Mac & Bleu

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Waltz, a powerhouse in entrepreneurship and construction, to uncover the mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities. From the grind of building a business to the mission of making a real impact, Matt shares what it takes to push past every "no" and build something bigger than yourself.

We also dive into the incredible work of New Freedom, transforming lives for the justice-impacted population. They're not just giving second chances—they're creating new futures.

👀 Watch "The Power of Relentless: Entrepreneurship, Construction & How New Freedom is Changing Lives" Now Live on the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/KoWA_7XV2V0

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

What if failure isn't the end—but the beginning of something greater? In this episode, we sit down with Chad Nikkel, a seasoned entrepreneur, growth expert, and leadership coach, to uncover the real power of failing forward in business.

Chad is a Business Guide at Next Level Growth, where he helps entrepreneurs and team leaders scale their companies while maintaining work-life balance. With over 25 years of experience in the home service industry—including founding and exiting multiple businesses—Chad has built 11 companies, completed 7 acquisitions, and secured 4 seven-figure exits, with 2 sold to private equity.

From his days in the pool industry to navigating high-stakes business rollups, Chad shares invaluable lessons on strategic planning, sales, and operations management that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

🔹 How to turn setbacks into stepping stones for success
🔹 Lessons from scaling and exiting multiple businesses
🔹 Avoiding burnout while growing your company
🔹 The mindset shifts every entrepreneur must embrace

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode will give you the insights you need to turn failures into fuel for your entrepreneurial journey.

🚀 Watch "Coaching for Entrepreneurs: Turning Failure into Fuel" - https://youtu.be/bteU_8db5SE

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

Christopher Prenovost joins us this week from Next Level Growth. Business owners, listen: if you want to scale, fix what’s missing, or optimize what matters, this is for you. Don't miss this chance.

Watch "Building Business Optimization with Christopher Prenovost" NOW live on the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel - https://youtu.be/bmOmXi8JyS0

Chris has often said, “Life is too short to be unhappy. We all deserve to love what we do and who we do it with. Especially if you own the company!” Business leaders turn to Chris when they are having trouble scaling at the rate that they want, they’ve had it with wading through people issues, they aren’t seeing the accountability that they want, or just feel stuck. Starting his first two businesses at the age of eighteen, Chris has personally seen his share of successes and failures. Along with making the Inc 5000 list multiple times, receiving numerous ethics awards from the BBB and competing as a top place to work in Arizona, he’s lived the sleepless nights, he’s stressed about making payroll, he’s dealt with the people issues. He’s also found that it doesn’t have to be that way—and he is driven to help other business leaders find relief. Over the past two decades, Chris has seen the flavor of the week leadership and management fads come and go. Heck, he probably tried half of them. Chris has guided business leaders to reach their pinnacle by drawing on those years of experience to teach the right tools at the right times; by ensuring that what the team is working on today will ultimately lead to us exceeding our long term goals, and by bringing a level of before unseen accountability to the leadership team.

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

🤝This week, we’re excited to welcome Justin Turner, a seasoned Business Broker with Sunbelt Business Brokers, to the show! In this episode, Justin shares his roadmap for successfully selling a business.

We'll dive into:
✅ Common mistakes business owners make when selling their business (and how to avoid them)
✅ How to prepare a business for sale to maximize its value and attract the right buyers
✅ Proven strategies to close the deal effectively and efficiently

Watch "The Secrets to Selling a Business: Insights from Justin Turner", NOW Playing on the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel - https://youtu.be/yCK3Bucqg8c

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

Listen as Todd Nessler and Chuck Paxson guide you through the Arizona Concrete Association, offering insights on training in the trades, labor constraints, continuing education, technical expertise, and valuable industry connections.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/BbmSg7e6Pvw

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

Embark on a fascinating journey into the depths of the mind this week with our special guest, T Scott. Discover the secrets to unlocking your mind's full potential as we explore game-changing mental tools and craft a powerful roadmap to elevate your mindset to extraordinary heights. Don’t miss this transformative conversation!

