In this inspiring episode of the Live Life by Design Podcast, host Jeff Mendez welcomes Kevin Suess for a deep dive into his journey from Vivint to SunPower, lessons in leadership, and the power of living life intentionally. Kevin shares how gamification transformed the sales industry, how to build lasting culture, and why family and purpose guide his decisions.

📌 Highlights:

Career transitions: Vivint to SunPower

The story behind gamification in sales

Leadership, legacy, and family priorities

Reflecting on life’s most important lessons

Join us for an unforgettable conversation about designing a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introductions: Season 2, Episode 2

00:27 Kevin & Jeff: 25 Years of Friendship

00:53 Kevin’s Career Journey: From Vivint to SunPower

02:28 Kevin on Family Life and Upcoming Wedding

06:14 Meeting Andrea: A Love Story

07:41 Lessons from Life and Taking Bold Steps

09:42 The Origins of Gamification in Sales

11:00 Building Culture with Competitions: From Games to Sports

15:09 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Cup Competition

20:10 The Importance of Leverage and Unity in Sales Teams

28:28 Developing Divisions and Competitions at Apex

36:18 How Competitions Drive Performance and Quality

45:06 Highlighting Legends: Trevor Frank’s Impact

50:25 Why Kevin Chose New SunPower

56:46 Reflecting on Leadership, Loyalty & Purpose

58:24 Kevin's Personal Reflections on Life and Family

01:06:55 Final Thoughts: Living Life with Meaning

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of the Live Life by Design Podcast, host Jeff Mendez welcomes Kevin Suess for a deep dive into his journey from Vivint to SunPower, lessons in leadership, and the power of living life intentionally. Kevin shares how gamification transformed the sales industry, how to build lasting culture, and why family and purpose guide his decisions.

📌 Highlights:

Career transitions: Vivint to SunPower

The story behind gamification in sales

Leadership, legacy, and family priorities

Reflecting on life’s most important lessons

Join us for an unforgettable conversation about designing a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introductions: Season 2, Episode 2

00:27 Kevin & Jeff: 25 Years of Friendship

00:53 Kevin’s Career Journey: From Vivint to SunPower

02:28 Kevin on Family Life and Upcoming Wedding

06:14 Meeting Andrea: A Love Story

07:41 Lessons from Life and Taking Bold Steps

09:42 The Origins of Gamification in Sales

11:00 Building Culture with Competitions: From Games to Sports

15:09 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Cup Competition

20:10 The Importance of Leverage and Unity in Sales Teams

28:28 Developing Divisions and Competitions at Apex

36:18 How Competitions Drive Performance and Quality

45:06 Highlighting Legends: Trevor Frank’s Impact

50:25 Why Kevin Chose New SunPower

56:46 Reflecting on Leadership, Loyalty & Purpose

58:24 Kevin's Personal Reflections on Life and Family

01:06:55 Final Thoughts: Living Life with Meaning

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez welcomes Tin Tin, a former architect turned solar entrepreneur. Tin Tin shares his journey from Puerto Rico to building a thriving door-to-door solar business, his philosophy on accountability as his "Word of the Year" for 2025, and the lessons he's learned in leadership and parenting. From life-changing moments in business masterminds to advice on raising kids with trust and love, this conversation is packed with insights for living life to its fullest.

Topics include:

Why "Accountability" is Tin Tin's guiding principle for 2025.

Lessons learned from transitioning careers at 45.

The power of door-to-door sales in the solar industry.

Parenting advice for building trust and communication with kids.

How to lead by example and inspire your team to success.

Tune in to be inspired, motivated, and ready to design your best life yet!

Timestamps:

0:07 – Welcome to Season 2 and Tin Tin’s introduction.

0:48 – Jeff shares his "Word of the Year" and Tin Tin reveals his: Accountability.

2:15 – Jeff and Tin Tin reminisce about their childhood friendship.

5:03 – Tin Tin discusses splitting time between Florida and Puerto Rico and his solar business.

7:20 – Transitioning from architect to door-to-door solar entrepreneur.

9:54 – Tin Tin's life-changing mastermind experience at Lake Powell.

14:15 – Unique challenges of the Puerto Rican solar market.

19:04 – The mission-driven aspect of solar sales.

