Blaze Your Own Trail

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Lucas Else, who shares his remarkable journey from a troubled youth involved in a drug ring to a successful entrepreneur in the window cleaning industry. Lucas discusses the impact of sports on his mindset, the importance of intentionality in sales, and how overcoming adversity has shaped his approach to business. He emphasizes the value of communication, the lessons learned from his past, and his vision for creating a business model that empowers others. Lucas's story is one of transformation, resilience, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Takeaways

Lucas's background in wrestling taught him mental toughness and strategy.
Intentionality in sales is more important than just numbers.
Adversity can be a powerful teacher in personal and professional growth.
Lucas transitioned from drug dealing to legitimate business through self-development.
He emphasizes the importance of communication in sales and life.
Lucas's vision includes empowering others through a unique business model.
He believes in the power of mentorship and discipleship in business.
Lucas's journey highlights the significance of overcoming past mistakes.
He aims to create a supportive community for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Lucas's faith plays a crucial role in his life and business philosophy.

Sounds Bites

"Adversity can help someone."
"I'm a professional communicator."
"I had to think 10 steps ahead."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lucas Else's Journey
02:40 The Impact of Sports on Business Mindset
05:29 The Importance of Intentionality in Sales
08:13 Adversity and Growth in Door-to-Door Sales
10:58 Overcoming Skepticism in Sales
14:07 The Power of Communication in Sales
16:46 Lessons from a Tumultuous Past
19:46 Transformative Experiences and Personal Growth
29:09 The Journey into Drug Dealing
32:18 The Search for Truth and Spiritual Awakening
43:50 The Transformation and Return to Faith
51:58 Building a Business with Purpose
59:19 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
 

Connect with Lucas:

https://www.instagram.com/lucaslimitless/

Thanks for listening to the episode!

Catch Jordan in Atlanta December 4th at the Goal Achievers Summit:

https://www.goalachieverssummit.com/api/track/JMENDOZA-ATLANTA-2026-TRK

Use speaker code: JMENDOZA-ATLANTA-2026-197 for significant savings. 

If you want to blaze trails you need to get in the room!

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Ankur Garg shares his inspiring journey from a diverse background to becoming a marketing expert and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and consistent effort in achieving success.

Key Topics

Ankur Garg's background and journey
The importance of adaptability in business
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Content creation tips for online success
The role of sports and discipline in personal development
Building aura and civility in interactions
Strategies for gaining attention online
The significance of putting in reps and practice

Action Items

Ask your audience what content they want to see.
Create content for your audience, not just for yourself.
Put in the reps consistently to master skills.
Invest in learning or hire experts to improve content quality.
Practice empathy and civility in all interactions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ankur Garg
00:53 Ankur's Early Life and Background
05:20 Adaptability and Social Skills
09:03 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Discovery
15:42 Team Building and Role Playing in Business
19:49 The Joy of Dance and Performance
22:07 The Decline of Soft Skills in Customer Service
27:25 Overcoming Mental Blocks in Content Creation
34:05 The Importance of Putting in the Reps

Connect with Ankur: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurkgarg/

Thanks for listening to this episode!

If you enjoy the Podcast come see Jordan Speak Live in Atlanta or Orlando in December at the Goal Achieves Summit!

Link to register for the 1 day event in Atlanta on December 4th:

 https://www.goalachieverssummit.com/api/track/JMENDOZA-ATLANTA-2026-TRK

Speaker Promo code for Listeners for $197 tickets: JMENDOZA-ATLANTA-2026-197

Link to register for the Orlando 2 day event in December 29th and 30th: 

https://www.goalachieverssummit.com/api/track/JMENDOZA-ORLANDO-2026-TRK

Speaker Promo code for Listeners for $197 tickets: 

JMENDOZA-ORLANDO-2026-197

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring interview, Kevin Smith shares his journey from corporate success to founding Smith Wealth Advisory Group and Kindness Worldwide. Discover how acts of kindness can transform lives, influence society, and create a global culture of compassion.

