In this episode of Raising the Grade, I’m joined by CJ and Derin from ANS Mermer, and let me tell you it’s a conversation that goes way beyond stone and pavers. We dive into their fascinating journey of importing Turkish natural stone, a family business that’s not only survived but thrived through economic shifts, personal challenges, and ever-changing industry trends.

Derin shares how his parents’ entrepreneurial leap during the 2008 housing crisis transformed their business, while CJ reflects on his bold move to the U.S., turning what started as a tough, unfamiliar job into a passion for quality craftsmanship. Together, they break down what makes Turkish natural stone unique, from hot and cold travertine to marble innovations that are setting new trends in the hardscaping world.

We also dig into the artistry behind their custom designs, the intricacies of sourcing and quality control, and the unexpected lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re in the industry or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode will leave you inspired—] and maybe even looking at your pool deck in a whole new light.

Key Moments:
0:00 Intro to CJ and Derin from ANS Mermer
2:00 Derin's Backstory and Family Business Journey
6:37 CJ’s Journey to the U.S.
14:10 How Turkish Natural Stone is Sourced and Graded
20:46 Key Tips for Contractors to Avoid Quality Issues
29:17 Explaining Grades and Quality of Natural Stone
43:53 Unique Features of Turkish Travertine
59:30 Advantages of Natural Stone and Its Uniqueness

ANS Mermer info:
Website - https://ansmermer.com/dl/b33482
IG - @ansmermer

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This week on Raising the Grade, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Sabrina and Jaden, the dynamic duo behind Media 4 You. Let me tell you, this episode was more than just a conversation, it was a heartfelt dive into their incredible journey, both as entrepreneurs and as individuals.

We uncovered Sabrina’s inspiring story of resilience, growing up in the foster care system, and how her past shaped her passion for leadership and uplifting others. Jaden shared how his grandfather ignited his entrepreneurial spirit through a love of cars, and how that foundation has fueled his drive to create meaningful connections with people.

Together, they’ve built Media 4 You, a social media marketing powerhouse that’s not only redefining how businesses grow online but also doing it with authenticity and heart. From late-night Taco Bell meetings to their first viral video that skyrocketed their career, Sabrina and Jaden’s partnership is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of doing business differently.

Whether you're a small business owner or just someone chasing big dreams, this episode will inspire you to push past the doubts and trust the process.

Key Moments:
0:05 Jaden and Sabrina Intro
6:20 How Sabrina and Jaden Met
11:05 The Birth of Media 4 You
18:00 Faith as a Foundation for Their Business
27:11 What Sets Media 4 You Apart
33:45 Personalized Approach to Clients
38:46 The Power of Consistent Content
46:12 Balancing Growth and Personalized Client Relationships
53:00 Future Goals and Expanding Services

#socialmediamarketing #entrepreneurship #contentcreator

Jaden and Sabrina contact info:
Jaden:
IG - @thereal_jadenward
Sabrina:
IG - @sabrinaofficial._

Media 4 you
Website - https://media4you.agency/
IG - @media.4.you

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What if the key to building your dream business is already out there, waiting for you to take the leap? In this episode, I sat down with Christian Dadulak, a franchise adviser with Franchise Sidekick, who’s on a mission to match aspiring entrepreneurs with the perfect franchise opportunities.

Christian shared his incredible journey from Southern California to becoming one of the most insightful voices in the franchising world. He’s not just about the business side, he’s all heart, with a passion for helping others navigate the complexities of franchising while building something meaningful. We dove into the myths about franchises, the mindset it takes to succeed, and why systems are the secret weapon of the most successful brands.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, personal stories, and even a few hard truths about what it takes to thrive as a business owner. Whether you're dreaming of scaling your business or just curious about the franchise world, Christian’s perspective will get your wheels turning.

Key Moments:
0:10 Who is Christian Dadulak?
10:55 Franchising Fundamentals
29:20 Christian’s Passion for Business
34:00 Advice for Potential Franchise Owners
36:00 Mindset and Decision-Making in Franchising
42:30 Overcoming Challenges in Franchising
57:00 The Power of Systems in Franchising
1:08:00 STIC Model for Delegation

Get in touch with Christian:
Website - https://www.franchisesidekick.com/
IG - @dealswithdadulak
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dadulak/

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On this episode of Raising the Grade, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Everett Miner, the owner of Miner Fitness, for his very first podcast appearance and let me just say, he absolutely crushed it. Everett’s story is raw, inspiring, and a true testament to resilience. From growing up in Connecticut struggling with self-image to finding his faith and turning his life around in Arizona, Everett shares how he’s transformed not only his own life but also the lives of his clients.

