In this Honor the Journey mid-week edition of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin shares the raw, unfiltered story of her leap from a 21-year corporate career into the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.

From walking out of her corporate job on the exact same day her husband resigned, to juggling three jobs just to stay afloat, to slowly building multiple income streams — real estate, digital marketing, franchising, and community leadership — this episode breaks down what really happens when you choose to bet on yourself.

Kristin dives into:

• How she used complementary businesses to stabilize income

• Why she recommends 12 months of cash reserves before taking the leap

• Her early struggles in real estate and what finally clicked

• The surprising reason she stepped back from a rising sales career

• "Conflict of values" — and how it shapes your decisions without you realizing it

• Scaling Gray Duck Marketing Group during COVID

• Launching LEAD Network Professionals and why the market desperately needed a new kind of networking group

• Building a strategic, values-driven brand that actually converts

• Why clarity, consistency, and community matter more than hustle

If you're a new entrepreneur, a burned-out professional, or someone craving a more aligned life, this episode will give you perspective, encouragement, and tactical insight to help you honor your journey — wherever you are today.

Relevant Links

LEAD Network Professionals https://www.leadnetwork.pro

Savvy Living Network Community https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com

Connect with Kristin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin

🎙️LEAD Network Professionals: Stories Behind the Business - Jeannie Grimes, Servant Leader and Multi-Hat Entrepreneur

This episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast features a compelling conversation with Jeannie Grimes, an Independent Mary Kay Consultant, Board Vice President for the non-profit Cars for Neighbors, and a highly motivated member of the LEAD Network Professionals. Jeannie shares her incredible journey in servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development, providing practical tips on managing time, energy, and cultivating a mindset of abundance.

Learn the secrets to wearing multiple "hats" without burnout, the true definition of balance, and the power of intentional action in building a fulfilling career and life. Jeannie also gives an exclusive sneak peek at her upcoming book!

🔑 Key Moments with Adjusted Timestamps Topic Start Time (Original) Adjusted Time (+35.33s) Introduction to Jeannie Grimes' Many Hats 00:00:45.300 00:01:20.630 The Truth About Mary Kay & Direct Sales 00:02:00.350 00:02:35.680 Why Entrepreneurship is Your "A-Game" Pivot 00:03:49.420 00:04:24.750 The Servant Heart: Giving Back with Mary Kay 00:05:18.280 00:05:53.610 Guiding Principles: Serving Others Builds You 00:08:47.900 00:09:23.230 Exclusive: Jeannie's New Book Announcement! 00:11:45.959 00:12:21.289 Intentional Energy: How to Manage Time & Balance 00:13:03.440 00:13:38.770 The Power to Choose Gives You Final Say 00:20:49.590 00:21:24.920 Happiness is an Inside Job: It's a Choice 00:27:38.759 00:28:14.089 The "Journal of Evidence" (Joy Jar Concept) 00:29:18.150 00:29:53.480 Why You Should Delegate (Stop Doing Penny Work) 00:33:28.430 00:34:03.760 Rules of Engagement: The Juice Must Be Worth the Squeeze 00:37:51.810 00:38:27.140 Advice to Aspiring Leaders: Do Not Wait 00:51:30.780 00:52:06.110 Where to Find Jeannie & Cars for Neighbors 00:53:16.690 00:53:52.020 🔗 Referenced Links

Where to find Jeannie (GO!) Grimes

• Cars for Neighbors: www.carsforneighbors.org (Go here to Donate or find the Application for car repair assistance in Anoka County)

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gm7yQ86Co/
• Mary Kay www.marykay.com/jeanniegogrimes
• Proud member of the LEAD Network Professionals Group https://www.LEADNetwork.Pro
• Ham Lake Chamber
• Metro North Chamber

Kristin's contact:

• https://www.Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1
• https://www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Becoming the Leader I Needed: Lessons in Growth, Influence & Human-Centered Leadership

Description: In this episode of the Savvy Living Network, Kristin Gallatin—Real Estate Broker/Owner, corporate trainer, long-time operations leader, entrepreneur, and creator of the Savvy Living Network—shares the pivotal moment she realized nothing was stopping her from becoming anything she wanted to be.

