The Kitchen Table

In episode 78 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Dustin Wylie of Viking Financial Group to discuss the ins and outs of the finance industry. Dustin shares his journey into entrepreneurship and sheds light on the dark side of the financial advising world.

Tune in to learn more about the pitfalls to avoid in the financial world and how to protect your hard-earned money.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:29] Entrepreneurial journey into finance.

[00:04:38] Financial advising challenges and growth.

[00:08:36] Unethical practices in finance.

[00:10:33] Scandal in the insurance industry.

[00:13:23] Empowering People to Do Research.

[00:17:42] Life insurance and financial planning.

[00:22:17] Schemiest insurance sales tactics.

[00:24:35] Ponzi scheme in MLMs.

[00:28:12] Life insurance commission pitfalls.

[00:32:24] Growth and Exit Plans.

[00:36:28] Financial space retirement advice.

[00:37:15] Mismanagement of money and taxes.

QUOTES

• "So the only way that you can make more money, as you know, is you can print more of yourself or you can take on more business at a higher ticket. So what I did is I just printed more of myself, hired a couple of people that kind of had the integrity that I had, that if you know anything about financial advising, it is probably,  the slimiest place you could be in the world." - Dustin Wylie
• “A lot of people also don't know if you overfund your policy. So let's say you want to put in $10,000 a month. you can only put in 120 grand a year, that's it. So if you come in and you put 121,000 in, your policy's ruined.” - Dustin Wylie

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Dustin Wylie

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=672855973

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dustinwylievfspg/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 77 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews his little brother, Dustyn Baden, as they discuss a range of topics, from the state of the union and the challenges in the workforce to personal experiences and the importance of staying in shape.

Tune in to discover the humor and insights that come from their unique perspectives on life and work.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:45] State of the Union.

[00:06:29] College expectations and reality.

[00:10:29] Construction world discipline changes.

[00:13:40] Personality in the union world.

[00:16:27] Cashflow challenges in entrepreneurship.

[00:20:15] Life in jail and diet.

[00:23:27] Buying a PlayStation in prison.

[00:27:13] Burrito in jail culture.

[00:32:21] Weight loss journey and struggles.

[00:34:44] Prescription drug misuse consequences.

[00:38:32] Robbing a Hallmark store.

[00:41:36] Behind bars stories and success.

[00:44:03] Lessons learned in jail.

[00:49:38] The state of the union.

[00:54:03] Union jobs and earning potential.

[00:56:14] The state of the union.

[01:00:13] Blue-collar industries and success.

QUOTES

• “Nobody wants to learn to work with their hands. Everybody wants to do something online. Everyone thinks that they're going to be a famous **** TikToker. Social media. You're not most likely out there. Go get a job. Work with your hands. The world needs it.” - Dustyn Baden
• “You don't even have to like the job, but if you do it and you do it well enough, that's fine. That's all anyone can ask you. Just do the job you're asked. You don't have to love it. If you're doing it for the money, do it for the money. If you're doing it for health insurance, do it for the health insurance, but do it, get out there.” - Dustyn Baden
• “And if you're lost in the sauce and don't know what you want to do, man, like that would be something I would strongly consider. You think everybody's just going to magically work with computers and be some influencer or whatever. You can still be an influencer doing that, by the way.” - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 76 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews James Faulkner of PCR Roofing and former army engineer, as they discuss James' transition into a leadership role, the importance of core values in a company, and the value of problem-solving skills learned in the military.

Tune in as they dive into the challenges and successes of managing operations in a fast-paced environment. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:26] Applying army experience to business.

[00:05:30] Combat engineering in the army.

[00:09:27] Problem-solving in the workplace.

[00:16:09] Meeting project timelines early.

[00:17:24] Military skills in business world.

[00:20:25] Supplemental management in roofing industry.

[00:25:41] Learning and adapting to challenges.

[00:27:46] Dealing with adversity logically.

[00:32:38] Seeking Success and Control.

[00:35:00] Core company values and growth.

[00:37:06] Importance of core values.

[00:40:32] Topic suggestion and appreciation.

