According to a 2025 survey, a compelling 75% of athletes say mental health support is essential for enhancing their performance. Additionally, 85% acknowledged that mental clarity directly impacts performance metrics, such as stamina and decision-making during critical moments. Mental health isn’t just a support service—it’s a performance driver. That overwhelming majority underscores how mental well-being influences critical physical outcomes and overall athletic success.

Kody Hartlaub brings over five years of expertise in Sports Performance and Leadership Development. As a Performance Specialist, he helps athletes unlock their full potential by strengthening the mental side of their game. Through his coaching, athletes build essential skills like confidence, grit, determination, and the competitive edge required to not only win, but to consistently outperform the competition—both on and off the field.

Kody emphasizes that true success begins with self-leadership—raising personal standards and setting the tone for the entire team. His commitment to excellence is backed by both experience and education: he became a member of the Association for Applied Sports Psychology in March 2023, has trained under world-class performance coaches such as Tim Grover, Ben Newman, and Brian Cain, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Sports Psychology at PennWest University.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Mental health is performance-critical - 75% of athletes consider mental health support essential for enhancing performance, while 85% report that mental clarity directly impacts stamina and decision-making.
• Mental well-being drives physical outcomes - Mental health functions as a performance driver rather than just a support service, directly influencing athletic success and physical metrics.
• Expert-led mental training - Kody Hartlaub specializes in Sports Performance and Leadership Development with over 5 years of experience helping athletes strengthen their mental game.
• Self-leadership foundation - True athletic success starts with self-leadership, raising personal standards, and setting the tone for team performance both on and off the field.
• Credentialed expertise - Kody's qualifications include Association for Applied Sports Psychology membership, training under elite coaches like Tim Grover and Ben Newman, and pursuing a Master's in Exercise Science and Sports Psychology.

▶︎ LINKEDIN: KODY HARTLAUB

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

▶︎ WEBSITE: https://www.kody-hartlaub.com/

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Imagine yourself falling asleep and waking up with 15,000 followers over night on your social media platform all because you stuck to your vision and mission. Then from 300 to 100,000 in 4 months.

On today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce you to Chris Gregory — a faith-driven fitness mentor who’s transforming lives by combining spiritual growth, mental discipline, and physical health. Chris believes the body is a vessel designed by God, and he’s built a powerful 90-day program that helps busy Christians achieve real, lasting transformation without compromising their values. 

Whether it’s through personalized one-on-one coaching or group mentorship, Chris equips people with the tools to get stronger in body, sharper in mind, and closer to God. His mission is simple but powerful: to help believers honor their bodies and unlock the discipline it takes to live fully in their purpose.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Vision-Driven Growth: Chris's explosive growth from 300 to 100,000 followers in 4 months came from unwavering commitment to his mission, proving that authentic, consistent messaging attracts the right audience organically.

• Niche Market Domination: By combining faith and fitness, Chris filled a unique gap for Christians seeking physical transformation without compromising their spiritual values, differentiating himself in a crowded fitness market.

• Holistic Transformation Approach: His 90-day program integrates body, mind, and spirit rather than just physical fitness, creating deeper, more sustainable results that address the whole person.

• Purpose-Based Messaging: Instead of typical fitness benefits, Chris frames his work around "honoring your body" and "living in purpose," connecting with clients' core spiritual identity for stronger emotional engagement.

• Scalable Business Model: Offering both one-on-one coaching and group mentorship allows Chris to serve different client needs while maximizing both his impact reach and revenue potential.

▶︎ WEBSITE: https://chrisgregorymentor.com/

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

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LinkedIn Marketing solutions states that their platform is a goldmine for professionals. Content on LinkedIn gets 2x higher engagement when it’s posted by an individual rather than a company page.

Welcome back to Revenue from Retention! Today’s guest is someone who has mastered the art of storytelling in business. Cole Baker is the Founder and CEO of Investor Acquisitions, where he helps modern real estate operators, brokers, and CEOs elevate their LinkedIn presence through powerful copywriting and brand strategy.

