Best Joseph Cabrera Podcasts (2025)

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Thanksgiving Reflections: Why Small Business Still Matters | JC | AO 43 9:07

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7h ago9:07

9:07

On this Thanksgiving episode, JC reflects on gratitude, community, and what we lose when convenience replaces connection. It’s a reminder that Main Street still does something Amazon never will: bring people together. JC Talks About: 🔴 How the holiday rush buries gratitude and intention. 🔴 The difference between mass-produced gifts and Main Street …

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Millions In Debt At 24 Years Old | Tori Clark - Spa Luxe I AO 42 1:27:57

6d ago1:27:57

1:27:57

At 20 years old, Tori Clark lost her father — and overnight, inherited her family’s charter bus company, Clark Travel, along with millions in debt. What followed wasn’t just a business turnaround. It was a six-year fight to survive, rebuild, and eventually redefine what success means. Today, she runs Spa Luxe, a hospitality-driven wellness brand re…

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Fighting Nazis, Making Whiskey, and Honoring The Men Who Invented Mountain Recreation I 10th Mountain I 41 1:00:40

12h ago1:00:40

1:00:40

In the heart of Vail Valley, Ryan Thompson and Sean McNeill run 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co., a distillery paying tribute to the legendary 10th Mountain Division — soldiers who fought Nazis, came home, and laid the foundation for modern skiing and mountain recreation. From bartending in small-town Colorado to building a nationally recognized …

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An Irish Immigrant Protects America's Most Beautiful Land I Ken Murphy I 40 1:09:26

8d ago1:09:26

1:09:26

What happens when an Irish river guide turns his passion for adventure into a small business empire in the Colorado mountains? Ken Murphy, founder of Adventure Outdoors in Eagle, Colorado, shares how a one-way ticket to the U.S. turned into a lifelong pursuit of freedom, grit, and entrepreneurship. From ski lifts to whitewater rapids, Ken built a c…

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The School Bus That Picks Up 11,000 Dogs I Evan Z - EZ Dog Play & Stay I AO 39 1:04:50

1M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

What happens when you trade the desk job for a dog bus? For Evan, the journey from finance to fur started with one realization — he was meant to work outside, around animals, and on his own terms. After years behind a desk as a banker and analyst, he walked away from corporate life to care for horses, manage vet clinics, and eventually launch EZ Do…

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Why Veterans Make Great Business Owners I John Panaccione - Folla Capital I AO 38 1:06:32

1M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Why do veterans make some of the best business owners in America? For John Panaccione, the answer starts with leadership, decision-making, and grit — traits forged not in a boardroom, but on the battlefield. John grew up in Rhode Island in a family with a long history of military service. After years as an Army officer — including a stint leading a…

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The Future Of Flight Is Silent I Mark Moore and Ian Villa - Whisper Aero I AO 37 1:13:43

1M ago1:13:43

1:13:43

The future of flight isn’t louder—it’s quieter. Mark Moore and Ian Villa are the co-founders of Whisper Aero, a Tennessee-based startup designing the next generation of electric propulsion—technology so quiet, clean, and efficient that it’s poised to transform everything from drones to airplanes to leaf blowers. After 32 years at NASA, Mark left go…

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Combat Fighter Pilot Gave Up His Dream Of Being An Astronaut To Become The Commander Of The Thunderbirds I Col Justin "Astro" Elliott I AO 36 1:49:08

2M ago1:49:08

1:49:08

He gave up his dream of becoming an astronaut to lead the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott’s story is one of grit, leadership, and choosing the harder path. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott grew up in Houston, with NASA in his backyard and space in his sights. A first-generation Canadian-American, he fought through obstacles—like…

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Started An Alabama BBQ Pit In Colorado And Grew It To +50 Locations I Mike, Ben, and Jeff I AO 35 1:02:06

2M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

What happens when three friends from Alabama bring Southern grit, barbecue, and a whole lot of hustle to the mountains of Colorado? You get Moe’s Original BBQ — a community-driven restaurant that’s grown from a Vail Valley train station into more than 50 locations across the country. In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with founders …

