The Quiet Work

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-queen-a4183086/

https://www.wildbuilding.com/

Lance Queen is the Director of Operations at Wild Building Construction, a Tennessee-based general contractor specializing in civil and heavy construction. What started as a family trade became a lifelong passion — and now, a thriving division in one of the fastest-growing markets in the South.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, we explore what it means to build — not just roads and sites, but teams, culture, and legacy.

→ From sweeping job sites to leading a 200-person company

→ How father-son teamwork strengthens Wild Building’s culture

→ Recruiting good people in a tough labor market

→ Integrity, honesty, and the “non-negotiables” of leadership

→ The future of construction tech: GPS systems and automation

→ Mentorship and developing young talent

→ The importance of relationships in private projects

→ Family, work ethic, and the joy of seeing others grow

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurukathryn/

https://geodechain.com/

Dr. Kathryn Messegee is the founder of Geode, a decentralized Layer 1 blockchain with a native suite of apps designed to set humanity free. Before entering the world of blockchain, she served as a DARPA program manager, built defense technologies, taught mathematics, and became a powerful advocate for technological freedom and personal sovereignty.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, we talk about decentralization, freedom, and what it truly means to take control of our digital lives. Dr. Messegee explains how Geode’s architecture is transforming how people interact with money, data, and ownership — and how her mission is to empower individuals around the world to reclaim their digital autonomy.

→ From NASA to DARPA to Web3: Kathryn’s journey into blockchain

→ What a Layer 1 blockchain really is (in simple terms)

→ Why decentralization matters for humanity’s future

→ How she gave up her “God powers” to make Geode fully community-owned

→ The difference between centralized and decentralized systems

→ The problem with crypto hype — and why ethics will outlast the noise

→ Building apps that let users profit from their own time and attention

→ The psychology of technology, freedom, and human connection

→ Teaching, mentoring, and setting people free through innovation

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-oppman-aviation/ https://oppflightcharter.com

David Oppman is the founder of Opp Flight Charter, a private jet brokerage dedicated to providing a seamless, concierge-level experience for high-net-worth travelers. With years of experience in the aviation industry, David has built a reputation for precision, transparency, and trust.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, we dive into what it takes to build a private jet brokerage from the ground up — the regulations, the challenges, and the client relationships that define long-term success in private aviation.

→ From working late nights at a global brokerage to launching Opp Flight

→ How to earn trust in a luxury service industry

→ FAA regulations and why “private” doesn’t always mean “safe”

→ The value of speed, transparency, and expertise

→ Networking lessons: “If you can’t buy, you can’t sell.”

→ How relationships with operators drive pricing and success

→ The psychology of selling to high-net-worth clients

→ Why “margins are earned through expertise”

→ Entrepreneurship lessons from the first year in business

→ Mentorship, mindset, and finding fulfillment in your craft

http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesalvaggio

https://seobrand.com

Mike Salvaggio is the CEO and co-founder of SEO Brand, a digital marketing agency celebrating over 20 years in business. Since 2005, Mike and his team have been helping brands grow through SEO, CRO, and data-driven digital strategy.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, Mike shares lessons from two decades in the ever-changing world of search — from the early days of affiliate marketing and Google’s first algorithm, to the rise of AI-driven search and the future of online visibility.

→ How SEO has evolved from 2005 to 2025

→ The impact of AI and large language models on search

→ What businesses must do to stay visible in the age of ChatGPT

→ Why quality still beats quantity in content

→ The real purpose of backlinks and keyword research today

→ Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and heat mapping insights

→ Agency longevity: 20 years of lessons, mistakes, and values

→ How to build a brand that lasts beyond hype and algorithms

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joethierryarysruiz/

https://agau.io/

Thierry Arys Ruiz is the founder and CEO of AGAU.io, a Swiss-based company redefining money through gold- and silver-backed tokens. By merging precious metals with blockchain technology, AGAU allows individuals and corporations to store, transact, and protect their wealth outside the traditional banking system — all while holding real, audited gold.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, Thierry explains how the global financial system became a confidence game, why Switzerland remains the fortress of private property, and how gold-backed digital money could restore stability and freedom to global trade.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/camlparker/

Cameron Parker is the Director of Aviation Sales at Jet Access, a leading aviation company providing charter, management, maintenance, and acquisition services for jet owners nationwide.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, Cameron shares what it takes to earn trust in the private aviation business — from managing multimillion-dollar aircraft to delivering the level of service that keeps clients flying for life.