Key Topics

Kevin Smith's personal journey and values
The impact of kindness on society and individuals
Practical ways to foster kindness in daily life

Action Items

Practice small acts of kindness daily, such as smiling and greeting others by name.
Send a meaningful note or check in on someone regularly.
Lead by example and be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:20 Kevin's Childhood and Values Shaped by Mother

03:56 Lessons from Kevin's Mom in Business and Life

07:46 Kevin's Academic and Career Path in Finance

11:12 Epiphany and the Act of Kindness on Good Friday 2023

18:31 The Power of Small Acts and Changing Narratives

21:51 The Impact of Kindness Worldwide Movement

27:01 Societal Trends and the Need for Kindness

30:14 Practical Ways to Cultivate Kindness Daily

35:27 Supporting the Kindness Movement and How to Get Involved

37:50 Parting Words and Final Inspiration

Connect with Kevin: 

Website: https://www.kindnessworldwide.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-smith-a0040a19/

Thanks for listening to the episode!

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jordan Mendoza interviews Gini Trask about her journey from a family of entrepreneurs, overcoming setbacks, and building a successful travel business to five million dollars. They discuss the importance of organic visibility, podcasting, resilience, and community in business growth.

Key Topics

Building a sustainable business that is good for your nervous system
The importance of organic visibility and podcasting in lead generation
The role of community and networking in business success
Overcoming setbacks and maintaining resilience
The value of organic content and evergreen podcasts

Sounds Bites

"Create a business that is good for your nervous system"
"Having a great coach is the first key to success"
"Keep going, don't quit, no matter what"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trailblazing Entrepreneurs

01:01 Creating Sustainable Business Practices

06:11 Gini's Journey: From Forest Fairy to Entrepreneur

16:05 Navigating College and Personal Challenges

20:25 Grounded in Humility: Lessons from Family and Life

22:41 The Heart of Service in Entrepreneurship

26:37 Building a Successful Business from Scratch

32:55 The Importance of Persistence and Iteration

39:59 Leveraging Podcasts for Lead Generation

45:29 Creating Consistent Lead Flow for Business Success

Work with Gini:

https://speakersplayhouse.com/

Connect with Gini on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gini-trask-54892b14/ 

Thanks for listening to this episode!

Is your business tuck in the revenue rollercoaster?

See if Jordan's sales coaching is what you are missing to increase the revenue in your business, 5 spots available: 

https://calendarpa.com/@jordan/blazing-business-revenue-clarity-call

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring interview, Tom Krol shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful real estate coach and entrepreneur. Discover key insights on handling pressure, the importance of fundamentals, and how adversity can be turned into advantage.

 Key Topics

Tom Krol's early life and challenges
The importance of handling pressure in business
Fundamentals and basics for entrepreneurial success
Turning adversity into opportunity
The role of reading and continuous learning

Sound Bites

"Focus on fundamentals and basics"
"Start your day with revenue activities"
"Always check the inverse of advice"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Krol
01:30 Tom's Early Life and Challenges
05:23 The Journey into Entrepreneurship
09:09 The Importance of Handling Pressure
11:13 First Investment and Lessons Learned
13:58 Keys to Accelerating Success
19:12 Advice for Those at Rock Bottom
23:00 Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Tom:

https://coachinginc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkrolofficial/

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Minesh Baxi shares his inspiring journey from India to the US, his insights on education, career skills, and parenting, and details about upcoming events for aspiring speakers and entrepreneurs.

Key Topics

Minesh Baxi's childhood in India and move to the US
The importance of skills over degrees in today's world
The value of growth mindset versus fixed mindset
Parenting strategies for developing life skills
Upcoming speaking and networking events in Florida
The role of assessments in career and personal development
The significance of persuasion and results-oriented skills
Financial literacy and investing for children
Lessons learned from cross-cultural experiences

Takeaways

Most people (only 20%) should attend college, focusing on specific knowledge areas.
Skills like decision-making, persuasion, and results orientation are crucial for success.
Parents should actively teach values, skills, and decision-making to children.
Networking and personal branding are vital; attending events can open doors.
Early investment and financial literacy can significantly impact future wealth.

 Sound Bites

"Only twenty percent of people should go to college."
"In a fast-changing world, a fixed mindset is a trap."
"Master persuasion and results orientation to succeed."

