Successfully Unsuccessful

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Dave Barton, a man whose story is a powerful testament to the transformative journey of faith, intentionality, and relentless pursuit of growth. We dive into Dave's background in corporate America, where he's spent over 20 years navigating roles in banking, retail, and healthcare. Dave shares how his career evolved alongside his passion for mentorship, fatherhood, and serving others. His insight into balancing professional success with family priorities and faith-led values offers listeners a blueprint for intentional living.

Dave opens up about key turning points in his life, from pivotal realizations about his health and family to transformative experiences such as the Wild at Heart retreat and a challenging seven-day fast. These moments led him to embrace his identity as a leader and servant, both at home and in his community. He talks about overcoming the lies he believed about himself, fostering vulnerability, and finding his true purpose in serving others. His reflections on the importance of consistency, whether as a father, husband, or corporate leader, inspire us to pursue our full potential for the glory of God.

We also explore the theme of capability—how stepping into discomfort unlocks untapped potential. From physical feats like triathlons to spiritual and mental growth, Dave encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and serve others better. Whether you're a leader in the workplace, a parent at home, or someone searching for meaning, this conversation reminds us that intentionality and faith are key to building a life of purpose and impact.

In this heartfelt episode of *Successfully Unsuccessful*, I sit down with my mentor and friend, Ric Olson, a man whose journey through leadership, faith, and resilience has profoundly shaped my own. Ric shares his incredible story, starting with his transformation from a reluctant CPA to a nationally influential leader in healthcare and non-profits. He opens up about the pivotal role faith played in navigating life’s trials, including his marriage, career setbacks, and personal challenges. His candor about finding purpose and balance in his life through trust in God and pouring into others is nothing short of inspiring.

We explore the wisdom Ric has accumulated over his 75 years, discussing the concept of "No Margin, No Mission," which has been a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. Ric emphasizes the importance of creating space in life for what truly matters—faith, family, and mentoring others. He recounts how moments of failure became opportunities for growth and how his vulnerability allowed him to become a leader who uplifts and empowers others. Whether it’s finding clarity in the chaos of work or building meaningful relationships, Ric’s insights offer timeless lessons for any listener.

This conversation is rich with stories of impact, resilience, and legacy—from Ric’s childhood influences, shaped by two very different but equally inspiring grandfathers, to his transformative experiences in leadership and ministry. Whether you're a leader, parent, or simply someone seeking encouragement in your faith journey, Ric’s testimony is a powerful reminder that God’s plan is greater than our fears and failures. Don’t miss this uplifting and insightful episode! 

In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sit down with Rashad Kennedy, a client, entrepreneur, and friend who has transformed his passion for improvement into a thriving real estate and construction business. From his beginnings as a collegiate wrestler to becoming a multi-faceted real estate developer, Rashad shares his journey of faith, growth, and the power of relentless determination. We dive into how his identity in God grounds him, his passion for taking on challenging projects, and how his relentless drive has led to scaling Kennedy Property Development into a powerhouse of innovation and efficiency.

Rashad opens up about his process of learning and scaling in real estate, from starting with single flips to tackling multi-unit projects, including a 16-townhouse development and converting a church into apartments. He shares valuable insights into the importance of team building, delegation, and fostering relationships that last. His approach to construction as a spiritual and creative endeavor is a testament to how faith and craftsmanship intertwine, and he offers practical advice on scaling without losing sight of your purpose.

We also discuss the personal challenges that come with growth—balancing faith, family, and business while maintaining integrity. Rashad’s discipline of starting his mornings with prayer, scripture, and exercise sets the tone for his day. He shares how he’s creating opportunities for others, emphasizing the responsibility to steward success in a way that uplifts his team and community. Rashad’s story is an inspiring reminder that with faith, hard work, and a heart for others, anything is possible.

In this episode of “Successfully Unsuccessful”. I sat down with my good friend, Jordan Olmscheid, who has carved out a unique path as a solopreneur in the cleaning industry. Jordan shares his journey from teaching to managing a window cleaning business, initially started as a side income. Through trial and error, hard work, and a spirit of adaptability, he found his niche in the commercial cleaning space. We delve into the realities of wearing many hats as a solopreneur and the importance of setting up a stable, consistent business model that aligns with his conservative nature.