Kristin tells the story of standing in a corporate training room, finally recognizing that her superiors weren't "special," and that she was fully capable of doing their job—if she chose to. That realization sparked her transformation from a self-doubting employee into an influential, people-first leader.

She also reveals the leadership philosophies that shaped her career, including her core belief:

"Appreciate people for exactly who they are and what they have to offer. Nothing more, nothing less."

Kristin's mission became clear: To inspire her team to want to work—and to work for her—because they cared, respected her, and didn't want to disappoint her.

This episode also includes the powerful moment of encouragement she received after a major promotion, when a former manager said: "Our company just got a little bit better today."

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or someone striving toward personal growth, this episode will help you rethink the meaning of influence, confidence, humility, and potential.

🌐 Links & Resources

Savvy Living Network Website: https://savvylivingnetwork.com Savvy Living Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/savvylivingnetwork Savvy Living Instagram: https://instagram.com/kristngallatin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1/ Courses, planners, & digital tools: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

LEAD Stories Behind the Business: Justin Persinger, Owner of The Expert Company

In this inspiring edition of the Savvy Leader Podcast: Stories Behind the Business, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with LEAD Network Professionals member Justin Persinger, owner of The Expert Company. Justin shares his candid journey from mechanics and finished carpentry to pioneering a specialized niche in the roofing industry: premium steel roofing. Driven by a passion for detail (01:16) and a commitment to sustainability, Justin aims to reduce the estimated 20-26 billion pounds of asphalt shingles filling US landfills annually (01:50).

Justin discusses the challenging realities of starting a business as a transplant (06:07, 20:59), the financial and emotional toll of moving, and navigating the often-slow payoff of storm damage restoration (07:17). He provides valuable insights into the crucial need to communicate the value of lifetime roofing systems versus short-term fixes, especially considering rising insurance costs and deductibles (11:17).

A key focus for the LEAD audience, Justin reveals the strategies he uses to maintain focus and avoid burnout while working demanding hours, including finding community support through business networks (23:39) and adhering to a powerful morning routine focused on exercise, meditation, journaling, and reading (30:29). Finally, Justin lays out his ambitious 3-year goal to shift 90% of his business to premium metal roofing (35:50) and offers essential advice: prioritizing relationships over transactions in business networking (38:46).

Timestamps & Key Discussion Points

00:41 – 01:22 | Introduction to The Expert Company, Justin's background, and the focus on the LEAD Stories Behind the Business series. 01:23 – 02:29 | The Niche: Focusing on premium steel roofing and the driving force to reduce asphalt shingle waste in landfills. 02:30 – 03:25 | From Finished Carpentry to Roofing: How his background in detailed craftsmanship translated to specialized roofing skills. 04:44 – 07:16 | The Unexpected Pivot: Moving to Minnesota, losing a job opportunity, and the accidental segue into storm damage restoration and roofing in 2012. 11:17 – 13:20 | The Value Proposition Challenge: Explaining the Return on Investment (ROI) of a lifetime metal roof compared to asphalt, factoring in rising deductibles. 15:51 – 20:41 | The Stress of Starting Up: The emotional and financial journey of draining savings, juggling roles, and the difficulty of building a business as a non-local transplant. 22:27 – 23:55 | Mental Clarity & Support: The importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and challenge you (Business Networking Groups). 29:56 – 33:19 | Avoiding Burnout: Implementing the structured 5 AM morning routine (exercise, meditation, journaling, reading) to maintain sanity during 80–100-hour workweeks. 35:34 – 37:51 | Future Vision: The 3-year goal to reach 90% metal roofing and the aspiration for a strong, cohesive team (5–8 members) focused on quality over quantity. 38:15 – 41:08 | Advice for Aspiring Leaders: The crucial need to join good professional networking groups early on and planning for increasing overhead costs.