We dove into his passion for fitness as a path to self-improvement, why he created Miner Fitness, and the unique approach he takes with his clients that sets him apart from the rest. Everett’s commitment to building personalized programs and helping others reach their full potential is unmatched. We also explored the challenges that shaped him including battles with concussions, heartbreak, and finding purpose through faith.

If you’re looking for a conversation filled with heart, humor (we even talk pizza, naturally), and motivation to tackle life’s obstacles, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Moments:
0:45 Who is Everett Miner?
4:37 The Connecticut Pizza Discussion
9:10 Disappointment with Traditional Personal Training
15:22 Extreme Measures for Weight Loss
24:30 Battling Concussions and Mental Health Struggles
33:11 Embracing Faith Fully
39:37 Everything Happens for a Reason
45:23 How Everett Wants to Be Remembered

Get in touch with Everett:
Instagram - @minerfit
Website - https://www.minerfitness.com/

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In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with someone truly special, my son, Cohen Russell. At just 19 years old, Cohen’s life is already a fascinating tapestry of hard work, learning, and ambition. Together, we dive into his unique journey, from working with some unforgettable mentors to stepping into leadership roles within our family business.

Cohen shares his perspective on what it means to live with purpose, how he's striving to build a life that balances ambition with contentment, and what he's learned from working door-to-door sales to managing challenging projects. His candid take on self-reflection, personal growth, and embracing the grind offers wisdom well beyond his years. We also explore his dreams of building a “forever home,” creating a legacy for his young family, and his aspirations of one day leading teams in a thriving business.

This conversation is as raw as it is inspiring, a window into the mind of a young man with a clear vision for his future. Tune in to hear about the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he’s embraced, and the dreams he’s chasing.

Key Moments:
1:00 Cohen Reflects on "Who Am I?"
4:11 Lessons from Early Jobs
12:45 Stepping into Leadership
15:15 Challenges of Working with Family
24:30 Learning on the Job vs. School
33:00 Personal Goals for Growth and Leadership
37:38 Finding Happiness Through Hard Work
41:00 Building Systems for Accountability
54:00 Learning Specialized Skills
1:02:49 Vision for Future Projects

Get in touch with Cohen:
Instagram - @cohennrussell

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This week, I sat down with Trace Walters from Walters Renovations, and let me tell you this episode is a wild ride. Trace isn’t just a builder; he’s a creator, a visionary, and someone who’s unafraid to chase big dreams. At just 23, he’s already transformed his childhood passion for building into a thriving construction business. From tearing down walls to creating stunning exteriors and even venturing into full backyard renovations, Trace’s journey is packed with grit, ingenuity, and a touch of humor.

We talked about his Kansas City roots, how he grew up dreaming about neighborhood life while surrounded by 40 acres of land, and how he found his calling through hard work and a lot of YouTube tutorials. Trace shared stories about his first DIY backyard project (spoiler alert: it involved Googling "how to install irrigation"), the highs and lows of running his business, and why Instagram has become his secret weapon for connecting with clients.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to balance hands-on craftsmanship with running a business, or if you’re just looking for inspiration to take the leap into something new, this episode is for you.

Key Moments:
0:30 Who is Trace Walters?
5:00 Transition from Startups to Construction
10:00 Founding Walters Renovations
20:00 Unique Selling Point: Honesty and Communication
35:00 Building a Team and Stepping Back
39:00 The Role of Social Media in Customer Trust
45:00 Differentiating Through Craftsmanship and Transparency
57:00 Learning Construction Skills Through YouTube

Get in touch with Trace:
Instagram - @trace.walters
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trace-walters/
Facebook - Walter Renovations
Website - https://walters-renovations.webflow.io/

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In this episode of Raising the Grade, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick Heffernan, co-owner of Southwest Sunscreens and one of the most meticulous and relationship-driven guys you'll ever meet. Patrick and I go way back, he’s been a power partner in my landscaping projects, saving countless yards from the Arizona sun with his innovative solar screens.

Patrick shared his story of humble beginnings, from handyman work to building a thriving business with his best friend and business partner, Brad. Their journey from Craigslist connections to a fully rebranded and growing company is nothing short of inspiring. We talked about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of creating solid processes, and how a trip to a Nashville business conference completely changed their trajectory.

Patrick’s commitment to quality and customer experience shines through, whether he’s talking about designing a standout mascot, perfecting his team’s processes, or ensuring every window they touch exceeds expectations. If you're into stories about entrepreneurship, partnerships that actually work, and breaking industry molds, you don’t want to miss this one.

