Keep Hustling

On this episode, Aaron Gordon interviews Forge3 founder Jeff Teschke to delve into his entrepreneurial journey. Despite initial failures with iSpot and a failed attempt at revival, Jeff's resilience and willingness to learn proved crucial in his success. After being let go from a big company, Jeff's stint at a small software startup led to the creation of iSpot, which caught Microsoft's attention. While discussing past unsuccessful ventures, Jeff highlights his pivot to specialized services for insurance agencies and how his longest running employees have played a vital role in Forge 3's growth. The conversation centers around the theme of resilience, as Jeff's relentless optimism and drive to 'keep hustling' exemplify the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.

Get To Know Jeff Teschke Jeff Teschke is a leading technology entrepreneur, private pilot, and boater known for his relentless passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. As the founder and former CEO of Forge 3, Jeff has dedicated his career to providing small and mid-sized businesses with the tools and inspiration to succeed in the digital age. His hands-on expertise and ability to communicate in a non-tech, business-friendly way has made him a go-to expert for thousands of businesses nationwide. With his catchphrases "forge ahead" and "keep hustling," Jeff continues to inspire and stand out in the world of technology and business. LinkedIn Forge3

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace the Learning Curve of Failure: Jeff Teschke's retrospective on his earlier ventures, including EyeSpot and various failed SaaS products, underscores the value of perseverance through failings. His experiences teach us that each setback is an opportunity for growth, and the willingness to continue despite repeated failures can lead to eventual success.

2. The Importance of Pivoting with Purpose: Through his journey, Jeff illustrates the necessity of adapting one's business model to align with market demands and personal strengths. His transition from a broad digital service offering to a specialized niche with active agency reveals how focused strategy and targeted expertise can catalyze a company's growth.

3. Cultivating Optimism and Continuous Improvement: Jeff's personal mantra, "progress is perfection," encapsulates the mindset that continual improvement is more valuable than flawless execution. This perspective encourages listeners to celebrate incremental advancements and maintain a positive outlook, even when the road to success is littered with obstacles.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon has a conversation with Stephen Turnbull, owner of T5 Insurance, where he shares his story of leaving his family's long-standing insurance agency to start his own company. Stephen discusses the challenges he faced and lessons he learned along the way, including the importance of having the right mindset and perseverance. He also shares personal anecdotes, such as a pivotal moment when he decided to leave his job and work from a makeshift home office before transitioning to a proper space. The episode concludes with inspiring messages about not letting others limit your potential and seeking personal validation, making it a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation and guidance in their personal and professional life. 3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Value of Vision in Entrepreneurship: have a clear vision for your career, inspiring listeners to pursue their own paths.

2. Emotional Intelligence in Difficult Decisions: The importance of emotional intelligence in making career-defining choices is highlighted through Stephen's decision to start his own business after a year and a half of contemplation.

3. Embracing Challenges as Opportunities: Aaron and Stephen discuss how challenges can be embraced as opportunities for growth and learning, encouraging listeners to shift their perspective towards obstacles. Get To Know Stephen Turnbull Born and raised in Utica, NY, Stephen Turnbull has always had a deep appreciation for his home state. After attending college at St. John Fisher in Rochester, he knew he wanted to come back to his roots in Central New York to begin his career. Stephen takes pride in his knowledge and understanding of New York's diverse regions, as well as the distinct differences between central and upstate New York. He holds a special place in his heart for the serene and scenic Adirondack mountains, which he considers truly upstate. In line with his dedication to his community, Stephen founded his own insurance agency, T5 Insurance, in May of 2022 to help the people of Utica and beyond understand, educate, and protect themselves and their assets. LinkTree T5 Website T5 Facebook

Show Overview 01:23 Embracing all of New York.

03:59 Stephen grew up in insurance family, started own agency.

12:11 We're in this, but I'm rowing alone.

14:09 Conflict with family led to personal growth.

18:15 Unexpected termination leads to a new opportunity.

22:07 Importance of hustle, making right career decisions.

