CARTELS, JAIL AND SECOND CHANCES

From schoolyard bullying to Hollywood afterparties, drug raids, and rebuilding life through entrepreneurship — this is the raw, unfiltered story of Kris Kraze.

In this episode of The Code to Winning, Kris sits down with KG to share a rollercoaster journey that began with spinning Britney Spears at backyard parties and led to six-figure months, FBI and DEA raids, IRS audits, and ultimately, redemption.

🔑 We dive into: His start as an outcast searching for importance DJing school dances and networking his way into elite Hollywood circles Making $100k/month and the dark line between hustle and destruction How importing from China led to massive success and a 3-year IRS audit Why modifying products in the U.S. gave him a competitive edge Founders Field Day – his movement to empower scrappy entrepreneurs The ethical tension between low-cost Chinese manufacturing vs. U.S. labor Lessons on setbacks, resilience, and rewriting your story 🔥

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, creative, or someone who's ever hit rock bottom, this episode will move you. It’s a testament to second chances, the hustle to stand out, and the grind it takes to rise from the ashes.

BORN IN PAKISTAN- MADE IN AMERICA The story of Dr Turab 

In this episode of The Code to Winning, we sit down with Turab—a dentist, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—who embodies what it means to turn pain into purpose and ambition into service.

Born in Pakistan, Turab's early life was shaped by the harsh realities of a corrupt system. His mother, determined to give her children a shot at an honest life, moved the family to the U.S.—a decision that changed everything.

From there, Turab began forging his identity through relentless reading, introspection, and a hunger to prove himself in the world of dentistry and beyond. Now running a dental practice alongside his mother, Turab shares how building within a family business gave him more than income—it gave him a mission.

Still practicing six days a week while juggling his ventures and investments, Turab is living proof that dedication and vision can coexist.

In this episode, he drops profound insights on:

* Why working in a family business is underrated *The power of building your skills in a “safe” environment

*What reading philosophy taught him about leadership and life

*Why young people should take risks early, fail often, and invest in their personal brand Whether you're in your 20s trying to find direction, or already grinding and ready to level up, Turab’s journey from chaos to clarity will push you to re-evaluate your own path.

(THIS WAS THE FIRST EVER EPISODE RECORED, WE FINALLY RETRIEVED IT)

“If you married to the process you will win if you married to result you may or may not win”

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ashton Buswell—a father, entrepreneur, mentor, and man of deep conviction—whose life story is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the belief that every person has untapped greatness within them.

From the early days of struggling with direction to becoming a force for good in business, sales and personal development. Ashton grew up in a family of 8 kids , and moving with his family multiple times as a kid, born Colorado, raised in Kansas , moved to Montana then moved to Utah all when was a sophomore in high school, always knowing the feeling of being left out and has made it one of his missions to ensure people aren’t left out.

Started D2D in 2005 among the emeritus and more established people in this sales D2D industry and many consider one of the best (GOAT) door-to-door sales rep not only for his sales, revenue and records but teams he's built, people he trained and ‘legacy’ he’s left. Hence the title of the video. The best version of yourself his strive in not only fulfilling that but helping others do the same.

Ashton shares raw, unfiltered insights into the journey of discovering one’s purpose. He opens up about the moments that shaped him, the mindset shifts that helped him grow, and the values he holds onto in an increasingly chaotic world. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or trying to figure out who you are and why you’re here—this conversation is a wake-up call to stop settling and start becoming.

Ashton reminds us that true success isn’t just about money or recognition—it’s about impact, legacy, and becoming the person you were born to be. This is more than a podcast episode. It’s a blueprint for transformation.

FROM VODKA TO VICTORY 

In this powerful, deeply human and short episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Lada Popova — a Russian entrepreneur, influencer, and mentor who turned her pain into purpose. Lada’s journey began in a cold, emotionally distant environment where affection and validation were hard to come by. Growing up in a home where love was rarely expressed, she yearned for attention and connection.

That void led her down a dark path. In her teenage years, she began drinking heavily — not for pleasure, but in a desperate attempt to feel seen by her parents. What started as a cry for love quickly spiraled into addiction, misery, and deep emotional pain. But Lada’s story didn’t end there. When the world shut down during COVID-19, she found herself at a crossroads. Isolated and introspective, she made a bold decision that would change her life forever — she launched a social media account.