→ How Jet Access builds long-term client relationships

→ What “full-service aircraft management” actually means

→ Turning jet ownership into an asset, not just an expense

→ Client experience, transparency, and trust in private aviation

→ How education drives retention and referrals

→ The value of consistency and human connection in a digital world

→ The future of aviation and emerging client expectations

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elan-divon/

https://divonacademy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/divon_academy/

Elan Divon is an author, educator, and founder of Divon Academy and ElevateU. His work focuses on helping companies, universities, and young professionals build the soft skills that AI can’t replace — emotional intelligence, communication, resilience, and leadership.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, Elan shares insights from his book The Initiation: A Practical Guide to Finding Your Spark and Leaving Your Mark on the World, and explains why breakthroughs come not in times of comfort, but through challenges and hardships.

→ From ancient wisdom to modern leadership lessons

→ Why every breakthrough begins with struggle

→ The human skills AI will never automate

→ How Divon Academy equips young talent for the workforce

→ Emotional intelligence and communication as career superpowers

→ The role of accountability and community in growth

→ Patience, surrender, and letting go as keys to success

https://clubtattoo.com

https://www.instagram.com/sean_dowdell/?hl=en

Sean Dowdell is the founder of Club Tattoo, launched in 1995 in Tempe, Arizona. What started as a side hustle with his bandmates has grown into 12 locations nationwide under The Tattoo Partners. From guerrilla marketing with stickers in the 90s to innovating with AI and luxury branding today, Sean has redefined what it means to scale a tattoo and piercing studio.

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, Sean shares the story behind building Club Tattoo into one of the most recognizable brands in the industry and the lessons learned along the way.

→ From touring musician to entrepreneur in 1995

→ How guerrilla marketing and branding made Club Tattoo “go viral” in Phoenix

→ Building consistency across 12 locations

→ Lessons on leadership, delegation, and brand standards

→ Emotional impact of tattoos: creating client experiences, not just art

→ Innovations: AI, instant response systems, luxury positioning

→ Partnerships, community, and giving back

→ The future of tattoo and piercing as a national brand

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-stuart-742800153/

https://bloominblinds.com

Kevin Stuart is the youngest of three brothers running Bloomin’ Blinds, a family business turned national franchise with 85+ locations. What started in a garage with their mom 30 years ago has become a fast-growing franchise redefining window coverings through repair, innovation, and family culture.

In this episode, Kevin shares the journey of scaling a family business into a national brand — the fights, the breakthroughs, and the systems that keep the family bond strong while expanding coast to coast.

→ From mom’s garage to 85+ franchises across the U.S.

→ Why repairs became their key differentiator

→ Lessons on running a business with family

→ Training facility that prepares every franchisee for success

→ Marketing strategies: SEO, referrals, social media

→ Family culture vs corporate culture in franchising

→ Innovation: AI, CRMs, and smart window coverings

→ Kevin’s advice to future family-run businesses

In this episode of The Quiet Work Podcast, I sit down with Sergio “El Profe” Cortez — founder of Surge Electrical Training. With over 30 years in the field, from Coast Guard electrician to national trainer, Sergio shares how he’s shaping the next generation of safe, skilled, and certified electricians.

Timestamps

01:47 – How teaching became his passion

04:35 – The “aha” moment that changed his career

07:11 – Training models: hybrid, on-site, and national expansion

09:19 – Building community & supporting graduates

13:21 – Why Skool.com could be a game-changer

18:30 – Training residential, commercial, and solar electricians

24:51 – Innovations: prefab, AI, and safety technology

31:33 – Why companies must invest in training

34:44 – Stories from the field: changing unsafe habits 42:39 – What expansion looks like for SET

45:47 – Advice to his younger self

47:02 – What excites Sergio about 2026 and beyond

52:28 – Why trades are becoming the smarter career path2212