25:18 Questioning decisions, frustration, and lack of appreciation.

29:10 Emphasizes the need for vision and hustle.

31:29 Do not be limited by others' imaginations.

On the episode, host Aaron Gordon chats with guest Ciara Gravier about her transformative experience with the 10x concept and how it reshaped her approach to work and life. Ciara emphasizes the power of leveraging one's strengths and prioritizing the tasks that yield the most impact. Throughout the conversation, Aaron and Ciara discuss overcoming adversity and the essential role of hard work and self-belief in achieving success. Ciara's background, influenced by her cautious nature and a family legacy of hard work and resilience, led her to the insurance industry, where she succeeded despite various challenges. Reflecting on her family's shift from corporate employment to launching a thriving insurance business, Ciara shares the lessons learned and the growth they experienced, mainly through the transition to an independent agency.

Get To Know Ciara Gravier Ciara Gravier has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a focus on commercial insurance and risk management. She has helped her family start and sell two prior agencies, and is currently the Founder and CEO of The Bunker Insurance and Risk Management. With certifications and designations including Certified Insurance Counselor, Certified Risk Manager, and Professional Workers Comp Advisor, Ciara brings a proactive and detail-oriented approach to her work. She is part of the 1% of agents nationally with the Cyber COPE Insurance Designation, showcasing her expertise in professional lines. Ciara is known for her strong personal and professional identity rooted in assurance and steadfastness, making her a highly respected and trusted insurance professional.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Leverage Unique Abilities: Discover the 20% of effort that drives 80% of your results. Ciara explains the implementation of the 10x principles revolutionized her agency.

2. Overcoming Public Speaking: Tackling the fear of public speaking can unlock new confidence levels in all business areas. Ciara transitioned from nervousness to becoming a relatable and inspiring speaker.

3. Power of Resilience in Family Business: Ciara's family journey from corporate struggle to entrepreneurship is inspirational. Her story underscores the significance of tenacity and adaptability in adversity.

Show Overview 04:39 Fear of risk, safety-mindedness shaped career choice. 07:08 Grandfather got a loan, dad worked hard. 09:59 Choosing career based on abundance of golf. 12:54 Father transitioned to Allstate due to circumstances. 18:08 Parents and children handle conflict differently. 19:06 Father's advice: have backup plan. 23:18 Secret time at industry conference with Ciara. 27:15 Pressure to give great presentations, self-doubt. 29:08 Forced growth through discomfort leads to success. 33:14 Life-changing book inspires presentation on women in business.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and entrepreneur Brett Young discuss Brett's journey to establishing Erb and Young, a successful insurance enterprise. Brett shares how he left a traditional career path for entrepreneurship, spurred by his early realization that a traditional job was not fulfilling. After being introduced to network marketing and personal development, Brett was inspired to build a successful insurance business using team building and residual income. He also touches on the limitations of the educational system and the value of supportive environments, citing his own personal experiences with mentors, familial influences, and a passion for creating meaningful impact. Brett's story highlights the importance of perseverance and purpose, as well as the potential for a purpose-driven hustle to lead to both personal and professional growth. This episode offers valuable insights on overcoming challenges and creating impactful legacies beyond simply earning money. Enjoy the show! 3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Embrace the Power of Networking: Brett's favorite quote, "Wealthy people build networks. Everyone else looks for work," underscores his journey from side hustles to a prosperous insurance business, thanks to mentorship and valuable connections.

2. Cultivate Your Environment for Success: Surrounding yourself with support and positivity is critical. Brett's story demonstrates that the right environment not only boosts financial success but also personal growth and joy.

3. Pursue Passion with Resilience: Despite early struggles and skepticism, both Brett, and his parents, illustrate that with strong belief and unwavering determination, any passion can lead to a transformative life and career.

