Blueprint Banter

In this episode, Derek sits down with Taufeek Shah, founder and CEO of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce a brand born from a family recipe and grown with relentless passion. Taufeek shares how he turned his mother Lola’s signature hot sauce into a nationally recognized brand, built on authenticity, grassroots hustle, and a powerful story. From farmers markets to major retailers, hear how Lola’s connects with customers on more than just heat. It’s not just about sauce- it’s about heart, heritage, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.

In this episode, Derek sits down with Jarrod Gray, Residential Manager at Kline Electric. Jarrod’s journey is a powerful reminder that grit, dedication, and a strong work ethic can take you far no matter where you start. From entry-level beginnings to leading residential operations, Jarrod shares how his mindset and commitment helped him climb the ladder in the electrical industry. Whether you're just starting out or already on your path, this conversation is packed with insight and motivation.

Brett McLean, former NHL player and current head coach of the Iowa Wild, left home at just 14 years old to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. He never wavered in that pursuit. Brett shares the story of his journey with remarkable detail and perspective—offering lessons we can all learn from. Through all the highs and lows, it’s his commitment to trusting the process that keeps him on track.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Todd Sommerfeld, owner and CEO of Kreg Tool, a company with a rich legacy of innovation in woodworking tools. Todd shares his experience of taking over the family business that his father started and the personal struggles he faced along the way. From balancing leadership challenges to navigating rocky times in marriage and fatherhood, Todd opens up about the tough moments that shaped his path. We also explore how Kreg Tool has built strong connections with customers, finding meaning through self-reflection, and the personal growth that has been essential in becoming the leader and man he aspires to be.

In this gripping episode, we sit down with John Krusenstjerna, a Marine veteran who served during the height of the War on Terrorism, with deployments to Iraq in the early 2000s. John shares powerful stories of his time in the military, the challenges he faced, and how those experiences shaped his path back home. After returning to civilian life, John found an unexpected calling — crime scene cleaning. Hear how he turned his resilience and discipline into building CTS Cleaners, a company dedicated to helping families navigate unimaginable loss with compassion and professionalism.

In this episode, guest Lacie Navin shares her inspiring journey into the world of CBD. After discovering the powerful natural benefits of CBD, Lacie was driven to open her own store to help others experience its healing effects. But in 2019, her passion took a shocking turn when her store was raided, and she was arrested for selling CBD oil, facing three felony charges. Tune in to hear Lacie's incredible story of resilience, how she fought back and beat the case, and the lessons she learned along the way.

We also dive into what CBD really is, the wide-ranging benefits it offers, and the lingering misconceptions that still surround it—even years after CBD was legalized. Plus, with THC legalization spreading across the country, we discuss how attitudes toward cannabis are shifting and what that means for the future of CBD.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Kohlsdorf, a seasoned expert in the healthcare industry. With years of experience in employer benefits and serving as President on the board of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), Eric shares his unique perspective on the financial dynamics shaping healthcare today. Tune in as he discusses the intersection of healthcare and finance, and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Woody to the podcast! Jeff is a former ISU running back, a football analyst for TV, radio, and podcasts, and the owner of Goldfinch Athletics.

In this episode, Woody shares his deep passion for athletics and broadcasting. He and Derek delve into the importance of doing what you love and the critical need to genuinely enjoy your career, ensuring that you don't waste your life on unfulfilling pursuits.

Jeff opens up about his inspiring journey from being a college athlete to becoming a business owner. He discusses how his knowledge and passion for football and sports have enabled him to educate and inspire others.

In this episode, Derek is joined by Christie Steiger, founder of Innovative Wellness, who shares her journey of healing from chronic health issues using holistic practices. Frustrated by the lack of solutions from conventional medicine, Christie turned to natural methods that addressed the root causes of her health challenges.

Now, as a wellness expert, she helps others overcome chronic conditions and optimize their health, with a focus on detoxification, vitality, and overall well-being. Christie explains the crucial role of methylation in the body’s detox processes and how supporting methylation can improve everything from detoxing heavy metals to boosting energy and mental clarity.

Derek and Christie also dive into simple, actionable steps—like dietary changes and lifestyle practices—that can have a huge impact on your health. Whether you’re dealing with chronic issues or just want to optimize your body’s natural healing abilities, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you begin your wellness journey today.

Today on the pod, Derek is joined by Jordan McCann, the owner of Earls Tire. While the tire industry might not be considered a "sexy" business, Jordan’s innovative approach has led to impressive success. In this episode, Jordan shares his fascinating journey—from starting as an employee at Earls, to leaving the business and diving into the broader car world, and eventually returning with a fresh perspective to take over the company.

Jordan’s story is a powerful reminder that stepping away when you’re not satisfied can give you invaluable knowledge and a clearer vision for growth. He also emphasizes the importance of never burning bridges along the way—because the relationships you build could become crucial to your success down the road.