
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez, a Marine Corps veteran, author, and mental health advocate, joins the podcast to share his powerful journey from combat veteran to community leader. Aaron discusses his struggles with PTSD, the path to healing, and his mission to help fellow veterans transition to civilian life with purpose.
About Aaron “Sgt Q” Quinonez:
Aaron Quinonez, known as Sgt Q, is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and the author of Healing Thru Service: The Warriors Guide to Overcoming Trauma. After experiencing severe PTSD and homelessness, Aaron discovered that service and leadership were the keys to his recovery. He now runs Q Missions, a nonprofit organization that provides veterans with a sense of purpose through humanitarian missions.
In this episode, Thomas and Aaron discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"The best way to heal yourself is to help others." — Aaron 'Sgt Q' Quinonez
CONNECT WITH AARON QUINONEZ:
Website: https://www.qmissions.org/
Book: Healing Thru Service
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-quinonez-945303184/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Lon Blais, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership coach, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of investing in mental health, building a strong company culture, and scaling businesses by prioritizing people over profits. His journey from overcoming personal struggles to leading successful enterprises provides invaluable insights for business owners and leaders.
About Lon Blais:
Lon Blais is a business strategist and mental health advocate with extensive experience in leadership development and organizational culture. He has built multiple successful businesses while implementing strategies that focus on employee well-being, core values, and sustainable growth. His expertise in creating high-performing teams and reducing turnover has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant.
In this episode, Thomas and Lon discuss:
Lon shares his personal story of struggling with PTSD and how taking control of his mental health changed the trajectory of his life and career. He emphasizes the role of mental wellness in leadership and decision-making.
With an average turnover rate of 300% in the janitorial industry, Lon implemented a unique approach that reduced it to just 67%. He explains how fostering a work environment built on trust, integrity, and personal development leads to employee retention and loyalty.
Lon breaks down his hiring process, which prioritizes values and alignment over skill set. He details his unique recruitment approach that filters candidates based on cultural fit, ensuring a strong and cohesive team.
Key Takeaways:
Lon’s approach to supporting his team’s mental well-being transformed his business, reducing turnover and improving workplace morale.
A toxic work environment drives employees away faster than salary concerns. Lon shares practical strategies for cultivating a positive culture.
The right people aligned with company values contribute more to long-term success than the most experienced candidates.
CONNECT WITH LON BLAIS:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonblais/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Luka Yancopoulos, entrepreneur and co-founder of Grapevine, joins the podcast to discuss how his company is revolutionizing medical supply chains to empower healthcare providers. Luka shares his journey from a student at UPenn to building a multi-million-dollar business that eliminates inefficiencies in the healthcare industry.
About Luka Yancopoulos:
Luka Yancopoulos is the CEO and co-founder of Grapevine, a healthcare supply chain company focused on reducing costs and freeing medical providers from operational burdens. His mission is to help doctors focus on patient care instead of administrative distractions by optimizing supply chain management. With a background in biomedical engineering and environmental sciences, Luka is passionate about creating innovative solutions that improve healthcare systems.
In this episode, Thomas and Luka discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"If we can remove the distractions and inefficiencies in healthcare, doctors can focus on what really matters—saving lives." — Luka Yancopoulos
CONNECT WITH LUKA YANCOPOULOS:
Website: https://www.go-grapevine.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luk%C3%A1-yancopoulos-50051a1a8/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/th
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Thomas Helfrich shares an inside look at how he successfully monetized Never Been Promoted, taking the podcast from an idea to $60,000 in revenue in just one year. In this solo episode, Thomas breaks down his strategy, tactics, and mindset for turning a podcast into a revenue-generating asset.
About this episode:
Thomas Helfrich, founder of Instantly Relevant and Cut the Tie, presented at Podfest 2025, detailing how he built Never Been Promoted into a monetizable brand. From leveraging guest sponsorships to creating a mastermind community, Thomas provides a roadmap for podcasters looking to generate revenue from day one.
In this episode, Thomas discusses:
Key Takeaways:
"Podcasting is more than just talking into a mic—it's a business, a brand, and a community." — Thomas Helfrich
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Jim Schleckser, founder of The CEO Project, joins the podcast to share his insights on what it truly takes to scale a business as a CEO. Jim’s extensive experience working with high-performing CEOs offers valuable lessons on leadership, growth, and building a thriving company.
About Jim Schleckser:
Jim Schleckser is the CEO and founder of The CEO Project, an organization dedicated to helping high-performing CEOs navigate growth challenges. With decades of experience leading businesses and advising executives, Jim specializes in identifying constraints in companies and unlocking their full potential. He is also the author of Great CEOs Are Lazy, a book focused on optimizing leadership for maximum business impact.