Jordan opens up about a pivotal mentorship he received from an established business owner who taught him invaluable lessons on growth, scalability, and maintaining balance. Despite initially aspiring to grow a large business, he realized the importance of prioritizing his family and mental clarity over potential business expansion. This decision led him to redefine his goals, focusing on manageable growth that allowed him to maintain autonomy without overwhelming responsibilities. Jordan’s reflections highlight the significance of balancing ambition with personal priorities.

In the latter part of our conversation, we discuss the spiritual and mental freedom Jordan finds in his work, particularly his ability to nourish his faith while on the job. Listening to podcasts like the “BEMA Podcast”, he uses his workday as a time for personal growth and reflection. We talk about the deep, ongoing challenges of aligning one's life with spiritual values, navigating the tensions between financial security and faith, and keeping focused on what truly matters. This episode is a testament to redefining success to match personal values, family commitments, and spiritual well-being.

In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Jake Stank, diving into his journey through banking, faith, and leadership. Jake shared how his return to the banking world revealed a renewed perspective on purpose, shifting his fulfillment from the technical aspects of finance to the profound impact he has on his team and peers. We discussed how his passion for seeing "the light bulb" come on for others in the workplace mirrors the joy of fostering growth in people—a core part of why he does what he does. His experiences highlighted the significance of relational health and the value of helping others reach new heights, both in the corporate world and within his faith community.

Jake also opened up about the contrasting experiences he encountered between his banking role and his volunteer work within the church. The difference in his sense of purpose and fulfillment became evident when he realized that, despite the structured environment of banking, it was his passion and positive attitude in a church setting that brought him the greatest joy and success. This conversation underscored the importance of aligning one’s work with a deeper purpose, showcasing Jake's journey to redefine success beyond financial metrics and instead focusing on relational and spiritual fulfillment.

Throughout our conversation, we explored the concept of success and how it evolves over time. Jake shared his thoughts on redefining success in various life stages, emphasizing how true peace and fulfillment stem from contributing positively to others' lives. His reflections on maturity, stewardship, and balance serve as an inspiring reminder of the rewards found in living a purpose-driven life. Our dialogue offered a compelling look at stewardpreneurship and the transformative power of a faith-centered approach to work and life.

In this episode of “Successfully Unsuccessful”, I sit down with Kevin Johnson, a long-time tech lead and entrepreneur at heart. We start by reminiscing about how our connection began at a recent event where Christian entrepreneurs gathered, highlighting the power of community and shared passions. Kevin shares his background as a tech lead, discussing his journey in building world-class software applications for major corporations. Our conversation uncovers the importance of creativity in both music and entrepreneurship, showing how these seemingly different fields have deep connections in their need for passion and innovation.

As we dive deeper, Kevin opens up about the pressures and rewards of working in corporate environments. He reflects on the struggles of balancing work, family, and faith, and how burnout in high-stakes jobs, like his work at a hedge fund, took a toll on his personal life. We talk about the slow fade that happens when we lose sight of our true identity, becoming defined by metrics and performance. Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to stay grounded in our faith, guarding our hearts and making sure we are honoring God with our time, even when the demands of work are overwhelming.

Toward the end of our conversation, Kevin shares his new passion project: an AI-driven app designed to provide daily motivational prompts based on Christian principles. Inspired by his own experience with burnout and renewal, this app aims to offer ongoing encouragement and mindset shifts through short, daily messages. Kevin is stepping into this next season with both faith and boldness, seeking to make a broader impact by combining his technical skills with his heart for helping others live more intentional, faith-filled lives. This episode is a testament to the power of risk-taking, faith, and trusting God's timing as we pursue our calling.

For this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with Pete Tavernier, a man whose journey has taken him from building a successful auto repair business to following God’s calling all the way to Haiti. Pete's story is one of faith, perseverance, and finding purpose in places and moments where others might see only uncertainty. He shared how a mission trip turned into a life-changing experience that led him to close his business in the U.S. and dedicate himself to ministry in Haiti. It’s a reminder of how God’s plans often disrupt our own, but always lead us toward growth and deeper faith.