Get To Know Brett Young Brett Young is a natural leader and President & CEO at Erb and Young Insurance. Raised in a lower-middle-class family, he learned the value of hard work and determination from a young age. With a keen understanding of the complexities of financial growth, Brett embarked on his own journey to success, driven by a fusion of life lessons and self-tailored philosophies. As an avid fishing enthusiast and self-proclaimed insurance nerd, Brett values spending quality time with his wife and son. He is known for his team-building skills and has successfully led the growth and development of the Erb and Young team alongside his brother and partner, Rod. LinkedIn Instagram Erb and Young Website

Show Overview

01:23 Mom went from teacher to CEO, impressive.

03:12 Parents' careers shaped and inspired Brett's life.

12:50 Florida state program selects passionate, experienced leader.

15:51 Struggled with work, focused on side hustles.

18:36 Parents installed ancient success principles, leading to confidence.

20:32 Bringing team building to insurance with partners.

24:34 Others' achievements are important Brett.

27:12 Making lasting impacts, forging solid legacies, moving forward.

30:54 Choose strong, supportive environment for success.

34:06 Our work has impactful, transformative results for individuals.

36:17 Compensation beyond monetary value.

In this episode, Aaron talks with Jason Feltman a serial entrepreneur who shares his journey of overcoming challenges and finding success. He discusses facing rock bottom and transitioning through different industries to become a top performer in the insurance industry. Feltman emphasizes the importance of faith, self-belief, and fear's impact on personal and professional growth. He also shares insights on creating a successful sales system and the significance of energy and differentiation in the sales industry. This episode showcases resilience, determination, and the pursuit of success in the face of adversity to inspire and motivate listeners.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Embracing Responsibility for Freedom: Jason shared how taking on more responsibilities at work initially felt overwhelming, but ultimately led to greater freedom and success. The correlation between responsibilities and freedom is a powerful reminder that challenges can lead to growth and fulfillment.

2. Creativity & Uniqueness in Sales: We discussed the importance of being true to oneself and doing things differently in the sales industry. Jason's experience highlights the value of creativity and uniqueness in standing out and achieving significant sales growth.

3. Overcoming Rock Bottom Moments: Jason's journey from hitting rock bottom in his late twenties to creating a successful sales system serves as a testament to resilience and determination. His story is a reminder that difficult times can lead to transformative opportunities and success. Get To Know Jason Feltman Jason Feltman is a successful entrepreneur, author, and host of the Impact and Freedom with Jason Feltman podcast. Hailing from the music industry, he faced difficult times and unemployment before finding his passion in the insurance sector. With determination and hard work, he worked his way up to become a husband, father, and CEO of Jafeco LLC and Feltman Family Insurance. He is also the Co-host of The Insurance Dudes podcast. Jason's story is a true testament to the power of perseverance and faith, and he continues to build his portfolio of businesses and products to help other entrepreneurs increase their income. Through his Sales Hacks weekly newsletter, he shares valuable insights and tips to help others achieve their goals. Jason is a shining example of how one can turn their life around and achieve great success with determination and grit. Website LinkedIn Instagram Impact and Freedom

Show Overview

02:15 Jason Feltman delayed decision to get insurance, life changed.

03:41 Regret over loan, struggling to sell policies.

08:50 Jason's pivotal career moments, overcoming adversity.

11:02 Got married, had kids, went back to school.

12:55 Struggled with balancing work and family life.

16:01 Year-end volume game led to bonuses.

21:31 Started as a busser, worked way up.

22:09 Success is driven by more than money.

26:21 Overcoming challenges leads to greater success and freedom.

30:18 Questioning and curiosity are key for success.

33:09 Pre-interview nerves brought out motivational quotes.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Wessly Anderson, exploring the importance of vulnerability, building deep relationships during tough times, and finding hope and hustle. They discuss Wessly's upbringing and the influence of his tough-minded father, emphasizing the value of quickly bouncing back after setbacks. The conversation delves into facing opposition, embracing authenticity, and overcoming adversity. Wessly shares his shift from personal gains to serving others, finding fulfillment, and maintaining a positive mindset even in challenging moments. He highlights the power of gratitude and staying authentic, emphasizing the necessity of vulnerability for connection and growth. They also discuss their deep connection despite initial concerns about potential anti-Semitic views, highlighting their shared values and principles. The episode concludes with a reminder to do well by doing good and encourages engaging on social media. Listeners are left inspired by Wessly's message of finding silver linings in tough times and Aaron's anecdote about finding hope through Anderson's message of hope and hustle.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Vulnerability: Wessly Anderson emphasized the value of being open and honest about struggles, as it leads to stronger connections and greater growth. Concealing oneself limits creative and growth-minded states.