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Laid Off From The Oil Fields To Owning An Old School Butcher Shop I Brooks Lubojasky I AO 34 51:20

2M ago51:20

51:20

For Brooks, the path to becoming a business owner wasn’t straight — but it was true. Brooks grew up hunting, fishing, and processing deer with his family, he always had a connection to food and community. After a short stint in college, years running a local deli, and time in the oil field, life took a sharp turn when COVID hit. Laid off and back a…

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Keeping Ranches Profitable Through Creative Marketing I Austin Pardon I AO 33 1:07:59

2M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Austin Pardon's Pod Description?Austin Pardon grew up bottle-feeding baby tigers and walking among exotic animals — a third-generation legacy that shaped his vision for Droptine Studios. What began as a passion for telling the stories of exotic animal ranchers and breeders has grown tenfold into a thriving creative business, serving both corporate …

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Wisdom From A Man Who Built A Moving Company Empire I Wade Lombard I AO 32 1:07:14

3M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Wade Lombard—an entrepreneur who went from disrupting the moving industry to building custom homes—to talk about leadership, discipline, and staying in your lane. Wade shares how key relationships shaped his path, why marriage transformed his priorities, and how understanding the Enneagram has…

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Being A Cowboy In Mexico Humbled Me, Now I Own A Roofing Business I James Wolfgang Kuntz I AO 31 57:01

3M ago57:01

57:01

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with James, founder of Tarrytown Roofing, to unpack a life shaped by grit, urgency, and a drive to do things better. From being sent alone to a family ranch in Mexico at age 12—learning Spanish, ranching, and resilience—to building a career in sales before betting on himself in the roofing industry…

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Sold A Generator Company And Acquired A Glass Business I Michael Summers I AO 30 1:11:57

3M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Michael Summers didn’t start in the trades — he started on stage. A former theater major at Baylor turned tour manager for bands like Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, and Robert Randolph, Michael’s early career was all about storytelling, logistics, and making people laugh. Today, he owns Alamo Glass, a residential and commercial glass business in Texas —…

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Built A High End Luxury Beauty Business With Texas Charm I Kaylee Watts I AO 29 1:10:33

3M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Here is a description for Kaylee Watts - Thoughts? At the beginning of building a thriving laser skincare business, Kaylee Watts was juggling four jobs keeping Austin Laser Solutions running (all solo) — answering phones, treating clients, and managing books all between 6th Street bar shifts. What started as a grind turned into a scaled, multi-loca…

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Blue Bell's Former CEO Shares The Sweetness In Taking On Life One Scoop At A Time I Ricky Dickson I AO 28 1:08:20

4M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

How do you lead a legacy brand without losing yourself in the process? Ricky Dickson spent 43 years at Blue Bell, working his way from the first day on the job to the CEO seat — and never forgot where he came from. In this episode of American Operator, Ricky shares what it really means to grow into leadership: staying grounded in service, leading w…

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Building a Successful Chiropractor Business After Getting Fired I Dr. Nick Fedele I AO 27 1:05:11

4M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this episode of American Operator, Dr. Nick shares how his grandfather’s wisdom and belief in him sparked a fire to go independent. From those early days of doubt and hustle to building a thriving chiropractic practice, Dr. Nick reveals the discipline, patience, and purpose it takes to serve people well — and run a values-driven business. This i…

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Everyday Heroes Doing The Right Thing, Because They Don't Have To Ask I AO 26 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

When crisis hits, it's not just firefighters and first responders that show up — sometimes, it's your neighborhood small business owner. In this episode, we dive into real stories of local operators who stepped in when it mattered most. From natural disasters to community breakdowns, these entrepreneurs became unexpected heroes, proving that runnin…

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First 30 Days Pt. 3: Observe & Innovate I AO 25 7:17

4M ago7:17

7:17

In this final episode of our First 30 Days series, we get tactical about improving the business you just bought—without breaking the machine. JC shares how to audit your customer and team experience, introduces a 5-step framework for solving process problems, and explains how to implement changes without burning trust or momentum. If you’re ready t…

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First 30 Days Pt. 2: How to Measure Business Health I AO 24 4:40