QUOTES

• "I want to provide value. And hopefully, we say something that's helpful, whether you're a salesperson or a young or old professional, it doesn't matter what age you are professional seeking to better yourself or build the best version of yourself." - Ken Baden
• “At the end of the day, everybody has a goal. You know, we have a goal. We're a business. And I definitely think the biggest thing I pulled over from the army was confidence and problem-solving skills.” - James Faulkner
• “The integrity and the willingness to, to not want to screw people over, whether that's employees, whether that's customers, whether that's anybody, we're not looking to get things done the dirty way we're looking to get things done the right way. And we're good at what we do.” - James Faulkner

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 75 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Justin Smarte, to discuss the ins and outs of building a successful office and the importance of leadership and maintaining a positive attitude.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into growing a business.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:29] Providing value in podcast interviews.

[00:06:38] Building office and providing value.

[00:07:48] Entrepreneurial challenges in solar industry.

[00:11:51] Problematic social media personas.

[00:16:00] Unlikely successful sales team member.

[00:19:48] Finding purpose in work.

[00:22:17] Leading with Atomic Appreciation.

[00:29:14] Finding Inner Peace.

[00:31:40] Qualities of a leader.

[00:33:22] Leadership and showing you care.

[00:39:37] The power within your mind.

[00:41:46] Focusing on gratitude and goals.

QUOTES

• "And I think that's very important because when it comes to leading a team if your team sees or they can sense that you don't care, why would they even care? When you have somebody that would do anything then I truly believe that you can surround yourself with people that would do anything for you." - Justin Smarte
• "I'm sure you're familiar with the law of attraction and, if you can remain positive, you can only attract more positivity into your life. I don't know, it's just I've taken these things very seriously and they've been able to reflect into my life in all aspects." - Justin Smarte
• "I can focus on being the best business I can be for the sake of our people and our customers and just do right by people…  Like that is a by-product of setting goals and doing things the right way." - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Justin Smarte

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.smarte/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-smarte-7bb83b241/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 74 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden opens up about his struggles and mindset shift in the first half of the year. He shares his journey from feeling down to finding gratitude and focusing on what truly matters. 

Tune in to learn more about the importance of perspective, gratitude, and helping others in business and life.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:26] Business focus on insurance roofing.

[00:06:19] Mindset and Financial Decisions.

[00:08:16] Visualizing personal growth through style.

[00:13:03] Overcoming challenges in business.

[00:17:18] Setting high goals for success.

[00:20:55] Belief in a higher power.

[00:25:23] Gratitude and Blessings.

[00:31:53] Pursuing greatness and success.

QUOTES

• “At the end of the day, you can have all the systems and the numbers and the things, but like mindset is so important. For me, having a mindset of abundance is just who I am. You can put plans into place and you can try and control everything.”
• "I just want to have a company where everyone wants to work, everyone feels safe, everyone feels loved and appreciated… A company that's focused on its people. and a company that's focused on its people as its clients."
• "Even if it's not a situation where we end up doing business together, just reach out. If I can help you, and it doesn't take a ton of time or anything crazy like that, guess what? I'm going to help. That's what it's all about. It's helping each other out. It's us lifting each other up and wanting to see each other succeed, man."

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 73 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Tommy Mello as he shares valuable insights on building a successful business, the importance of mentorship, leveraging technology for growth, and the significance of branding. He also emphasizes the role of accountability, knowing your numbers, and setting clear goals for long-term success.

Tune in to a wide range of topics related to business, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:23] Tommy Mello Ventures and TMV.

[00:03:58] Scaling personal brand and business.

[00:09:30] Hire for your weaknesses.

[00:13:51] Self-improvement and fitness journey.

[00:15:41] TRT and Peptides for Health.

[00:20:31] Prioritizing as an entrepreneur.

[00:23:29] Finding the right mentor.

[00:27:46] Technology recommendations for business.

[00:33:02] Importance of branding in business.

[00:36:26] The CFO's role in business.

[00:40:21] Building a business to sell.

[00:43:51] Influencer entrepreneur brand evolution.

