In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Joel Steele, author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions. Joel shares his journey from a failed restaurant business at 24 to building a successful financial services firm from home. The conversation dives deep into redefining success, balancing ambition with family, and why living a "rich life" has more to do with presence and purpose than money alone.

Joel Steele is the author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions, where he helps people prepare for retirement and long-term financial independence. With more than two decades in financial services, Joel is also a speaker and mentor focused on helping people flip the switch from merely surviving to truly living. He's passionate about family, fitness, and helping others design a life they don't want to escape from.

Website: https://bookjoelsteele.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeswitchofficial

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 — Introduction to Joel Steele 00:33 — Joel's Journey: From Restaurant Failure to Financial Success 01:55 — Redefining Success: Beyond Financial Wealth 03:38 — Lessons from Failure and Personal Growth 05:19 — Embracing Activity and Overcoming Obstacles 12:03 — The Importance of Human Connection in Business 19:52 — Leveraging Technology and Personal Touch 22:26 — Balancing Work and Home Life 22:37 — Finding Productivity in Chaos 24:46 — The Importance of Knowing Yourself 26:23 — Balancing Work and Passion Projects 28:19 — Discovering Your True Calling 32:01 — Applying Your Skills Beyond Your Day Job 35:48 — The Power of Passion and Purpose 38:29 — Joel Steele's Mission with Life Switch 41:28 — Final Thoughts and Inspirations

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Carol Tice, founder of Community Growth Academy. Carol shares how she built a paid online community for freelance writers that grew to 1,500 members and generated over $6 million in revenue before selling it for life-changing money.

They talk openly about the realities of scaling a community, hard lessons around team management, selling a digital business, and why Carol believes paid communities offer one of the most sustainable business models for coaches and experts today.

Carol Tice is the founder of Community Growth Academy, where she helps coaches, experts, and passionate hobbyists launch and grow paid online communities. She previously built and sold a highly successful membership community for freelance writers and now teaches others how to create ethical, sustainable, and scalable community-based businesses while working from anywhere.

Website: https://www.skool.com/community-growth-academy/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-book-ghostwriter-community-entrepreneur-carol-tice/

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Success Story: Building a Paid Community 01:32 Challenges and Lessons Learned 03:40 The Importance of Team Dynamics 08:51 Transitioning and Selling the Business 19:32 Life After Selling the Business 21:21 Planning for the Future: Selling the House 22:42 Mentorship and Blogging Beginnings 24:21 Community Growth Academy: A New Venture 28:09 The Power of Free Communities 33:57 Ethical Business Practices and AI Concerns 41:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson chats with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift360, about building a long-term, home-based business that actually supports real life. With more than 20 years of working from home, Wes shares how his definition of success has evolved, why trust beats tactics in marketing, and how AI is changing the way businesses get found online.

The conversation covers lessons learned the hard way, building and managing remote teams, niching into the right clients, and adapting SEO for a world where people search everywhere, not just Google. It's a grounded, practical discussion for entrepreneurs who want growth without losing themselves in the process.

Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift360, a digital agency helping builders, trades, and service-based businesses turn their online presence into a reliable growth engine. He's spent over two decades working from home, building websites, running SEO campaigns, and adapting marketing strategies as technology continues to evolve.

Wes focuses on trust-driven marketing systems, authenticity, and human connection, especially in an AI-driven world. His work is rooted in real-world experience, not theory, and he's passionate about helping businesses get found, get trusted, and get chosen.

Website: https://uplift360.com.au

Website: https://uplift360.com.au LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uplift360Aus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uplift_360/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/uplift_360 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@westowers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-1F5MUZ-gg

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 — Introduction to the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast 00:30 — A Story of Success: Family Business 02:24 — The Flexibility of Working from Home 04:19 — Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship 08:22 — The Value of Specialized Freelancers 11:46 — Managing Remote Teams Effectively 13:19 — Navigating Friendships in Business 18:52 — Starting a Business: From Naivety to Success 20:26 — Overcoming Fear and Starting a Business 21:10 — Niche Targeting and Business Evolution 21:51 — Impact of COVID and Remote Work 22:24 — Starting a Podcast and Sharing Knowledge 24:22 — Balancing Work and Personal Life 25:53 — Continuous Learning and Adapting to AI 28:04 — The Power and Challenges of AI Tools 36:39 — Exciting Developments in Business 39:28 — Favorite Rockstar and Closing Remarks

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Lane Kawaoka, CEO of The Wealth Elevator, to unpack what wealthy investors do differently and why most traditional financial advice falls short. Lane shares his journey from engineering to full-time investing, explains how cash-flow real estate changed his trajectory, and breaks down the mindset shifts required as your net worth grows.