4M ago4:40

4:40

You don’t need to be a CPA to be a great owner. But if you don’t understand how your business makes, loses, or keeps money... you’re flying blind. In this episode of American Operator, JC walks through the core financial metrics every new business owner must track to know if the business is actually healthy… or just surviving. From weekly cash flow…

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First 30 Days Pt. 1 – How to Build Trust in Acquisitions I AO 23 6:04

5M ago6:04

6:04

You just bought a business. Now what? The worst thing you can do is walk in and start swinging your authority around. In this episode of American Operator, JC breaks down exactly what the first 30 days should look like for any new owner. This isn’t the time to change everything. It’s the time to earn trust. From one-on-one conversations to walking …

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Why Small Business Is Patriotic: 4th of July Special I AO 22 8:37

5M ago8:37

8:37

On this Independence Day, JC delivers a personal and passionate message on why small business ownership is the most American thing you can do. As we fire up the grills and watch fireworks, JC challenges us to think about what we're doing with the opportunity we've been given. He shares reflections from his time in uniform, the risk of losing legacy…

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Football Quarterbacks Run Small Business Plays I Jeff Driskel & Jason Driskel I AO 21 Clip 1:03:21

5M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

In this episode of American Operator, we sit down with Jeff and Jason Driskel — brothers, quarterbacks, and now business partners. While Jeff continues his NFL career, Jason has stepped into the full-time operator role as they grow a portfolio of service-based businesses that prioritize freedom, fundamentals, and long-term value. Their first acquis…

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West Point, Pro Baseball, Iraq - Road To Ownership I Schuyler Williamson I AO 20 1:07:57

5M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

What do mortgage rates, job security, and building houses have in common? Schuyler Williamson, founder of Mission Homes in Austin, joins JC to break down what’s really keeping people from buying — and why small business ownership might be the antidote to a shaky job market. In this episode, they cover: The myth of “bad timing” when it comes to buyi…

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Military Secrets for Decision Making - Stop Overthinking & Procrastinating FOREVER I AO 19 11:13

6M ago11:13

11:13

Stop spiraling over every decision. In this video, JC breaks down a practical 4-bucket system used in the military for fast, confident decision-making — so you can stop overthinking and start operating. Whether you're leading a team or just trying to send that one text, this framework will change how you show up. 🗞️ AO NEWSLETTER https://americanop…

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The Coffee Shop That Found Success Through Philanthropy I Dane Kenney & Bryce Oldham I AO 18 1:05:41

6M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

This episode of American Operator follows the founder of Noble Joe’s, a coffee trailer born out of curiosity, hustle, and a few too many unknowns. From struggling to source espresso machines to the first time firing up the trailer, it’s a candid look at what actually happens when you build a business without experience. Subscribe for more behind-th…

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From Food Truck To Food Network: A Veteran On The Battlefield Of War, Life & Business I AO 17 1:10:40

7M ago1:10:40

1:10:40

What does it really take to build a business in the trenches — one plate at a time? In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Robert Strong, Iraq veteran, chef and founder of Pretty Thai in Austin, TX. From late nights in a food truck to scaling a sauce brand through big name retailers, Robert breaks down the grit, risk, and resilienc…

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Small Business in a Shaky Economy: Threat or Opportunity? I AO 16 29:36

7M ago29:36

29:36

Should you buy a business right now — or wait it out? In this episode of American Operator, JC and Mainshares Founder, William Fry get honest about what it takes to operate during uncertain times. From interest rate pressure to market chaos, this one’s for every scrappy buyer, solo founder, or operator trying to make smart moves without burning out…

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5 Signs You're Ready for Entrepreneurship I AO 15 12:39

8M ago12:39

12:39

Escape the 9 to 5. Build a Legacy. | American Operator 🇺🇸🛠️ What drives someone to walk away from the “safe” path — the steady paycheck, the 401(k), the corporate ladder — to chase something harder… and more meaningful? In this episode of American Operator, host Joseph Cabrera breaks down the 5 real reasons people leave traditional jobs to become s…

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How to Lose Sleep, Make Money, and Still Love Owning a Business I AO 14 1:01:28