2. Find Silver Linings: Wessly discussed the significance of finding silver linings in tough times and embracing perseverance. Despite moments of wallowing and negativity, it's crucial to overlay the negative with positive experiences. 3. Do Well by Doing Good: Wessly's pivot to serving others stems from previous failed business ventures focused on personal gains. He advocates for the practice of giving something to every person one interacts with, as it fosters a positive mindset and authentic connections.

Get To Know Wessly Anderson

Wessly Anderson is a driven and successful businessperson known for his passion for technology and outsourcing. As the co-founder of Agency VA, a virtual assistant company specializing in the insurance sector, Wessly has a proven track record of helping industries struggling with technology. He is also a founder of Financial Network Insurance Agency and owner of Alliance Financial Network Insurance. Wessly's determination and resilience have been instrumental in his achievements, and he continues to push boundaries and strive for excellence in the business world. His dedication and hard work are reflected in the success of his ventures, making him a well-respected figure in the industry.

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Show Overview

01:30 Parents instilled resilience, shaping a gritty individual.

04:23 Finding silver linings in life's trials.

07:42 Interest in meeting, family influence on activities.

13:15 Aaron recalls conversation about anti-Semitism.

20:46 Embracing authenticity and service in every interaction.

23:06 Authentic relationships breed a collection of awesome.

27:37 Seek strength in overcoming challenges for growth.

28:49 Seek strength in connections when facing loss.

32:57 Inaction is damaging; gratitude and service help.

In this episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon interviews Josh York, the founder of GYMGUYZ. Josh shares his story of growing up in challenging circumstances and how it fueled his resilient and driven nature. He emphasizes the importance of embracing struggle and using it as a catalyst for personal growth and success. Josh discusses his unparalleled work ethic, manifested visions, and the pivotal moments in GYMGUYZ's journey, stressing the significance of unwavering self-belief and perseverance in achieving goals.

The conversation delves into the power of manifestation, the value of good leadership in business and personal life, and the importance of instilling a strong work ethic in the next generation. Josh also challenges traditional views of education, emphasizing the need for real-world experience and action over formal qualifications. The episode ends with Josh sharing his favorite motivational quote, "Success isn't given, it's earned," and inspiring listeners to pursue discomfort, hard work, and dedication to achieve their goals.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Success is earned, not given: Josh's journey from starting GYMGUYZ at his parent's dining room table to now employing over 1000 people worldwide is a testament to the power of hustle and determination.

2. Manifestation is real: Josh shared his powerful bedtime ritual of writing down ten goals every night, visualizing them, and feeling them as if they are already accomplished. The results speak for themselves!

3. Leadership isn't just in business: Josh revealed how he leads by example for his kids, instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline, and the importance of paying attention to the everyday actions that shape a leader.

Get To Know Josh York Josh York is the founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ, the nation's leading mobile personal training and fitness franchise. He had an early start in the fitness industry, developing a passion for physical activity while playing hockey in high school. As a natural leader and out-of-the-box thinker, Josh has always forged his own path and never succumbed to peer pressure. He utilized his unique perspective and drive to be the first in everything he does to create a hugely successful business model with GYMGUYZ. Josh's determination and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a successful businessman and a fitness role model and motivator for countless individuals across the country. Today, with his mobile personal training concept, Josh is revolutionizing the way people view fitness and making it more accessible than ever before.

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Show Overview 05:55 Growing up on the farm.

11:57 Challenging stereotypes, generations, and educational opportunities.