This conversation digs into accredited investing, alternative assets, and why unlearning common money rules is often the key to long-term financial freedom.

Lane Kawaoka is the CEO of The Wealth Elevator, an experienced real estate investor, author, and podcast host who helps high-income professionals and entrepreneurs grow wealth through cash-flow real estate, private equity, and alternative investment strategies. After leaving his engineering career in 2018, Lane built a business centered on education, community, and smarter investing for accredited investors.

He is also the author of The Wealth Elevator, where he outlines different "floors" of wealth-building strategies based on net worth and financial stage.

Website: https://thewealthelevator.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/ Email (General): [email protected] Email (Accredited Investors): [email protected]

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: [email protected]

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Lane's Journey from Engineer to Real Estate Investor 03:12 Challenges and Lessons Learned 06:11 Networking and Building Wealth 11:05 The Wealth Elevator and Investment Strategies 14:35 Community and Networking Insights 22:17 Cash Flow and Real Estate Investing 25:07 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Neil Rogers, VP of Sales at Rogers Marketing and co-founder of Positive Activity. Neil shares how decades of working from home, a career rooted in hospitality and sales, and personal challenges shaped his practical approach to business and life.

The conversation explores mindset, resilience, mentorship, and why consistent small actions matter more than big theories. Neil also introduces Positive Activity, a framework designed to help people build happiness, productivity, and stronger relationships through simple daily practices.

Neil Rogers is the VP of Sales at Rogers Marketing and the co-founder of Positive Activity. He is also the author of Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar, a book inspired by lessons learned through hospitality, sales, and human connection.

With over four decades of work-from-home experience, Neil blends real-world sales wisdom with mindset and personal development, helping professionals focus on fundamentals, relationships, and sustainable success.

Website: https://www.positiveactivity.net Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Tips-Everything-Needed-Learned/dp/B0BZ1V85T1 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bar-tips-neil-rogers/1143235874

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilrogerspositiveactivity/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positiveactivitytm/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positiveactivity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorneilrogers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-p-rogers-cas-68a4a22/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NeilRogersTips YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6C_rB34QvfPpZkB67fzkqQ

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 — Introduction and Neil's 40-Year Work-From-Home Journey 00:51 — Story of Success: Turning Personal Challenges into Purpose 08:17 — Lessons from Failure: A Costly Business Mistake and Recovery 18:13 — Practice Makes Progress: Process, Consistency, and Sales Fundamentals 22:30 — Kids, Technology, and the Importance of Real Conversations 23:48 — Mentorship vs Coaching and Learning the Fundamentals 25:35 — Success Is Built on the Little Things 26:56 — Keeping Promises and Doing What You Say You'll Do 32:12 — Positive Activity, Happiness, and Daily Habits 35:09 — Music, Practice, and Creative Discipline 37:31 — Favorite Rock Star and Musical Influences 41:47 — Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More

Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with G. Scott Graham, a longtime work-from-home entrepreneur, coach, and author who's been running his own businesses since 2006. Scott shares hard-earned lessons about job security, cash flow stress, discipline, and why entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of cultural and technological shifts instead of reacting to them.

The conversation dives deep into AI disruption, building personal resilience, creating your own mastermind group, and positioning yourself early for emerging opportunities like psychedelic coaching. This episode is a powerful reminder that working from home is not about comfort. It's about awareness, adaptability, and taking action before the music changes.

Who is G. Scott Graham? G. Scott Graham is a multi-business entrepreneur, coach, and author who has been self-employed and working from home since 2006. With a background in drug and alcohol counseling, Scott helps people gain clarity, build discipline, and take action when fear and uncertainty show up.

