In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Matt Rudig, founder and director of sales and operations at Platinum Decking, a construction firm that builds custom composite decks, pergolas and other outdoor living spaces. Matt is also one of the most successful interns to pass through the College Works Internship program. The best part is he's been able to accomplish all this before he turned 30.

You'll learn how Matt became one of the top district managers in College Works history and why he left the company.

You'll discover what Matt's role as director of sales and operations entails and how to achieve success in a management or leadership position.

You'll learn how Matt has been able to help build Platinum Decking into a thriving business in only a few years.

You'll learn how to leverage your strengths in the most productive way.

Join us for this inspiring and eye-opening discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You'll Learn in this Show:

• The skillsets you need to have if you want to become a director of sales, a director of operations or a similar role.

Resources:

Matt Rudig LinkedIn 

Platinum Decking

College Works Internship

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Brian Forbath, an ultra-successful attorney and President of Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, a law firm based in Newport Beach.

Brian comes from a family of high achievers, so being the last born of seven kids, the pressure to succeed was on from day one. Instead of caving in to the pressure, Brian built a stellar work ethic from high school all through into his adult life.

You'll learn about Brian's life in college, how he made money and afforded to travel to Europe and South America.

You'll learn how Brian landed his first job and was able to quickly find his place at the law firm.

You'll discover why Brian only hires "entrepreneurial lawyers" and why you are first a business person and a lawyer second.

You'll discover the different fantastic projects Brian is currently working on at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• Essential skills you need to be a lawyer and Brian's advice for people who want to get into law school.

Resources:

DISC Test Podcast Episode

Brian Forbath LinkedIn

Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Breanna Kaufman, a martial arts expert and professional sales executive bringing in millions in business for her construction company. 

Breanna had a strong drive for forging quality relationships and learning martial arts from a young age. Her commitment towards nurturing these two skills has shaped who's she has become as an adult in her twenties and fueled her numerous achievements. 

You'll learn about Breanna's journey in martial arts, earning her black belt, running a karate school and competing in mixed martial arts.

You'll discover why a tough upbringing should never be a reason not to work hard and go after your dreams.

You'll learn how Breanna was able to juggle being a full-time college student, martial arts and College Works internship.

You'll learn how Breanna got into a professional sales career in a startup and helped it grow into a very successful construction company.

Join Matt and Breanna for this awe-inspiring and illuminating discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• The different reasons why you have to build quality relationships.

Resources:

Breanna Kaufman Instagram

Platinum Decking

College Works Internship

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Chris Krause, the founder and CEO of NCSA Athletic Recruiting, which has helped over 100,000 student-athletes receive over $8 billion in scholarships.

You'll learn how Chris maneuvered through the college recruiting process and landed a scholarship to Vanderbilt University. 

You'll discover the pivotal moment in Chris' life when he realized he wasn't cut out to be an NFL player even though that was his lifelong dream.

You'll discover how Chris built a 100M+ revenue company and positively impacted countless student-athletes along the way.

Join Matt and Chris for this inspiring discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You'll Learn in this Show:

• The incredible power of mentorship, especially for young people.

Resources:

NCSA Athletic Recruiting

Chris Krause LinkedIn

Athletes Wanted Book

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Adam Arnold, Senior Account Executive for enterprise sales at Searchmetrics. 

In high school, Arnold was a jack of all trades engaging in multiple sports, acing his schoolwork while working at the same time. He’s carried this mentality of high achievement into his adult life and this has helped him build a fast-rising career in the tech startup world.

You’ll discover how Adam pivoted when he realized he was no longer interested in his initial college major.

You’ll learn how Adam developed his EQ and business skills and how this has had a profound impact on his life and career.

You’ll discover what Adam’s job at Search Metrics entails and the lessons he’s learned working in enterprise sales and management.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• Adam’s career path from college to the present day.

Resources:

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship.

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Adam Arnold LinkedIn

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Ehsan Gharatappeh, CEO of CellPoint Corporation. Ehsan is a highly successful serial entrepreneur, investor and executive leader in the mobile device industry.

After high school, Ehsan didn't join college or get a job. Instead, he spent the next couple of years burning through his college financial aid until a pivotal moment when he realized he was on a straight path to becoming a failure in life. This was his turning point and formed the foundation of how he defines excellence—leaving it all out there every day.

You'll discover the unconventional path Ehsan took to kick off a career in technology without a college degree or any professional skills.

You'll learn how Ehsan navigated his business through a tough time after losing a $40 million contract.

You'll learn how to leverage your passions, personality and God-given talents to move forward in life and business.

You'll discover what Ehsan believes to be some of the most impactful decisions he's made in his life.