Not for fame or followers, but to create the kind of meaningful change she never found for herself. Her raw, vulnerable content began to resonate. Her videos spread. Her voice reached people who felt just like she once had — invisible, broken, and longing for more. As her platform grew, so did her purpose. Lada leaned into the impact she was making and embraced a new mission: to empower others to reclaim their voice, build their own brand, and transform their lives. That mission brought her all the way to America — a land of new beginnings.

Today, Lada Popova is one of the most influential Russian voices on social media. She has helped over 5,000 students and rising entrepreneurs discover their message, build their brand, and find freedom through content creation. This episode is a tribute to transformation. It’s about how deep wounds can become powerful weapons for change — and how one woman turned suffering into strength, and silence into a movement.

BEING A VICTOR NOT A VICTIM - EPISODE 024

Ben Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people!

In the past 6 years, Ben has flipped nearly 200 properties and compiled a Rental portfolio of almost 100 multi family rentals and multiple storage unit complexes.  Ben and his wife, LaCol, are proud parents of 3 beautiful adopted kids which are 4 yrs old and under. Ben believes the real way to become truly wealthy is to travel and experience culture and it’s people.  If you can connect with mankind, you will have a rich life.

After 10 years of marriage, Ben and his wonderful wife, LaCol, tried over and over to raise a family of their own without success.  Eventually they went the IVF route (4 unsuccessful rounds) and then adoption. After two failed adoptions, they finally got the opportunity to start their family. Watch the incredible heart wrenching story of how, through perseverance and an unbreakable mindset, Ben and LaCol were able to start the family of their dreams.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USA AIRFORCE VETEREN - EPISODE 023

On this episode of The Code To Winning, we sit down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Richard "Rick" Copp, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran whose military career spans over two decades of elite service and leadership across the globe. From repairing F-111s in the early days of his career to overseeing production for some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets—including the F-15, F-16, and working with the prestigious USAF Thunderbirds—Chief Ricks’s journey is a masterclass in precision, discipline, and resilience.

He capped his 24-year service as the Chief of Quality Assurance for the 57th Wing, leaving behind a powerful legacy of excellence and mentorship. After retiring from the military in 1997, Chief Copp continued to shape the aerospace industry through senior roles at The Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin, where he contributed to critical programs including the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and C-5M Super Galaxy—pioneering engineering, quality control, and training solutions at the highest level. Today, he’s far from slowing down. Richard serves as a volunteer docent at the Hill Aerospace Museum, preserving aviation history and inspiring future generations, while also giving back as a Teacher’s Aide at the Utah Military Academy.

In this powerful interview, we explore:

Whether you're a veteran, a leader in any field, or someone looking for the blueprint to resilience and service-driven success—this conversation will stay with you

FINANCIAL FREEDOM THROUGH REAL ESTATE- EPISODE 022

Tiffany Rosenbaum is a motivational speaker, business strategist, real estate investor, consultant, and podcast host with nearly two decades of experience in property management, real estate, and business leadership. With a background in psychology and an unshakable belief in the power of mindset, Tiffany has built and scaled multiple multi-million-dollar businesses—all while helping entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers unlock their full potential.

But her story didn’t start with success. Tiffany and her husband were once a young, broke, newly married couple, living in Utah with a 3-month-old baby and barely making ends meet. With no clear path forward, they took a huge risk—moving to Arizona on nothing but faith, grit, and ambition. During the peak of the financial crisis, while most people were running away from real estate, Tiffany’s father gave her the bold advice to jump into the market and bet on herself.

It wasn’t easy. Tiffany was rejected by nine banks before finally securing her first loan of just $63,000—an opportunity that would change the course of her life. That small loan turned into a real estate empire, proving that with leadership, resilience, and the right mindset, anything is possible.

In this powerful episode, we unpack her full story—the struggles, the breakthroughs, the strategies behind her real estate success, and the lessons in leadership she’s learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an investor looking for your next move, or someone trying to find the courage to take a risk, Tiffany’s story will inspire you to take action and rewrite your own.

LINK BETWEEN PEAK FITNESS & PEAK PERFORMANCE- EPISODE 021

In this high-energy episode of The Code to Winning, we sit down with Kelvin Tata, Founder & CEO of Knock Fit University, to unpack his incredible journey from chasing the American Dream to becoming the #1 fitness coach for sales professionals.

