Beyond Bricks

In this high-energy episode of Beyond Bricks, Dr. Nathan Unruh sits down with Jered Johnson, founder and CEO of Pepper Entertainment, one of the fastest-growing independent concert promoters in the country. 

Jered shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a business in the competitive world of live entertainment—from humble beginnings to working with some of the biggest names in music. But this episode goes deeper than just business. It’s about betting on your vision, staying resilient when the odds are stacked against you, and leading with grit, gratitude, and relentless drive. 

If you're chasing big dreams or building something from the ground up, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real-world wisdom to keep you moving forward. 

Competition has its place — but it becomes a problem when it turns inward. When the goal shifts from lifting the team to outshining the person next to you, everyone loses. This week on Monday Morning Mindset is a timely reminder that our greatest impact is never individual — it is collective. 

Tune in. Then practice one act of solidarity before the week is over. 

Ever search for the perfect planner and come up empty? We did too, so we built one. It's inspired by the idea of "flow," and it's less about checking boxes and more about leading with focus, optimism, and rhythm over 90 days.

What does F.L.O.W. actually stand for? This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset has the answer.

Study enough high performers and one trait keeps showing up. Angela Duckworth spent years researching it, and it's not talent or intelligence—it's something built through acceptance, struggle, and simply refusing to quit.

This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset digs into what that trait is, and how it's actually built.

Some seasons call for soaring. Others just ask you to keep walking without giving up. There's an ancient promise about exactly where that strength comes from—and it's not from trying harder.

This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset unpacks what it looks like to trust more and try less.

What does it take to create a customer experience that keeps people coming back? 

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, Dr. Nathan Unruh sits down with customer experience expert and bestselling author Shep Hyken to discuss his book, I'll Be Back, and why great customer service is more than a way of doing business—it’s a philosophy. Together, they explore the many moving parts behind a great customer experience, from listening to customers and acting on what you hear to continually improving the experience you provide. 

Shep also shares why the internal experience matters just as much as the external one. When employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated, they are better equipped to create meaningful experiences for customers. At the heart of it all is a simple idea: a great experience isn't an occasional experience. It's an always experience. 

Shep will also bring these ideas to life at the Love the Work event on October 7 in Sioux Falls, where attendees will gain practical insights and strategies for creating experiences that make both employees and customers want to come back. Learn more at https://lovethework.localsloveus.com/resources/lovetheworkevent-2026/ 

Some leaders crumble under pressure. Others seem to get sharper. The difference isn't talent. It's a specific set of habits that Justin Menkes uncovered while studying what makes leaders thrive when things get hard.

This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset breaks down those habits, and how pressure might actually be the thing that sharpens you.

In this episode of Beyond Bricks, Dr. Nathan Unruh sits down with Garrett Wilson of Pay Insights to explore what it means to be proactive rather than reactive in business. They discuss how leaders can use data, company values, and intentional decision-making to build stronger businesses and teams rather than waiting for problems to force their hand.

From understanding your people to making smarter decisions about growth and compensation, this conversation offers practical insight into building a business designed for the future.

What do rockets and high performers have in common? Neither one gets anywhere without focus, fuel, and follow-through. 

This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset reveals what G.S.D. stands for and how it could change the way people see you. 

Ever notice how some teams move fast without anyone raising their voice? It's not luck, it's alignment. When everyone's clear on the same vision and pulling toward the same outcome, the friction disappears and momentum takes over. 

This Monday's Monday Morning Mindset dives into how to build that kind of alignment on your team.