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.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Alicia Newman, entrepreneur and owner of Method Juice Cafe in Spokane. Alicia shares her journey of building multiple businesses while raising twins and a teenager, balancing family life with the challenges of entrepreneurship.

From taking over Method Juice Cafe to co-owning Slumber, a short-term property management company, and teaching at The Union spin studio, Alicia dives into the lessons she’s learned about resilience, leadership, and partnership. She reflects on navigating personal and professional challenges, the importance of trusting her team, and how gratitude and perspective have shaped her approach to life and business.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Ian sit down with Danielle Nishiyama, owner of Craft Studio in Spokane. With nearly two decades in the beauty industry and over ten years running her own salon, Danielle shares her journey of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and team leadership.

From building a hybrid salon model to cultivating a strong team culture, Danielle dives into the lessons she’s learned about clarity, communication, and leading with empathy. She also discusses how personal purpose—like providing for her daughter—has fueled her long-term success and shaped her approach to business.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, team leader, or simply looking to master your craft, Danielle’s insights offer a blueprint for sustained growth, intentional focus, and creating a business that thrives on both skill and heart.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane entrepreneur Jacob Gallion to explore his journey of resilience, reinvention, and community impact. From growing up in his family’s flooring business to facing personal and professional setbacks, Jacob shares how he rebuilt his life and launched Spokane Water Heater, a customer-focused plumbing business.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, parent, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is full of lessons on facing adversity, thinking differently, and building something meaningful.

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien reflect on the lessons learned in 2025 and share their goals and aspirations for 2026. From personal growth to business challenges, they discuss how last year tested their resilience, taught valuable insights about communication, adaptability, and setting realistic goals, and prepared them to tackle the year ahead.

Looking forward, Keith and Jordan lay out their intentions for 2026—expanding ventures, prioritizing health, nurturing relationships, and balancing personal and professional growth. They also explore the power of goal setting as a tool to align intention with action and create meaningful progress.

Whether you’re aiming to grow your business, improve your mindset, or set actionable goals for the new year, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights to help you step boldly into 2026 with clarity, purpose, and determination.

As 2025 comes to a close, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien reflect on an incredible year of conversations on Chess Not Checkers. From inspiring entrepreneurs to community leaders, this episode revisits some of the standout moments, lessons, and stories that shaped our year.

This episode is a celebration of growth, community, and the meaningful connections that make Chess Not Checkers more than just a podcast—it’s a platform for insight and inspiration. Join us as we look back on 2025 and set our sights on another year of engaging conversations and impactful stories.

Originally Released April 22nd, 2025

In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Reed Moore, a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert. Reed shares his journey from military service to building a thriving real estate empire with RMG Real Estate. He discusses the importance of personal development, resilience, and learning from failure, highlighting how these lessons shaped his entrepreneurial path.Reed also talks about the challenges of scaling a business, managing a growing team, and creating a culture that prioritizes both skill development and strong relationships. He touches on key topics like mentorship, the value of building a mission-driven company, and the mindset needed to succeed in both real estate and entrepreneurship.Reed’s story is a powerful reminder that success is built on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to learning. Whether you’re starting your own business or growing an established venture, Reed’s insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and real estate.