In episode 47 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Sebastian Rusk as they share their travel experience, including unexpected flight delays with Southwest Airlines that ultimately led to an early arrival in Miami and a surprise $100 voucher. 

Tune in for a fun and lighthearted conversation that promises to elevate your day!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:34] New studio construction plans.

[00:06:04] Waffle House breakfast experience.

[00:10:08] Key Largo travel insights.

[00:11:45] Key Largo sunsets experience.

[00:18:45] Gas station food adventures.

[00:21:01] Mouth tape and sleep habits.

[00:25:43] Airline industry struggles and opinions.

[00:28:19] Key West travel experiences.

[00:31:51] Charging an electric car experience.

QUOTES

• "It's kind of like when you're flying Spirit and I'm like, I will never fly Spirit again." -Sebastian Rusk
• "I definitely wouldn't want the radiation. I'm sure it's not great to sit inside an electric car while it charges." -Sebastian Rusk

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Sebastian Rusk

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

Facebook: Facebook.com/srusk

LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/sebastianrusk/

YouTube: Youtube.com/@PodcastLaunchLab

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

In episode 46 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner recounts his humorous encounter with law enforcement, the challenges of taking an online driving class at the age of 33, and the amusing lessons he learned about safe driving.

Tune in for a dose of inspiration, humor, and valuable insights on making better choices behind the wheel.

In episode 45 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Byron Wolfe, Co-founder and CEO of CFOAF, a bold financial advisory firm that helps business owners stop overpaying the IRS, scale their businesses, and build real wealth. He discusses the common pitfalls business owners face, such as being overwhelmed and underprepared for taxes. He also explains how to shift from a defensive to an offensive mindset when it comes to finances.

Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your financial approach and set you on the path to success.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:37] Business burnout and exit strategy.

[00:06:19] Business owners' struggle with focus.

[00:10:35] Delegation in seasonal businesses.

[00:12:01] Off-season strategies for landscapers.

[00:15:49] Off-season financial strategies.

[00:19:01] Entity structure and tax strategy.

[00:21:19] Tax strategy for real estate.

[00:25:43] Tax strategy for W-2 earners.

[00:30:05] Tax strategy vs. tax filing.

[00:32:04] Premium versus cheap services.

[00:36:26] High expectations in hiring.

[00:39:18] Free tax analysis benefits.

[00:41:57] Podcast subscription and reviews.

QUOTES

•  "You can sit on the sideline and you can pout about the rich taking advantage of all these tax credits while you keep paying money like an idiot, or you can get off the sidelines and take advantage of the same thing these rich cronies are taking advantage of to get your taxes down to zero." -Byron Wolfe
•  "I'd rather deliver a supreme value to my clients that they understand that this is 100% worth it." -Byron Wolfe
• "If you believe in your product, your service, sales are going to come." -Byron Wolfe

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Byron Wolfe:

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

WEBSITES

Book a Call

https://linktr.ee/ElevateWithElsner

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

CFOAF: https://www.cfoaf.com/ 

In episode 44 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner shares his recent experience in the beautiful Florida Keys and highlights the significance of authentic connections, mentioning his great friend and ally, Sebastian Rusk, who is passionate about helping others start their podcasts.

Tune in for inspiration and a reminder that simply being here is a victory in itself.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:02] Power of being present.

[00:05:55] Trust and transformation lessons.

[00:09:40] Becoming the best version of yourself.

QUOTES

• "Being here still, that's not failure. That's power. That is extreme power."
• "When you lead with trust, you risk betrayal. But you also open the door for a lesson learned, an extreme transformation."
• “You are not behind, you are becoming.”

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

In episode 43 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Sebastian Rusk for a lighthearted and entertaining conversation as they recount their unforgettable adventures in St. Louis. From the chaos of flying Southwest Airlines to the wild antics at the Anheuser-Busch brewery, this episode is packed with laughter and entertaining stories.

Tune in for an entertaining episode filled with relatable moments and a glimpse into their friendship.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:11] Prank involving air conditioning.

[00:06:44] Shots and party dynamics.

[00:08:25] Anheuser-Busch brewery tour experience.

[00:13:42] Mothball-filled steakhouse experience.

[00:15:51] Goat feeding adventure gone wrong.

[00:20:54] Worst food in St. Louis.

[00:22:17] Start a podcast.