Join Matt and Ehsan for this value-packed and awe-inspiring discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You'll Learn in this Show:

• What do you do when you realize you aren't where you want to be in life? 
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• Why your business and core values need to be aligned.
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• Ehsan's number one advice on getting ahead in life and accomplishing your goals faster.
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• What aspect of his business Ehsan enjoys the most, and how you can find more joy and fulfillment in your own life.
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• Why being smart is only a piece of the puzzle. 
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• And so much more…
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Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Cell Point Corp

Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

To learn more: College Works 

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Max Alesi, owner of Home Genius Exteriors, a thriving roof replacement and home improvement company. Max is also an investor and serial entrepreneur who's started different companies, from house flipping to a freight truck business.

You'll learn how Max's competitiveness in sports plus his parents' encouragement to work harder in school shaped who he is today.

You'll learn how Max discovered his path in life and became an entrepreneur with all sorts of successful business ventures.

You'll discover why having a dream or end in mind is not enough and what it actually takes to make a difference or have an impact in life.

You'll learn why it is so important to have mentors and gain access to quality information early on.YY

Join Matt and Max for this thought-provoking discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You'll Learn in this Show:

• The key differences between people who win in life and everyone else.

Resources:

DISC Assessments Podcast Episode

Home Genius Exteriors

Max Alesi LinkedIn

Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

To learn more: College Works 

In today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Michael Yates, Senior Director of Innovations and Agricultural Strategy at Walmart.

At the age of 15, Michael got his first job as a prep cook and went on to work throughout his high school years. He believes this was crucial in developing the strong work ethic he has today.

After high school, he enrolled at the University of Missouri, where he quickly concluded that a career in Journalism wasn’t the path for him.  To help figure out what he was passionate about, he started a small business under the College Works program. 

This turned out to be the perfect opportunity to build his confidence as well as develop a broad set of business and soft skills.

Over time, he was also promoted to district manager at College Works. Since then, Michael has had an exciting career path in sales and business development, working in different countries. He worked at a chemical company, then moved to a construction company and afterward jumped into the renewable energy industry.

As LED technology started being implemented in indoor cultivation, it was a natural transition into the agriculture technology field, and that’s how he ended up working at Walmart!

Join Matt and Michael in this eye-opening discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• Michael’s unique definition of excellence and what his role as a Senior Director at Walmart is all about.

Resources:

Edge Of Excellence Is Brought To You By College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

To learn more: College Works 

On today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, we chat with Marc Bishara, a man who has achieved a dream shared by many: he lives off his investments, spends his time managing nothing but his investments.

Marc's parents were immigrants, and as such they relied heavily on their network when they arrived in this country. They imparted that same sense of community and support onto their son. This has led to his belief in the power of surrounding yourself with the right people to create true excellence.

You'll learn how one shifts from college, to landing a rewarding and lucrative job, and then to managing your personal investments.

You'll discover the importance of seeking balanced growth in all aspects of your life. 

You'll learn the path to personal wealth, which includes hard work, reinvesting with balance, learning to love work, and harnessing the power of relationships.

You'll also discover Marc's investment process and strategy and why he believes the right people can make all the difference.

Join Matt and Marc for this inspiring and illuminating discussion.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• How to go from college to a cool job, and then to managing your personal investments.

Resources:

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.

Learn more at College Works

On today’s episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt shares his advice on using all the information at your disposal to help you determine your future career path.

Everyday we're inundated with information. Newspapers, the internet, our friends and families, podcasts like this one - the sheer amount of knowledge we have access to is staggering. 

And yet, when many young people sit down to decide what they want to do for their careers, they feel as if they're starting from nothing, when in reality, they're surrounded by valuable tools to help them make the right decision.

You'll learn how podcasts like this one can help you narrow down your career choices, and why your college major does not equal a job.

You'll discover how an hour a day researching on the internet can help you identify things you love to do and things that could turn into career choices.

You'll learn how you can build and use your network to gain first-hand knowledge of various careers.

You'll also discover why the simple acts of reading, watching and listening are vital tools for setting goals and building the career/life you want.

You don't want to miss this!

What You Will Learn in this Show:

• How to use this podcast as a tool to help you narrow down your career, and why your college major does not equal a job.

Resources:

Edge of Excellence is Brought to you by College Works Painting Internship

College Works Paintings provides college and university students a unique, life-transforming opportunity to build business management and leadership skills, hands-on. The internship empowers students to run their own local businesses, manage their own crew of people, and provide a much-needed service within their communities - while earning money as well as an invaluable experience.

Their internship allows students to not only gain valuable work experience but to help finance their college educations as well. The company is known for having some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry.