FUEL with Chris Swartz

What do you see when you walk into a room of industry legends and celebrated entrepreneurs? Wealth, success, wisdom...what you don't see, unfortunately, is what they had to overcome to get to where they are. It's time to pull back the curtain on what "success" takes to achieve.

Samuel has always been in business, from mowing yards and delivering newspapers at age 12, to building two seven-figure companies before his mid-30's. Poor stewardship and an unchecked addiction to alcohol saw the meltdown and total collapse of his life and marriage, leading to rock bottom and brokenness when he should have been enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Samuel has since been sober over 3 and a half years, and now has two companies that he has built back up into the mid six figures, this time with the proper fundamentals and stewardship to ensure long-term success.

When the world shut down in 2020, Samuel began to follow his natural desire to teach and lead other business owners and help them avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that he went through. He talks openly and frankly about his failures in life and in business and how sobriety and focus have turned his life around, helping other men realize that they are not alone and that they too can overcome their addictions. He lives by the fact that there are no superhumans in this world, only normal people who decide to do super things and commit to them, one step at a time.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Samuel dive deep on the truth about what hides behind the confidence and the successful facade most entrepreneurs put up (and how to put failure in context), where concerns related to your business should sit in your list of priorities, and an honest look at the details behind Samuel's continual victory over alcoholism. Tune in for an illuminating interview that will get you focused on where you are so you can blaze a path to wherever you want to go.

What You'll Learn:

• How Samuel structures the days in his business to set his employees up for maximum success in every corner of their life
• Why no amount of cash flow will ever actually make up for your bad spending habits, and how to make seemingly small improvements that add up to big results
• What a difference the language you use makes if you're in the process of overcoming an addiction
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

You just don't realize how many people that you think have their shit together, are really just two minutes from falling off. And so when you judge your success, you see your high points and your low points, and everybody has more lows than highs. But when you judge yourself against other people, all you're seeing is that Facebook highlight reel. And you've got to know that it's okay to reach out for help because we all struggle."

• Samuel Smith

Connect with Sam:

Samuel on Facebook

Samuel on Instagram

Live in College Station on Facebook

Texas Media Foundry on Facebook

The Small Business Surgeon Podcast (Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!)

How to Get Involved:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

How does a person go from rock-bottom - a prison cell - to outrageous success as a podcaster and entrepreneur? Put simply, that person has to have a fighting spirit and the drive that comes with being an underdog.

Zach Babcock is the CEO and founder of Podcast Powertrain, a podcasting service dedicated to helping alpha entrepreneurs crush their goals, and the Underdog Empowerment Podcast host. He shares his insight and that of other legendary underdogs across countless industries and walks of life.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Zach dig into Zach's upward spiral from prison time to a thriving company and a top-rated podcast, the incredible power of high-level relationships, and how Zach and his people are helping podcasters take impactful steps toward their goals - plus the action steps you can take to kick your podcast off the right way. Tune in for a high-energy interview that will have you excited to turn on a microphone and start sharing your message with the masses.

What You'll Learn:

• What achieving bigger and bigger goals made Zach realize why he became an entrepreneur, to begin with (and the shift that followed after)
• How to turbo-boost your podcast's popularity, visibility, and rankings immediately after launch
• Why Zach would hands-down want Tom Brady with him on a deserted island
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"At the end of the day, man, I'm just somebody with a big, big vision. And, you know, I stay true to my word. I live and die by my core values. They're crucial to me because none of us got this life thing figured out most of the time. We're figuring it out as we go."

• Zach Babcock

Connect with Zach:

Check out the podcast bootstrap steps here

UnderdogEmpowerment.com

How to Get Involved:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

How does a business owner with a lot on their plate even begin to keep up with the newest social media site or the demand for constant content? From the outside, it's a paralyzing thought. But from an insider's perspective, keeping up with the times can be as simple as pushing a button.