[00:47:40] Scaling a business with partners.

[00:52:21] Overcoming homelessness and addiction.

[00:55:34] Overcoming challenges and finding success.

QUOTES

• "I'm not as good as some people, but I'm probably a better networker. But that's my core. That's where I want to be the best at. Everything else I delegate out and hire the right people." - Tommy Mello
• "All you got to do is show up with an open mind, take notes, implement, meet people and change your life forever." - Tommy Mello
• "People overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in five. So get at it. Stay optimistic. Life's gonna throw you lemons sometimes. Make lemonade." - Tommy Mello

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Tommy Mello

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommymello/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

A1 Garage Door Service: https://a1garage.com/

Home Service Expert: https://homeserviceexpert.com/

In episode 72 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Robert, aka Bobby, and Shelly Guehne, a dynamic couple who share their journey of building a successful business together while maintaining a strong relationship. They discuss the importance of intentional communication and compassion in their partnership, as well as the challenges and triumphs they have faced along the way. 

Tune in to learn more about their journey in business and partnership!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:19] Starting a hormone clinic together.

[00:05:05] Weight loss transformation journey.

[00:08:45] Last ditch effort.

[00:10:18] The education behind why we do this.

[00:14:36] Balance and spirituality in life.

[00:18:53] Chasing six figures.

[00:21:00] Taking a leap into trucking.

[00:25:21] Working together as a couple.

[00:30:48] Working together with criticism.

[00:35:58] Building strong relationships.

[00:38:53] Communication and empathy in relationships.

[00:41:18] Maintaining a healthy relationship.

[00:43:25] Empathy and selflessness in relationships.

[00:46:23] Choosing the right partner.

[00:50:26] Business and family dynamics.

[00:52:37] Chasing money leads to setbacks.

[00:56:20] Event scheduling conflicts.

QUOTES

• "When we were trying to look for a purpose, we want to help people. I took this journey a couple of years ago. And the way it's changed my life for the better is almost I can't even measure it. I mean, it's changed so many aspects of my life." - Robert Guehne
• "I needed to be a symbol of it. I can't tell people how to go through this journey and what to expect if I haven't done it myself. I've always been a firm believer in leading the path by example. You lead by showing them how it's done because you did it." - Robert Guehne
• “It's definitely taking the other's criticism, too. You can't just shut that off because this is what I think and this is what I want to do. Like, we don't get to do that. We have to listen to both sides, definitely.” - Shelly Guehne

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Robert Guehne

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlgcustomenclosures.guehne/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thelimitlessvitalitygroup

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

Limitless Vitality: https://thelimitlessvitalitygroup.com/

In episode 71 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Paul Daley, a successful entrepreneur, as they discuss the importance of networking, navigating the business world, and the challenges of building and scaling a business.

Tune in to hear about the entrepreneurial mindset and the value of seizing new possibilities, no matter where they may lead.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:29] Entrepreneurship and multiple businesses.

[00:03:42] Sales beginnings and experiences.

[00:08:01] Networking and seizing opportunities.

[00:11:30] Disappointing encounters with influencers.

[00:14:47] Putting yourself in front of a camera.

[00:16:15] Starting a Six-Figure Sales Rep.

[00:20:08] Challenging year in Midwest.

[00:23:48] Controversy around Christianity.

[00:25:32] Political beliefs and conversations.

[00:29:18] Setting and exceeding financial goals.

[00:33:38] Sales talent and training.

[00:36:02] Government Compliance and Major Companies.

[00:39:23] Success and obsessive behaviors.

[00:41:37] Seeking spiritual transformation through adversity.

[00:45:17] Finding faith through hardship.

[00:50:34] Relationship with Christ

[00:52:45] Finding faith in tough times.

[00:56:23] Surrendering control for inner peace.

[00:59:45] Overcoming arrogance and downfall.

[01:00:39] Character vs. Reputation.

[01:03:42] Business and election preparations.

[01:07:36] Focus on the election.

[01:10:37] Building a Coaching Group.

[01:15:28] Religion and belief systems.

[01:16:41] Gratitude and manifestation in life.

