The journey to overnight success comes with many potholes, dead ends, and obstacles many have powered through to become “overnight successes.” (This usually takes about 10-20 years) At a young age, many of us have been taught to work hard, expect no handouts, and remove any and all obstacles in our way.  

James Golden is the Founder and CEO of Pavement Management Group and Goalden Consulting where he works with cities to create better roadways and coaches high performers to level up in life and business. 

Jeff and James jump in on the episode with some hard-hitting dialogue that brings the truth of life to the surface where James shares his early beginnings in childhood, the core values instilled in him, and the work ethic that created him into being a kidpreneur at an early age.  James shares his path post-high school and shares some coincidences that turned out to be much more substantial than he would’ve known at the time.  A chance meeting with a friend’s Dad a year later affirmed exactly what he knew he had to do but didn’t have the confidence and courage to do so.  James speaks candidly about where he is headed as a result of staying consistent, his software company, and his overall perception of what has to happen in order to stand out and get noticed in life and in the marketplace.  James shares why he loves LinkedIn and how he’s built a 7-figure company with that one social media platform. 

What You’ll Learn:

• What happened to James’ Dad in 2019 that changed his mind set and set him on a trajectory to a different life
• The mindset James was raised with that set the tone for his entrepreneurial journey
• The one hip hop lyric that resonated with James coming up
• James’ experience as a paperboy and how it exposed him to marketing for the first time
• One of the first things James did to make money as a kidpreneur
• What James did to buy his first pair of Jordan’s
• Why James had to learn how to drive at 5:00 am in high school 
• A cool story about 2 of James’ mentors he met at 2 different times in his life that happened to share the same name 
• The first company where James worked as an intrapreneur and how large he grew the company as a fractional COO
• The pivotal moment that changed James’ life December 2010
• How a positive mindset and perception of the world makes all the difference in how much time is invested in disappointments and successes
• One trip to Florida and chance encounter that would lead to a large breakthrough for James and his family
• James’ nickname as a younger man 
• How James approaches every single person he meets
• The power of LinkedIn
• Where James’ company is headed faster as a result of joining Arete’ and Apex networks. 

• And much more! 

  

Favorite Quote:

“Most of us as business owners who have been doing this for a minute, don’t need help with the business. Sure, we can all make improvements.  We have coaches for that.  But usually, the things and shit that’s bothering us and where we’re struggling are usually things on the outside that we’re not dealing with.” 

 

• James Golden  

 

 

How To Get Involved:

 James Golden 

JG3 Coaching

The Goalden Hour  

 

 How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In life, there are people who think they’ll be able to take away your freedom, choices, and ultimately, your independence. And there are those who crush that toxic thinking by doing the work, making no excuses, and setting themselves up for true independence by doing the hard work.

Aimee Ball is a serial entrepreneur, software creator, business coach, and consultant who went from being a single mom of 2 children with no money in the bank to someone who set herself up with a nest egg of independence for life by doing one simple thing……working her ass off.

Today, Jeff and Aimee go to the beginning where most people find themselves before true success hits; one of the most painful moments in their lives. Aimee shares how her husband came home one day, said he didn’t want to be married anymore, and cleaned out their bank accounts leaving her with nothing except for a broken heart and two children. Jeff dives in deeper and asks about Aimee’s climb up from those circumstances, her first major job, and her dive into entrepreneurship. Jeff and Aimee talk about the importance of how most people don’t truly know the value of their worth.  They talk about taking experiences from your own life, sharing them, and how they can change the trajectory of someone else’s life.

 

What You’ll Learn:

• The story behind the circumstances that made Aimee go into entrepreneurship
• What truly pisses Aimee off
• Aimee’s favorite book that changed the game for her
• Why not being willing to listen can cripple most people 
• The importance of creating a nest egg that will preserve your independence in life and business
• Why $20,000 a month was not enough for Aimee and what she was giving up for very little money 
• The true value of your worth 
• A snapshot of how to breakdown and analyze your business quickly so you can recapture your time and enjoy your life 
• The various areas of running a business you may need to outsource to save your sanity
• How Aimee started her Marketing agency 
• Results Aimee is getting for hundreds of industries by creating a simple software and automating it
• The title of Aimee’s never to be released Netflix movie
• One huge money-making tip for Coaches, Consultants, service-based businesses, and how to free up more time (Make more, work less) 
• One of Aimee’s first jobs that included travel, hotel accommodations, and left her bored

• And much more! 