Gene Volpe is a digital architect at GVI Media, LLC and an all-around master of advertising, online media, and business development. Gene's skills in mapping out marketing provide an easy path to increased visibility and growth on the latest - and most popular - platforms, no matter the industry or level of online experience his customers are working with currently.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Gene dig into the unique challenges marketers face at a time when people are in front of their screens more than ever, how to put out more (high quality) content that sends the right message, and the process of learning new platforms and styles of content creation by taking some action. Tune in for an interview that will help open up new avenues of getting your message out in front of the people who need to hear it.

What You'll Learn:

• What cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin may mean for the future of our currency in general, and how we learn to put value behind these new "fad" currencies
• How to put more humanity into your content to balance out the business talk, and why doing so can expedite the processes of your business itself
• Why making your philanthropy public knowledge is not only not selfish or wrong, but maybe a big help to both you and the cause you care about
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"We've crossed over into a new dimension at this point... And as a marketing guy, it's a blessing and a curse. For me, it's a blessing because guys like you who do things other than marketing realize they need somebody to help them. And so, therefore, I'm in demand. But it's a curse because I am now challenged with trying to get you in front of as many people on as many screens as I possibly can at the lowest cost. So, it's challenging to be in marketing, but it's exciting in the same way because things are constantly evolving."

• Gene Volpe

Connect with Gene:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

How to Get Involved:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

You must be deliberate and thoughtful to build a winning team. Whether that team is for financial advice or playing baseball – Jerry Benedict has learned valuable lessons from both.

Jerry is a financial services representative at CREATIVE Financial Group. After spending 12 years growing within the same firm, he has built his winning team. He specializes in business and personal financial strategies while offering advice through a wide range of comprehensive services.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Jerry and Chris discuss the value of diverse experiences and the benefits of keeping an open mind while working toward a goal. Jerry explains the advantages of building a team with people whose strengths complement one another rather than overlap. Listen in for an episode that will elevate your career aspirations.

What You'll Learn:

• What lessons Jerry learned as a collegiate baseball player and how it impacted his career decisions in the future
• Why his network has proven to be one of his most valuable assets
• How Jerry positioned himself to learn from his partners as he expanded into real estate
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"There's always a million different things that are always going to pull you in a million different directions. The one thing that allows me to help clients is pulling back and telling them to slow down for an hour."

• Jerry Benedict

"There's not a thing out there that somebody can't do. It's just spending the time to say, I want to do that, and let me figure out what I need to do to either learn or to do it."

• Jerry Benedict

Connect with Jerry:

LinkedIn

Facebook

1creative.com

How to Get Involved:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

How much do you really know about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies? As the world gets more digitized by the day, the way we invest and trade is following suit. The majority of us don't even realize there are alternative ways to grow our existing revenue outside the world of dollar bills or blocks of gold.

Kristen Nolan is a Bitcoin enthusiast and the Head of Business Development and Partnerships at World Business Executive Coaches. After liquidating her retirement fund to pay off a pricey loan, she took a personal look at her finances and began experimenting with Bitcoin to make up her losses. Now, a year later, Kristen has tripled her investments and developed a guide so others can get a little skin in the game.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Kristen and Chris take a look at how the retail investor can use Bitcoin to their advantage and the difference between this asset and other cryptocurrencies. Listen in for an episode that will enhance the way you handle your own money.

What You'll Learn:

• How to store value and transact with Bitcoin
• What cryptocurrencies are doing to help our current banking system evolve
• Why a decentralized asset is a secure way to grow your existing revenue
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"With Bitcoin, when you're using the lightning network, you actually reach full settlement within a day or less, it is absolutely crazy. It is so fast. And when you start transacting with this stuff, you start realizing how archaic our banking system is." - Kristen Nolan

Connect with Kristen:

Twitter

LinkedIn

About the FUEL Podcast:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

Figure out what you are playing for and make that dream come true. Don't let history dictate how you live your life. You will never accomplish your wildest dreams without trying to break through barriers and grab at the impossible. When all is said and done, you can have the last laugh, just like Vince Papale.