He is the author of more than 30 books, a psychedelic support coach, and the creator of multiple businesses across coaching, publishing, insurance services, and wellness. Scott is known for positioning himself early in emerging spaces and building sustainable income streams by staying aware of where the world is heading next.

Connect with G. Scott Graham: Website: https://gscottgraham.com Psychedelic Support Coach: https://psychedelicsupportcoach.com True Azimuth Coaching: https://trueazimuth.biz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrueazimuthBiz-BusinessCoach LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bostoncareercoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grahamgscott/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.gscottgraham X / Twitter: https://x.com/grahamgscott

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

In this Episode: 00:00 — Introduction and Scott's work-from-home journey 00:01:00 — Treating your business like a real commitment, not a hobby 00:02:36 — The truth about job security and why no job is ever safe 00:05:00 — AI replacing jobs and why this creates opportunity, not doom 00:08:55 — Why AI still needs human direction and leadership 00:12:00 — Watching cultural and industry shifts before they happen 00:14:55 — Discipline as the real separator for work-from-home success 00:17:00 — How environment and community shape habits and outcomes 00:19:25 — Creating your own mastermind group instead of buying one 00:23:18 — Never-ending marketing and turning attention into fans 00:25:28 — Using platforms like IMDb to build credibility and visibility 00:29:32 — Cash flow stress and learning not to emotionally fuel it 00:32:00 — The mindset of "as it is" and accepting entrepreneurial reality 00:37:03 — Networking, BNI, and building referral-based relationships 00:40:00 — Writing, creativity, and abandoning rigid productivity myths 00:42:44 — Psychedelic coaching, integration work, and future positioning 00:43:30 — Favorite rockstar musician and the emotional power of music 00:46:51 — Final thoughts and where to learn more about Scott's work

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson rocks out with Scott Curry, Founder and CEO of Faith Roar. Scott shares how he built real financial freedom through business and investing, why most people never get past planning, and what it actually takes to push through doubt, rejection, and setbacks.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that success doesn't come from perfect strategies. It comes from taking action, learning fast, and staying committed long enough to break through.

Scott Curry is a world-renowned keynote motivational speaker, author, and online educator whose videos have been viewed by millions of people around the world. He is the Founder and CEO of Faith Roar, a movement designed to help people become financially free through business ownership and stock market investing.

After years of failed ventures, career pivots, and personal challenges, Scott built a profitable business that allows him to work from home and prioritize family. Today, his mission is to help others create the same freedom.

Website: https://faithroar.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StockCurry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealscottcurry/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryscott/ X / Twitter: https://x.com/RealScottCurry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealScottCurry

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 — Introduction and guest welcome 00:26 — Scott Curry's journey to success 01:43 — Overcoming challenges and failures 04:50 — The importance of taking action 08:31 — Balancing business and family 11:48 — The value of sales and client satisfaction 21:01 — The missing skills in education 21:48 — The importance of personal connection 22:12 — Fail small and keep moving 22:27 — Navigating the modern business landscape 23:15 — Providing value to a wide audience 24:18 — Establishing yourself as an expert 25:39 — Breaking the rules for success 30:22 — The role of rule followers in business 33:28 — A personal story of motivation 35:47 — Introducing Faith Roar 37:31 — The three pillars of success 39:36 — Final thoughts and favorite rockstars

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim jams with Joel Keith, CEO of ASP, where he and his team install marketing systems for small and medium-sized businesses. Joel shares his journey from working full-time in broadcast production to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, pushing through risk, doubt, and the inevitable turbulence that comes with growing a business. He opens up about the realities of content creation, building a dependable team, navigating business partnerships, and keeping things human in a world increasingly driven by AI. Check out his work at https://www.aspbranding.com.

Joel Keith is the CEO of ASP, a digital marketing agency serving local service businesses and law firms. With a background in live event production for artists like Jack White, Alice Cooper, Big Sean, and Keegan-Michael Key, Joel brings precision, creativity, and adaptability into the world of small business marketing. Today, Joel helps clients implement marketing systems that increase revenue, simplify operations, and build stronger relationships with their customers. His mission is to demystify digital marketing and make it approachable, effective, and sustainable for business owners.