  

Favorite Quote:

“Society places these arbitrary values on us, but when you realize that your value is priceless and everything you bring to the table, it’s a game-changer.”

• Aimee Ball

 

How To Get Involved:

Facebook

Instagram

Entrepreneur Ecosystem 

Inside the Upside 

 

 How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are people roaming this planet that are born into struggle.  They are born into poverty. They are born into circumstances that stunt the growth of average people. But all of these things are only temporary if you’re willing to bust your ass and put in the work daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly, consistently. 

Brandon Brittingham is the CEO of The Delaware Group with the number one in homes sold in 2021 and number 5 in the nation. He’s a Real Estate Coach, Apex Executive Coach, Mentor, and best-selling author of the book, “Converting Units to Dollars.”  (Now available on Amazon)

In today’s episode, Jeff and Brandon talk about some of the hardest challenges he had growing up and the struggles he saw his grandparents endure, and how this drove him to become who he is today.  Brandon shares why he went into fashion at a young age, his pivot into Real Estate, and why he made it.  Jeff asks Brandon about his early start in real estate and how one video led to an opportunity working with the Federal Reserve, and how one message ended up helping thousands upon thousands of people. Brandon shares how he was able to survive the financial crisis of 2008 and what he did to come out of it. They talk about some of Brandon’s favorite mentors, and how instant gratification has become a huge focus and a very debilitating mindset for a majority of the population. 

What You’ll Learn:

• How Brandon grew up and why he made a climb out of his circumstances
• Brandon’s early career in fashion and why he pivoted into Real Estate 
• Where true opportunity lies if you’re paying attention 
• What consumers truly care about and how to craft that message by doing a few simple things 
• Why Brandon enjoys showing people what it is that he’s done so they can have the same success
• One simple secret most people don’t know about successful people they’d be surprised to learn
• Some of Brandon’s favorite mentors include Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank 
• Why making it about you is the wrong approach when starting in real estate
• How to prepare for a real estate career that will not explode overnight and why 
• A few powerful things Brandon learned at various networking events and groups
• One NFL Champion Brandon is friends with and his insight into peak performance
• Why doing the things you don’t like are the foundation for building success

• And much more! 

  

 “If your mindset isn’t right, you’re money is never going to be right. There’s no CRM, secret pill, or shit that you can buy that’s going to change or fix that. For everybody that asks how do I become number one in the state and number 5 in the country, ruthless consistency over time, having really good habits, and putting in the work. I know how simple that sounds, but that’s really what it is and what it comes down to.”

-Brandon Brittingham

 

How To Get Involved:

 

 Facebook

Instagram

Get Brandon’s Best Selling Book: “Converting Units to Dollars” 

 How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a certain drive that only exists with Entrepreneurs.  Some of it is learned, some of it is a result of motivating circumstances, and some of it is inborn. It’s that undying desire to keep powering through to the next level in life and business, no matter the circumstances and creating an environment to ensure success, even when things get hairy.   

Monica Byers, is Founder and CEO of Sugar Creek Transportation, and the founder of the powerful brand Mother Trucker Life.  She has a fleet of 115 Big Rigs blazing the roads of the United States and 90 trailers.  Monica has doubled her fleet from last year and has goals to do the same thing in 2022. 