This former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver was the inspiration behind the 2006 Disney film Invincible, starring Mark Walhberg. Before Vince's name reached national recognition, he was just an incredible athlete looking for the right field to break into. After graduating from St. Joseph's College in 1968 and returning to his old high school to teach and coach, Vince made his dream come true. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash at an open tryout for the Eagles. At 30 years old and having never played college football, Vince proved how much of an impenetrable force he truly was – especially to all of those who doubted him. This is where Invincible picks up Vince's story, however, his ability to persevere was developed long before cameras were rolling.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Vince and Chris touch on their shared roots in Delaware County (Delco), Pennsylvania while Vince gets real about how his non-traditional path to the NFL was only possible because of his innate ability and invincible spirit. He was able to push past doubt and never accepted the boundaries of what others said was possible. This was his greatest asset and the foundation of his extraordinary life.

What You'll Learn:

• How Vince went from a fan to the field never having played college ball.
• Who he says is his most trusted support system and gave him the strength to succeed.
• Why he believes any person can achieve their own invincible moment, regardless of where they come from.
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"I've been knighted by the Italian parliament, which is pretty cool. I mean, that's quite an honor. And my mom and dad never got beyond the eighth grade ever – they were local Delco. My father was a pig farmer, my grandfather came over on the boat from Naples at 14." – Vince Papale

Connect with Vince:

Vincepapale.com

LinkedIn

About the FUEL Podcast:

FUEL provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. Find out more on our website: The Fuel Story.

If you enjoyed this episode, head over and visit us on Apple Podcasts - leave a review and let us know what you thought! Your feedback keeps us going. Thanks for helping us spread the word!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

Most people rarely wind up doing in life exactly what they'd envisioned for themselves as a teenager. But every so often, you'll meet an exception to that rule. Matt Cord is one of them.

Growing up in Philly, Matt remembers having always had two passions: sports and music. In high school, he first got a taste for announcing by doing the morning sports announcements, and he kept up his on-air appetite as a DJ for his college's radio station, where he nurtured his love for rock and roll. Professionally starting out as the "overnight guy" for various Long Island radio stations, Matt knew where he ultimately wanted to wind up.

"I was pretty determined, once I got into radio, to get back here to Philly and get back on the station I grew up with," he says.

Today, he's achieved that and more. Now in his 24th season as the public announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Matt has also come full circle as the weekday DJ for his home city's classic rock station, 102.9 WMGK. But just because he's achieved the things his teenaged self aspired to doesn't mean that the path to get here wasn't a winding one.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Matt talk about what exactly that path and its detours looked like, how Matt wound up on the cover of a Corn Flakes box, and why he's loving his career today.

What You'll Learn:

• How Matt found — and stuck with — a purpose
• The changes COVID-19 has brought to the NBA and how he's navigating them
• How building a brand for yourself, and getting that brand in front of the right people, can unlock major opportunities
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"I just like to be around people. That's the thing. I enjoy being around people, talking to people, learning from them, sharing experiences, being in a crowd and having a good time… I cannot wait for the fans to come back."

— Matt Cord

Connect With Matt:

Facebook

Twitter

About the FUEL Podcast:FUEL Provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. http://thefuelstory.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

As a serial entrepreneur, Gercino Soares got his start early — at 7 years old.

Having just immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil alongside his grandparents, the trio struck up a business finding discarded appliances which Gercino's grandfather, a mechanic, would then fix and sell in his Kearny, New Jersey, shop.

"When normal kids were going to sleep for school the next day, my grandparents would work all day and then at night we would get into the pickup truck around 9 p.m.," he says. "We'd have the schedule of when the garbage trucks were coming and would drive around to where people were setting out appliances to throw out."

As deeply as Gercino admired his grandparents — "I learned everything from them and their entrepreneurial spirit" — he also knew, starting at a young age, that it was up to him to build upon their struggles and help his family achieve more. Fast forward to today, and Gercino is a 30-year-old millionaire with a string of successful ventures behind him, including his current business, My House My Flip. Even more meaningful? He's been able to buy his dream home not only for himself and his fiance, but for his grandparents, too.