Watch this #MindShifting Episode on the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel - https://youtu.be/oAHR0nm2-rI

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

🎙️ Join us as we welcome special guest Jordan Simone, former ASU Football Team Captain and Seattle Seahawks player. We’ll dive into his journey on the field, the lessons he’s carried from his playing days, and his current role at Freestone Insurance Group.

Follow Jordan Simone on X - https://x.com/JordanSimone38
Jordan Simone Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordansimone38/
Jordan Simone Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jordan.simone.5
Jordan Simone LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-simone-060738122/

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

Join us in welcoming Roger Einstoss, Co-founder & CEO of Braintly, as this week's special guest on MAC & Bleu! In this episode, we dive into the trending topic of nearshoring, focusing on its impact in the technology and software sectors. Roger shares insights from his upbringing in Argentina, the unique challenges and advantages of nearshoring in South America, and explores both the benefits and drawbacks of this business strategy.

Watch "Nearshoring in Tech: The Good, The Bad, and The Game-Changing with Roger Einstoss" - https://youtu.be/_vYCYxs0xhw

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

Christina Spicer is the co-CEO of Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. Spicer is a leader who has devoted two decades of her career to directing critical youth initiatives throughout the community. After graduating from Arizona State with a degree in communications, she joined notMYkid. Shortly after earning her master's degree from Arizona State, she joined Teach for America, where she led the development team.

Spicer is also founder of CAMEO, a women's mentorship organization. She serves on local boards and has received several awards, including Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award. She was named a Diverse Business Leader to Watch and the Phoenix Mercury's Believe in Women award.

Watch the full episode on the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel - https://youtu.be/ja7ROPYaKeM

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Website: https://www.girlscoutsaz.org/

Christina Spicer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_collettaspicer

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsacpc/

Christina Spicer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-spicer-5612781b/

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/girl-scouts---arizona-cactus-pine-council/

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council X: https://twitter.com/GSACPC

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gsacpc/

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.

This week, we welcome Chris Tatge, Founder and President of DC Materials, in "Reaching the Pinnacle: Chris Tatge's Success Story." Join us as we explore Chris's journey from early #construction days to #entrepreneurial success!

Watch Episode 125 is now live on the MAC & Bleu Youtube channel - https://youtu.be/ZEa7ORvcA78

About Chris Tatge
Chris Tatge is the founder and president of DC Materials, a Wisconsin-based company specializing in providing comprehensive turnkey framing solutions and lumber for multi-family and commercial construction projects. With over 25 years as a framing contractor, Tatge has propelled DC Materials onto the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. Chris’ start is a humble one- from struggling high school student to finding his calling working as a construction framer, its his hands on experience that sets him apart from other entrepreneurs.

DC Materials Website:  https://dcmaterialsllc.com
DC Materials LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/dcmaterials/
Chris Tatge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-tatge-38007a72/ 

#entrepreneur #founderstories #successstories #scalingabusiness #businesstransformation #woodvsmetal #constructiontechnology #commercial #framing

MAC & Bleu, your go-to podcast for the innovative minds shaping our nation’s future. Our topics are not only vast but advanced and forward looking, as we explore emerging trends in blockchain, AI, the Metaverse, and both virtual and augmented reality within the construction, business and entrepreneur market segments.

Our conversations are as diverse as they are enlightening, traversing not just the topics of economic development, supply chains, diverse market sectors, and celebrate the rich diversity underpinning each industry. We also dive into the intricate interplay between local politics and business, highlighting the far-reaching impact of political decisions on different market segments. Be sure to subscribe to the MAC & Bleu Youtube Channel

About the Host - JJ Levenske - President & Co-Founder of Bleuwave General Contracting

JJ Levenske is a seasoned construction executive with over 30 years of experience in the commercial & industrial sectors. From pre-construction services to complex quality controls and close-outs, he brings a commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism and customer service. J.J.’s dedication to construction has allowed him to become an industry expert which he aims to share with customers and investors alike.