8M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Ever thought about buying a small business? James Jackson Leach has bought more than a few—and learned some hard lessons along the way. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, James shares the unfiltered reality of owning and operating small businesses, from a neighborhood butcher shop to a downtown bar. He opens up about the challenges n…

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How I Bought a Failing Car Wash & Turned It Into a Profitable Business I AO 13 1:01:44

8M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Buying a business is one thing—running it is another. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, TJ Brogan, owner of Washaroo Car Wash in Austin, Texas, shares his unexpected journey from tech sales to small business ownership. From turning around a struggling car wash, dealing with employee chaos, and learning what really matters when buyin…

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I spent the entire day with a plumber and learned the good, bad and risks of being in the trades I AO 12 15:39

9M ago15:39

15:39

What does it really take to run a plumbing business? In this solo episode of The American Operator Podcast, Joseph Cabrera shares his experience spending a day in the field with Blue Ribbon Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Instead of talking with the owner, JC gets a firsthand look at the reality of the trades, riding along with veteran plumber Chris as…

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You Only Lose When You Quit—Business Wisdom from The Desert Door I AO 11 42:01

9M ago42:01

42:01

Building a business isn’t for the faint of heart. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, Brent Looby, founder of Desert Door Sotol, shares his raw and unfiltered journey of launching a distillery with no prior industry experience. From navigating the complexities of the spirits business to the mental toll of entrepreneurship, Brent gets …

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From Lawyer to Small Business Operator | Patrick Courtney on American Operator Podcast I AO 10 1:08:46

10M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Patrick Courtney took an unconventional path—leaving a career in law to build and operate small businesses. In this episode of The American Operator Podcast, host Joseph Cabrera dives into Patrick’s journey from the courtroom to pest control and moving companies. They discuss the power of business partnerships, the challenges of scaling, and why tr…

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Community Keeps This Independent Ski Shop Ahead Of The Competition I Riley Siddoway - Uphill Pursuits I AO 9 1:11:51

10M ago1:11:51

1:11:51

In this episode, JC sits down with Riley Siddoway, the ultimate "operator's operator," at the headquarters of Uphill Pursuits in Bozeman, Montana. From his early days exploring mountain peaks to a decade as a mountain guide, Riley shares the lessons learned in leadership, grit, and decision-making at high altitudes—both literal and figurative. 🏔️ R…

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Building A Company Where Beauty And Utility Meet I Travis McAshan I AO 8 1:02:36

11M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

In this episode of American Operator, JC sits down with Travis McAshan, founder and visionary leader of Glide Design, a trailblazing marketing and design firm based in Austin, Texas. Travis shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leaving the corporate grind to creating a company centered on “beauty and results.” Together, they dive deep into the p…

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Judd Goodrich - Advice From An Expert Who's Helped Hundreds Of Searchers I AO 7 44:59

11M ago44:59

44:59

In this special team room session of The American Operator, JC goes behind the curtain with Judd Goodrich, Head of Capital Markets, to explore the world of small business ownership, investment, and operations. Whether you're an aspiring owner-operator or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights and candid advice. Jud…

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Building A Team That You Would Trust To Take Care Of Your Home I Evan Ransome - Golden Home Management I AO 6 58:00

12M ago58:00

58:00

In this episode of The American Operator, we sit down with Evan Ransome, a serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in consulting, startups, and leadership. From his unique childhood split between Ohio and Tokyo to his journey through the challenges of entrepreneurship, Evan shares valuable lessons on culture, team building, and maintaining …

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Cameron Sorsby - Learn By Doing, Developing the Next Generation of Owner-Operators I AO 5 29:11

1y ago29:11

29:11

In this special American Operator episode, JC goes behind the scenes with Cameron Scoresby, head of Operator Development at Mainshares. They discuss the journey Cameron’s taken from New Jersey to Texas, his early experiences with alternative education at Praxis, and what it means to build a career that balances independence with community. Cameron …

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Doctor And An Owner, What It Takes To Run Multiple Vision Clinics I Dr. Daniel Brinchman I AO 4 1:04:57