But Gercino didn't get here overnight. On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Gercino talk about what it takes to cultivate a winning mindset, how to tap into your foundation to build an extraordinary life and the magic of recreating yourself.

What You'll Learn:

• How Gercino achieved his mission of eliminating money worries for himself and his family by age 30
• Why it's so important to "find your five friends" and be intentional in who you surround yourself with
• Why Gercino believes that anyone can become a millionaire
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"Everything is a decision… I think that's important for people to realize. Where you're at today, some people succumb to it and say, 'Oh, this is just unfortunately, who I am.' That's just a scapegoat. You people have to say, 'How do I want people to perceive me, even when I'm not in the room?' And then just become that."

— Gercino Soares

Connect With Gercino:

Facebook

LinkedIn

My House My Flip

About the FUEL Podcast:FUEL Provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. http://thefuelstory.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

Life is like Jiu-jitsu, it's either you win or you lose. Did you lose? Stand up, learn from it and train more. Life is gonna kick your ass constantly, it just depends on how you will kickback.

Drew Weatherhead is the owner and head instructor of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy located in Alberta, Canada. He started training at the age of 24 and achieved the rank of black belt at age 36. He used to compete in lightweight divisions but these days, he's more of a teacher rather than a competitor. Aside from this, he is also quite famous for his online memes.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Drew shared his journey from being an employee to a job he doesn't want to become a full-time Jiu-jitsu Academy owner and instructor and the values he learned along the way. Tune in for an episode that will drive you to get that one thing you always wanted.

What You'll Learn:

• What were the challenges Drew faced during the pandemic and what pushed him to keep moving forward
• How he managed the business amidst this difficult chapter and what was his strategy to still make progress
• Why dedication and passion an important element in whatever it is you are doing
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"Nothing happens overnight and even though some things happen over the blue. You only see the tip of an iceberg and most of it is under the water".

• Drew Weatherhead

Connect with Drew:

https://www.because-jitsu.com/

Instagram

Facebook

https://jiujitsuonline.com/

https://jiujitsux.com/

https://bjjfanatics.com/

About the FUEL Podcast:FUEL Provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. http://thefuelstory.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact

Has life ever smacked you down to rock bottom?

These are the times that make life challenging and try our souls with adversity. If you want to create your life, ignore others and persevere. Choose what makes you happy, stand on your ground, and do not let obstacles stop you from doing what you want.

"My best life". This one concept is Steve Lloyd's ethos. Steve is the founder of Stone Bay Holdings, where he applies this idea to raising capital and creating generational wealth. His leadership always encourages his team to become better and evolve together. He is a fearless individual committed to growth.

On this episode of the FUEL podcast, Chris and Steve discuss problems and how to overcome them. When you find the right formula, it changes everything and creates a massive impact on your life. Tune in for an episode that will inspire you to become your best self.

What You'll Learn:

• What were the strategies that Steve applied in order to create his best life
• How Steve faced the problems that got in the way of pursuing his goals and what were the values these experiences taught him
• Why is change a part of the journey and how does this lead to the growth of a person
• And much more!

Favorite Quote:

"Life is about pushing yourself. You have many options in life that include not being scared, not being insecure, or not pushing yourself in going to the next level. There is a process in this because there is a mindset to every single level".

• Steve Lloyd

Connect with Steve:

Facebook

[email protected]

https://stonebayholdings.com/ About the FUEL Podcast:FUEL Provides an opportunity to look behind the scenes into the lives of extraordinary individuals. By examining the foundation that makes up their lives, we unveil the stories that fueled their success. Our mission is to help motivate and energize people to recognize that their own life experiences can be used as fuel to help them go the distance and achieve their life's full potential. http://thefuelstory.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://fuelthepodcast.com/contact