QUOTES

• “They always say some of your best friends are the ones you buy.” -Blake Elsner
• “Tell me you're an alcoholic without telling me you're an alcoholic.” -Sebastian Rusk

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Sebastian Rusk

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

                    https://www.instagram.com/podcastssuck/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srusk/ 

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

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

Beyond The Story Podcast:https://www.beyondthestorypodcast.com 

Sponsors:

The Hangout House:

https://themadisonlivcollection.com/property/?checkin=2025-09-21&checkout=2025-09-27&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0

Enter Code “ELEVATE15” for 15% off your stay (Subject to terms and conditions)

https://www.instagram.com/madisonlivcollection?igsh=cmtra2xzNzdicG55

Parks Unlimited:

Dan Parks

+1 (707) 601-7741

Official Lawn Service of Elevate With Elsner

Boat Day Apparel:

15% off Total Order use code “Elevate”.

https://www.boatdayapparel.com/?ref=Elevate10

In episode 42 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner welcomes Laurie Chen, a seasoned CPA and CFO, as she shares her journey from public accounting at a Big Four audit firm to embracing the startup world after obtaining her MBA.

Tune in to learn how to make your business financially unshakable and discover the key differences between a hustling business owner and a strategic CEO.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:02] Financial clarity for entrepreneurs.

[00:06:25] CEO and CFO relationship dynamics.

[00:11:10] Risk Worthy Decision-Making Framework.

[00:14:57] Internal controls in startups.

[00:19:03] Hiring the right people.

[00:24:40] CEO transition strategies.

QUOTES

•  "What makes something risk worthy is its ability to create the best version of yourself and your best possible future." -Laurie Chen
• "Having a business partner is tough in a lot of ways. It's like a marriage. It's a business marriage." -Laurie Chen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Laurie Chen

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

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/lauriechencpamba

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

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

Built By Margin: https://www.builtbymargin.com/

Advanced CFO: https://www.advancedcfo.co/

Sponsored by:

The Hangout House:

https://themadisonlivcollection.com/property/?checkin=2025-09-21&checkout=2025-09-27&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0

Enter Code “ELEVATE15” for 15% off your stay (Subject to terms and conditions)

https://www.instagram.com/madisonlivcollection?igsh=cmtra2xzNzdicG55

Parks Unlimited:

Dan Parks

+1 (707) 601-7741

Official Lawn Service of Elevate With Elsner

Boat Day Apparel:

15% off Total Order use code “Elevate”.

https://www.boatdayapparel.com/?ref=Elevate10

In episode 41 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Michael McCall, owner of Buffalo Finances, as he discusses his experience building and recently selling a dumpster rental business, providing valuable insights into the grind of entrepreneurship and the importance of solid financial practices. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, financial literacy, and making a difference in the business world.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:35] Accounting and entrepreneurship journey.

[00:05:07] Tax strategies for business owners.

[00:08:21] Tax extension strategies for businesses.

[00:14:52] Future of the dollar.

[00:16:31] Bitcoin's rising value and scarcity.

[00:19:26] Business ownership and integrity.

[00:25:55] Business cycles and personal freedom.

[00:29:32] Buffalo’s facing life's challenges.

[00:30:41] Filing on time strategies.

QUOTES 

• “Sometimes you've got to take care of yourself before you can take care of other people.” -Michael McCall
• “Never believe anybody but yourself.” -Michael McCall
• “There's just stuff that you have to be 1,000% committed to to make it happen.” -Blake Elsner
• “When a storm comes through, they don't run away. They actually face the storm.” -Blake Elsner

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Michael McCall

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/buffalo.finances.cpa/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BuffalofinanceNC/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-mccall-03667714/

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

Buffalo Finances: https://buffalofinances.com/

Sponsored by:

The Hangout House:

https://themadisonlivcollection.com/property/?checkin=2025-09-21&checkout=2025-09-27&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0

Enter Code “ELEVATE15” for 15% off your stay (Subject to terms and conditions)

https://www.instagram.com/madisonlivcollection?igsh=cmtra2xzNzdicG55

Parks Unlimited:

Dan Parks

+1 (707) 601-7741

Official Lawn Service of Elevate With Elsner

Boat Day Apparel:

15% off Total Order use code “Elevate”.

https://www.boatdayapparel.com/?ref=Elevate10

In episode 40 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner opens up about his personal transformation and the reactions he's faced from those around him. He discusses the importance of showing up as his true self, both online and in his personal life, and the challenges that came with this shift.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages vulnerability and self-discovery.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:44] Growth triggers discomfort.

[00:05:35] Chasing legacy, not likes.

