What does it really take to defy the odds when nine out of ten startups fail? On this episode of BeTempered, hosts Dan Schmidt and Ben Spahr welcome Justin Bayer, founder of Welcome to College, for a raw and inspiring conversation about perseverance, setbacks, and finding meaning in the grind of entrepreneurship.

Justin opens up about his 15-year journey building Welcome to College, a company born out of a single transformative moment—a campus tour at the University of Dayton that changed the trajectory of his life. That moment sparked the idea for a platform that helps universities optimize their campus visit programs. But the road to impact was anything but easy.

From day one, Justin’s story has been filled with both triumphs and trials, embodied most vividly in “Marv”—a retrofitted 1970s RV that became the company’s boldest marketing experiment and toughest challenge. Marv’s adventures included fuel line failures in rural Mississippi, confetti cannons misfiring at campus events, and even an “angel mechanic” who drove three hours on a Sunday to rescue the stranded team. These experiences pushed Justin to the brink, but also strengthened his resolve and revealed the importance of resilience, faith, and unexpected relationships.

Central to Justin’s philosophy is MARV—Meaning, Accomplishment, Relationships, and Vitality—a framework rooted in positive psychology that guides his approach to life and business. For Justin, accomplishment is not simply about crossing the finish line; it’s about embracing the messy, difficult, and often humbling process of getting there. As he puts it: “If you have meaning and relationships, accomplishment becomes possible, and then you can feel fully alive.”

This conversation dives deep into what it means to persevere when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about discovering purpose in the struggle, holding onto faith when things fall apart, and realizing that at the end of the day, people may not remember your words or actions—but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or anyone trying to live with more purpose, Justin’s story offers wisdom and encouragement that will stick with you long after the episode ends.

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Learn more about Welcome to College at https://www.welcometocollege.com/
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