Cole and his team specialize in turning LinkedIn into a stage that not only builds credibility—but actually attracts investors by telling a brand’s story the right way. In a world where attention is currency, Cole knows exactly how to craft content that connects, converts, and drives growth. We’re going to dive into how he built his company, the strategies behind creating magnetic content, and how anyone can use LinkedIn to level up their personal brand.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Individual Posts Outperform Company Pages by 200% LinkedIn's own data reveals that content posted by individual professionals generates 2x higher engagement rates compared to company page posts. This highlights the power of personal branding and authentic, individual voices in cutting through the noise on professional platforms.
• LinkedIn is a Strategic Goldmine for Professional Growth According to LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, their platform represents an untapped treasure trove for professionals seeking to expand their reach. The platform's unique professional focus creates opportunities for meaningful business connections that other social media channels simply cannot replicate.
• Storytelling is the Secret Weapon for Business Success Cole Baker, Founder and CEO of Investor Acquisitions, has built his expertise around the principle that effective business storytelling isn't just about sharing information—it's about crafting narratives that build credibility, establish trust, and create emotional connections with target audiences.
• Content Strategy Should Focus on Connection Before Conversion Baker's approach emphasizes that successful LinkedIn content follows a strategic progression: first connect with your audience through authentic storytelling, then convert that connection into business opportunities. This relationship-first methodology proves more effective than direct sales approaches on professional platforms.
• Personal Branding Can Transform Professional Opportunities The discussion reveals how strategic LinkedIn presence, combined with powerful copywriting and brand strategy, can elevate professionals from any industry—whether real estate operators, brokers, or CEOs—by positioning them as thought leaders who naturally attract investors and business opportunities through their authentic brand story.

▶︎ LINKEDIN: COLE BAKER

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Coming to you from the 727 with 6,000 people…. Our guest today is Michael Xavier Cardascia, currently serving as the VP of Growth at Premier Lending. In that role, he’s dedicated to helping both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors reach their real estate goals with clarity and confidence. 

He also wears the hat of Co-Founder of ‘Life In The 727’, a platform where he shares the best of St. Petersburg—combining lifestyle inspiration with real estate, entrepreneurship, and mind-opening conversations. Today’s episode is packed with actionable insights—whether you’re navigating the housing market, trying to level up your personal and professional growth, or just curious about life in Florida’s vibrant 727 area code—you’re in the right place.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Real Estate Expert with Dual Focus: Michael Xavier Cardascia serves as VP of Growth at Premier Lending, specializing in guiding both first-time homebuyers and experienced investors through their real estate journeys with expertise and confidence.
• Local Authority & Content Creator: As Co-Founder of 'Life In The 727', he's established himself as the go-to source for St. Petersburg lifestyle content, blending real estate insights with entrepreneurship and engaging conversations.
• Massive Local Reach: The show originates from the 727 area code (St. Petersburg, FL) and reaches an impressive audience of 6,000 people, demonstrating strong community engagement and local influence.
• Actionable Housing Market Insights: This episode delivers practical, implementable advice for anyone navigating today's complex housing market, whether buying their first home or expanding an investment portfolio.
• Personal & Professional Growth Focus: Beyond real estate, the conversation explores strategies for leveling up in both personal development and professional advancement, making it valuable for entrepreneurs and ambitious individuals.

▶︎ LINKEDIN: MICHAEL XAVIER CARDASCIA

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

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Did you know that only 1 in 10 people have the natural ability to lead effectively, yet organizations get it wrong more than 80% of the time—costing the U.S. economy up to $400 billion a year? That’s not just a leadership gap—that’s a leadership crisis.”

On today’s episode of Revenue From Retention, I sit down with Heath Cockburn—a leader in sales.. Heath’s journey is all about transformation: from corporate leadership to building sales people. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create success in the software industry, Heath’s insights will inspire you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The Leadership Crisis is Costing Billions Only 1 in 10 people possess natural leadership abilities, yet organizations fail to identify and develop these individuals correctly over 80% of the time. This massive disconnect is draining the U.S. economy of up to $400 billion annually, highlighting the urgent need for better leadership identification and development strategies.
• Natural Leadership Talent is Rare and Valuable The statistic that just 10% of people have innate leadership capabilities underscores how precious true leadership talent is in the marketplace. Organizations that can effectively identify and nurture these individuals gain a significant competitive advantage in building high-performing teams.
• Organizational Selection Processes are Fundamentally Flawed With an 80% failure rate in leadership appointments, most companies are using ineffective methods to identify and promote leaders. This suggests that traditional interview processes, performance metrics, and promotion criteria may be missing the mark when it comes to spotting genuine leadership potential.
• Transformation Through Sales Leadership Development Heath Cockburn's evolution from corporate leadership to building sales teams demonstrates that effective leadership development can create transformational results. His focus on developing sales professionals shows how targeted leadership coaching can drive measurable business outcomes and career growth.
• Software Industry Success Requires Strategic Leadership Insights Success in the competitive software industry isn't just about technical skills or product knowledge—it requires strategic leadership thinking and the ability to build and guide high-performing sales teams. Heath's experience illustrates how leadership transformation directly impacts revenue generation and business growth in tech companies.