1y ago1:04:57

1:04:57

In this episode, JC talks with Dr. Daniel Brinchman, owner of Optometric Associates of Texas, about what it means to step into someone else’s legacy — and make it your own. After acquiring an established practice, Dr. Brinchman had to learn quickly how to lead without ego, manage with intention, and honor the work that came before him. This convers…

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Major Plumber Shortage, How I Grew Blue Ribbon I Patrick Pullan I AO 2 1:00:02

1y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

After walking away from college in California, Patrick Pullan moved to Texas with one goal: control his own future. What started as a bold leap turned into Blue Ribbon — a growing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical company built on grit, skill, and serious pride in the trades. In this episode of American Operator, Patrick shares: Why he left the classr…

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Taking Care Of People's Health And Staying Calm In The Storm I Tom Hough - Fit Body Boot Camp I AO 3 1:05:12

1y ago1:05:12

1:05:12

In this episode, JC sits down with Tom Hough, owner of Fit Body Boot Camp in Richardson, TX, to talk about what it really takes to start — and stick with — your own business. Tom shares how some of the toughest chapters in his life gave him the edge he needed as an operator. This is a conversation about: The courage to walk away from comfort How ad…

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William Fry - Founder of Mainshares I AO 1 59:51

1y ago59:51

59:51

In this debut episode of American Operator, JC sits down with William Fry, founder of Mainshares, to discuss the mission behind Mainshares and the Operator Network. They explore why keeping businesses in the hands of local owners benefits communities more than selling to large private equity firms, and they share insights into the future of America…

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EP. 139 Get NEUTRAL, Don't Manipulate The Outcome 59:13

1+ y ago59:13

59:13

Jonathan Lusk, Co-Founder and CEO of BirdDog, is bringing the art and craft of hunting to everyone. This "non-hunter" grew up knowing very little of the activity, but later realized the deep human connection that results from it. At BirdDog, they've figured out how to make experiencing the richness of hunting come to life in an easy and dynamic way…

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EP. 138 Small Monuments (Memorial Day 2024) 16:22

1+ y ago16:22

16:22

Each Memorial Day Americans fill their long weekend with time on the lake, shopping sprees, BBQs and time with family & friends. We often forget about the reason we celebrate this day- Service & Sacrifice. This day is to remember the incredible Warriors that have come before us, that laid down their life for this dream we call America. They were hu…

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EP. 137 No News, Is Worst Than Bad News 13:54

1+ y ago13:54

13:54

No News, is the worst thing you can do to somebody. We are often caught up in the idea that we only want to relay an update if the news is good or if we have something new to give. What we don't realize is that time waiting in between makes folks come up with their own realities, often worse case scenarios that we spend more time trying to recover …

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EP. 136 The Power Of The Outdoors 17:53

1+ y ago17:53

17:53

The Outdoors is not only a place where we find sunshine and running rivers, but it's a place where we can train the mind, body and spirit to better endure what we're facing in the office and at home. Joseph goes through the key reasons we should consider visiting the outdoors more and the ways we can apply the energy of the wild to everyday life. L…

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EP. 135 But Do You Really Want Cowboys? 18:21

1+ y ago18:21

18:21

Pascal Finette, Co-Founder of beradical Group says that common sense, isn't always common practice. The simplicity of execution is paramount when innovating, but it is human to complicate. When digging into what innovation actually looks like on the frontline, it usually is much more messy, iterative and raw than how the MBA and strategy books make…

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EP. 134 The More We Know, The Further We Are 12:33

1+ y ago12:33

12:33

Joseph talks w/ Dave Carapetyan, CEO, Founder of Rally Ready, Baja 500 Champion, 3 x Pike's Peak Winner and Pro Rally driver about the what racing taught him about life and business. The physical part of learning to race is the easy part, its the mental part that's the challenge. When folks learn to race, they walk away with a new understanding of …

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EP. 133 Stay Humble & Follow Your Calling 21:10

1+ y ago21:10

21:10

Joseph speaks with Chris Williams, Founder of Williams Knives about the early days of starting the company and the reason he left a successful career in investment banking to follow his calling. Chris shares that money isn't everything and that you know in your heart what you need to do... But many of us will never give our calling a true chance. H…