Elevation Nation

Elevator no. 217: Shane Riggs is an entrepreneur who went from sales and culinary arts to founding a successful virtual assistant company. His mission is to create financial freedom not just for himself, but also for his family and employees, while fostering authentic connections and innovation.

In this Podcast:
Shane shares how resilience and adaptability shaped his journey across industries, ultimately leading him to the virtual assistant space. We talk about work ethic, the importance of time and freedom, and how success is measured by the impact you have on others, not just your bank account.

Parker and Sam get real about a trend in corporate America right now. They talk anxiety, imposter syndrome, job security, and how showing up as your authentic self can be your biggest advantage. The conversation touches on why multiple income streams matter and what the future of work might look like for all of us.

Elevator no. 215: Griffin Toren is the founder and CEO of Killa Dinks, a fast-growing pickleball and padel paddle company creating custom products for brands like Apple, Poppi, and the Miami Marlins. He started the company while still an undergrad at the University of Miami, turning a side hustle into a full-fledged business before graduation.

Inside this Podcast:

Griffin reflects on the pressure of building a company as a student, the mindset required to grow fast without burning out, and how relationships and customer service have been his biggest assets. We talk about the rise of pickleball, the beauty of learning on the fly, and what’s next for Killa Dinks.

Chapters

02:32
The Rise of Pickleball and Its Appeal

04:58
Building a Brand in a Competitive Market

07:39
Balancing College Life and Entrepreneurship

10:45
The Drive Beyond Financial Gain

12:41
The Elevator Mindset: A Blessing or a Curse?

20:55
Lessons from the Journey of Entrepreneurship

25:48
The Importance of Customer Service

29:24
Balancing Business and Personal Relationships

33:45
The Future of Killa Dinks and Growth Mindset

AI is reshaping what early careers look like and many traditional paths just aren’t cutting it anymore. Parker and Sam break down why emotional intelligence, people skills, and creative thinking matter more than ever in a world where machines can do the rest.

This week, Parker and Sam unpack a powerful comment from world #1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, who admitted that golf, despite all his wins, isn’t the most fulfilling part of his life. They reflect on the difference between success and meaning, and why even at the top, the grind can still feel empty. 

Elevator no. 214: Dane Johnson is the CEO and Founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle, the world’s leading consulting firm for natural IBD healing. Once a successful model and actor in LA, Dane’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, nearly dying before taking his health into his own hands. Today, he’s a board-certified functional nutritionist who has helped thousands around the world heal naturally and reclaim their lives.

Inside this Podcast:
Dane opens up about the lowest point in his life and the mindset shift that saved it. We talk about the power of personal accountability, the failures of traditional medicine, and how real healing requires vulnerability, discipline, and belief.

Parker and Sam unpack what it really means to be a baller. Financial freedom. Owning your time. Building real connections. They share takeaways from Scott Galloway’s perspective on content, personal branding, and why traditional interviews are broken.

01:56
Creating Diverse Content: Lessons from Scott Galloway

05:17
Defining a 'Baller' Life: Financial Freedom and Time

11:09
The Value of Interviews: Referrals vs. Traditional Hiring

Parker and Sam return after a much-needed break to reflect on time with family, lessons learned, and the importance of slowing down to speed up. They dive into the highs and lows of building Elevation Nation, from navigating social media to prepping for new speaking gigs.

02:45
Reflecting on the Past and Future

05:30
Excitement for New Opportunities

08:09
Navigating Social Media Challenges

11:18
Looking Ahead with Optimism

Elevator 212: Peter Flores is the founder of Juan, Please, a bold new beverage company born from a blend of corporate insight, cultural roots, and entrepreneurial grit. With a background spanning hospitality, media, and alcohol partnerships at VICE, Peter saw a white space in the ready-to-drink market and built a brand designed to stand out.

In this conversation, Peter shares his journey from NYU to entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability, and the mindset that guides him. He dives into team dynamics, marketing strategy, and how embracing discomfort has helped Juan, Please grow in one of the most competitive industries out there.

01:58
The Meandering Path to Entrepreneurship

11:46
Corporate Experience and Its Impact

18:55
The Birth of Juan Please Drink Company

25:08
The Joy of Mentorship and Team Dynamics

30:55
Milestones and Growth in Business

33:42
Navigating Competition and Market Positioning

38:34
The Importance of Adaptability and Learning

43:31
Peter's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam unpack why obsessing over long-term plans can actually hold you back. They share how focusing on short-term action, just five days at a time, can lead to more momentum, clarity, and confidence.

03:45
Living by Values vs. Future Planning

11:31
Finding Balance Between Long-Term and Short-Term

15:02
Embracing Uncertainty and Flexibility