30:55 – Tin Tin’s gratitude for his business and his team.

36:24 – Why knocking doors builds invaluable life skills.

46:23 – Leadership tips: Letting your team know it’s hard, leading by example, and helping them feel seen and heard.

52:24 – Balancing business with family priorities.

54:14 – Celebrating life and embracing abundance in 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Live Life by Design, we sit down with Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore to talk about his remarkable journey from the ABA to the NBA, the challenges of growing up in segregated Florida, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Artis shares his thoughts on overcoming adversity, focusing on family, and staying resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & welcoming Artis Gilmore

00:19 - Reflecting on the Hall of Fame induction

00:50 - Transitioning from the ABA to the NBA

01:25 - Origin of the slam dunk contest & NBA adoption

03:12 - Reaction to the ABA-NBA merger

03:40 - Joining the Chicago Bulls & ABA experiences

05:31 - Life lessons from growing up in Chipley, Florida

06:55 - Using sports as a unifying force

09:02 - Focusing on family & coping with loss

10:32 - Advice for overcoming adversity

12:08 - Managing the mind during challenges

13:20 - Embracing resilience & staying focused

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Join us in this enlightening conversation with NFL legend Darryl Green as he shares his life lessons, from a 20-year NFL career to his remarkable parenting approach and community work with today’s youth. Dive into the highlights below:

Timestamps:

0:07 - Welcoming Darryl Green: From Houston to the NFL

0:41 - Reaction to Washington's Team Name Change

1:54 - Darryl’s Legacy: 20 Years with One Team

2:34 - Earning the Title "The Ageless Wonder"

4:16 - The Mental vs. Physical Game in the NFL

6:41 - Darryl’s Start: A Unique Journey to the NFL

9:49 - Reflecting on Humble Beginnings in Houston

12:26 - Iconic Monday Night Game Moment with Tony Dorsett

17:12 - Current Work with Youth and Anti-Vaping Advocacy

25:06 - Parenthood Insights and Passing Down Values

32:09 - How Social Media Affects Parenting Today

36:06 - Creating a Home as a Safe Gathering Place

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary MLB pitcher, Dave Stewart, to discuss his incredible career, spanning 16 years and 3 World Series championships. From his early days playing winter ball in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, to the challenges he faced as a black pitcher in the 70s and 80s, Dave shares valuable insights about perseverance, mentorship, and his passion for giving back through youth organizations. We also dive into the Roberto Clemente Award, his thoughts on the evolution of pitching, and what it means to "Live Life by Design." Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dave Stewart

00:07 - Dave on playing winter ball in Puerto Rico and Latin America

03:05 - Legendary Latin American players in MLB

03:34 - The significance of the Roberto Clemente Award

05:59 - Dave’s humanitarian efforts during the 1989 earthquake

09:57 - Getting called up to the Major Leagues in 1978

12:19 - Persevering through setbacks and being passed over

16:13 - Reflecting on a 16-year MLB career

20:20 - Endurance in the face of setbacks and negative perceptions

23:18 - Signing with the Oakland A’s and career turnaround

25:01 - Controlling the controllable and winning 3 World Series

27:21 - Evolution of pitching in the MLB

33:02 - The excitement of winning the 1981 World Series with the Dodgers

34:24 - 1989 World Series win with Oakland A’s

34:46 - Reflecting on the 1993 World Series win

38:37 - Living life by design: Dave's journey to becoming a professional athlete

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In this episode, Tim Brown, legendary wide receiver and NFL Hall of Famer, sits down to discuss his inspiring journey from being a high school athlete to winning the Heisman Trophy and eventually making it into the Hall of Fame. Tim shares stories about his college days at Notre Dame, how leadership and pivotal moments shaped his career, and his thoughts on today’s NFL. Plus, he talks about his current business ventures and philanthropy efforts.

