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On this episode of the Who Is This Podcast, brought to you by Double R Communications and Southwest Mortgage Partners of Union Home Mortgage, We sit down with Troy Ainsworth, Controller and Finance Director at Eastern Arizona College.

Troy shares his incredible journey — from aspiring major league pitcher to public accounting, then navigating the high-stakes world of mining finance across Arizona, Colorado, and beyond. Along the way, he’s faced multi-million-dollar challenges, fraud exposure, bankruptcies, and the lessons that only experience can teach.

We talk about:
✅ His path from ASU accounting graduate to mining companies across the U.S.
✅ Underground audits, slope mines, quarries, and the realities of mining finance
✅ Managing risk, spotting fraud, and surviving industry downturns
✅ How the 2008 crash shaped his approach to money and leadership
✅ Transitioning from mining to public finance at Eastern Arizona College
✅ Property taxes, state funding, and financial transparency in higher education
✅ Balancing emotion vs. math in tough financial decisions

Troy explains why “math will tell you what to do — but emotion often gets in the way.” From firing a mining blast to managing millions in public funds, this episode is packed with practical career lessons, financial wisdom, and personal stories about finding home and purpose in the Gila Valley.

If you’ve ever wondered:
• How junior mining companies really operate
• Why businesses go bankrupt
• How public colleges handle finances
• Or why numbers don’t lie

This episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping our community.


#WhoIsThisPodcast #MiningFinance #CopperMining #EasternArizonaCollege #PublicFinance #CareerJourney #FinancialWisdom #GilaValley #AccountingTips #Leadership #SmallTownSuccess #HigherEducationFinance #MiningIndustry #FraudPrevention #BankruptcyLessons

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✅In this episode of Who Is This, we sit down with Ryan Conrad, Principal of Thatcher High School, to talk about leadership, school culture, and what it truly takes to build a thriving educational environment in today’s world.

Ryan shares the mindset that has shaped his career and his school: What do you want—and what are you willing to do to get it? From launching the All-In Initiative to recognizing students and teachers for effort and character, Ryan explains how intentional culture-building can transform a campus.

The conversation also dives into:
✅ The All-In Initiative and community partnerships
✅ Leadership lessons learned the hard way
✅ Supporting students beyond academics
✅ Trades vs. college pathways and real-world readiness
✅ A candid discussion on school safety, preparedness, and leadership under pressure
✅ Why Thatcher High School’s culture stands out across Graham County

This episode highlights what happens when educators, students, parents, and the community work together with purpose.

🎧 Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or community member, this is a conversation about leadership, resilience, and doing things the right way.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping our communities.

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On Episode 30 of the Who Is This Podcast, we sit down with Ben Dike and Brenden Wahl of GWR Landscapes to talk about building a landscaping and construction business in a small town and why skilled trades are a real, long-term career path.

Ben and Brenden share how they got started in landscaping, how GWR Landscapes evolved from Great Western Reclamation into a full-service landscaping and construction company, and what it takes to manage residential and commercial landscaping projects across Arizona while staying rooted in the Gila Valley.

We dive into:
✅ Why landscaping is often more affordable than people expect
✅ DIY vs. hiring a professional landscaping crew
✅ Commercial vs. residential landscaping projects
✅ Hiring locally and growing skilled trade careers
✅ Running a local branch with the support of a larger company
✅ Community involvement and small-town business growth

The episode wraps with how to contact GWR Landscapes, hiring opportunities, upcoming local events, and a fun conversation about Gila Valley Idol.

If you’re interested in local business stories, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, or landscaping careers, this episode is for you.

📍 GWR Landscapes – Find them on Google Maps: https://share.google/z2fSCGg6I72FF3N4U
📞 Call or text the number on their trucks for a quote
🛠️ Now hiring | Visit them at the EAC STEAM Career Fair

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On this episode of the Who Is This podcast, we sit down with Kyle Kempton, co-owner of Kemp Chevrolet, to talk about the real truth behind electric vehicles, the future of the automotive industry, and how a family-owned dealership has thrived in the Gila Valley for nearly 40 years.

Kyle shares firsthand experience driving electric trucks like the Silverado EV, breaks down EV charging, range, maintenance, battery life, and warranties, and clears up common misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. We also discuss how EVs compare to gas and diesel vehicles for everyday driving, road trips, and towing.

Beyond EVs, Kyle dives into the history of Kempton Chevrolet, what it took to start the dealership in 1986, and why honest pricing, relationships, and community trust still matter in today’s car-buying world.

Whether you’re curious about buying an EV, interested in the car business, or love hearing local success stories, this episode delivers real insight without the hype.

🎙️ Who Is This Podcast
🤝 Brought to you by Southwest Mortgage Partners & Double R Communications

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Welcome back to Episode 28 of the “Who Is This?” podcast!
Today, we sit down with Trevor White — a driven, thoughtful, and grounded guest with a powerful story about growth, confidence, overcoming setbacks, and building a life with purpose.