Learn more about the The Expert Co:

website: https://www.theexpertcompany.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-persinger-77b52b4a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theExpertCo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_expert_co/

www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Welcome to a brand new addition to the Savvy Leader Podcast! This is the launch of our special mid-week mini-series: Honor the Journey.

In these shorter, punchier episodes, host Kristin Gallatin opens up the vault on her personal story to reveal the foundational lessons that created her leadership perspective. This week, we go back to the beginnings.

Kristin shares:

• Why her life motto is "Never Say Never," and how this commitment was born from necessity, not choice.
• The overwhelming anxiety of her childhood—including the vivid, 50-year-old "zombie nightmare"—and how that feeling of being a "frustrated guide" became her core strength.
• The unique freedom of the pre-internet 70s/80s, and how early self-reliance became her trademark of blazing new trails.
• The critical decision at age 20 that catapulted her onto the corporate ladder, setting her on a path to mastery.

This is more than a memoir; it's a guide to understanding how your deepest challenges become your greatest assets. Look for the "Honor the Journey" series every week, mid-week!

Welcome to a special segment of My Journey on The Savvy Leader Podcast! 🎧 In this episode, we break the silence and stigma around money, sharing a holistic roadmap that takes you from the relentless earn-pay cycle to true financial control. Host Kristin Gallatin dives into her personal money gauntlet—from being broke to running a multi-million dollar business—to reveal the powerful strategies that finally brought her peace and freedom.

Discover how to reconcile your inner money rebellion and turn hard work into sustainable wealth.

🔑 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• [0:46] My Money Gauntlet: The personal struggles and the silence that kept me trapped in the earn-pay cycle.
• [3:24] The Core Mindset: Reconciling the belief that "My value is not defined by money" with the need for effectiveness.
• [5:20] Your Thoughts Create Your Reality: Why your mind is fertile ground and how to guard your words (Reference: As a Man Thinketh).
• [6:46] The Power of Thinking Big: Why setting small, manageable goals limits your success (Reference: The Magic of Thinking Big).
• [11:46] The Debt Snowball: How this brilliant behavioral hack builds confidence and eliminates debt fast (Reference: Dave Ramsey).
• [13:51] Defining Freedom (CIL): Using the Current Ideal Lifestyle concept to define when you are truly free (Reference: 10x is Easier Than 2x).
• [17:25] The Five Types of Holistic Wealth: Maximizing more than just your bank account.
• [19:25] Your Value Principle: Why your income ceiling is determined by how highly you value your work (Reference: The Psychology of Money).
• [29:40] Maximize Joy, Die With Zero: The ultimate meaning of money and the power of the Memory Dividend (Reference: Die With Zero).

📚 Book References

• As a Man Thinketh
• The Magic of Thinking Big
• Think and Grow Rich
• The Science of Getting Rich
• Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball Method
• 10x is Easier Than 2x
• The Psychology of Money
• Die With Zero

🔗 Connect & Resources

• Learn more about a Savvy Leader Life: https://www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com
• Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.Instgram.com/KristinGallatin
• Join our community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743925124329795

Join Kristin Gallatin as she sits down with Jacquee Adams, owner of Vantage Virtual Services and a dedicated LEAD Network professional. Jacquee specializes in providing administrative, bookkeeping, and advisory services to small-to-midsize businesses.

This episode is a valuable twofer, fitting perfectly into both the Money Series by demystifying small business finances and the Stories Behind the Business Series by exploring Jacquee's unique journey and operational strategy. Jacquee shares why her approach is to meet business owners "mid-chaos," her belief that numbers are naturally simple, and how she maximizes her productivity as a virtual entrepreneur—even thriving at night!

