Unlocking Moves

How did Kurt’s older brother inspire him to become an entrepreneur?

Join us for Episode 13 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes.

This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and his older brother and entrepreneurial role model Rolf about their inspirations and beginnings as entrepreneurs. Rolf walks through the lessons he learned from 31 years as the owner of Eureka Pizza and how those lessons are informing his newest venture – PopUp, the Original Drink Thru. With lots of lessons about negotiations, creative marketing, and self-reflection, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Plus – stick around for some of Rolf’s “dirt on Kurt”!

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Rolf Wilkin is the founder of PopUp Drink Thru, Eureka Pizza and Local Trade Partners. His entrepreneurship and small business advocacy has led to him being the “Salut au Restauranteur” of Arkansas, serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Arkansas Hospitality Association, and being named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by the U.S. Small Business Administration. He is past President of the Springdale Rotary Club, an Eagle Scout, and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, AR

About Kurt Wilkin

How did Erik Qualman step into his story as Equalman and embrace being “FLAWsome”?

Join us for Episode 12 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Erik about the story behind his success as an entrepreneur, author, and thought leader. Erik discusses key, pivotal moments in his journey that led to him becoming a scholarship basketball player for a Hall of Fame coach, and ultimately becoming a bestselling author and highly south-after motivational speaker.

(00:00:01) Introduction & Off‑the‑Wall Kickoff
(00:00:33) Off‑the‑Wall Question: The Likability Award
(00:00:49) Eric Qualman’s Origin & the “Equal Man” Identity
(00:02:28) Sponsor – HireBetter: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:02:49) From Cadillac Intern to Digital Pioneer
(00:03:38) The Birth of “Equal Man” & the Green Glasses Saga
(00:03:58) Embracing a Unique Brand Identity
(00:05:05) A Transformative Trip to Kenya & Business Impact
(00:09:09) At Home with Equal Man: Family Reactions
(00:09:34) A Surreal Commencement Speech at Michigan State
(00:11:45) Key Takeaways: Courage, Kindness & Resilience
(00:13:13) Book Insights: “Who’s Your Mic?” & Character Archetypes
(00:22:27) Dream Big: Leaping Out of Your Comfort Zone
(00:27:11) Worst‑Case Analysis: Risk, Reward & Facing Fears
(00:30:01) Connect with Equal Man & Wrap‑Up

-----------Learn more about HireBetterhttps://www.HireBetter.comFollow HireBetter on LinkedInhttps://bit.ly/2S9sigx-----------About Erik Qualman

Erik Qualman is a 5x bestselling author and keynote speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter’s J.K Rowling. His books, including Socialnomics, Digital Leader, What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube, and The Focus Project, educate readers about digital leadership while being entertaining and empowering. Qualman is a current professor of Digital Leadership at Northwestern and his materials are used in over 500 universities. Qualman’s animation studio works with some of the world’s leading brands including Disney, Oreo, Chase, and Cartier.

About Kurt Wilkin Kurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

How did Brian Moran make “chicken salad out of chicken sh*t”?

Join us for Episode 11 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Brian about the roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship and how the lowest lows and lead to the highest of highs. Brian candidly discusses how being laid off twice by the same person led him to start his own business, and then how declaring bankruptcy – which seemed like the ultimate failure at the time – led him to where he is today.

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About Brian Moran

Craig Wiley of Transcend Business knows that sometimes you’ve got to zig when others zag – what should you be doing right now to make your team stronger amid all the chaos?

How did 21 year old James Dumolin help build a social media empire with over 700 MILLION video views in a few years?

Join us for Episode 10 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes.

This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and James about his work building the School of Hard Knocks TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube channels. In each video, James or his brother Jack interview a successful person to share advice and strategies with the younger generation. They are inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs through their videos – and James shares a lot of key insights into both how and why they do what they do.