QUOTES

• "I found power and inner wealth. I found clarity through discomfort."
• “I became free the moment I started owning who I was meant to be, not who others wanted me to be.”
• “The minute you stop waiting to be understood is the minute you become unstoppable.”

The Hangout House:

https://themadisonlivcollection.com/property/?checkin=2025-09-21&checkout=2025-09-27&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0

Enter Code “ELEVATE15” for 15% off your stay (Subject to terms and conditions)

https://www.instagram.com/madisonlivcollection?igsh=cmtra2xzNzdicG55

Parks Unlimited:

Dan Parks

+1 (707) 601-7741

Official Lawn Service of Elevate With Elsner

Boat Day Apparel:

15% off Total Order use code “Elevate”.

https://www.boatdayapparel.com/?ref=Elevate10

In episode 39 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Zach Medlin, the  Founder of The Madison Liv Collection and the Head of Sales at Tiff’s Treats, as he discusses the importance of creating memorable experiences for customers and the intentionality behind his business ventures. 

Tune in for insights on grit, growth, and the power of purpose-driven work.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:20] Starting from the bottom.

[00:04:16] Warm cookie delivery innovation.

[00:09:12] Warm moment with cookies.

[00:12:20] Entrepreneurial journey in real estate.

[00:18:19] Gulf Shores community experience.

[00:20:20] Alabama vs. Florida vacation experience.

[00:24:31] Open communication with guests.

[00:28:34] Beach vacation advantages over condos.

[00:32:30] Poolside parenting solutions.

[00:35:23] Airbnb algorithm challenges.

[00:41:19] Team collaboration and support.

[00:43:17] Community support in Gulf Shores.

QUOTES

• “I think taxes are a big motivator. Working for somebody else has amazing stability and opportunity, and there are certainly perks. But when you work for yourself, the sky's the limit.” - Zach Medlin
• “I don't know where the limit is or where we want to end up, but I do know that I have goals to see all my kids' soccer games and be there for my family, like that's Faith and Family are number one for us. And that's where we want to be first. And I think this gives us a great opportunity to keep that in the forefront of our lives.” - Zach Medlin

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Zach Medlin

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachmedlin/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-medlin/

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast:https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

The Madison Live Collection: https://themadisonlivcollection.com/

Promo code “Elevate” 15% off stays of 3+ nights- expires 12/31

Tiff’s Treats: https://www.cookiedelivery.com/

In episode 38 of Elevate with Elsner, Blake Elsner interviews Faye Saad, a seasoned Sales Leader and Co-Founder of Athena Business Group, as she discusses pivotal moments in her career, including personal health challenges that shaped her approach to business and life, and how these experiences shaped her unique E3 strategy.

Tune in to discover valuable insights and strategies that can help transform your career and life.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:28] Cancer diagnosis and career reflection.

[00:05:46] Late-stage Lyme disease diagnosis.

[00:09:30] Leadership and transformation strategies.

[00:14:10] Lyme disease transmission questions.

[00:16:34] Empathy and self-treatment journey.

[00:21:10] Leadership through empathy and execution.

[00:25:07] Personal and business transformation.

[00:29:41] Helping women for free.

[00:30:40] Helping others while seeking support.

QUOTES

• "When you look at your life, and you're faced with mortality, you kind of just start taking a look at things way differently." - Faye Saad
• "With the right army, with the right support group, with the right mindset strategy, wisdom, and the leadership that it takes to transform lives, you can transform lives." - Faye Saad
• "A lot of us are always wanting to help people, but it's hard for us sometimes to raise our own hand, right? And ask for help ourselves." - Blake Elsner

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Blake Elsner

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.elsner/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-elsner-a04396b5/

Fatima Saad

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faye.saad.14

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-saad-faye-saad-883344191/

WEBSITES

Elevate with Elsner Podcast: https://elevatewithelsnerpodcast.com/

Elsner Real Estate: https://www.bradagent.com/

The Hangout House:

https://themadisonlivcollection.com/property/?checkin=2025-09-21&checkout=2025-09-27&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0

Enter Code “ELEVATE15” for 15% off your stay (Subject to terms and conditions)

https://www.instagram.com/madisonlivcollection?igsh=cmtra2xzNzdicG55

Parks Unlimited:

Dan Parks

+1 (707) 601-7741

Official Lawn Service of Elevate With Elsner

Boat Day Apparel:

15% off Total Order use code “Elevate”.

https://www.boatdayapparel.com/?ref=Elevate10