Learn about:

• [01:03] - The "Aha" Moment: Jacquee's journey from a childhood love of numbers to starting Vantage Virtual Services after helping a family business untangle their books.
• [04:04] - Why Numbers Make Sense: The personal story behind her passion for accounting and the fulfillment of bringing chaos to clarity for business owners.
• [06:57] - Her Guiding Principle: No Shame in Messy Books: Jacquee explains her welcoming approach to clients who come to her at their breaking point, assuring them that "nothing is an emergency."
• [10:33] - Why She Chose Main Street Over Wall Street: The reason Jacquee chose to focus on small businesses instead of the traditional CPA or public accounting route—it's about the fulfillment of helping the "smaller guys" succeed.
• [13:08] - From P&L to Prosperity: The three key financial reports every business must analyze (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows) to move from short-term demands to long-term vision, including the importance of job costing for project-based businesses.
• [18:23] - The Virtual Leader's Secret: Systems & Flow: How Jacquee maintains focus and productivity as a solo entrepreneur by relying on systems (like ClickUp and Keeper) and specific weekly rhythms.
• [24:11] - Working with Your Natural Rhythm: Jacquee's honest discussion about her productivity as a "night person" and letting go of the 9-to-5 box.
• [33:52] - The Biggest Compliance Challenge: Key pain points small businesses face today, focusing on the complexity and compliance of adding payroll (including the new paid family leave changes in Minnesota).
• [39:08] - The Future of Financial Advisory: Jacquee's plans to expand offerings with Xero and use AI to pivot from manual data entry to deeper advisory and analytical work.
• [43:29] - Advice for New Business Owners: The number one thing to avoid: overcomplicating your Chart of Accounts—keep it simple!
• [48:48] - Must-Have Tech Tools: A deeper dive into the two crucial software platforms she uses to run her business: ClickUp for task management and Keeper for the client portal.

🔗 Resource Links

Vantage Virtual Services - Bookkeeping & Advisory | www.VantageVS.com

Podcast Host | The Savvy Leader Podcast | www.SavvyLivingNetwork.com LEAD Network | Learn more about the LEAD Network | www.LEADnetwork.Pro Jacquee's Tool 1 | ClickUp (Task Management Software) | https://clickup.com/ Jacquee's Tool 2 | Keeper (Client Portal Software) | https://keeper.app/

In this insightful episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Host Kristin Gallatin sits down with LEAD member Isaac VanLoon, Regional Vice President at Primerica, for a special two-part discussion covering both our "Money Series" and "LEAD Member Stories Behind the Business Series."

Isaac, who has been with Primerica for 23 years, shares his unique journey from a part-time ACT essay scorer to a full-time leader running a business with multiple locations. He dives deep into the non-traditional qualities Primerica seeks in a representative and the surprising personal challenges he had to overcome, including learning how to build strong, empathetic relationships.

This episode is a must-listen for new leaders, entrepreneurs facing variable income, and anyone looking for a simplified, long-term strategy to achieve financial independence. Isaac shares a fresh perspective on what financial success truly requires—and it's simpler than you think.

Key Timestamps & Topics

• 00:01:06 | Isaac's journey from scoring ACT essays to a 23-year career in finance.
• 00:02:22 | Why Primerica focuses on transferable skills and character over academic background.
• 00:04:58 | Isaac's biggest personal roadblock: The surprise of not being "naturally good" at sales and the tough feedback that changed his career.
• 00:06:24 | Dealing with a "resting contemplative face" and learning how to intentionally build welcoming relationships.
• 00:10:39 | How to build authenticity and confidence (even when it's "cringey" to watch yourself on video).
• 00:16:17 | Isaac's philosophy on work-life balance and the destructive cycle of work guilt.
• 00:19:00 | The importance of the Sabbath: Why you must work hard for six days and truly rest on the seventh.
• 00:23:17 | Primerica's unique focus on average, ordinary people—and why they need financial coaching the most.
• 00:25:24 | The difference between a general goal (retirement) and a specific "Financial Independence Number."
• 00:33:52 | Financial strategy for variable income/entrepreneurs: How to triage and ensure you're always "playing offense."
• 00:38:19 | Isaac's system for maximizing big months and ensuring progress during slow months.
• 00:41:15 | The leader's role: Carrying belief for your team until they are strong enough to carry it themselves.
• 00:47:35 | Why it's crucial to be a strategic thinker, not a tactical thinker in finance.
• 00:48:30 | The often-overlooked value of diversifying your income—especially for W-2 employees.
• 00:51:20 | Book Recommendations for Leaders and Salespeople (Donald Miller, Arbinger Institute, etc.).
• 00:53:59 | Isaac's ambitious future goal: Multiplying impact by opening a half-dozen more offices.
• 00:57:38 | The most important lesson: Setting process-oriented goals over result-oriented goals.