(00:00:01) Opening & Introduction
(00:00:32) Guest Spotlight: Meet James Dumoulin – Streetwise Career Counsel
(00:00:45) Crazy Career Advice: “Buy a Lamborghini” Explained
(00:01:02) DC Roots & Early Mentorship: From Eagle Scout to Digital Pioneer
(00:01:22) Embracing the Creator Economy: Building a Personal Brand
(00:02:32) Launching School of Hard Knocks: Interviews that Inspire
(00:03:37) Sponsor – Higher Better: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:04:00) Timeless Questions: “What Would You Tell Your 20-Year-Old Self?”
(00:04:57) Monetizing Content: Ad Revenue, Brand Deals & Short-Form Agency
(00:05:46) Earnings at a Young Age: Multiple Six-Figure Success
(00:06:12) Three Key Principles: Risk, Relationships & Putting God First
(00:07:08) Memorable Interview Moment: The Versace Robe Story
(00:08:31) Handling Controversy: Navigating Legal Hurdles in Interviews
(00:10:08) Introducing “Who’s Your MC?”: Entrepreneurial Archetypes Unveiled
(00:10:57) Unlocking Move: The Transformative Power of Moving to Austin
(00:11:24) Balancing UT & Business: Strategies for the Modern Student
(00:18:23) Advice for Parents: Encourage Exploration & Entrepreneurial Freedom
(00:19:56) The Unasked Question: Seeking Self-Improvement & Relationship Wisdom
(00:20:59) Connect with School of Hard Knocks: Follow Us on Social
(00:21:34) Wrap-Up: Do You Wanna Know Who's Your Mike? Take the Quiz Here-----------Learn more about HireBetterhttps://www.HireBetter.comFollow HireBetter on LinkedInhttps://bit.ly/2S9sigx-----------

About James Dumoulin James Dumolin is Co-Founder of Hard Knocks LLC, a social media and video production company that has taken the entrepreneurial world by storm. Together with his brother Jack, the 21-year-old interviews successful entrepreneurs, creating inspiration for aspiring millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs. Their social media empire includes over 1.5 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and over 700 million video views. James is also a student at UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business – but the School of Hard Knocks is the University for Everyone!About Kurt Wilkin Kurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HireBetter#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

How did Tori Brodsky go from Dancing Banana at Jamba Juice to the CEO of a Paso Robles wine company? A bad hangover, of course!

Join us for Episode 9 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Tori about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur. They discuss self-reflection, making risky moves, the importance (and role) of mentorship, and how to address the shifts in team dynamics that happen as a company scales.

(00:00:01) Opening & Introduction
(00:00:32) Guest Introduction: Tori Brodsky – From Drink Light to Besa Mi Vino
(00:00:50) Hangover Origins & The Dancing Banana Job
(00:01:01) The Birth of Drink Light: A Hangover-Cure Innovation
(00:03:54) Sponsor – HireBetter: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:04:15) Entrepreneurial Journey: Surprises & Lessons Learned
(00:05:07) Building Your Toolbox: Learning from Others’ Stories
(00:07:07) Pivot to Wine: The Besa Mi Vino Story
(00:07:56) Unboxing the Experience: Spin the Besa Drinking Game
(00:09:18) Wine Tasting: Discovering Organic Canned Red Wine
(00:12:52) Where to Buy Besa Mi Vino: Online & Retail Distribution
(00:13:20) Entrepreneurial Archetypes: Insights from "Who's Your Mike?"
(00:15:55) Unlocking Moves: Embracing New Leadership Challenges
(00:17:45) The Generalist Dilemma: Navigating Team Transitions
(00:21:29) Empowering Women: Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
(00:25:14) The Unasked Question: Balancing Mental & Physical Health
(00:26:57) Connect with Tori: LinkedIn, Drink Besa & More
(00:27:47) Do You Wanna Know Who's Your Mike? Take the Quiz Here

-----------Learn more about HireBetterhttps://www.HireBetter.comFollow HireBetter on LinkedInhttps://bit.ly/2S9sigx-----------About Tori BrodskyTori is an entrepreneurial professional on a mission to use her skills to help people evolve for the better through strategic brand and business-building for better-for-you products and services. With an educational background in Nutrition Science, she is especially drawn to people, products, and services that make living healthy, joyful lives more accessible, affordable, and conventional. She has started a hydration beverage company to normalize hydration in social settings, DrinkLyte, and in joined the organic, canned wine brand Besa Mi Vino as CEO. About HireBetterKurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HireBetter

#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

How did sales guru Scott Leese turn his near-death experience into his superpower?Join us for Episode 8 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Scott about what makes someone ready to be an expert in sales. Sales is a lot like surfing – the bigger the wave, the bigger the risk, and harder you can fall… but you’re always chasing that BIG wave!

