn't get to share any of the bourbon he brought so the next one's on me!

Another good conversation. Talked with Scott Wessel and learned a ton about what makes him the person he is today and we recapped some of our Union history together. We ended discussing the importance of family and Wessel shared a story about me that leaves me embarrassed this day.

That's Jimmy with a K. Had a great conversation with Bobula. We discussed the hurdles he faced when starting out and explored the perseverance it took for him to get to where he is today. Even life changing medical concerns will not stop him from being a Firefighter. Jimmy provides a great lesson in resilience that we all could use. Then I beat him in a round of golf.

Alright, it's been a while. Had Max out to the garage to discuss all things Max, his start, how he got to where he is now, and hopes for the future. We also jumped around from BBQ, golf, travel, and the supernatural. At the end max delivered a powerful message that I think everyone should hear.

Scott Nieman explains how he got into the fire service, moved through the ranks, and how he plans to leave WFRD better for the next generation. Take a listen and see how his life experiences helped shape his career and perspective on life, family, and the job.

Greg explains his unique road to WFRD and what drives him in life. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and appreciate Greg's honesty and humility. We discussed new guy mentality, speculated on the future of WFRD, dove into reputations, and at the end Greg makes a genuine request.

This great discussion with Joe left me with a better understanding of his ability to overcome adversity while always looking for the next step forward. Joe embodies growth mindset, explains what it is to hold yourself accountable, and what it means to "make the deal!"

We talk Maydays, Mindset, and Math. Todd made my job easy with this episode, if you don't take something away, listen again.

I'm a big fan of this one. Quinn joined me in the garage and talked about his start, his journey to the military, and where all of that may lead him. Make sure you tune in until the end where you will hear an unreleased song titled "Roger" from his band, Cut and Run. He also was kind enough to gift me the new intro track for the podcast! Cut and Run - available on Spotify

Chief Ralph Webster, alongside his wife Kristen, joined me in the garage. We had a great conversation ranging in topics, from the creation of WFRD and its early years, all the way to leadership and mental health. Chief Webster was generous enough to share some emotional lessons he learned along his career, both personal and professional. Everyone can take something away from this episode.

Trevor leaves no doubt behind, he wants to be part of WFRD. He shares his unique story ranging from Texas to Illinois, that somehow even involves a little surfing. We talked about his experiences outside of WFRD that helped shape him to who he is today and where he would like to see his career, and life, take him. There is no question, Trevor has created his own name, and place, at WFRD.

Service before self and dying on hills. Tyler lays it all out and shares what makes him stay true to himself, his views on the fire service, growing up in a firehouse, and we even manage to squeeze in some civil war history. Tyler shared some very personal and emotional stories and I am very thankful to have had him as a guest.

John Leu sits down to discuss what brought him to WFRD, his unique perspective on work history and the trades, and getting into the fire service a little later in life. John addresses a sentiment that has been circulating about 3-5 year guys and sets the record straight on what seniority means to him.

I'm Jake and welcome to my garage. I like bourbon, golf, and smoking delicious food. I guess the last square I needed in middle aged guy bingo was starting a podcast so here we are! This short introduction will explain what this podcast is all about and give you a better idea of why I'm doing this. Enjoy

You know this will be a good one. Sat down and learned about Lt. Vizanko's colorful and unique path that led him to the Fire Service. We talked everything from substance abuse to what to name the podcast, and a lot in between.

The newer generation. Let's get after it! Romero, Pecoraro, Richardson!!!!

Another one of my favorite people! Today I talked to BC Chad Williams. We talk mindset, training, and the 5 core competencies. We also discuss our beginnings, complete with the trials and tribulations of when we were testing for career departments.

I sat down and had a great discussion with Lt. Mike Brinkman. I learned about how he got into the fire service and what the catalyst was that made him the leader he is today. Lt. Brinkman opens up about mental health and dives into the importance of getting help when you need it!