Born in Cameroon, Kelvin moved to the USA as his mother pursued a career in nursing. Determined to carve his own path, he embraced the grind, graduating college but quickly realizing that the 9-5 life wasn’t for him. Instead, he jumped into door-to-door sales, where he built resilience, discipline, and a relentless work ethic—skills that later became the foundation of his success.

After crushing it in sales, Kelvin transitioned into the fitness industry, starting as a personal trainer before launching Knock Fit University—a game-changing platform designed to help sales pros get in shape, level up their energy, and increase their income using his signature F2S Method

Inside this episode, we dive into:

✅ Kelvin’s transition from door-to-door sales to fitness entrepreneurship

✅ How he built a thriving coaching business from scratch

✅ The F2S Method—why fitness & sales success go hand in hand

✅ Why sales pros need peak physical performance to maximize earnings

✅ The mindset, discipline, and habits behind high-performance entrepreneurs

✅ Kelvin’s definition of winning and how to build a life of health, wealth, and success

This episode is a must-listen for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to optimize their performance—because when you take care of your body, your business thrives.

Founder & CEO of $3 Billion dollar Real Estate Empire-  Episode 020

In this profound and inspiring episode of The Code to Winning, we sit down with Todd Conklin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties and Coldwell Banker Commercial Prime Properties, a $3 billion real estate empire that has redefined the landscape of wealth-building through real estate.

Todd’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—rising from a life of instability and hardship to becoming one of the most influential figures in the real estate industry. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life.

Raised by a single mother who had been married four times by the time he was 16, Todd grew up in a household filled with chaos and uncertainty—moving over 12 times as a teenager and constantly seeking the stability he never had. The lack of consistency could have broken him, but instead, it became the foundation of his grit, adaptability, and relentless drive that would later shape his business empire.

By high school, Todd found himself in and out of rehab, with no clear path to success. Without the opportunity to attend college, he turned to sales and traveling the country, knocking doors, and learning firsthand the power of communication, persistence, and human connection. Those early experiences not only helped him make life-changing money but planted the seeds of entrepreneurship that would define his future.

In 2002, Todd founded his real estate company, which has since scaled into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse with investments spanning across 90% residential and 10% commercial properties. But Todd’s mission goes far beyond building wealth for himself—his true passion lies in helping others acquire wealth through real estate, empowering individuals to transform their lives and break free from financial limitations.

Today, Todd is one of the fastest-growing sales trainers in the real estate space, sharing his knowledge and blueprint with agents and entrepreneurs looking to level up and take control of their financial future. In this episode, we discuss:

✅ Todd’s journey from instability and addiction to building a $3 billion business empire

✅ How sales became his escape route and changed the trajectory of his life ✅ The mindset shifts required to turn pain into purpose

✅ The power of real estate as a wealth-building vehicle

✅ What separates successful salespeople from everyone else

✅ Todd’s passion for helping others create financial freedom through real estate

✅ His definition of winning and how to live a life of abundance

This conversation is one of the most raw, powerful, and transformational episodes we’ve ever had on The Code to Winning. Todd’s story is a reminder that your circumstances do not define your destiny—with the right mindset, work ethic, and belief, anything is possible. Whether you're in real estate, sales, or simply looking to rewrite your story—this episode is packed with life-changing wisdom and practical strategies to help you win in business and life.

THE FUTURE OF MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA - Episode 019

Hayden Merryn Van Hulzen’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the courage to chase success against all odds. As a single mother navigating the challenges of divorce, she found herself at a crossroads—forced to rebuild not just her personal life but her professional identity as well.

Having already made a name for herself in the marketing world, Hayden had a choice: remain in the comfort of her past achievements or take a leap of faith and forge her own path. Choosing the latter, she founded HVH Media & Marketing, a company built on her vision of creating powerful, intentional branding and digital strategies for businesses looking to make an impact.

Her expertise, work ethic, and fearless approach soon put her in rooms with some of the most influential figures in the industry, including Kim Kardashian and other high-profile personalities. She turned every opportunity into a stepping stone, proving that success isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you show up, innovate, and create value.

Now, as a CEO, entrepreneur, and marketing powerhouse, Hayden shares her journey to inspire others, showing that no obstacle is too great when you have the right mindset. Through her content, she dives deep into the CEO mindset, the future of digital marketing, and the ever-changing landscape of social media, giving aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive in a competitive world.

From rebuilding her life to building a thriving business, Hayden Merryn Van Hulzen is proof that reinvention is always possible—and that the best chapters are written by those brave enough to start again.