(00:00:01) Intro
(00:00:32) Guest Introduction: Scott Leese, the Sales Whisperer
(00:00:58) Heartbreak Banter: Bills vs. Vikings
(00:01:23) Scott’s Journey: From College Sports to Entrepreneurship
(00:02:16) Surf & Sales Camp: Merging Passion with Business
(00:02:56) Crafting the Intimate Sales Retreat
(00:03:48) Sponsor – HireBetter: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:04:07) Riding the Wave: Sales Focus & Mindfulness
(00:05:12) Overcoming Adversity: Scott’s Health Battles & Reinvention
(00:08:10) “What’s the Worst That Can Happen?” – Embracing Risk
(00:11:01) Three Key Sales Tips: Process, Problem Recognition & Grit
(00:14:42) Research & Resilience: Mastering the Sales Approach
(00:16:00) Book Spotlight: Addicted to the Process as a Calling Card
(00:18:10) Celebrating Side Hustle Sam: The Ideal Sales Hire
(00:20:38) Unlocking Moves: Turning Trauma into a Superpower
(00:22:34) Connect with Scott: Consulting, Surf & Sales, & GTM United
(00:29:20) Outro & CTA: Like, Subscribe & Take the “Who’s Your Mike?” Quiz-----------Learn more about HireBetterhttps://www.HireBetter.comFollow HireBetter on LinkedInhttps://bit.ly/2S9sigx-----------About Scott LeeseScott has spent the last 20 years building & scaling sales orgs as a 6x sales leader and 3x founder. In 2019, I cut the W-2 cord as the SVP of a unicorn startup to launch my own consulting firm. Scott Leese Consulting has grown from $0 to $5M+ in revenue serving some of the fastest growing technology startups in the world. He also runs Surf & Sales Summit, a retreat for aspiring sales leaders to share knowledge, build relationships… all while surfing in paradise!About Kurt WilkinKurt Wilkin is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, investor, and Co-Founder of HireBetter - the Strategic Talent Partner for entrepreneurial, high-growth, middle-market companies that need the right solutions to thrive and scale. Through his videos and beyond, Kurt hopes to provide guidance and insight to help other entrepreneurs and business leaders thrive through change and the challenges that come with it.About HireBetterKurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HireBetter

#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

Scott Jensen’s path to entrepreneurship started when he got an ice chest full of barbecue delivered to NYC – How did he become the “godfather” of Austin CPG?Join us for Episode 7 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Scott about the risks, hard work, and excitement that goes into starting and scaling a successful consumer packaged goods company. In 1991, Scott co-founded Stubb’s Bar-B-Q and learned a lot of lessons the hard way – including that George Clinton and the P Funk All Stars want to be paid up front to perform at your new music venue! Fast-forward to today, and Scott is still learning (and sharing) lessons as the CEO of Rhythm Superfoods.(00:00:01) Opening & The Bigger the Shit Show
(00:00:32) Guest Introduction: Scott Jensen & Texas Barbecue Roots
(00:00:53) Early Career: From Georgia-Pacific to Barbecue Beginnings
(00:01:00) The Stubb Investment: $1,400 That Sparked a Revolution
(00:01:22) MBA & Market Shift: Leaving Big Brands for Real Risk
(00:02:05) Hot Barbecue on a Cooler: A True Taste of Grit
(00:02:50) The Pivot: Running Stubb’s Barbecue Sauce Company
(00:03:17) Learning by Example: The Generosity of Stubb
(00:03:30) Youth & Risk: Embracing Bold Moves in Entrepreneurship
(00:04:07) Building a Legacy: From Barbecue to CPG Icon
(00:05:15) Meet Scott Jensen: CEO of Rhythm Superfoods
(00:05:39) Sponsor – HireBetter: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:06:09) Rhythm Superfoods Unveiled: From Mexico to Innovation
(00:07:02) Recipe Reinvention: Transforming Barbecue into Natural Goodness
(00:07:48) Jumping into Natural: The Birth of Kale Chips & Healthy Snacks
(00:09:10) Product Roadmap: Creating Nutrient‑Dense, Unique Snacks
(00:10:55) Scaling Challenges: Margin, Sourcing & Production Hurdles
(00:12:17) Early Lessons: Iteration, Risk & the Entrepreneurial Mindset
(00:15:29) The Salary Question: Paying Yourself & Showing Commitment
(00:30:04) Connect with Scott: LinkedIn, RhythmSuperfoods.com & Mentorship
(00:31:10) Outro & CTA: Like, Subscribe & Take the "Who's Your Mike?" Quiz