Website: https://www.aspbranding.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joel.keith.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelckeith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-keith-594290187 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aspbranding X: https://www.x.com/joelckeith

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: [email protected]

00:00 — Welcome and Introduction 00:18 — Joel's Story of Success: Leaving a secure career for entrepreneurship 01:26 — Facing early doubts and financial fears 03:00 — Taking risks and making decisions as a family 08:05 — Consistency and the long game of content creation 15:32 — Building a reliable team and structuring partnerships 20:44 — Starting a business with friends 21:23 — When friendship and business collide 22:51 — Why business systems matter 24:56 — Supporting team members through personal hardship 26:49 — Creating a functional home office 28:39 — Balancing family life while working from home 31:14 — Relationship-driven marketing and client retention 34:07 — What's new at ASP: AI agents and internal systems 36:42 — RockStar encounters and final thoughts

In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim sits down with Allen Halas, owner of Breaking and Entering and co-host of the Hustling Sideways podcast. Allen shares how he built one of Milwaukee's most active platforms for independent artists, turning a passion for local music into a thriving media outlet and concert series.

Allen talks about early successes like booking shows at The Rave and bringing in Jay-Z's producer as a guest judge, along with candid lessons from events that didn't go as planned. He and Tim dig into how to promote live shows, build community around indie music, and stay sustainable while juggling a full-time media career.

Allen Halas is a music writer, radio host, and podcaster based in Milwaukee. He writes full-time for OnMilwaukee, hosts Love Local Radio on FM 102/1, and runs Breaking and Entering, a music website dedicated to showcasing Milwaukee's independent artists.

With more than 15 years in the local music world, Allen has evolved from beat producer to writer, promoter, and community builder. Through daily content, curated concerts, and a passion for supporting local artists, he has helped shape Milwaukee's modern music culture.

Website: https://breakingandentering.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AllenHalas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreakingAndEntering1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenhalas/ X: https://x.com/allenhalas TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allenhalas

Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/workathomestar

00:00 Introduction to the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast 00:30 Success Stories in the Milwaukee Music Scene 01:38 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 04:01 The Journey into the Music Business 05:59 Building a Music Platform and Community 15:43 Promoting and Organizing Successful Events 22:42 Investing in Equipment and Resources 25:18 Exciting New Ventures and Final Thoughts

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, I jam with Laura Cross, Air Force veteran, travel agent, and founder of White Sands Self-Care. Laura shares how a life-altering tragedy sparked her journey into entrepreneurship and holistic healing. From military discipline to intuitive wellness, Laura has built a purpose-driven business that helps others reclaim their health and their joy. We dig into mindset, energy, and how slowing down can actually move you forward.

Who is Laura Cross? Laura Cross is the owner and founder of White Sands Self-Care LLC and White Sands Premier Travel. A passionate holistic wellness advocate and Air Force veteran, Laura empowers people to uncover root causes of discomfort through detox, mindfulness, and non-judgmental community. She also hosts "Mindful Mondays with Laura Cross" on E360TV and YouTube, where she champions self-care, healing, and authentic connection. Certified in AO Voice Scan analysis and dedicated to helping others live with more joy, Laura walks the walk of holistic health and soulful entrepreneurship.

Connect with Laura: Website: https://www.whitesandsselfcare.com Website 2: http://whitesands67.com Travel: http://travmanity.com/whitesands Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauracrosswhitesands Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whitesandsselfcare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosswhitesands/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracrosswhitesands/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMondayswithLauraCross YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteSandsSelfCare Streaming: https://e360tv.com/networks/play_series/Mindful-Mondays-with-Laura-Cross

Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: [email protected]

In this Episode: 00:01 — Introduction and Laura's story of success 03:07 — Tragedy, transformation, and choosing purpose 06:00 — Military vs. mindful travel 07:39 — The balance between passion and presence 08:58 — Listening to your body as the best MRI 13:24 — Why self-care isn't selfish (and how Laura schedules it) 18:41 — The productivity power of taking breaks 21:47 — Designing your jam room with joy in mind 24:31 — AI tools Laura uses to simplify content and save time 27:08 — How to stay authentic (with or without tech)