QUOTES

• "I never said no to opportunities that just, even if they didn't make sense, they just felt right." - Paul Daley
• "The reason we aren't as close to Christ is because we don't put ourselves in a place where we need him." - Paul Daley
• "I always say your character is who you are. When people think about you as your character is who you are, your reputation is what people think about you.” - Ken Baden

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Paul Daley

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljdaley/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 70 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Zach Williams as they discuss the challenges and strategies of generating leads in the home service industry, particularly focusing on the roofing sector. They delve into the impact of market volatility, insurance company practices, and the evolving landscape of lead generation.

Tune in to this engaging conversation to explore the complexities of lead generation in the roofing industry and the broader implications for businesses in the home service sector. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:03] The Importance of Generating Leads.

[00:03:57] Vegan Bodybuilder Secrets Revealed.

[00:08:23] Building a Brand with Networking.

[00:12:16] Exclusive Pricing Strategies.

[00:15:14] Lead Generation Challenges.

[00:19:17] Buying and Scaling Businesses.

[00:21:21] The Power of Trust.

[00:24:46] Diversifying into Different Industries.

[00:29:07] Insurance Fraud in Roofing Industry.

[00:32:17] Insurance Challenges in Real Estate.

[00:34:54] Insurance and Government Intervention.

[00:43:40] Homeowner Insurance Coverage Concerns.

[00:53:48] Future of Storm Markets.

[00:57:23] Storms and Marketing Strategies.

[01:01:08] The Future of Trades.

[01:03:46] Working through College Challenges.

[01:08:44] Embracing Business Challenges.

[01:10:53] Trusted Lead Sources for Businesses.

[01:13:40] Sales and Lead Source Diversification.

QUOTES

• “What we're doing is we are providing confidence because with opportunity comes confidence.” - Zach Williams
• "A really good salesman has the ability to create his own leads. But that is very, very few and far between. And even too, if you have like, I'm going to go on a tangent, but it never hurts to have a diversifier lead sources." - Ken Baden
• “You got to have lots of different inflow into your business to increase that opportunity in order to increase that confidence for growth.”  - Zach Williams

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Zach Williams

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.zachwilliams/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zwilliams/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

In episode 69 of The Kitchen Table, Ken Baden interviews Marcellus Crews, a local politician and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from running for Senate to his vision for transforming education and job opportunities for young people and adults. He discusses the importance of certifications, entrepreneurship, and providing second pathways for success. 

Tune in as they delve into the impact of education, crime, and the economy on society. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:08] Tech Company Evolution and Growth.

[00:04:47] Entrepreneurship and Politics Journey.

[00:08:43] Small Business Education Initiatives.

[00:14:09] Overcoming Adversity and Addiction.

[00:16:49] Giving Second Chances to Individuals.

[00:19:57] Rehabilitation and Second Chances.

[00:23:11] Overcoming Challenges in Handyman Work.

[00:29:19] Rethinking Certifications for Young People.

[00:32:09] High-Paying Job Certifications.

[00:36:24] Empowering Young Entrepreneurs.

[00:40:12] Supporting Youth and Communities.

QUOTES

• "It is time for us to get serious. If we really want a better economy, if we really want crime to come down, if we really want people to truly be rehabilitated, if we really care about our society, we can't just say, oh, these are no good and they're incarcerated." - Marcellus Crews
• ‘’We can turn a whole county around. We can help turn other counties around. We can partner with other counties and we can start getting at the real root cause and not continue to go down, spiral down this road of ‘let's just lock them up’.’’ - Marcellus Crews
• “I realized that I got to bring, marry all of that together and help our society do a better job because we're not doing a great job right now. Not at all. And I'm affected by it. You're affected by it. That's how you get there.” - Marcellus Crews

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Ken Baden

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

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

Marcellus Crews

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crews2me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcellus-crews-571b2131/

WEBSITES:

The Kitchen Table Podcast: https://thekitchentablepodcast.net/

Blue Collar Ballers Union: https://bluecollarballersunion.com/

Marcellus Crews: https://www.marcelluscrews.com/