In this episode, Trevor opens up about:
✨ His early influences and how they shaped him
💪 The challenges he had to push through
🏠 His connection to the Gila Valley and the people who helped him along the way
🚀 The defining moments that redirected his life
🧠 What motivates him today and how he approaches goals, discipline, and relationships
💬 Plus: real stories, honest lessons, and Trevor’s advice for anyone trying to find their path

Whether you're here for inspiration, local stories, or practical life perspective, this conversation is packed with insight and heart.

Be sure to give Trevor with Local Garage Solutions a follow and reach out for your garage door needs!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581012976007
https://www.instagram.com/localgaragesolutions/

+1 480-665-7935
[email protected]

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In this episode of Who Is This?, we sit down with Joshua Mata to dive into his journey, purpose, and what let him to where he is today with DeMata Renovations. Joshua shares his personal story—how life’s challenges shaped him, the values that keep him grounded, and the lessons he hopes to pass on.

From faith and family to building a meaningful life, this conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and real talk.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring stories from voices in our community.

Be sure to give DeMata Renovations a follow on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dematarenovations

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In this episode, we sit down with Ian Pruszynski, the visionary behind Los Olmos Lodge in Glenwood, New Mexico. What started as a simple family stopover turned into a life-changing opportunity when Ian asked the question most of us wouldn’t dare: “What if we bought it?”

From juggling doodle breeding and high-end dog training to renovating cabins, hosting weddings, and catching trophy bass in the lodge’s ponds, Ian has built more than a business—he’s created a lifestyle rooted in passion, family, and the outdoors.

We dive into:
🗝️ The “just ask” mindset that led to buying a lodge.
📈 Turning “slow seasons” into marketing opportunities.
🐶 Scaling a dog breeding & training business to national (and even international) reach.
🎣🦌 Fishing, wildlife encounters, and future dreams for the lodge.
💡❤️ Why entrepreneurship works best when it’s aligned with what you love.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love a good story about chasing dreams, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and take the leap.

👉 Be sure to check out their new space and book your stay!
🌐 https://www.losolmoslodge.com/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Losolmoslodge/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losolmoslodge/
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +1 575-539-2224

📍 #9 L.O. Road, PO Box 186, Glenwood, New Mexico

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When local Barber- Bryce Allen’s young daughter was suddenly diagnosed with epilepsy, his world turned upside down. After countless hospital trips, unanswered questions, and moments of fear, Bryce discovered the life-changing impact of CBD. That journey led him to launch EpiCanna, a company built on hope, healing, and providing families with natural alternatives.

In this episode, Bryce opens up about:

💜 His daughter’s battle with drug-resistant epilepsy
💜 The emotional toll of medical uncertainty
💜 How CBD transformed their family’s life
💜 Why he started EpiCanna to help others on similar paths

This is a story about resilience, faith, and turning pain into purpose.
🌿

Be sure to give him a follow on this journey and reach out for any questions you may have!
🌐 Website: epi-canna.com
📘 Facebook
📸 EpiCanna Instagram
📸 Barber Instagram

📞 +1 719-565-9008
✉️ [email protected]




#EpilepsyAwareness #CBDJourney #NaturalHealing #FaithAndResilience #TurningPainIntoPurpose #EpiCanna #WhoIsThisPodcast #SmallBusinessStory #HopeAndHealing #EpilepsySupport 

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Join us for an in-depth conversation with Lee Patterson, the voice of Gila Valley Sports! 🏈🎧

In this episode, Lee shares:

✅His predictions and insights for local high school football games this week
✅The challenges and strategies for sophomore quarterbacks and new coaches
✅Tips for athletes and parents navigating recruiting in rural Arizona 🌵
✅How sports broadcasting connects the community and brings games to fans everywhere
✅Fun backstories, memorable rivalries, and what makes Gila Valley sports so special

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a parent, or just love football, Lee’s knowledge and stories will keep you on the edge of your seat!

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local sports insights and game coverage!

& Give Overtime with Lee a follow & listen:
Overtime with Lee Patterson
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What happens when a client walks into your office after being turned down by three other lenders? In this episode, we share the heartwarming story of helping a hard-of-hearing buyer finally find a lender who listened. 
🏡💙

We also dive into today’s housing market—why interest rates are where they are, how politics might play a role, and what a sudden drop could mean for home prices. From the wild market frenzy of 2020–2021 to the delicate balance between rates and demand, we break it down in plain English (with a few laughs along the way).

If you’ve ever wondered why rates don’t just drop overnight—or you love a good feel-good client story—this one’s for you.



#MortgageTips #HomeBuying #RealEstateMarket #InterestRates #Podcast

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