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About Scott Jensen

Scott Jensen is Co-Founder and CEO of Rhythm Superfoods; manufacturer of organic plant-based superfoods snacks. He is the former CEO & President of One World Foods (Stubb’s Bar-B-Q), which he co-founded 20+ years ago with C.B. Stubblefield and two close friends. One World Foods was successfully sold to McCormick & Co. in 2015. Scott led Stubb’s in its national and international expansion to be the largest Bar-B-Q and Marinade brand in the country. He also co-founded and sits on the board of Stubb’s Austin Restaurant Company, the famous Bar-B-Q and Live Music Venue in Austin, Texas. Scott is a member of the Austin Chapter of YPO Gold, a board member and mentor at SKU, the Austin CPG Accelerator and he is a co-founder of the Specialty Food Executive Forum. Scott received his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Business Communication from SMU and received his MBA from NYU. About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies. -----------

#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

Mathias Ihlenfeld and Woom sold 13 bikes in their first year… how did he grow to be an Inc. 5000 company in just ten years?

Join us for Episode 6 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Mathias, the German-born entrepreneur and founder of Woom USA, the fast-growing children’s bike company that is revolutionizing the industry. Kurt and Mathias talk about overcoming struggles in a startup with ideation, a strong work ethic, and a laser focus on the customer (and employee) experience.

(00:00:01) Opening & Welcome to Unlocking Moves
(00:00:32) Guest Introduction: Mathias Ihlenfeld, Co‑CEO of Woom
(00:00:57) Pivoting from Consulting to Entrepreneurship
(00:02:11) Sponsor – HireBetter: Your Strategic Talent Partner
(00:03:16) The Woom Story: A Birthday Gift Sparks a Revolution in Kids Bikes
(00:05:15) Product Innovation: Designing Ergonomic, Lightweight Bikes for Kids
(00:06:28) Growth & Trade‑Up: Evolving Woom’s Bike Lineup and Upcycling Program
(00:07:50) Defying Doubters: Convincing the US Market of Premium Quality
(00:08:48) Rude Awakening: Overcoming Early Sales Challenges
(00:09:02) Creative Marketing & Social Proof: Building Trust with Customers
(00:11:12) Customer Engagement: Grassroots Events and Exceptional Service
(00:17:09) The Immigrant Journey: From a Small German Town to the US
(00:19:50) Work Ethic & Long Hours: Lessons from Early Career in America
(00:24:13) The Mike Factor: Navigating Team Dynamics and Outgrowing Your Friends
(00:27:09) Employee Experience: Building a Culture of Growth and Excellence
(00:30:55) Financing the Future: Bootstrapping a Capital‑Intensive Startup
(00:33:42) The Financial Turnaround: Securing $2M & Creative Funding Solutions
(00:35:41) Entrepreneurial Mindset: Embracing Empathy and Supporting Future Leaders
(00:37:57) Do You Wanna Know Who's Your Mike? Take the Quiz Here

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Learn more about HireBetterhttps://www.HireBetter.comFollow HireBetter on LinkedInhttps://bit.ly/2S9sigx-----------

About Mathias Ihlenfeld

Woom USA founder Mathias Ihlenfeld is the Co-CEO of woom. In his role, he is expanding the brand's e-commerce and customer experience capabilities in the United States, throughout Europe, and beyond. woom is a globally-acclaimed kids' bicycle company, originally founded in Austria in 2013, with its North American headquarters located in Austin, TX. The brand was brought to the United States by Mathias Ihlenfeld in 2014, one year after woom had been founded in a tiny garage in Vienna, Austria, by Mathias's brother Marcus and his business partner Christian Bezdeka.About Kurt Wilkin

Kurt Wilkin is a connector - of dots, ideas, and people. For the past 30 years, he has advised high-growth companies, starting his career with Ernst & Young, and today in his roles as co-founder and visionary of HireBetter and managing partner of Bee Cave Capital. He is a serial entrepreneur with multiple successful exits and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and CEOs build their companies.

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HireBetter

#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter

How did Anne Cheng’s bad breakup turn into a $30 million company?

Join us for Episode 5 of Unlocking Moves, the show that dives into the pivotal moments in an entrepreneur's journey that unlocked their true potential. Many business leaders only like to talk about their success stories - but host Kurt Wilkin is a firm believer that we learn more from the stumbles and mistakes. This episode of Unlocking Moves features a conversation between Kurt and Anne about global entrepreneurship, being allies to the marginalized by welcoming diverse perspectives in leadership teams, and facing adversity as an entrepreneur.

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Learn more about HireBetter

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-moves/id1683361653

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5BkTYFpaITMhf53J5QaeJa?si=8b166e2476c14ff7

#UnlockingMoves #HireBetter