Pay It Forward Podcast

Can you build a real business, flip houses with quality, AND enjoy your marriage? Sean & Sam Tutor say yes—with discipline, detailed systems, and radical communication. Sean and Sam run Tutor Transformations—focused on flips, rentals, and custom remodels—and host The Tutors of Life podcast. They share how they stumbled into assisted living at 21, learned to scale with SOPs, transitioned into r...

Join us for an unforgettable episode as we explore "1,400 Miles of Healing: A Father’s Journey for Kevin." Barry Adkins shares the deeply personal and powerful story of losing his 18-year-old son, Kevin, to alcohol poisoning and the extraordinary steps he took to honor his memory. Barry embarked on a 1,400-mile walk from Arizona to Montana with Kevin’s ashes, using each step to heal, ins...

What happens when you achieve all you've wanted and you realize it's all for nothing? We are joined by Doug Fearing, co-founder and president of Fearings Audio Video and Security. With over 25 years of experience serving 4,000+ clients across the Midwest, Doug shares the powerful story behind the company’s success - and his incredible journey of faith, leadership, and transformation. From...

What does it take to scale from a single rental to over 600 units, build multiple businesses, and still prioritize purpose over profit? In this episode of the Pay It Forward Podcast, Keagan and Austin sit down with Ryan and Eva Gray—real estate power couple, serial entrepreneurs, and founders of Stable Living, Graham Property Management, 715 Homebuyers, and Graham Tax & Accounting. They share...

Discover the hardest lessons wrestling can teach you about life with legendary UWL Head Wrestling Coach Dave Malecek—a man who’s spent over three decades shaping not just elite wrestlers, but high-character young men. Dave Malecek- 31-year coaching career (19 years as University of Wisconsin La Crosse head coach) - NWCA Hall of Fame inductee- 3-time NCAA Division III Champion - 2024 National Coach...

Why do most real estate investors fail? If you're looking to break into real estate investing or scale your portfolio, this episode is a must-watch! We sit down with Marvin Wanders, co-founder of 360 Real Estate Solutions, to uncover the hard truths about real estate success and failure. Discover the incredible journey of Marvin Wanders, as he shares how he turned $10,000 into a thriving real...

We welcome two incredible guests who are making a global impact: Jacques van Bommel, founder & CEO of Reaching a Generation, and Aaron Sheer, president of CenterShot Ministries & chaplain for the Brown County Sheriff's Department. Jacques shares how his ministry in South Africa is reaching millions of children through schools, leadership programs, and even a business-as-mission model that...

Are you trying too hard to think 'Outside the Box'?In this episode we sit down with attitude expert, certified speaker, and author Matt Booth. Whether you're striving for personal growth, professional excellence, or life transformation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you get there. As Matt says, "In an age of overnight successes, twenty-one-day f...

In this episode of Pay It Forward, we sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, the President & CEO of First Companies, a 5th-generation leader of a 127-year-old business. From its humble beginnings selling windmills to becoming a key player in building materials and innovation, Katie shares how her family’s vision, hard work, and commitment to community have shaped the company’s incredible jour...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jake Erickson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse. With 32 years of dedication and a powerful personal story, Jake shares how the organization shaped his life and how he's now paying it forward to impact thousands of youth. What else we discuss: • How the Boys & Girls Club shaped his own path from club kid to incredible leader • The...

Liv Steingraber and Meg Kronser have turned their passion for entrepreneurship into a journey of co-founding successful ventures, including Shop Twenties and Coulee Creative House. By the age of 25, they’ve explored various paths, from social media management and branding to e-commerce, event planning, design, consulting, and even construction management. Their 18-year friendship may not be the ty...

Dr. Mark Chavalas joins us to talk about the Bible, Ancient Mesopotamia, archeology, and the Historical context to the Old Testament. Mark Chavalas is a Professor, scholar, and a historian with a focus on ancient near eastern history and languages. He is also an educator, speaker, author, editor and archaeologist. He received his PhD from UCLA. He is one of the authors and editors of the IVP Backg...