In this episode, Thomas and Jim discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"The best CEOs aren’t the ones who work the hardest—they’re the ones who find and fix the bottlenecks that hold their business back." — Jim Schleckser
CONNECT WITH JIM SCHLECKSER:
Website: https://theceoproject.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimschleckser/
Book: Great CEOs Are Lazy
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Angela Fowler, founder of Real Life Access, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of making businesses more accessible for people with disabilities. She shares her expertise on digital accessibility, common mistakes businesses make, and why accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about improving user experience for everyone.
About Angela Fowler:
Angela Fowler is the founder of Real Life Access, a consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses improve accessibility, particularly in the digital space. A passionate advocate for disability inclusion, Angela brings firsthand experience as a blind entrepreneur, educating businesses on how accessibility can be a competitive advantage rather than just a legal requirement.
In this episode, Thomas and Angela discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"The best businesses aren’t just compliant—they’re accessible, user-friendly, and welcoming to everyone." — Angela Fowler
CONNECT WITH ANGELA FOWLER:
Website: https://reallifeaccess.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-fowler-a11y/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Roger Igo, CEO of The Bell Tower on 34th, joins the podcast to discuss the intricacies of planning legendary corporate events, navigating business challenges, and pivoting toward new opportunities. Roger’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the art of delivering unforgettable experiences.
About Roger Igo:
Roger Igo is the President and CEO of The Bell Tower on 34th, one of Houston’s premier event venues. With over 300 events per year and a track record of producing over $100 million worth of events, Roger has built a reputation for curating experiences that are both stunning and seamless. His journey from real estate development to event production is filled with lessons on business adaptation, overcoming adversity, and strategic growth.
In this episode, Thomas and Roger discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"A legendary event isn’t just about what happens that night—it’s about creating a memory that people will talk about for years." — Roger Igo
CONNECT WITH ROGER IGO:
Website: https://thebelltoweron34th.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-igo-ceo/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
David Bricker, speaker, author, and storytelling expert, joins the podcast to share how business leaders can elevate their impact through compelling storytelling. With a background in publishing, design, and public speaking, David provides actionable strategies for crafting narratives that connect with audiences and drive success.
About David Bricker:
David Bricker is a professional speaker, storytelling coach, and founder of Speakipedia, an online encyclopedia of speaking and storytelling resources. With expertise spanning digital publishing, graphic design, and speechwriting, David helps entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders master the art of storytelling to enhance their business influence.
In this episode, Thomas and David discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"The best speakers aren’t the ones who never make mistakes—they’re the ones who know how to turn mistakes into moments of connection." — David Bricker
CONNECT WITH DAVID BRICKER:
Website: https://speakipedia.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbricker/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Friska Wirya, a transformation consultant and TEDx speaker, joins the podcast to discuss what it takes to build a Future-Ready Organization. From overcoming resistance to change to navigating major business transformations, Friska shares her expertise in guiding organizations through seamless transitions.
About Friska Wirya:
Friska Wirya is the founder of Fresh by Friska, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations embrace change and transformation. With a background in change leadership for some of the world’s largest companies, she specializes in influencing without formal power, cross-cultural communication, and organizational change strategies. She is also a best-selling author, speaker, and advisor on digital transformation and leadership development.
In this episode, Thomas and Friska discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"The best organizations don’t just adapt to change—they create it." — Friska Wirya
CONNECT WITH FRISKA WIRYA:
Website: https://www.freshbyfriska.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friska/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
Send us Fan Mail
Never Been Promoted Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Sean McKnight, founder of The Original Flip Flap, joins the podcast to share his entrepreneurial journey, from being a musician to creating an innovative product that turns any flip-flop into a more secure and functional sandal. Sean discusses the challenges of product development, marketing, and scaling a business while navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
About Sean McKnight:
Sean McKnight is the founder of The Original Flip Flap, a company that produces a patented silicone back strap designed to keep flip-flops on your feet during activities like tubing, fishing, camping, and festivals. Sean’s journey from being a musician to a product creator showcases resilience, creativity, and problem-solving in the world of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Thomas and Sean discuss:
Key Takeaways:
"Entrepreneurship is about taking risks, failing forward, and learning as you go." — Sean McKnight
CONNECT WITH SEAN MCKNIGHT:
Website: https://theoriginalflipflap.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-mcknight-214199197/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: [email protected]
InstantlyRelevant.com
Support the show
https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
From the publisher's feed
Cut The Tie and Own Your Success reveals how high performers think, decide, and overcome obstacles—so you can apply one actionable idea each week.
Each short episode (<10…
Insights focus on four areas where people “cut ties”: Finances, Relationships, Health, and Faith.
Guests span operators and outliers—CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, creators, scientists, and community leaders—people who’ve cut real ties and can show you how.
Do this next
Own your success.
Cut the tie.
Thomas Helfrich
Host & Founder