13:05 Parents took teacher conferences seriously, shaped successful family.

16:57 Emphasizing importance of perseverance and determination in career.

27:27 Co-workers share concern, then company lays off.

29:56 Called every sales leader, set up interviews.

41:26 Take opportunity even if feeling unprepared.

42:15 Act on your future goals in present.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes Kat Ternes, CEO of Indium, known for her grit and resilience. They start by discussing their childhood experiences of feeling like outcasts due to family dynamics. Katherine shares her upbringing on a Midwest farm and its impact on her candid nature. They delve into grit and perseverance, emphasizing their importance in challenging environments, particularly in sales. The conversation also covers Katherine's pivotal career moments, including a failed funding round and her subsequent promotion to head of revenue. She recounts how she supported her team through job losses by leveraging her network to set up interviews for them. They discuss Kat's decision-making process and her attitude toward preparing for opportunities that align with her future goals.

The episode ends with Kat receiving praise for her inspirational leadership, and she shares two impactful quotes that have guided her. The host highlights the importance of experiencing setbacks and getting back up.. The episode showcases Kat's strength, resourcefulness, and commitment to her team, making it a compelling and inspiring listen for anyone navigating challenges in their professional and personal lives.

Get To Know Kat Ternes

Kat Ternes is an accomplished business woman currently serving as the CEO of Indium, a network of independent insurance agencies known for their exceptional market access, strong use of technology, and supportive community. She has a wealth of experience in the tech industry, having worked at four different technology firms before joining Indium. Kat's interest in Indium was sparked by its dedication to promoting true independence and driving progress within the industry. As a young and ambitious leader, she has been instrumental in building Indium's reputation for innovation and excellence. Known for her sharp attention to detail and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, Kat's leadership has been shaped by the employee-centric cultures of the startups where she previously worked. She is a natural leader with a passion for helping others grow and succeed.

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embracing Grit: Kat shares her experiences and stresses the importance of resilience and perseverance, especially in challenging environments. Her "keep hustling" version of perseverance is a powerful reminder for all of us to weather storms and keep pushing forward.

2. Fostering Relationships: Kat's commitment to building and nurturing relationships shines through from seeking advice to calling in every favor to support her team. Her actions highlight the significance of fostering strong connections in both personal and professional spheres.

3. Future Mindset: Kat's decision-making process emphasizes believing in one's future self. Her unwavering confidence in aligning present actions with future goals is an inspiring guide to making impactful decisions for our careers and lives.

Show Overview

05:55 Growing up on the farm.

11:57 Challenging stereotypes, generations, and educational opportunities.

13:05 Parents took teacher conferences seriously, shaped successful family.

16:57 Emphasizing importance of perseverance and determination in career.

27:27 Co-workers share concern, then company lays off.

29:56 Called every sales leader, set up interviews.

41:26 Take opportunity even if feeling unprepared.

42:15 Act on your future goals in present.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon interviews The NY Mover. The NY Mover shares personal anecdotes and insights from his career in the moving industry, along with his journey to success and personal growth. The conversation touches on the importance of communication and customer service, emphasizing proactive checks to ensure customer satisfaction and prevent conflicts. The NY Mover highlights the significance of aligning with customers as partners and providing high-quality service at agreed-upon rates. He also introduces his customer service policy that prioritizes exceeding customer expectations and ensuring an incredible moving experience. The host and guest delve into the parallels between personal and professional growth, overcoming doubts and fears, and the value of embracing challenges as opportunities for improvement. The NY Mover's story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence in both business and personal life. The episode concludes with a message of appreciation for the listeners, embodying the podcast's theme of hustling through life's opportunities for success and fulfillment.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Proactive Communication: New York Mover emphasizes the value of checking in with customers throughout the moving process to ensure satisfaction and prevent potential conflicts. A policy of pausing the clock and working for free until the customer is happy reflects a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.

2. Partnership Approach: Aligning with customers as partners and providing high-quality service at agreed-upon rates is essential. By engaging in dialogue to address concerns immediately, New York Mover ensures a smooth and transparent moving experience.

