On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Hannah Perez, co-founder and CMO of SEEQ. Hannah focuses on marketing, sales, partnerships, and the customer experience. Back in her high school days, Hannah was an extremely athletic student, participating in sports such as soccer, basketball, and golf. You will learn about the skills she acquired along the way and how they continue to impact her life. She will talk about what was her main focus when she went to college. You will discover why she changed her education degree to business. She will also delve into the integrated business experience where students get bank loans, develop and sell real products, and then pay back the loan. She will also talk about the startup she founded, Minnesota Comforts. You'll learn what to look for in an internship to make your mark after college, and why she favors startups for college graduates. She'll explain why she decided to work at Social Butterfly instead of continuing to run her startup.

You'll learn about her experience with the shutdown of the Social Butterfly, the arrangements with the previous owner to acquire it for Awake Social, and how she hired her first employee there. She will talk about partnering up with Ben Zaver to launch SEEQ, a clear, crisp and refreshing take on protein. She'll discuss SEEQ's going viral, including a shout-out from Mark Cuban's son, and their journey to Shark Tank. You'll learn more about her weekly operations based on the EOS model inspired by the best-selling book Traction. She'll reveal SEEQ's revenue goals after hitting $1 million between October and July.

Join Matt and Hannah as they dive into a fascinating conversation about how to start a business, following your intuition, and marketing.

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Hannah's definition of excellence and her process for discovering her path.
• All the opportunities and clubs available at college for meeting like-minded people
• How important it is to take care of yourself first.
• How College Works laid the foundation for how she operates as a businesswoman 
• The difference between success and failure
• How to become a marketing leader
• The division of roles between Hannah and Ben 
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Kyle Lindsey, CEO of Platinum Decking. Kyle was the President of College Works for 11 years and did over $170,000 in sales. Quick fact: Wrestling was his favorite sport in high school. He will talk about how wrestling defined excellence for him and how it has influenced him to this day. He will also explain why finishing second was his worst nightmare. You'll learn about his first job and the most important lessons he learned. He'll talk about the "aha" moment that inspired him to join College Works. He'll also tell you why he left his previous job to join College Works, even though he was offered a significant raise. You'll learn how he built a company that focuses on people, and how he still works with his initial employees. He will talk about how he left College Works and how that experience pushed him out of his comfort zone and paved the way for his success.

He will talk about choosing a business that's not in conflict with the previous one, as well as sharing tasks with his business partner Tom Ackmann. You will learn what the biggest challenge in the construction industry was and how it turned out to be an opportunity for the two of them. You'll learn what he likes and dislikes about twenty-something application forms. He'llsgare his employee story, and why it's essential to make the best of a difficult situation. He will offer advice for twenty-somethings who want to succeed.

Join Matt and Kyle as they dive into a fascinating conversation about what it takes to start a business, the steps to take, stepping outside your comfort zone, and making the right sacrifices.

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Kyle's definition of excellence
• Why leaving his former job was the hardest but best decision of his life
• What he took away most from College Works and the impact it had
• How important it is to have a good team.
• Why the retail industry is bouncing back to brick-and-mortar retail
• Some of the most impactful sacrifices he made
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Platinum Decking

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Tanner Halling, senior district manager at College Works Painting, prominent communicator, striving leader, and aspiring entrepreneur. Tanner is a junior at Fort Hays State University who is dedicated and hardworking in search of new opportunities. He’ll talk about growing up in a small town and all his efforts to stand out during high school. He'll also discuss why he felt lost after playing basketball for over 12 years and who he was before joining College Works. You'll learn about his early midlife crisis and how he overcame it. He'll talk about shifting from engineering to entrepreneurship and how College Works inspired him.

You’ll learn about his path to the edge of excellence. This will entail working as a direct, mid-level, and upper-level manager and earning thousands of dollars in sales while still in college. You'll learn how he balances his personal and business lives. He'll explain why he switched to online classes and what he's now doing to differentiate himself. He'll reveal the greatest approach to maintaining a positive mindset and having a productive day. You'll learn about the importance of initially being in tune with yourself so that your other relationships can thrive and the concept of low-hanging fruit. He'll describe how he became in tune with his psyche. You'll learn about Tanner's thoughts on some of his most impactful decisions.

Join Matt and Tanner as they dive into a fascinating conversation about how Tanner is finding his path to excellence, overcoming anxiety, and customizing his life plan.