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

▶︎ LINKEDIN: HEATH COCKBURN

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Today’s guest has turned resilience into a brand, and a brand into a movement. Braden Haley is the director and co-founder of Summit Dogwear, a nationally recognized leader in premium adventure gear for pets. Inspired by his service dog, Summit—who quite literally saved his life after a devastating workplace accident—Braden transformed a personal journey of recovery into a mission that’s changing the pet industry.

From the very first collar, tested through five years of hard adventure, to a full line of scent-, mold-, and bacteria-resistant paracord gear with tactical features, Summit Dogwear is built for a lifetime of memories with our four-legged companions. Beyond the products, Braden’s #SpreadingPawsitivity campaign helps fund service dog training, paying forward the life-changing gift he received.

As a motivational speaker, Braden inspires audiences with his story of overcoming adversity, building a sustainable business, and living life with purpose. Braden, welcome to the show—let’s dive into your incredible journey and the lessons we can all take from it.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Personal tragedy can become powerful purpose - Braden transformed a devastating workplace accident and his recovery journey with his service dog Summit into the foundation for a meaningful business. His experience demonstrates how our most challenging moments can become the catalyst for creating something that serves others and drives lasting change.
• Product development through real-world testing creates superior quality - Summit Dogwear's gear underwent five years of rigorous adventure testing before launch, resulting in innovative features like scent-, mold-, and bacteria-resistant paracord construction with tactical elements. This approach shows how authentic user experience and extended testing periods can differentiate products in competitive markets.
• Building a brand around a movement amplifies impact - Rather than just selling pet gear, Braden created the #SpreadingPawsitivity campaign that funds service dog training, transforming customers into participants in a larger mission. This strategy demonstrates how businesses can scale their positive impact beyond their direct products or services.
• Authenticity in storytelling drives business success - Braden's genuine personal story of recovery and his bond with Summit resonates with audiences as both a customer base and speaking engagements. His journey illustrates how sharing vulnerable, real experiences can build trust, emotional connection, and sustainable business growth.
• Social entrepreneurship creates lasting legacy - By combining premium product creation with service dog funding and motivational speaking, Braden has built a multi-faceted enterprise that generates profit while advancing social good. His model shows how businesses can be structured to create positive change while maintaining financial sustainability and growth.

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

▶︎ WEBSITE: SummitDogwear.com

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Global Entrepreneurship Monitor states that startup activity among women has grown tremendously, rising from around 6.1% between 2001–2005 to 10.4% between 2021–2023—meaning about 1 in 10 women are starting new businesses in that timeframe.

Welcome back to the show! Today, I’m joined by a business strategist — Sandra Pokorny. Based out of Canada, Sandra is a successful entrepreneur and a well-known figure in the interior design space. She’s also the co-founder of Brink Consulting — a firm that brings together creativity and business expertise to help companies grow and thrive.

Through custom presentations and tailored programs, Sandra and her team provide businesses with the tools, strategies, and resources they need to optimize sales, improve operations, and drive sustainable success. Their approach is innovative, practical, and results-driven — a true game-changer for any organization looking to elevate its performance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Women's entrepreneurship has surged dramatically - startup activity among women nearly doubled from 6.1% (2001-2005) to 10.4% (2021-2023), meaning approximately 1 in 10 women are now launching new businesses during this recent period.
• Sandra Pokorny represents this entrepreneurial trend as a successful Canadian business strategist who has built expertise in the interior design industry while expanding into business consulting services.
• Brink Consulting exemplifies strategic diversification by combining Sandra's creative background with business expertise to serve a broader market of companies seeking growth and operational improvement.
• The consulting approach focuses on comprehensive business optimization through custom presentations and tailored programs that address multiple areas including sales enhancement, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth strategies.
• Results-driven methodology sets them apart in the consulting space by emphasizing innovative and practical solutions that deliver measurable performance improvements for client organizations.

▶︎ WEBSITE: BRINK CONSULTING

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▶︎ FACEBOOK: Celina Eklund

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Welcome to today's episode! I'm excited to bring you an inspiring conversation about career transformation and leadership in the automotive industry. Joining me today is Mike Malarkey, a dynamic sales manager at Jim Shorkey Auto Group who has carved out an impressive path from his beginnings as a fitness trainer to becoming a respected leader in automotive sales.

In this episode, we dive deep into Mike's unique journey, exploring how his diverse background in fitness and sports has shaped his approach to leadership and sales. We'll also touch on the important role family plays in our professional lives, as both Mike and I share insights from our experiences - his in fatherhood and mine growing up in a military family.

You'll hear practical advice on career development, the power of setting realistic goals, and Mike's recommendation for sales professionals looking to elevate their game through the Elliott Group training program. Whether you're looking to make a career pivot, strengthen your leadership skills, or simply gain insights from someone who's successfully navigated multiple industries, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for professionals at any stage of their journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Career pivots can leverage transferable skills - Mike's transition from fitness trainer to automotive sales manager demonstrates how skills from one industry can successfully translate to leadership roles in completely different fields.
• Diverse backgrounds create stronger leaders - Mike's experience in fitness and sports provided him with unique perspectives and approaches that enhanced his effectiveness as a sales manager and leader.
• Family experiences shape professional development - Both personal fatherhood experiences and growing up in structured environments like military families contribute valuable insights to leadership and career growth.
• Realistic goal-setting drives sustainable success - The conversation emphasizes the importance of establishing achievable objectives rather than unrealistic targets when advancing your career or sales performance.
• Continuous learning through specialized training pays off - Mike specifically recommends the Elliott Group training program as a valuable resource for sales professionals looking to elevate their skills and advance their careers.

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

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Did you know The color of your walls can affect your appetite? That’s why many restaurants use warm tones like red, orange, and yellow — they’re proven to stimulate hunger! Meanwhile, colors like blue tend to suppress appetite, which is why you rarely see blue dining rooms or restaurants.

Today’s guest is a creative force with an eye for style and a mind for business. Ariel Roberts is the founder of Roberts Studio Design — a branding studio known for transforming bold business owners into unforgettable brands. But her journey didn’t start there. Ariel began her career in fashion design in Los Angeles, blending artistic expression with real-world edge. She later earned her degree in business management, bringing strategy into the mix.

In 2020, Ariel and her sister took a leap into the creative space — and they’ve never looked back. From fashion to full-scale brand direction, she now leads entrepreneurs in building elevated, intentional, and high-impact visual identities. If you’re ready to hear what it really takes to design a brand that sticks — from someone who lives and breathes creativity — you’re going to love this conversation. Please welcome Ariel Roberts to the show!

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Psychology of Color in Business Environments: Wall colors have a measurable impact on human behavior, particularly appetite. Restaurants strategically use warm tones (red, orange, yellow) to stimulate hunger and increase customer consumption, while cooler tones like blue naturally suppress appetite and are avoided in dining establishments.
• Career Evolution Through Strategic Pivoting: Ariel Roberts demonstrates how professionals can successfully transition between related creative fields by building on transferable skills. Her progression from fashion design to business management education to brand design shows how diverse experiences can create a unique competitive advantage.
• Sibling Partnership in Entrepreneurship: The 2020 launch of Roberts Studio Design as a sister partnership highlights how family collaborations can provide both emotional support and complementary skill sets when entering competitive creative markets, especially during challenging economic periods.
• Specialization in High-Impact Brand Identity: Roberts Studio Design focuses specifically on serving "bold business owners" rather than casting a wide net, demonstrating the power of niche positioning in the crowded branding industry by targeting entrepreneurs who want distinctive, memorable visual identities.
• Integration of Artistic Vision with Business Strategy: Ariel's combination of fashion design background and formal business management education allows her to offer clients both creative excellence and strategic thinking, bridging the gap between artistic expression and commercial viability in brand development.

▶︎ WEBSITE: https://robertsstudiodesign.com/

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

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Nearly 1 in 3 entrepreneurs today left the corporate world to start their own business. That’s a huge leap—from stability to risk, structure to uncertainty—all in pursuit of freedom, impact, and legacy. And today’s guest, Gordon Findlay, made that leap.

Welcome back to Revenue from Retention, where we bring you real conversations with extraordinary people who are rewriting what success looks like—in business, leadership, and life. Today’s guest is someone whose journey reflects relentless transformation, deep authenticity, and a passion for helping others break through. Gordon Findlay is a high-impact performance coach, strategist, and speaker who has worked with top-tier professionals, helping them level up not just in their careers—but in who they are as people.

If you're ready for a conversation that will challenge your thinking, fuel your fire, and leave you better than it found you, then you're in for a treat. Let’s dive in.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Corporate departure is substantial - Nearly 1 in 3 business owners have abandoned traditional company positions to launch their own ventures, representing a major shift in career trajectories and risk acceptance.
• The transition involves significant trade-offs - Business founders are swapping security for uncertainty and organization for ambiguity, motivated by deeper aspirations of autonomy, influence, and building an enduring legacy.
• Growth demands genuineness - Gordon Findlay's methodology emphasizes that genuine achievement stems from profound authenticity and continuous personal evolution, not merely business strategies.
• Executive coaching extends beyond professions - High-caliber mentoring concentrates on cultivating the complete individual, assisting professionals in advancing both career-wise and personally to attain lasting success.
• Obstacles fuel development - The most beneficial discussions and coaching encounters are those that question established thought processes and propel individuals past their comfort boundaries.

▶︎ LINKEDIN: Gordon Findlay

▶︎ EMAIL: [email protected]

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