Ben Peterson is an 8 year Army veteran who served two years in Iraq. He is also the founder of Engage Your Destiny. Discover the power of faith, identity, and purpose through Ben's personal testimony and personal life stories. Ben founded Engage Your Destiny in 2016. It is a nonprofit ministry that exists to engage with military, veterans and their families to lead them into their destiny. EYD cre...

In this episode of the Pay It Forward Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Stephen Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro talks about how he went from boy scouts leader to surgeon to Chief Medical Foundation Officer. In this episode, you'll discover: - Dr. Shapiro's 23 years of experience as a surgeon at Gundersen Health Systems - The evolution of surgical techniques: minimally invasive and robotic...

Today, Josh is the founder of Holy Ground Ministries, where his coaching is more than just business advice—it’s an extension of his faith. He encourages others to see their lives and their workspaces as sacred ground, to reclaim their surroundings and live with intention and purpose. He speaks passionately about the ministry’s mission and his vision for a retreat center that will offer pastors and...

Join us as we dive deep into the remarkable 25-year military career of Sergeant Major Micheal Seefeld. Micheal Seefeld joins us to share powerful stories from his service overseas, where he defended our freedoms and exemplified the highest forms of courage and bravery. Micheal Seefeld - 25 year veteran of the United States Army - Deployed 5 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation En...

Former Major League Baseball catcher Damian Miller shares his big-league journey from a small-town kid in West Salem, Wisconsin to a World Series Champion with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Damian Miller: - 10 year MLB catcher - 2001 World Series champion - 2002 MLB All-Star - Played for the Twins, Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Brewers Damian talks about his "secret passion" for baseball growing up and when...

Joe Laux, the former president and CEO of River States Truck and Trailer, shares his unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of ultimately selling your business. Joe Laux: - Former President and CEO of River States Truck and Trailer - Sold to Penske, a publicly traded company - Recognized 9 times in the “Wisconsin 75” which recognizes Wisconsin’s largest and most successful companies - R...

Imagine facing obstacles that could've stopped you in your tracks— instead, they became the fuel for your success. Ben Phillips - CEO of Phillips Outdoor Services joins us to discuss the power of intentional leadership and personal growth/development. Discover Ben's inspiring journey, who overcame obstacles to transform his business into a legacy of growth and resilience. Tune in to hear how Ben h...

Ever wondered what it's really like to own a Chick-Fil-A restaurant? Join Pam Chaney as she shares the truth behind owning a Chick-Fil-A franchise. Pam reveals her inspiring journey from being a high school basketball coach to becoming one of the select few Chick-Fil-A owner-operators. In this episode, we look into: - The competitive process of becoming a Chick Fil A owner-operator - The biggest m...

Andrew Temte, former CEO of Kaplan Professional and a seasoned leader with a wealth of knowledge talks leadership, mentorship, and business success. Who is Andrew: - Author of “Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire” & “The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows”. - Host of the Balancing Act podcast - Former CEO of Kaplan Professional...

In this episode of the Pay it Forward Podcast, hosts Austin Siewert and Keagan Walz sit down with Neal Zygarlicke, the CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce! Neal Zygarlicke is also - 2022 Rising Star Under 40 in the 7 Rivers Region - Board Member of the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives - Board Member of Habitat for Humanity of La Crosse Area - Board Member of Viterbo Advisory Boar...

Take a deep dive into the world of financial planning with Freeman Linde! Freeman shares his expertise, thoughts, and opinions to help you be wise with your money and help you to start planning for retirement NOW! - Freeman is a Certified Financial Planner with La Crosse Financial Planning - Author of 3D Retirement Income: Creating a Retirement Income that Outpaces Inflation, Outlives You, and Out...

Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with Dillon Martinez, a former college football player turned Adaptive Physical Education Instructor at Winona State University. Dillon, alongside Eddie Hodges, has revolutionized the way we think about speed training with their innovative Get F.A.S.T Speed Coaching Certification. Their motto? "Making every coach a speed coach." Dillon reveals the s...

Get ready to be inspired by Nick Roush, the visionary behind Roush Rentals and the Co-Owner of Root Down Yoga. In this episode, Nick takes us on his incredible journey from 20 years in HVAC to becoming a prominent real estate developer. Nick's story is a powerful testimony to the importance of perseverance, genuine motives, and the impact of working together for mutual benefit. In this episode, we...