Today, Jeff and Monica discuss her childhood inspiration, the various ventures her Dad was involved in, the motivating factor that led Monica to being so driven to win, the importance of having side hustles, no matter what, and some of the jobs she worked while she was focusing on building her Trucking company. Monica and Jeff talk about what it took for Monica to get started in the trucking industry and why she doesn’t have to have a CDL to run a trucking company. They discuss how Monica grew her company from a few trucks to 114+, as well as discussing the main reason for most of her exponential growth in her business. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Who Monica’s biggest influences were growing up and in her early years in the workforce
• The motivating factor that drove her to being addicted to winning once her children were born 
• What made Monica change majors after getting her associates in Aeronautical Engineering
• What it was like working for her Dad in this once-famous video store chain
• The 3 things Monica learned from her favorite mentor that set her up for future success
• Why a 40-hour work week won’t cut it nowadays
• Some of the things Monica teaches to her truckers that come to work with her at Sugar Creek Transportation they won’t learn anywhere else
• Monica’s winning perspective that keeps her tough through challenging times 
• Why Monica puts back 50% of her money back when she gets paid
• One of the best lessons Monica recently learned from an Uber driver
• What the Dream Manager is and how to unlock the law of reciprocity
• How many trucks Monica started with when she first got into the trucking industry 
• What Monica looks for when hiring drivers 
• Why ethics is a maker or breaker of any trucking company 
• Who will be operating the trucking company when Monica is retired
• Why Monica likes to talk to each and every driver before she hires them and some of the intimate things they discuss that have nothing to do with trucking 
• Some of the unfortunate things that happen in the trucking industry that would destroy the average person
• A story about a man who sat in Monica’s office and why he broke down crying
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

“I’ve been asked what kind of side hustle or hobbies I have. I live, eat, breathe trucking. This is my hobby. I love what I do” 

 -Monica Byers 

 

Connect with Monica:

 Facebook 

Instagram

Sugar Creek Transportation

Mother Trucker Life  

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

 

You dial 911 and they show up.  They don’t wear capes, but their yellow jackets very well could be just that. They are trained to be fearless, quick problem-solvers, and they willingly put their lives in danger with no guarantee of coming home to their families.

They are the firefighters and paramedics of our great nation.  But there’s a darker tale that reveals an epidemic where our beloved protectors have no one to rescue them. 

Nick Wingo is a former firefighter paramedic who retired to dive headfirst into his PTSD by creating Building Grit, a program focused on helping other firefighter paramedics address the big hairy elephant in the room……PTSD.

Not only is he the Founder Building Grit, but he’s also the Founder of the Non-Profit, Gifting Grit, focused on helping firefighter paramedics across the nation source mental health coverage, cover co-pays and other out of pocket expenses. Nick is a best-selling author, and podcast host. 

Today, Jeff and Nick waste no time kicking down the door on the mental health crisis amongst firefighter paramedics in our country.  Nick shares the number of “line of duty” deaths compared to the staggering estimate of suicides amogst this unique group of individuals.  Jeff voices his outrage at the mental health system and Nick shares the slow process of bringing this all to light by simply doing one simple thing……….finding help for himself.  He talks candidly about his experiences as a firefighter and specific instances that, over time pushed him over the edge and into treatment for PTSD. Jeff and Nick discuss drinking, suicide, and how it’s all connected to firefighting paramedics.  Gifting Grit is a non-profit started by Nick to help others like himself secure mental health treatment before it’s too late.   

 

What You'll Learn:

 

• The number of Nick’s friends who died in non-duty related situations 
• What inspired Nick to start Gifting Grit during treatment 
• One big hairy audacious goal Nick has as a result of being spit out by the organizational structure within the firefighting paramedic organization 
• The effects of his Nick’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and what he battles with on a weekly basis 
• Nick’s plan for a 3-Day event to help people through PTSD based on things that are currently working for them
• When Nick discovered he was shoving his emotions deep down 
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Effects of Alcohol and PTSD
• What happens to the brain when you can’t get out of your own way and how to solve it doing one simple thing
• Cyclic natures and how to break them 
• How many firefighters die each year from “Line of Duty” related circumstances
• The estimated suicide rate within the community of firefigher paramedics
• One multifaceted focus that has helped Nick live an enhanced life on his journey to help a million people 
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“I should never have to be a dime out of pocket if my job was the one that caused me this mental health stress, nor should anybody else.  And let’s be honest, the drinking and drug problems come as a direct result of the stresses of the job.  They’re a direct result of the trauma they deal with. Now, do we all have a choice in how we deal with it? Absolutely. But if you’re not taught tools or ways to deal with this (trauma), you’re going to end up in this position.”