Chapters

00:00 — Introducing Minesh Baxi
02:22 — Growing up in Agra and learning to adapt
03:43 — Cricket explained for new fans
06:51 — Cricket strategy and the role of the bowlers
09:52 — Minesh’s perspective on who should go to college
12:33 — Fixed mindset versus growth mindset
15:46 — Moving from India to the United States
17:06 — First impressions of America
21:20 — Why engineering wasn’t the right fit
22:17 — What school teaches—and what it leaves out
23:41 — Decision making as a vital life skill
28:25 — Using assessments to find career fit
30:48 — Teaching kids results orientation and persuasion
34:15 — Writing books that help readers and grow a business
38:53 — Financial literacy and Millionaires in Training
42:20 — The Lake Mary speaker event
45:01 — Networking and who should attend

Connect with Minesh:

Website: https://mbaxi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stophiringlosers/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minesh_baxi/

Register for Minesh's next event: https://mbaxi.com/eventtickets

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Jen Thomas shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Buffalo to becoming a leadership speaker and author. She discusses the importance of human connection, embracing life's ups and downs, and redefining pathways into the workforce.

Key topics

Journey from childhood to leadership
The importance of human connection in work and life
Redefining pathways into the workforce and education
Resilience through life's challenges
The role of mentorship and coaching

Takeaways

Embrace life's ups and downs to discover your true self.
Human connection is the foundation of effective leadership.
There are multiple pathways into the workforce beyond traditional education.
Resilience and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.
Mentorship and coaching can significantly impact personal and professional growth.

Get a copy of Dr. Jen's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Second-Miracles-Finding-Wonder-Everyday/dp/B0HB11HSGL

Connect with Dr. Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasja/

Website: https://www.jen-connects.com/

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Steve Walsh, known as the hands-on angel, shares his journey from a successful corporate career to becoming an entrepreneur and investor. He discusses lessons learned from sports, leadership, building teams, managing multiple business units, and the importance of authenticity and bold outreach in business growth.

Key Topics

Steve Walsh's background and journey from corporate to entrepreneurship
Lessons learned from sports that apply to business
Top leadership qualities for team building
Managing multiple business units and global teams
The importance of authenticity and boldness in outreach
Lessons from building and investing in startups
The impact of family and personal relationships on career
Strategies for effective networking and relationship building
Insights into fundraising and investor relations
Encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs

Chapters

(00:00) Introducing Steve Walsh, the Hands-On Angel
(01:19) Growing up with sports and strong family foundations
(02:23) Choosing sales over law school
(04:24) What sports teach us about resilience
(07:29) Why sales is a life skill
(09:34) Steve’s rise through corporate leadership
(12:17) Three principles for building strong teams
(14:13) Career moves, family impact, and leadership’s hard decisions
(17:54) Leading large, distributed teams
(23:52) Finding success beyond big titles and companies
(25:16) Mentorship and leadership development
(27:22) How the Hands-On Angel brand began
(34:23) What Steve looks for in startup founders
(38:06) Authentic outreach and bringing value first
(43:36) Why it’s a good time to bet on yourself
(44:47) Action, momentum, and taking the first step
(45:49) Final advice: keep building
 

Work with Steve: https://www.handsonangel.com/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/handsonangel/

Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehandsonangel

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehandsonangel

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this inspiring interview, Kaleb and Kyler Cook share their journey from small-town Illinois to becoming filmmakers with a faith-driven mission. They discuss their creative process, the importance of community, and how their faith shapes their work, culminating in the of their recently released impactful film 'Just One More' which has won several awards in multiple categories
 

Takeaways

-Consistent practice and honing craft over years is essential to success.
-Surround yourself with people better than you to elevate your work.
-Faith and community are foundational to impactful filmmaking.