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Tanner’s definition of excellence
• Why an early mid-life crisis is universal.
• What to do if you’re feeling anxious and scared.
• The importance of having like-minded friends 
• How he maintains focus on his long-term goals.
• The importance of taking care of yourself.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Jacob Abdulmasih, Senior Internet Consultant at iMatrix. Jacob is an executive with extensive experience in business management, sales, and customer service. He has mentored more than 30 executives on implementing growth and customer success strategies for their own organizations. He will talk about who he was before coming to College Works and why it has been a transformative experience for him. You'll also learn how his upbringing in an immigrant family prepared him for success. You'll talk about how kids today are under pressure to be as successful as their parents. You'll learn how he excelled in high school, such as taking AP courses that allowed him to earn an additional minor in information systems. You'll discover why Matt does not connect with College Works employees. 

Jacob will talk about the different experiences he gained when he was a district manager at 18 and a mentor at College Works at 19. You will learn what he struggled with most at College Works and how he applies it to his current job. He'll talk about buying and running his carwash business in college, as well as how he got his job at iMatrix, the leading provider of advanced websites and digital marketing solutions for small to mid-sized health and wellness practices. He shares how he found out he loved sales 

Join Matt and Jacob as they dive into a fascinating conversation about the path to a full-time sales job, unique skills, and the job search.

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Jacob's definition of excellence.
• How important it is to choose a major that aligns with your mindset
• Key lessons Jacob took away from College Works.
• Why you need to know how to run your own business
• How to become a high earning salesperson 
• What Jacob believes to be some of the most important decisions he's made in his life.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Shawn Baldwin, President of Baldwin & Sons, who has an extensive background in residential real estate development and has held various positions of increasing responsibility with the Baldwin Companies. He is a graduate of the College of Southern California. Baldwin & Sons has been in business since 1956. Shawn will talk about his definition of excellence and the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. He will also talk about how to become a real estate investor, land and real estate development, and the many roles in real estate. You will learn how to excel as an entry-level real estate developer. You will understand the difference between vertical and horizontal land development.

He has a land development business, a real estate development business, a construction company, an investment company, and a property management company; he will talk about how he ran all these companies, including his path to becoming president. He will talk about his seven-month trip abroad to find himself and the transformation that experience brought. You will understand how Shawn's father laid the foundation for them to be excellent. You will discover what Shawn considers one of the most momentous decisions he has made in his life.

Join Mat and Shawn for a fascinating conversation about real estate, the legacy of a generation, and mentors.

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Shawn's definition of excellence.
• The importance of impacting future generations of family and friends 
• Everything that makes up the life of a real estate investor 
• About Baldwin & Sons and his goals and ambitions for his business
• Why his beginnings as an assistant superintendent were a great learning experience for him
• His unique perspective on house flipping
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Meet The Team | Baldwin & Sons (baldwinsons.com)

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Nevena Milosevic, Program Manager at Care Continuity. Nevena started off her career out of college working as a healthcare consultant, focusing particularly on the member service experience and advocating on patients' behalf within the healthcare system. After working in a direct member services role, she wanted to shift gears and move in the direction healthcare was moving, working in the field of healthcare technology while still supporting patients and hospitals. Her current company works to bring technology and people together while supporting overwhelmed hospitals and physicians to keep patient care streamlined and satisfactory. 

Nevena will discuss her definition of excellence. You'll understand that once you realize your potential, you can achieve anything that you desire. She will talk about her healthcare consulting profession, including her first job working with Ernst & Young (EY) and Walgreens. You'll discover what it takes to be successful in healthcare consulting regardless of your degree. Most people believe that healthcare is solely clinical; however, in the United States, administration currently accounts for more than 40% of healthcare profit. She will talk about her ambitions to build a career, not a job, and finding her path throughout college. You'll discover where the majority of people gain their career exposure. 

She'll also discuss her College Works experience and the opportunities it provided as one of the year's district managers. You'll learn how College Works functions as a friend screening program. She will also highlight several entry-level consulting roles as well as her day-to-day operations in her management capacity. You'll understand why it's better to start working for a large firm after college rather than a start-up. She'll explain why she was drawn to Care Continuity.

Join Matt and Nevena as they dive into a fascinating conversation about realizing your potential, building relationships in your career, and healthcare consulting. 

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Nevena's definition of excellence.
• The college majors that can lead to a career in health care consulting
• Why has she always been drawn to health and wellness?
• The importance of building relationships in your career
• How she got started in healthcare consulting.
• Nevena's most important takeaways from College Works.
• Nevena's message to herself 
• And so much more...

