This one’s a story about starting over… and what you do when everything gets taken away.

Keith and Jordan sit down with Doyle Wheeler to talk through his journey from working nearly 20 years in auto collision to losing everything after a serious injury—and how that moment forced him to completely rebuild his life from scratch.

What makes this episode so good is how real it gets. Doyle walks through that transition from blue-collar work into the early days of social media, figuring things out before anyone really knew what “digital marketing” even was, and turning that into real businesses. From Kinetic Media to First Avenue Coffee, it all came from just taking shots and staying in motion.

They also get into Spokane—what’s changed, what’s working, and what still needs to be figured out downtown. It’s a mix of business, community, and perspective from someone who’s been on both sides of building something from nothing.

If you’re in a season where things aren’t going the way you planned, or you’re trying to figure out your next move, this episode hits. It’s about adapting, staying creative, and finding a way forward no matter what.

Originally Released March 4th, 2025

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with Brooke Baker, CEO of Baker Construction and Development, to discuss her journey from insurance to leading her family’s third-generation construction business. Brooke shares how her passion for development, resilience, and mentorship helped her transition into the male-dominated construction industry. They explore the challenges of building strong teams, adapting to market changes, and balancing personal life with professional growth.

Learn more about www.bakerconstruct.com at their website

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Dr. Ray Sicilia to talk about the real impact of chiropractic care—and the personal story that led him into the profession.

Ray shares how his father went from being a hardworking, high-performing provider to being completely sidelined by a devastating back injury. After years of surgeries, pain, and setbacks, it was chiropractic care that helped him get his life back—and ultimately inspired Ray’s career.

Keith and Jordan connect it back to business—talking about reputation, trust, and how one bad experience can shape perception for an entire industry.

If you’ve ever questioned chiropractic care—or just want to hear a powerful story about purpose and impact—this episode delivers a perspective that’s hard to ignore.  

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Greg Mahugh to unpack a side of business most people never think about—auctioneering.

Greg shares his journey from Seattle to Spokane in the early 90s, building a business in the auto auction world and learning the art of high-speed dealmaking along the way. What starts as a conversation about auctions quickly turns into a masterclass on negotiation, decision-making, and reading the room.

They break down real estate and investing, where the same principles apply. From making fast decisions on deals to understanding market dynamics, Keith and Jordan connect Greg’s auction experience to how deals actually get done in the field.

If you’re in business, real estate, or just want to understand how deals really happen, this one is full of practical takeaways you can apply immediately.  

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien break down what’s actually happening in the Spokane market—from development and housing to the bigger economic forces shaping the city.

They dive into Spokane’s unique position as a growing city without a major industry driver, and why sectors like medical, logistics, and manufacturing are playing such a big role right now. The conversation unpacks the reality behind housing—why developers are building apartments instead of homes, what’s slowing down new construction, and how rising costs, regulations, and incentives are impacting the market.

Keith and Jordan also get into the tension between affordability and development—why the push for more housing isn’t as simple as it sounds, and how policy decisions can unintentionally make things worse. From rent trends to land values to the challenges of infill development, this episode gives a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build in today’s environment.

They also share where they see opportunity—from smaller infill projects to emerging neighborhoods—and why Spokane still has strong long-term potential despite the current challenges.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s next for Spokane or how real estate decisions are really made, this episode gives you the unfiltered version from people in the middle of it.  

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien connect everyday life with business—breaking down how lessons from parenting directly translate to leadership, consistency, and long-term success.

Recorded around St. Patrick’s Day, the conversation starts with stories about leprechaun traps, crazy hat days, and showing up for your kids. But quickly, it ties back to a bigger idea: how the way you approach small moments is the same way you approach business.

Keith and Jordan dive into what consistency really looks like—doing the work whether you feel like it or not, staying steady through both good and bad situations, and setting the tone for the people around you. They also talk about resilience, learning from failure, and why maintaining perspective is critical when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.

This episode blends real-life experiences with a business mindset, showing how discipline, patience, and showing up every day—at home and at work—are what ultimately move the needle.

At the end of the day, success isn’t built in big moments—it’s built in the small ones you choose to show up for consistently.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien are joined by Justin Avey for a different kind of conversation—breaking down the good deals and the bad deals that shaped their careers.

Instead of focusing on a single project or business, the three dive into the real stories behind some of the biggest wins and toughest lessons they’ve experienced in real estate and development. From projects that turned into unexpected successes to deals that dragged on for years with setbacks, contractors, and surprises, nothing is off the table.

Keith shares the story of a South Hill project that became a long, stressful journey before finally turning around. Jordan reflects on the ups and downs of redevelopment and large-scale projects, while Justin brings his own perspective from the construction side of the business.

Good Deal / Bad Deal is an honest look at what it really takes to stay in the game. Behind every successful investor are the deals that nearly broke them—and the ones that made it all worth it.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Justin Avey of Avey Construction to unpack his bold leap from retail management to construction entrepreneur. After 12 years at Best Buy, Justin cashed out his life savings, bought an excavator—with no prior experience—and bet on himself.

What followed was a crash course in hands-on learning, risk-taking, and relentless growth. From small excavation jobs to large-scale concrete and multi-family developments, Justin shares the realities of scaling a construction business, managing stress, securing capital, and knowing when to say “no” to the wrong opportunities.

This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership under pressure, and the mindset required to grow without losing control. If you’re building something—whether it’s a business, a career, or a vision—Justin’s story is a powerful reminder that grit, clarity, and calculated risk can lay the foundation for something big.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Zak Allen, a rising star in real estate, to explore his journey from car sales to leading a multi-state team of agents. Zak shares how he overcame early struggles, the lessons he learned from mentorship and personal development, and how authenticity and mindset have shaped his success.

From closing his first deals to building a team across Washington, Idaho, and Florida, Zak emphasizes resilience, reflection, and the power of staying true to yourself in business and life. He also dives into personal growth, manifestation, and how small shifts in mindset can unlock big opportunities.

Whether you’re in real estate or just looking for inspiration to navigate challenges and grow, this episode is packed with actionable insights and motivating stories to help you play Chess, Not Checkers.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Scotland Shouse, head brewer at Brick West Brewing Co., to explore the craft, science, and community behind every pint. Scotland shares his journey from North Carolina to Spokane, revealing how he discovered a love for brewing and the balance between precision and creativity in the process.

From the accidental creation of the award-winning Out Cold IPA to the importance of collaboration among local brewers, Scotland dives into what makes Brick West a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. He also reflects on the brewery’s role in fostering community—showing how beer can bring people together and create meaningful connections.

Whether you’re a craft beer fanatic or just curious about the stories behind your favorite brews, this episode is a toast to innovation, passion, and the power of a great local brewery.