 -Nick Wingo

 

Connect with Nick:

Facebook

Instagram

Nick Wingo’s Website

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

 

Some of the hardest working people can be found on the farms of America producing the very food that makes it to the grocery shelves. It’s a tireless, 7-day a week job requiring hard,thankless work sunup to sun down.  Jason Graybeal is founder of the Graybeal Group, providing insurance services for home, auto, agriculture, and beyond.  He’s a serial entrepreneur, Host of the “No Bull Business and Brews” podcast and a brand new author as of the airing of this episode. He’s active in many circles and leads his multiple companies with a farm hand’s work ethic.   Today, Jeff and Jason take a dive into Jason’s childhood as he shares spending time with his grandpas and the lessons they taught him about hard work, doing good business, and life.  They also discuss why they enjoy catering to farmers, their work ethic, and what makes them the hardest working people on this planet.  Jason talks about some of the choices he had to make just to keep his business afloat over the last 20 years and his drive to share those lessons with fellow entrepreneurs in the hope of saving them 7 or 8 years of trouble, time, and money spent.  Jeff talks about Jason’s new book dropping today titled, “See and Seize: Lessons from Merging and Acquiring Agencies and Assets.” Be sure to pick up a few copies for you and your friends on Amazon! 

 

What You'll Learn:

 

• What Jason’s grandfathers did for a living 
• The true work ethic of farmers and what it takes to successfully run a farm
• Jason’s inspiration behind his first book titled: “See and Seize: Lessons from Merging and Acquiring Agencies and Assets.” 
• Why it’s important to be fearless as an entrepreneur
• The biggest humiliation Jason endured over the last 20 years of his entrepreneurial journey 
• What it means to manage a team of 30 in the insurance industry 
• Jason’s entry into the insurance field and the very first agency he worked at 
• Who Dick Ferrante’ is and why he’s important to Jason
• Jeff and Jason talk about why it’s important to listen to learn versus listening to reply 
• The one thing Jason does when he goes to large networking events
• Jason’s favorite beer
• Two books that have had the most effect on Jason, one that he reads repeatedly and a book that has launched them both into great success in insurance
• Why being willing to start from zero has had a huge impact in Jason’s ability to acquire insurance agencies 
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Small town America, Farming, Agriculture; those are the people that work harder than anybody in any industry can ever realize. They just don’t get it. You think you work hard? They work sunup to sun down everyday throughout the entire year. There’s always something to do.”

• Jason Graybeal 

 

Connect with Jason:

Facebook

Instagram

Graybeal Group

Get Jason's Book: "See and Seize: Lesson from Merging Agencies and Acquiring Assets"

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

 

Have you ever wondered where your desire for “more” comes from when you have what society considers “enough?”  Is it genetic?  Is it a motivation fueled by socioeconomic situations? Or is it simply learning how to pair hard work, diligence, and discipline into creating something bigger than yourself that will serve your family long after you’re gone?  We’re not talking about life insurance today.  We’re talking about pissing excellence and the power of creating a big secret most banks don’t want you to know…………The Private Family Financial System. 

Chris Gardner, is Founder and CEO of Mindshift Financial helping educate families on understanding how to create generational wealth by leveraging their current income and creating a system where reliance on traditional banks becomes a thing of the past. 

In today’s episode Jeff and Chris discuss where the “wanting of more” originated citing the possibilities of genetics, hard work, and mindsets and habits learned in childhood. Chris shares how he played sports in school motivated by the desire to simply win.  Jeff and Chris highlight why financial literacy is not being taught in schools and what we can do to help educate our families moving forward. Chris shares how Mindshift Financial is helping business owners and entrepreneurs who feel they’re paying too much in taxes, as well as why it’s important to set up a Private Family Banking System.  

 

What You'll Learn:

 

• The lessons Chris learned from losing while playing baseball, football, and basketball in school
• Theories as to where the drive for wanting more in life comes from citing possibilities being linked to DNA, work ethic taught and learned in childhood, and mindset
• A simple overview of the Private Family Banking System and how it’s beneficial for you and your family starting today
• Why entrepreneurs and business owners are flocking to work with Mindshift Financial
• Chris’ biggest motivator today and where he invests his time when he’s not behind the desk 
• Failures of the education system and how Chris is turning that around for adults and children alike starting with financial literacy 
• Compound effects of never having to pay bank fees again
• Why being plugged into powerful networks of smarter, more intelligent, and dynamic people will show you what’s possible in terms of living a high-quality of life 
• How you don’t have to have thousands of dollars to start your own Private Family Banking System
• How to get out of debt in a 3rd of the time
• Chris’ big hairy audacious goal involving motors
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“If you look at the Rockefellers, they still have a ton of money and they have 100+ millionaires in the family and so what they do is they continue on the legacy and that’s what we teach our clients how to do and it’s not as difficult as you think. It’s actually pretty simple. You just have to change your mindset and the process by which you do it.”