Pete also talked about the concept of using his business as an “economic engine” to fuel ministry work, a philosophy that deeply resonates with me. His journey of stewardship and purpose extends beyond profit as he uses his resources to help others, whether it’s through his thriving auto shops or his nonprofit work. This episode highlights the delicate balance of being a husband, father, business owner, and man of faith, and how Pete navigates these roles with a heart for service.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the importance of surrendering control, especially when facing trials. Pete’s transparency about the highs and lows of following God’s calling will encourage anyone seeking purpose and alignment in their life. He exemplifies what it means to steward the gifts we’ve been given—whether it’s a business, a family, or a calling—and trust that even when doors close, God is always preparing us for what’s next.

In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with Kyle Miller, a dynamic entrepreneur with a background in construction, sales, and leadership. Kyle shared his journey from working in his father's remodeling business to becoming a successful leader in the construction industry. We discussed his early career experiences, including how skepticism about traditional education led him to find success in the trades, eventually landing a pivotal sales role at a startup manufacturing company. Kyle's early hustle laid the foundation for his eventual leadership roles and decision to branch out into a business of his own.

One key theme of our conversation was the power of faith and resilience in navigating career transitions. Kyle opened up about his recent career pivot, sharing how he moved from a leadership position at a prominent construction company to starting his own business, focusing on HOA construction. His story highlights the importance of listening to God’s call, even when it means leaving the security of a long-standing career. Kyle emphasized how his relationship with God helped him face the challenges of striking out on his own, trusting that each step was part of a bigger plan.

Throughout our discussion, we also explored personal growth and the role of humility and reflection in both life and business. Kyle’s story is a testament to how faith, hard work, and community support can guide entrepreneurs through uncertain times. Whether you're in a transitional season or looking to strengthen your leadership approach, Kyle's insights offer inspiration and practical advice on how to align your career with your values and purpose.

In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I had the pleasure of welcoming Jason Paris, founder and partner of Aleph Holdings, to our studio. Our conversation began with a look at Jason's entrepreneurial journey, which started with Paris Painting. Jason shared how his company evolved into a holdings company focused on transforming trade businesses, specifically house painting companies, into scalable assets. His journey from painting houses in college to creating a business model that supports and grows other painting companies is a testament to his strategic vision and passion for helping others achieve freedom through business ownership.

Jason's story resonated with me deeply, especially as we discussed the balance between business success and personal fulfillment. We delved into the importance of setting goals and having systems in place to understand and achieve one's dreams. Jason's approach to life planning and his use of intentional structures to manage his time and priorities highlighted the significance of disciplined living. His commitment to reviewing his purpose and intentions daily is a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial gain but also about personal growth, family, and spiritual alignment.

One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was Jason's insight into stewardship and the intentional design of life. We explored the concept of stewardpreneurship, emphasizing that true success involves being a good steward of one's talents, time, and resources. Jason's approach to life, from his disciplined planning to his focus on building assets that can operate independently, serves as an inspiring example of how to balance business, family, and personal well-being. His journey reminds us that success is a continuous progression, marked by intentionality and a commitment to serving a higher purpose.

In this episode of "Successfully Unsuccessful," I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jadde Rowe, a dynamic young real estate professional who has navigated the complexities of faith, business, and personal growth. Jade shared his journey from corporate America to the thriving real estate market, emphasizing the significance of taking risks and following one's passion. His story is a testament to the power of faith and determination, showcasing how he transitioned from managing rental properties to becoming a successful real estate agent.

Jade's insights into the balance between professional ambition and personal faith were particularly enlightening. He discussed the challenges of staying true to his beliefs while navigating a competitive industry, and how his faith has been a guiding force in his career decisions. Jade's commitment to continuous personal and spiritual growth, even in the face of societal pressures and temptations, serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to integrate their faith into their professional lives.

Throughout our conversation, Jade highlighted the importance of community and accountability, both in his personal life and professional journey. His story of finding a supportive men's Bible study group and leveraging accountability partners in his business endeavors underscores the value of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and guidance. Jade's experiences remind us that success is not just about financial achievements, but also about growing in faith, character, and relationships.