Key Moments:
0:30 Who is Patrick Heffernan?
3:50 The Beginnings of Southwest Sunscreens
11:00 How A Nashville Business Conference Changed Everything
17:00 A Bold Choice to Stand Out
25:30 The Dynamic Partnership with Brad
35:00 Sustainability and Innovation in Solar Screens
39:00 Debunking Myths About Solar Screens
48:00 The Need for Industry Standards

Get in touch with Patrick:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-heffernan-951888156/
Instagram - @southwest_sunscreens
Website - https://southwestsunscreens.com/

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This week on Raising The Grade Podcast, I sat down with Adam Estavillo, owner of Redemption Renovations, to explore his incredible journey from teenage skater to successful entrepreneur in the renovation industry.

Adam shares how his early lessons in perseverance as a cross-country champion shaped his relentless drive and determination. From humbling setbacks in college to the birth of his business, his story is one of resilience, faith, and grit.

Adam opens up about learning the ropes of home renovations from his father, launching his business with a Mini Cooper and a dream, and scaling to over $1 million in revenue all while balancing family life with five young kids.

He also dives into his passion for creating spaces of beauty and functionality, inspired by his travels and admiration for the artistry of Michelangelo.

This episode is packed with insights on overcoming challenges, building trust with your team, and staying true to your values. Whether you're a business owner, a dreamer, or someone who loves a good underdog story, Adam’s journey will inspire you to redefine what’s possible.

Key Moments:
0:30 Who is Adam Estavillo?
9:30 A Life Changing Shift Towards Faith and Family
18:20 The Birth of Redemption Renovations
27:00 Scaling the Business to Over $1 Million in Revenue
35:30 Evolving from Refinishing to Full Renovations
46:00 Mentoring and Training Employees
52:00 Balancing Growth with Family Life
1:01:00 Vision, Mentorship, and Connecting

Get in touch with Adam:
Website - redemptionrenovations.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-estavillo-8989b697/
Instagram - @redemptionrenovations

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On this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Rob Robichaud, the insightful and down-to-earth founder of Verde Valley Turf. We jumped into Rob’s journey from Detroit to Arizona, where he’s built a career centered around quality and a genuine passion for the industry.

Rob has an incredible story, with roots in resilience, from his days at boarding school in the ‘80s to climbing the ranks in big corporations. But what really captured my attention was his mission to help landscapers and homeowners alike find turf solutions that stand up to Arizona’s tough conditions.

We also talked about his unique approach to turf selection, using Arizona-specific names and designs that bring a local touch to Verde Valley Turf's products.

Rob’s commitment to helping businesses succeed is truly inspiring, and his belief in creating partnerships rather than just transactions shines through. It’s not just about turf for Rob; it’s about building relationships, supporting the community, and raising the bar for service in the industry.

Key Moments:
1:00 Who is Rob Robichaud?
8:45 How Rob entered the turn industry
15:00 Rob's unique approach to product development
25:00 What turf is best for Arizona?
45:00 Rob's business values
48:00 Rob's sales methodology

Get in touch with Rob:
Website - vvturf.com
Instagram - @_verdevalleyturf
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/peopleoperations/

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On this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Brian Tibbs, a man of incredible resilience, ambition, and heart. Brian’s journey started in the heart of a small-town entrepreneurial family, guiding him to a business degree and a calling beyond the ordinary.

But his story takes a wild turn when he leaves Idaho to become a volunteer missionary in Guatemala, a decision that led him to live in five different countries over sixteen years, spreading purpose and establishing deep, meaningful connections. Brian didn’t just stop there. He found a way to bridge his love for community and his business acumen through real estate investing.

In our conversation, he shares candidly about those early investments he made as a 19-year-old college kid and how he eventually built a portfolio that allows his family financial freedom. Today, Brian is more than an investor; he’s a mentor and the founder of the Unexpected Investor Community, a group that empowers others to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

From tactical advice to philosophical musings, this episode is packed with insights from someone who has lived and continues to build a purpose-driven life.

Key Moments:
1:10 Who is Brian Tibbs?
5:00 Brian's Real Estate Investment Journey
22:00 The “Three Goals” Approach to Managing Short-Term Rentals
25:00 Writing The Hacker Method Book
40:00 The Unexpected Investor Community
50:00 The “Three Goals” Approach to Managing Short-Term Rentals

Get in touch with Brian:
Website - theunexpectedinvestor.com
Instagram - @unexpectedinvestor
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-tibbs-1880079a/
YouTube - www.youtube.com/@unexpectedinvestor

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