Relevant Mentions & Links:

• Isaac VanLoon (Guest): Regional Vice President, Primerica
• • Website: www.primerica.com/IsaacVanLoon
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-vanloon/
• Kristin Gallatin (Host):
  • The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWFo8LeeqUU
  • LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1
• Recommended Reading:
  • Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
  • Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
  • Free Agent Nation by Daniel Pink

Welcome to the start of our new Money Series! We're kicking it off with the brilliant and hard-hustling Molly Nadeau Peterson, a top 1% mortgage broker with Neighborhood Loans and a great friend. Molly is the woman we turn to for all things real estate and finance.

Molly shares the incredible, personal story that ignited her passion for mortgages—a $20,000 lesson learned the hard way (01:50). She explains how that experience turned her into an educator for her clients, dedicated to showing them the powerful tool that is real estate.

In this must-listen episode, we dive into:

• The Power of Coaching: How 15 years under authority with a coach multiplied her income by 10x and transformed every area of her life (01:00-08:00).
• Hustle with Grace: Molly's disciplined approach to work-life integration, including the importance of a scheduled time to "turn it off" (14:10).
• Real Estate as the Bedrock of Wealth: Compelling statistics from the Federal Reserve proving why owning is the ultimate superpower for generational wealth building, especially for young people (16:15).
• The Tax-Free Superpower: Understanding the immense and often overlooked benefit of the $250,000 tax-free gain on a primary residence sale (21:13).
• Market Insight & Strategy: Why buying in a higher-rate, balanced market is a strategic move that saves you time, money, and mental energy (31:55).
• First-Time Buyer Resources: Piles of money and assistance available to help first-generational buyers get into a home for as little as $1,000 (37:50).

Molly is a true savvy leader, balancing her business success with deep faith and a commitment to helping the next generation. Don't miss her powerful closing thoughts on faith and business (42:57).

Connect with Molly Nadeau Peterson: Website: [mollynadeau.com] NMLS #308436 | Neighborhood Loans

Up Next in The Money Series:

• A Personal Financial Planner
• A Business Bookkeeper/Accountant
• Money Mindset with your host, Kristen Gallatin

SavvyLivingNetwork.com

#SavvyLeaderPodcast #MoneySeries #RealEstate #MortgageBroker #GenerationalWealth #BusinessCoach #MollyNadeauPeterson #Leadership #MoneyManagement #FinancialFreedom

The Unveiling: Trading My Shield for My True North

In this deeply honest episode, I share my journey from the "I got it girl" to the woman finally ready to be seen. For decades, I relied on the power of presentation (even changing clothes in the car!) and fierce self-reliance to hide my inner chaos. I break down the crucial difference between professional grit and true emotional courage, exploring how that shield—the one I thought protected me—actually blocked genuine love and connection. I discuss the final barrier: moving past thoughtful gifts to articulate true affection, even when the words feel risky. If you've ever felt the fear of karaoke is stronger than the fear of public speaking, you'll relate. Finally, I share the peace found in God's unconditional love and the powerful "timeline" therapy technique I use to release old pain, allowing me to confidently step into my True North Self. It's time to ask: What's the worst that can happen?

#Vulnerability #TrueNorthSelf #SelfLove #Courage #EmotionalIntelligence #FaithJourney #PersonalGrowth #Healing #Perfectionism #Podcast

SavvyLivingNetwork.com

https://savvylivingblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/from-entrepreneurial-drive-to-spiritual.html