Sound Bites

"Surround yourself with people better than you."
"High quality storytelling makes much of Jesus."
"Embrace the long journey to mastery."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to TwinBolt Media and the Cook Brothers
02:11 Growing Up in Southern Illinois: Culture and Influences
04:46 The Impact of 90s Comedy on Their Creative Journey
08:12 Transitioning from High School to Filmmaking
09:28 The Journey Through Education and Early Career
12:09 The Birth of TwinBolt Media During the Pandemic
13:55 Finding Purpose in Filmmaking and Faith
15:02 The Evolution of Christian Filmmaking
19:00 Addressing Addiction and Community in Their Films
22:37 Growing Up with Brothers and Wrestling
23:57 The Birth of TwinBull: A Partnership in Filmmaking
28:18 The Role of Faith and Family in Filmmaking
30:21 Creating High-Quality Content for a Higher Purpose
34:28 The Inspiration Behind 'Just One More'
38:12 Building Community and Collaboration in Filmmaking
42:08 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Learn more about Kaleb & Kyler's current & future projects: https://www.twinboltmedia.com/

Watch 'Just One More" here: https://www.angel.com/movies/just-one-more

Connect with Kyler: https://www.instagram.com/kylercook/

Connect with Kaleb: https://www.instagram.com/kaleb_cook_filmmaker/

The Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast is Sponsored by CityGate Studios.

 If you are looking for a world-class team to help with your Film, T.V., Podcast or other creative production project in a clean, safe and Christ-Centered environment, look not further!

Visit their website to learn more: https://citygatestudios.com/

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jordan Mendoza sits down with Eddie Konialian, co-founder of Netwrk.VIP, for a conversation about resilience, leadership, and why networking should be measured by generosity, not extraction. Eddie shares how growing up in Beirut during the civil war, immigrating to Los Angeles, and building his career in finance shaped his belief that real success comes from helping other people win. They discuss Eddie’s path from sports and early jobs into banking leadership, the lessons he learned from managing teams, and why he built a platform focused on ownership, trust, and relationship quality. The episode centers on one big idea: in a world full of AI and automation, being human is becoming a competitive advantage.

Key topics

• Eddie’s origin story: growing up in Beirut during the civil war and immigrating to the United States in the mid-1980s
• Overcoming language barriers and finding confidence and community through sports
• Lessons from athletics and John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
• “Raise the floor, not the ceiling”: why results matter more than potential or promises
• Eddie’s reflections on college, completing what you start, and the value of education
• His early jobs, sales experience, and career at Countrywide Home Loans
• Becoming a manager at 23 and learning to lead and coach a team
• The 2008 financial crisis, rebuilding his career, and developing the idea for Netwrk.

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Eddie and the episode’s mission
01:22 — Why Jordan wanted Eddie’s full story before talking business
01:53 — Leaving Beirut because of war and starting over in the U.S.
02:17 — Language barriers, being held back, and learning to belong
03:13 — Sports as a bridge to friendship and confidence
04:18 — John Wooden, sports culture, and lessons for business
07:28 — “Raise the floor, not the ceiling”
09:48 — Family pressure, a partial scholarship, and choosing work over college
12:16 — Eddie’s perspective on the value of finishing school
16:57 — First jobs, copier sales, and landing at Countrywide
17:51 — Managing 30 loan officers at 23
19:40 — Why helping employees and customers became the real reward
23:20 — The hardest thing to teach is care
24:47 — Leaving Countrywide, the 2008 crash, and rebuilding at Bank of America
25:45 — Comerica promotion and leading 105 employees
27:33 — Tracking referrals and spotting the Netwrk.VIP idea
30:21 — Eddie’s definition of networking: “sum of all effort”
33:29 — Why CRM data and social profiles need real action behind them
35:15 — What Netwrk.VIP does and why it exists
39:35 — Netwrk.VIP features: dashboard, global reach map, digital passports, and groups
41:04 — The upcoming "netwrk score"
42:45 — Measuring character instead of credit score
44:03 — Where to find Netwrk.VIP and Eddie’s contact information
44:27 — Final thoughts: “Be good people”

Connect with Eddie:

https://netwrk.vip/

https://www.instagram.com/coacheddiek/

Are you an Entrepreneur, Coach, Author, Actor, Podcaster or Creative?

Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more!

Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and the creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop with 30 tools to help you take action an grow your business and brand for just $97 per month!

Join here: https://trailblazerecosystem.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.