 

• Chris Gardner 

 

 

Connect with Chris:

Facebook

Instagram

Mindshift Financial 

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping. 

There is one thing many businesses around the world are experiencing right now during this unparalleled time in human history……. finding exceptional talent to lead and work in their organizations. If this sounds like a pain point for you at this very moment, you’re going to love getting to know today’s guest. 

Kip Knippel is founder of Kip Search Headhunters and since 2012, he and his team of powerhouse headhunters have been helping companies across the United States locate CEOs, Presidents, and other key Executive positions lead the next generation in business from manufacturing to law. 

Today, Jeff and Kip discuss their common Minnesota roots, football, hockey, baseball, and a legendary coach from St. John’s University.  Kip details how his journey into law school in Minneapolis provided him a launching pad into commercial real estate where he went on to work for many years including one of the largest real estate firms, CB Orchard Ellis.  From there, Kip shares how he made his way into Executive Search, later being recruited for a firm where he worked for a spell.  After a few years of doing this, he started to acquire his own clients, and now has created one of the most sought-after firms for Executive recruitment. Jeff and Kip discuss the foundational importance of establishing a long-lasting relationship with each and every client and each and every prospect. If you’re looking to remove the transactional feel from your business, you’ll want to tune in to this episode.    

 

What You'll Learn:

 

• Where Kip attended law school and his decision to make a switch in focus after many years in commercial real estate
• Why he decided to stay in Minnesota, even though the cold is not his favorite
• The power of launching your business by first joining a group of professionals in the field you’re intending to be in for advice, collaboration, and partnerships
• The one thing Kip learned about most business owners who started with partners and what they cited they would do differently if they started their business all over again
• Kip’s most favorite book that spans over 1300 pages and why he shares it with friends and colleagues 
• The power of networking and the power behind powerful groups like Arete’ Syndicate and Lions Not Sheep and how Kip walked into a room full of strangers and left with lifelong relationships
• Jeff discusses the comparison of Apex and the power of aligning yourself with people who move, think, and transact life and business like you do
• Kip shares “what’s next” 
• Core Values and the importance of mindset 
• A recruiting hack that has helped Kip and his firm over the last 10 years in business
• The number of people on Kip’s staff
• Why it’s important to have onboarding, training processes, and staff to manage the flow of business into any company 
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“It is culture, and it is fit and it’s ethics, integrity and core values.  If a person’s core values line up with the organization, then that’s success. That’s the golden piece there.”

 

• Kip Knippel

 

 

Connect with Kip:

Facebook

Instagram

Kip Search 

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

 

One of the biggest opportunities most people miss on their way to success is only focusing on what they can get out of a relationship instead of serving their clients first.  Today’s episode is part II and continues with Scott Simons of CMA Valley Dealerships and a special guest. 

 

Ben Rexrode is the General Manager for 8 CMA Valley Dealership franchises and 5 stores. He masterfully manages all departments including New Cars, Used Cars, Service, and Parts. He’s happily married and skillfully plays the violin. 

 

In this episode, Jeff has a few surprises for Scott and Ben as they discuss the power of taking care of people by not being pushy, listening to what it is they truly want and need in their next vehicle without any expectation. Ben shares the impact of creating powerful relationships first by educating, informing, and finding solutions for their clients first before asking for their business, even if it means they go with another dealership. Scott, Ben, and Jeff do a deep dive on truck features and share a little about what CMA Valley Dealerships can do and continue to do for many of their clients across the nation. 