3. Recovery and Success: The conversation highlighted the journey from financial insecurities and doubts to the implementation of personal lessons in the professional industry, emphasizing the importance of recovery, both financially and spiritually. This shift in perspective from problems to opportunities has been crucial for achieving success.

Get To Know The NY Mover The NY Mover has made a name for himself in the moving industry with his unique brand and approach. Drawing inspiration from The Rock, he sees the importance of having a strong personal brand aligning with the company name. Just as The Rock's brand is intertwined with his name, New York Mover has built his company and personal brand as one cohesive unit. Through this approach, he has established himself as a recognizable figure in the moving industry, much like the iconic 1800 mattress brand. With his larger-than-life personality and innovative marketing strategy, New York Mover continues to make waves in the business world.

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Show Overview 01:00 Connecting personal brand to marketing strategy. 06:07 Taking a leap of faith can revolutionize. 07:33 Professional success intertwined with personal recovery journey. 10:11 Hustling through life brings greater success. 16:08 Customer satisfaction is a top priority and always pays off. 18:27 Open communication and proactive problem-solving for moving. 20:22 Perceptions and actions shaped by personal experiences. 24:37 Customer service thrives when teamwork is emphasized. 27:07 Self-reflection is key for true success.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon engages in a compelling conversation with guest Adrian Taskin, delving into Adrian's upbringing, work ethic, and journey to success. Adrian shares his story of growing up in an upper-middle-class family influenced by immigrant parents from the former Soviet republics. He attributes his risk-taking nature and focus on wealth to his father's hustler mentality and exposure to flashy lifestyles in his youth. After a pivotal moment at 20, Adrian pursued a career in sales at Luxury Bazaar, driven by his father's advice. He expanded into real estate development but primarily focuses on watches and jewelry, emphasizing the need to concentrate on one business rather than juggling multiple hustles. Adrian discusses the challenges of work-life balance, the importance of delegation, and the impact of discipline on his daily routine. He espouses the value of mentorship, internal motivation, and continual self-improvement. The episode concludes with Aaron and Adrian reflecting on the power of small accomplishments and perpetual growth. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the podcast. Keep hustling, everyone!

Guest Bio Adrian Taskin is a senior watch buyer at Luxury Bazaar, one of the world's leading luxury watch and jewelry retailers. Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Adrian had a comfortable upbringing and excelled as an athlete in high school. However, he reached a turning point in his life where he questioned his identity and the path he wanted to take. This led him to discover his passion for the luxury watch industry, and he has since become a successful and respected senior watch buyer at Luxury Bazaar. Through his work, Adrian continues to push boundaries and make a name for himself in the competitive world of luxury retail.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways

1: Hustler Mentality

Adrian's upbringing and the influence of his immigrant parents shaped his relentless work ethic, instilling a hustler mentality that drove him to prioritize wealth and success from an early age.

2: Discipline and Growth

Adrian's commitment to discipline, daily achievable goals, and continuous self-improvement is a powerful reminder that success is not a destination but a direction. His focus on building systems and delegating tasks empowers others in his company and fosters long-term growth.

3: Personal Development

From a moment of realization at 20 to his dedication to fitness, Adrian's journey emphasizes the importance of internal motivation, faith, and relationships in achieving lasting well-being. His dedication and discipline, starting with early morning routines, inspire a relentless pursuit of one's best self.

Show Overview

01:00 Adrian's upbringing, peak in high school identity.

05:16 Unclear career path, desire for wealth.

08:36 Started business 1968, focused on sales. Hustled until the end.

09:52 Primarily focused on watches and real estate.

14:35 Focus on small consistent actions for growth.

17:02 Admiring Tom Brady's underdog mentality and determination.

20:43 Turning point after feeling empty, finding purpose.

22:57 Profound insight leads to life-changing moment.

28:06 Father figure, mentor and older brother substitute.

29:13 Importance of finding mentors beyond your parents.