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Sage Knauft, Partner at Walsworth. Sage Knauft practices in a variety of fields, including business litigation, employment law, environmental law, construction law, general liability, product liability, premises liability, and public entity litigation. Sage will discuss his three concepts of professional excellence: Preparation, Effort, and Reliability. If you adhere to these three principles regardless of your profession, your success will be guaranteed, Sage says. He will also talk about what it means to be successful, such as having a good life-work balance and giving back to the community.

He will share his path to becoming a lawyer while delving into the various types of law. You will learn about the types of cases he deals with on a daily basis. He will disclose the percentage of the cases that are resolved before they go to trial. He will explain why avoiding litigation is his first conversation with every client. You will discover how long it took him to become a partner. He will explain how he started as a profit-sharing partner before becoming a full-equity partner. You will also learn how to develop a specialty. Sage will also go into his decision to join the Orange County Bar Association's Employment Law Section and his efforts to mentor young attorneys.

Join Matt and Sage as they dive into a fascinating conversation about law and the legal profession. 

Enjoy! 

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Sage's definition of excellence.
• The different paths you can take in a legal career 
• The importance of communication and sales skills in the legal profession.
• How you can become a partner in a law firm.
• How to become aware of your potential strengths.
• The importance of having a mentor early in your career.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Sage R. Knauft | Walsworth - WFBM, LLP: https://www.wfbm.com/meet-our-team/sage-r-knauft/

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Owen Getz, Sales and Location Manager at Illinois Grain and Seed and co-owner of ISO Real Estate.

Owen graduated from Purdue College with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology, but soon realized he was not cut out for sitting behind a desk. Instead, he had a genuine passion for helping people face-to-face.

Owen will discuss how he discovered his passion for helping farmers. 

He will also talk about his work experiences, including CollegeWorks, and how they influenced his career path.

You will learn about the 5 F's for a well-balanced life.

He will also talk about how he got into real estate.

Owen will share what he believes was one of the most impactful decisions he's made in his life.

Join Matt and Owen for a fascinating conversation about how to figure out your passion and real estate.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Owen's definition of excellence.
• Why grain storage is one of the best investments a farmer can make for their business.
• How the recent recession has affected the real estate market.
• Owen's biggest takeaway from CollegeWorks and how it influenced his real estate experience.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

3: The Secret Power Behind DISC Assessments The Edge Of Excellence Podcast

Illinois Grain and Seed Equipment | IGSE (igse.ag) | Owen Getz LinkedIn

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Eryk Soltys, a Commercial Credit Analyst at Fifth Third Bank. 

Eryk graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in accounting. His professional experience in various industries is what drives his passion for building relationships.

As he shares his life story, Eryk will discuss how his family dynamics have influenced his values, attitude, and work ethic.

He will also talk about his work as a commercial credit analyst and how he helps businesses grow.

You will learn how Eryk realized that commercial banking was the right fit for him. 

He will differentiate between commercial banking, corporate banking and wealth management.

Eryk will reveal what he believes was the most important decision he's made in his life.

Join Matt and Eryk for a fascinating conversation about commercial banking, Polish history, and commercial banking versus corporate banking.

Enjoy.

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Eryk's definition of excellence.
• How does DePaul University provide opportunities for students to grow?
• Eryk's key takeaways from CollegeWorks and how they have impacted his career.
• What it takes to be a successful entrepreneur.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Eryk Soltys LinkedIn

On today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt chats with Katie Kenny, a real estate broker at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and a former district manager for College Works Painting. Katie is a University of Illinois graduate with a degree in advertising. She has a passion for working with others and helping people solve problems.

Katie will talk about who she was before she joined College Works and the important lessons she learned there.

She will also talk about all the university majors she switched to and why advertising was right fit for her. 

You will learn why gratitude and being present are essential for excellence.

Katie will discuss why she became interested in residential real estate brokerage.

Katie will reveal her biggest struggle during College Works and how it impacted her life. 

Join Matt and Katie as they dive into a fascinating conversation about excellence, figuring out your root desire, and real estate brokerage.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Katie's definition of excellence.
• The importance of being present in the moment. 
•  Katie's biggest takeaways from College Works and the impact it had on her career.
• The difference between a real estate broker and a real estate salesperson.
• Why you should focus on the process and not the outcome.
• And so much more...

Resources:

The Edge of Excellence

Personal Website: https://kkenny.starckre.com

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

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kennyrealestate/