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro with Tim Brown

0:27 - Tim's current business and challenges

1:38 - Fixing problems over race in business

2:03 - Tim's high school and recruitment to Notre Dame

3:31 - From not on anyone’s radar to Notre Dame star

5:09 - How leadership ignited Tim’s greatness

7:02 - Tim’s Heisman Trophy journey

10:28 - The impact of coaching and leadership

12:15 - Reflecting on his 17-year NFL career

13:55 - Comparing the NFL then and now

17:00 - How money has changed the NFL

20:33 - The Raiders' incredible facilities and Tim’s observations

23:17 - Grit and determination: Tim's unforgettable 65-yard touchdown

26:08 - Tim’s role as commissioner of Arena Football

29:14 - Tim Brown’s Hall of Fame experience

32:29 - The importance of leadership and mentoring young athletes

34:34 - Tim’s philanthropy and impact on youth through 911 for Kids

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In this Live Life by Design episode, we chat with Danny Sprinkle, the new head coach of University of Washington’s men's basketball team. From leading Utah State to the NCAA tournament to joining the powerhouse Big Ten Conference, Danny’s journey is packed with insights on discipline, leadership, and creating winning cultures.

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Timestamps:

00:18 Danny’s new head coaching role at University of Washington

00:46 The excitement of joining the Big Ten Conference

01:04 Mentorship and key influences in Danny’s career

02:20 Leadership principles: What makes a great coach or CEO?

03:02 Handling difficult personalities and building team culture

05:03 Standards over rules: The key to lasting success

06:06 Upholding team standards and maintaining a winning culture

08:24 How culture drives top talent and success

10:33 Living life by design: Danny’s advice for grabbing life by the horns

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In this episode of Live Life by Design, Brian Charlesworth, founder of Sisu, joins us to discuss his incredible journey from Porsche enthusiast to building a successful real estate software company. We dive into his passion for cars, the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial endeavors, and how Sisu is revolutionizing the real estate industry. Tune in for insights on how to navigate business challenges, scale effectively, and live a life truly by design.

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

0:00 - Welcome Brian Charlesworth!

0:24 - Talking cars: Porsche and Audi

1:36 - The Porsche that started it all

3:04 - Porsche vs other luxury cars

4:01 - Driving experience at Porsche Piccolo

5:03 - Transition to Brian’s professional journey

5:24 - The story behind founding Sisu

6:46 - Pain points in real estate

8:12 - Improving transaction coordination with Sisu

12:03 - Sisu’s impact on sales teams and brokerages

14:09 - A better experience for real estate buyers and sellers

16:32 - Brian’s entrepreneurial challenges and lessons

19:45 - Turning down a $300M offer

23:05 - The ups and downs of entrepreneurship

28:32 - Weathering the real estate market’s ups and downs

33:26 - Sisu’s approach to customer service

36:12 - Best practices for business leaders

41:34 - Importance of timing in raising capital

46:02 - Building a winning culture at Sisu

49:05 - The most fulfilling part of the Sisu journey

57:06 - What "Live Life by Design" means to Brian Charlesworth

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In this exciting episode we sit down with NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry to discuss his unique outlook on life, his passion for pickleball, and the importance of living with purpose. Rick shares how he manages his emotions, deals with life's challenges, and continues to set goals even in his 80s. He opens up about his transition from professional basketball, his competitive spirit in new sports, and how he applies life lessons to everything he does. Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration.

Stay Connected with Jeff: Instagram: instagram.com/jeffreymendez_papi

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@live.life.by.design

Learn more about Studio 168: studio168p.com

🎧 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and insights into living a life by design!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:09 - Rick Barry on controlling your emotions and life’s challenges

00:45 - How Rick Barry deals with life post-basketball

01:23 - Learning to let go and not dwell on the past

02:20 - Life is a rollercoaster: controlling reactions to life's ups and downs

03:14 - Discovering pickleball and setting new goals

04:06 - Competing in pickleball and Rick's U.S. Open wins

05:02 - Achieving the Triple Crown and finding a partner for mixed doubles

05:42 - The thrill of competition in different sports

07:06 - Rick’s pickleball journey over the past 8 years

09:09 - Fishing adventures and making memories in Alaska

11:06 - An unexpected bear encounter while fishing

13:18 - How Rick Barry balances competition and adventure

16:00 - Rick on broadcasting and being honest in his work

18:30 - The struggles of truth-telling in broadcasting and sports

20:17 - Rick’s thoughts on politics and the future of the country

22:10 - Defining "Living Life by Design"

24:00 - The importance of passion and always giving your best

25:09 - Rick’s legendary free-throw technique and sports philosophy

26:25 - Final thoughts and closing remarks

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