By Chris Thomson
5
33 ratings
The podcast currently has 395 episodes available.
What does it take to set a record and break the limits you thought you had? On this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris Thomson welcomes Chris Caruso, one of our operators who broke the all-time window cleaning record. Chris shares his journey from being a window cleaner for Student Works to breaking the all-time window cleaning sales record—earning over $210,000 in a single season.
Chris offers insights into his challenges, personal growth, and the power of pushing yourself beyond comfort zones to achieve new heights. Chris talks about the physical, emotional, and mental lessons learned from working so hard that he reached his limit—and why that limit became a crucial moment of growth.
This conversation isn’t just about business success; it’s about understanding yourself, striving for balance, and learning when to ease off the throttle to achieve long-term fulfillment.
Curious about how a young entrepreneur juggles intense workloads, motivates a team, and still manages to find meaning beyond just hitting targets? This episode offers a candid look at the highs and lows of scaling a business and how a powerful "no excuses" mindset can create transformative experiences. Listen now and enjoy!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources:
Student Works
What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up and turn it into a multi-million dollar enterprise? In this episode, I sit down with one of the most remarkable entrepreneurs I know, my close friend and longtime colleague, Rick Eastwood. You’ll hear how friendships, like the one we’ve shared since our Student Works days, can shape not only your personal life but also your professional journey in ways you’d never expect.
Rick Eastwood, one of Canada's top entrepreneurs and the CEO of The Central Group, shares the ups and downs of growing a business from $5 million to nearly $200 million. From starting as a Student Works manager to leading one of Canada's 50 Best Privately Managed Companies (as recognized by Deloitte), Rick has seen it all. This episode dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset, business pivots, and how strong networks can make or break your success.
Curious about the critical moments that almost led Rick to failure? Want to know how Rick navigated losing 60% of his business or how he attracted the top talent that fuels his success today? Tune in to hear Rick’s invaluable lessons on leadership, resilience, and building lasting relationships in business.
Don't miss this chance to gain insights from a top leader who has mastered the art of staying relentless in the face of challenges. Listen now and enjoy!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
Resources
Student Works
Rick’s LinkedIn
Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant
What if the things you thought you were good at turned out to be your biggest blind spots? In this episode, Chris talks to Alex Irvine, a top performer in the program. He built a $275,000 business and earned a place in the President’s Club. Now, as a full-time coach, he shares how his experience with Student Works helped him grow as a leader and develop the systems that allow him to thrive in business and life.
During the episode, you will discover how Alex Irvine’s journey through the Student Works Management Program uncovered surprising truths about leadership, organization, and personal growth. It’s not just about running a business—it’s about recognizing where you need to improve and learning how to scale up without burning out.
Curious about how the Student Works program prepares young entrepreneurs for the real world? Want to learn how to lead, delegate, and build a strong team from the ground up? Alex’s insights into scaling a business while maintaining balance offer a roadmap for anyone ready to take their leadership to the next level.
Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiration, and share this episode with anyone looking to start their entrepreneurial journey!
What You Will Learn In This Episode:
Resources:
Student Works
What separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give up? It’s not just talent or luck—it’s mindset and strategy. In this episode, we explore how building systems, taking risks, and embracing setbacks can set you on a path to long-term success. It’s about more than making money—it’s about designing a life you love.
Today, I sit down with Cameron Herold, an entrepreneurial coach, keynote speaker, and thought leader who, like me, started in the world of student painting. Cameron began his journey with College Pro Painters, a company with shared roots into Student Works. From running franchises to scaling massive enterprises like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Cameron has experienced it all and is here to share the lessons that helped him build a multimillion-dollar career.
Curious about how Cameron turned small businesses into multimillion-dollar enterprises? Want to know how you can do the same, starting with the skills you already have? We dive deep into those questions, along with the hard-earned lessons Cameron picked up along the way—including why failing is often the first step to success.
If you’re ready to take control of your career and learn from one of the best in the business, this episode is for you. Listen now and enjoy!
Key takeaways:
Resources:
Student Works
Cameronherold.com
Cameron’s LinkedIn
Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast
Books written by Cameron:
Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool for Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future
The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO
The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs: Elevate Yourself to Elevate Your Business
Double Double: How to Double Your Revenue and Profit in 3 Years or Less
Meetings Suck: Turning One of the Most Loathed Elements of Business into One of the Most Valuable
Free PR: How to Get Chased by the Press Without Hiring a PR Firm
Books recommended by Cameron:
Think and Grow Rich
The Richest Man in Babylon
How to Win Friends and Influence People
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention
In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris is joined by Julia Murphy, a young leader whose journey highlights the challenges and rewards of personal and professional growth.
Throughout the conversation, she shares how embracing responsibility, managing teams, and handling multiple tasks helped her navigate both her business and academic life. You'll learn about her development as a leader who thrives in demanding environments and seeks to bring out the best in those around her.
Discover how mentorship and coaching have played critical roles in reigniting Julia's passion. She explains how her newfound love for problem-solving and managing people helped her shift her career focus and find fulfillment in guiding others to success.
This episode serves as an empowering example of how persistence, adaptability, and a strong support system can drive meaningful growth and success.
Don't miss another episode of The Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!
What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources:
Student Works
Have you ever wondered what transitioning from a corporate leader to a successful entrepreneur takes? In this episode, I sit down with David Barron, one of our former Operators of the Year from the early 90s, who has done just that—and more. David shares his journey from leading sales teams at some of the world’s biggest tech companies to building and selling his own business, CertaPro Painters.
But this episode isn’t just about business success; it’s about the lessons learned along the way. From navigating the early days of the internet boom to the emotional complexities of selling a business, David’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to carve their path in today’s fast-changing world.
Tune in to hear how David balanced his ambition with family life, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and the role humility plays in long-term success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
David’s story is one of perseverance, strategic thinking, and continuous learning. We dive into his experiences of growing businesses, the power of systems and people, and the often overlooked emotional aspect of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your leadership skills, David’s journey offers a treasure trove of lessons. Listen now and enjoy!
What you Will Learn In This Episode:
Resources
Student Works
David’s LinkedIn
CertaPro.com
In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris is joined by Dianne McCoubrey, Vice President of Global Business Development for Grypp Corp Ltd., as well as the mother of Hailey and Taylor McCoubrey, a pair of successful operators in the program.
Dianne shares invaluable insights on career development and the importance of selecting the right opportunities. She highlights how understanding the dynamics of an industry can lead to better decision-making and career satisfaction.
You'll discover a unique method of assessing companies by interviewing both employees and customers to gauge the true value and potential of a product.
Chris and Dianne also explore the long-term benefits of building relationships and being adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complexities of the modern job market and thrive in any professional setting.
Don't miss another episode of The Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!
What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources:
Dianne's LinkedIn
Grypp Corp.
Student Works
Are you in your 20s and wondering how to make the most of this pivotal decade? In this episode, I dive deep into why your 20s are the "defining decade" and how the decisions you make now can set you up for a lifetime of success. Whether it's choosing the right career path, building a network that matters, or understanding the power of patience, I share insights that can help you navigate this period with confidence.
Drawing from years of experience and wisdom gained from coaching hundreds of young leaders, I explore the importance of making deliberate choices in your early career. You'll hear about the common mistakes people make, the power of compounding success, and how to create value in the marketplace. Plus, I’ll share real stories of individuals who have successfully navigated these challenges and emerged stronger.
This episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights that you won't want to miss. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot, tune in to learn how to take control of your future and make this decade truly defining.
If you're ready to make the most of your 20s and set yourself up for a lifetime of success, this episode is for you. Listen now and enjoy!
What You Will Learn In This Episode:
Resources
Student Works
Amazon One Medical
Income Explorer, 2021 Census
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now
What does it take for a young entrepreneur to thrive in a challenging business environment? In this episode, I sit down with two proud parents, both successful entrepreneurs, who share their unique perspectives on their children's journeys through the Student Works Management Program.
From the initial doubts to the proud moments of watching their kids overcome challenges, these stories will resonate with any parent or aspiring entrepreneur. You'll hear how these young leaders developed key skills that are crucial for success and the lasting impact the program had on their futures.
Andy Savoy and Andrew Fitzpatrick will talk about their experiences watching their children, Cade Savoy and Kathleen Fitzpatrick, navigate the challenges and triumphs of the Student Works Management Program. They share the lessons their children learned, the skills they developed, and the impact the program had on their futures.
How does a parent handle the initial disappointment when their child chooses a path different from what was expected? What are the key challenges that young entrepreneurs face in their first real business experience? How does the Student Works Management Program prepare young leaders for the realities of running a business? What are the surprising lessons that parents learn as they watch their children grow into successful entrepreneurs?
Whether you're a parent wondering if this program is right for your child or a young entrepreneur looking to gain an edge, this episode offers insights that are both inspiring and practical. Enjoy!
What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources
Student Works
Anddy’s LinkedIn
Valcon Ltd
Induspray.com
Andrew’s LinkedIn
In this episode of the Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, Chris is joined by Tristan Parent and Zachary Rogers, two ambitious young entrepreneurs who are navigating the challenges and triumphs of growing their ventures while balancing full-time academic commitments.
During the conversation, you'll discover the transformative power of mindset shifts, disciplined self-improvement, and the importance of robust leadership skills in achieving outstanding results. You'll get a glimpse into how these individuals learned to view themselves as leaders, fostering environments where team members were motivated to excel and contribute to the overall success.
Chris, Zachary and Tristan also explore the strategic business tactics that led to their impressive growth, including the critical role of delegation, the impact of streamlined team structures, and the value of setting high standards.
This episode offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders on maintaining high standards and continuously pushing beyond perceived limitations to unlock greater potential.
Don't miss another episode of The Leaders of Tomorrow podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!
What You Will Learn In This Show:
Resources:
Student Works
The podcast currently has 395 episodes available.