In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey interviews Aaron Lenz, a remarkable entrepreneur who defies the odds in the restaurant industry. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from a small pizza joint in Perry, Iowa, to managing multi-million dollar restaurants in major cities, and eventually owning successful establishments in Orange City. His story is a testament to resilience, strategic decision-making, and the pursuit of passion.

Aaron dives into the complexities of restaurant ownership, explaining why the adage "restaurants are where good money goes to die" holds true yet can be overcome with proper management and vision. Through detailed anecdotes, Aaron illustrates the hard work, narrow margins, and high costs that define the business. He emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and crafting a unique customer experience, shedding light on his philosophy and entrepreneurial drive. Despite the challenges, Aaron's journey underlines the rewards of creating a thriving dining establishment in unexpected places, making a compelling case for following one's dreams.

Generally our simple step episodes are quick tips for your benefit...but this one is for us. We want to hear from you! Send us a quick text or leave us a voicemail on our feedback line, 515-446-8158 and let us know whatever is on your mind. Are you liking the show? Someone you think we should interview? Favorite episode? A restaurant we just have to check out? 

That's it for this week! 

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Phillip Ramsey and old friend of the show Dan Navarro delve into the concept of transformational giving, discussing its significance and how to practice generosity with intelligence and enthusiasm. We are introduced to Verne Murray, whose stories and insights provide practical approaches to generosity that can shift our typical understanding of wealth accumulation.

We start by exploring the difference between transactional and transformational giving, learning how the latter can enrich lives far beyond the monetary aspect. Verne shares his personal giving story that highlights the biblical principle of putting giving at the forefront, leading to a heart transformation and a deeper understanding of stewardship.

• Transformational giving is focused on making a meaningful impact and involves a deep connection between the giver and their values.
• Stewardship is a central theme; it's not just about the amount given, but the heart and intention behind the giving.
• Effective giving should use both the heart and the mind, utilizing tools like donor-advised funds to maximize generosity.
• Early engagement with financial planning for giving is crucial for maximizing the potential impact of one's charitable efforts.
• The legacy of generosity is not just measured in terms of wealth transferred but also in the values and experiences that are passed on to future generations.

In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, we're talking about the impact of having someone who believes in you, even when you doubt yourself. We'll discuss the many people who have played that role in our lives, including teachers, mentors, and clients. We also talk about the importance of finding a community of support and encouragement. 

We'd love to hear about people who have believed in you! Send us a text message or leave us a voicemail on our feedback line, 515-446-8158.

Betty Garcia is a second-generation business owner and the driving force behind Sonora Tortillas. She has taken the reins of her family's company to expand and modernize, infusing passion and innovation into the traditional tortilla-making business. Betty's journey began with her family moving from Mexico to the United States, and she grew up witnessing the inception of Sonora Tortillas from her living room in Texas before it became the beloved brand it is today. As an accomplished businesswoman, Betty proudly bears the mantle of the "Sonora tortilla lady," a testament to her commitment to bringing authentic Sonoran flour tortillas to a wider audience.

In this episode you'll hear about Garcia's entrepreneurial journey, how she overcame various challenges, and her vision for scaling the company that began in a home setup. Central to this narrative are the themes of family legacy, cultural authenticity, and innovative growth in today's demanding market. Betty's candid reflections provide an insider's view of transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur, the intricacies of navigating family business dynamics, and staying true to one's roots while embracing change.

In this Simple Step episode, we want to know what you are actively bringing into existence, both personally and professionally. We explore the idea of creating a lifestyle centered around serving others and how this can lead to personal growth and fulfillment as well as the concept of creating a positive and authentic family atmosphere. 

Tune in to discover how creating can bring joy and purpose to your life.

Welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, featuring the charismatic Clife Estores, a DJ who has turned the art of partying into a thriving business. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of DJing, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of an uncommon life path that aligns with one's passions.

Clife shares his story of moving from the Philippines to Cedar Rapids, his evolution from performing at small community events to founding Clife DJ Company, and the importance of differentiating his services in the wedding industry. Additionally, he discusses the core values of his company, the strategies for dealing with challenges during events, and his approach to creating unforgettable experiences for his clients.

In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, host Philip Ramsey and co-host Arron Kramer are joined by Stephen Smith, creator of Cajun Fest and founder of Rework. They discuss the concept of "golden handcuffs" and how it can trap individuals in unfulfilling jobs. Smith shares insights on measuring productivity and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. He also offers advice for business owners on combating the golden handcuffs mentality and fostering a culture of innovation. Tune in to learn how to break free from the constraints of traditional employment and pursue an uncommon path.

Key quotes from Stephen Smith:

In this episode of the Uncommonwealth podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes the multifaceted David Barwin for a deep-dive into his unique journey and the roles that shape his life. As a guiding figure in the world of business education and an active facilitator for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, David sheds light on the intricate dance of teaching, coaching, and fatherhood.

David walks us through his transition from athletics to coaching, and eventually to academia, where he found a profound joy in helping others realize their potential. His experiences growing up with an entrepreneurial father offered formative lessons that he now passes forward, both as a business professor and through the Goldman Sachs program. Furthermore, David opens up about his approach to parenting, teaching, and the delicate balancing act required.

• David's unique approach to education, blending coaching methodologies with business teachings.
• Insights into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, its mission, and impact on communities.
• The importance of fostering growth-mindedness and ambition among entrepreneurs in the Midwest.
• Personal anecdotes about parenting and instilling values of self-made success, reminiscent of the lessons from his father.
• Reflective insights on how to support and inspire students and business owners towards achieving their full potential.

• David Barwin illustrates the rewarding experience of transitioning from an athlete to a coach and then to a business educator.
• He emphasizes the value of entrepreneurship education and its ability to empower students and local communities.
• David is a key facilitator for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, advocating the program's benefits for small business growth.
• He shares a conscious approach to parenting, highlighting the importance of intentionality and supportive encouragement.
• The episode explores the idea of striving for success that aligns with one's passions and the positive ripple effect

We're replaying this one for you this week because it's so important. If you heard it the first time around, feel free to give it a listen again. If not, take it in fresh and let us know what feedback you have. 

When pursuing the life of an entrepreneur, there is nothing that can help smooth out rough waters, reinvigorate fading optimism, or remind you of what is truly important, quite like a supportive spouse. For an endeavor that is fraught with unknowns, the steady encouragement from the one you likely started this thing to impress anyway can be the difference between success or failure.

In this episode, we’re talking about the power of a supportive spouse. We’ll touch on the superpowers of our own wives, plus ways a spouse can support an uncommon journey and how you can reciprocate. We’ll also talk about ways our own wives have shaped our uncommon paths.