 

 

 What You'll Learn:

 

• How many departments across how many locations Ben Rexrode manages
• Scott shares Ben’s secret to successfully managing their various locations 
• Ben sheds light on his approach to working with people and doing business simultaneously
• Why treating people fairly is the most important thing you can do in your business today
• The insight on extended warranties and how they manage fulfilling them 
• Some cool features of one of the hottest trucks in the United States right now….The TRX
• Rumors Jeff has heard about TRX trucks and their hellcat engines
• Ben breaks down the reason these lovely beasts may no longer be on the road 
• Why some MRSPs are $50K-$60K over at some dealerships and not at CMA Valley Dealerships 
• When CMA Valley Dealership got started and the origination of their parent company 
• Some of the cool features CMA Valley is able to offer as upgrades to their clients
• The best way to contact Scott Simons and Ben Rexrode
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Well tell people what we do. We don’t push ourselves on them.  We’re here to serve. We form real relationships and tell people if they ever need anything to reach out. Then we help them. Ben connects, follows up and connects with our clients.  That’s the secret.” 

 

• Scott Simons 

 

 

Connect with Scott:

Facebook

Instagram

Clubhouse - Breakfast of Champions 

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.  

 

Many people born into small communities across the United States usually migrate to bigger cities for opportunities and experiences offering a grander, “golden life.”  There are a few rare people in this world that remain close to home to build off the rich foundations of ethics, morals, and hard work demonstrated by their families.  They commit to a focus. They use their talents to create long-lasting opportunities and relationships that build their communities into something geared towards excellence. 

Scott Simons is one of those rare individuals walking this planet. He is Managing Partner and General Manager over 5 West Virginia Car Dealerships, Co-Host of the highly successful show on Clubhouse.io, Breakfast of Champions with over 115 thousand followers, is a speaker, business consultant, savvy investor, and deputized sheriff. He’s a proud father, and happily married to his sweetheart for close to 40 years.

In today’s episode, Jeff and Scott take an Olympic-sized dive off a cliff into some of the most powerful and important topics on the minds of the average entrepreneur starting with discussing life in a small town, the difference in yesterday’s work ethic versus today’s work ethic. Scott shares some deeply personal things about his life he hasn’t shared anywhere else on any other platform discussing why his father worked 5 jobs, what it was like living with extended family, getting his ass spanked in school by teachers, the power of networking and the transformation that occurs when you get over imposter syndrome.  Scott gets vulnerable as Jeff asks him why he’s doing everything that he’s doing.  ***HINT: It’s not because he’s bored.  You’re in for a real treat. This is part 1 of 2 in the series, so tune in.  Part 2 will drop Thursday, January 6th. 

 

What You'll Learn:

 

• Why Scott’s Dad worked 5 jobs
• How many children Scott’s Mom had in her family growing up 
• The price Scott’s childhood home sold for back in the 90s
• Life lessons Scott learned as the class clown and a “restless” student 
• Why it’s important to involve your kids when talking about money 
• How fighting and drag racing can shape you to be beneficial in being an entrepreneur
• A time when corporal punishment was permitted in school and Scott’s experience in grade school 
• The importance of setting up an S-Corp and how it’s leveraged to create sustainable a sustainable legacy for your family 
• Impactful groups in which Scott has been able to generate pre-sales by simply asking one question during live meetups
• The name of one of the most listened to shows on the app “Clubhouse” where you can listen to Scott most mornings with special guests discussing life, business, and everything in between 
• Why it’s important to do this one thing over everything in marriage 
• Hard lessons every manager, CEO, or business owner will want to know
• Where to allocate your gross earrings every time you are compensated
• Knowing the value of your time and how to determine when to “buy” it back 
• And much more! 

 

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Be careful of being critical of others in front of your children. What’s said in the front of the car is heard in the back of the car.” 

 

• Scott Simons 

 

 

Connect with Scott:

Facebook

Instagram

Clubhouse - Breakfast of Champions 

 

How to Get Involved:

Addicted to Winning connects listeners through stories that prove why mindset matters. Jeff Brekken was working a 60-hour week on his family’s farm by the time he was 10. When he wasn’t helping with the harvest, he was at the hockey rink. Jeff’s early life experiences taught him he needs to be either all-in or all-out. 

In 2000 he started a single-family home construction business and by 2008 he was looking for his next big thing. Jeff founded the Blue Sky Benefit Solutions & Rise Above HR/Recruiting on top of a lifelong passion for helping people. Through this show, Jeff will take that passion one step further.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping.