Purpose

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jayme Peloli, a shining example of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Born into a childhood marked by substance abuse and becoming a single mother at the age of 22, Jayme encountered challenges early on that could have easily derailed her path to success. However, instead of succumbing to the hardships, Jayme has emerged as...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Nick Friedman a renowned entrepreneur, movie & TV producer, best-selling author, motivational speaker, actor, and TV personality. He is best known as the Co-Founder of the multi-million-dollar franchise 'College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving,' which he started with a college friend in a beat-up cargo van, and today has over 250...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Cathy Baillargeon a former business consultant and founder of Virtual Cathy, a highly-regarded virtual assisting agency specializing in providing comprehensive support to small business owners and non-profit organizations across the United States. During our call, Cathy shared what it was like being adopted at birth, the challenges of providin...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Gentry Jones, an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and founder of The Quitters Club a supportive community dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. During our conversation, Gentry shared her painful journey of overcoming her addiction to alcohol as a single mom. What I appreciate about our time together is Gentry’s transparency and commitment...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Brad Wolgamott, a lifelong entrepreneur and host of The Man Maker show. Our relationship started in 2006 as I entered the direct sales industry, an industry he found great success in from a young age that enabled him to leave the corporate world at the age of 27. During our call we delved into the topic of personal development, overcoming tria...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Andrew Crites, an entrepreneur and real estate professional with Cedar Ridge Property Group and owner of Paradigm Driving Solutions. During our call, I got to hear Andrew’s journey into getting licensed in real estate due to the pandemics impact on his driving school, and what it was like taking over his father’s company with his business part...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Gaila Lusby, the owner of Momma G’s Soup, a gluten-free restaurant based in Gresham, Oregon. During our call, I got the opportunity to learn about Gaila’s upbringing and what inspired her to start her business. What I appreciate about our time together is hearing Gaila talk about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, including listening...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Corey Jackson who is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete. He is also the founder of Qwerkz, an innovative recruiting firm specializing in high potential candidates and position-less recruiting. During our call, I spoke with Corey about his journey from collegiate basketball to professional football, and his journe...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Danielle Berman Ruiz, the founder of Tackle What’s Next, a platform dedicated to sharing resources and building community around what’s next in life after sports for athletes. In our call, I got to hear Danielle’s journey in following her passion of serving athletes. What I appreciate about our time together is learning about Danielle’s passio...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Amy Nichols, the owner of Cheerful Tortoise, a local legendary restaurant and bar nestled in downtown Portland next to Portland State University. During our call, I got to learn about Amy’s childhood and professional journey and what it’s been like running a business in a city struggling to recover from the pandemic. What I appreciate about ou...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Tracy Tsefalas, the founder of Fumerie Parfumerie, a Portland-based perfume retailer specializing in niche and independent fragrances for men and women. In our call, I got to hear the painful journey she experienced running a family business and how it inspired her to build a business of her own. What I appreciate about our time together is Tr...

In today’s episode, I was blessed to talk with Imran Haider, a dear friend and colleague who is a world-class professor, speaker, and business advisor. In our conversation, we talked about connecting with others in a way that is respectful and engaging.  What I appreciate about our time together is the opportunity I got to learn from someone who really knows how to build relationships. To learn mo...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jess Jurgenson the founder of Business Casual, a connection agency based in Portland, Oregon that is on a mission to give professional experiences a new reputation. With a background in general operations and recruiting for the last 10 years, Jess helps companies recruit directly for their teams using modern techniques like social media and pr...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Nathan Webster, the founder of NW & Associates, voice of the Let’s Talk Marketing podcast, executive director of Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, and founder of The Connected Trust, where he is focused on creating safe spaces for local leaders to build authentic communities providing for both personal and professional growth....

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk coaches William Hayes and Rodney Akins of Bridge City Fathers, Advocates, and Mentors.  During our call we got to dive deep into the challenging childhoods that coach William and Rodney both experienced and how it inspired them to start a non-profit serving kids with similar backgrounds. What I appreciate most about our conversation is the candor i...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Dustin Payne, an entrepreneur, pastor, and leader who is passionate about leadership, building community, and modeling impact for his teammates at his local coffee shop. What I appreciate about our time together is Dustin’s candor in sharing the details of what inspired him to take over a coffee shop with a challenging history. To learn more a...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Kurt Huffman, managing partner of ChefStable, an organization dedicated to partnering with chefs to design, build, and operate restaurants. In our call, I got the chance to learn about Kurt’s background and his journey to becoming an entrepreneur that serves restauranteurs through partnerships. What I appreciate most about our time together is...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jateya Jones, the Founder of Jateya Jones Consulting and the Executive Director of Fore Teens, a nonprofit focused on workforce development that provides teens with mentorship, coaching, and training they need to turn their vocational dreams into reality. What I appreciate about our time together is Jateya’s thoughtful insights about embracing...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Betty Campbell of Xpose Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to showing God’s love to members of the adult entertainment industry regardless of where they are at. During our call I learned about Betty’s personal journey of working within the adult entertainment industry as a young woman and what inspired her to help others who have been ta...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Brian Head the founder of Head Start Equity, a real estate private equity firm that provides passive investment opportunities in multi-family real estate. In our call, we discussed the journey he took to become an investor in real estate and the mindset it takes to succeed as an investor and entrepreneur. What I appreciate about our time toget...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Frank Patka IV of Changing Patterns, an organization dedicated to assisting returning citizens in successfully navigating the barriers and obstacles of re-entry to society after incarceration. In our call, Frank shared the challenges he faced trying to build a healthy life after incarceration. What I appreciate about our time together is Frank...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Kim Boaz who is an entrepreneur, bookkeeper, collaborator, and powerful overcomer who shows up daily in the face of adversity. During our call, we discussed an extremely traumatic experience where she was attacked while she was working a retail job during her senior year in college. What I appreciate about our time together is Kim’s transparen...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Denmark Whitaker, also known as DJ Avelanche, who is an entrepreneur, DJ, MC, program director of The Beat Refinery, and founder of Bridgecity Music. In our call we got to talk about his journey of growing up in household where his mother dealt with an abusive relationship to finding a way to bring happiness to kids through music. What I appre...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Brandon Gaston, also known as The Lifestylest. Brandon is an entrepreneur, personal styling expert, and marketer who has built businesses and brands by crafting uncommon strategies for standing out in a crowded marketplace. What I appreciate about our time together is learning about Brandon’s personal journey of being an introvert being placed...

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jason Pittman of Fairway Independent Mortgage about the adversity of transitioning from being a business owner of a martial arts studio to becoming a mortgage advisor guiding people in the purchase of their home. What I appreciate about our time together is our discussion around taking ownership in doing what it takes to succeed in our chosen...