From Weed Ponds to Kingdom Purpose
Successfully Unsuccessful
As business owners and leaders, we’re often laser-focused on metrics—revenue, growth, headcount, scale. But every now and then, I get the privilege of having a conversation that shakes those definitions of success to the core. That’s exactly what happened in this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, when I sat down with my good friend and CBMC peer, Connor Pichet. Connor’s the founder of Scuba Weed Control, a company that started as a scrappy college side hustle and has grown into a multi-location operation cleaning lakes and ponds across Minnesota. What struck me wasn’t just how...
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Built to Rise: Redefining Success Through Faith and Leadership
Successfully Unsuccessful
In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with my good friend Eric Robinson, co-owner of Rise Realty, for an honest and refreshing conversation that went far beyond real estate. From his early years in Wisconsin to his journey through car sales and eventually into real estate, Eric shares the transformative moments that shaped both his professional and personal life. We explore the deep motivation behind founding Rise Realty—not as a profit engine, but as a community built on the right people, structure, and support. Eric unpacks how this model has allowed agents to thrive in...
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Dad Awesome vs. Dad Angry: Leading with Legacy
Successfully Unsuccessful
What a joy it was to welcome Jeff Zaugg, founder of Dad Awesome, to the Successfully Unsuccessful podcast. From the moment we hit record, Jeff brought his signature high-energy presence and deep insights into what it means to be a father who shows up with intentionality and heart. His journey from being a reluctant kids' ministry leader to launching a podcast that has released 375 episodes and mobilized over a thousand men through events like Fathers for the Fatherless is a powerful testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. We unpacked his transition into full-time ministry, the...
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From Comfort to Calling: Jake Howes' Leap of Faith
Successfully Unsuccessful
What a powerful conversation with Jake Howes—entrepreneur, founder of Pioneer Golf Company, and a man on fire for purpose. I’ve had a front-row seat to watch Jake’s transformation from a corporate guy in the golf simulator industry to a bold, faith-driven founder ready to shake up the game. Jake's journey started with a dissatisfaction in his W-2 life, but what set him apart was his proactive approach. From proposing an innovative national video marketing campaign at his old job to boldly stepping out and launching his own company months ahead of schedule, Jake is living proof that when...
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Exclaim Jesus: Branding, Belief & Bold Purpose
Successfully Unsuccessful
On this episode of the Successfully Unsuccessful podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nash Faulk, a man whose journey from a non-believing, basketball-obsessed kid to a faith-filled entrepreneur is both raw and inspiring. We talked through his early years marked by dysfunction at home and a singular focus on basketball, which ultimately gave way to a winding road of self-discovery, professional experimentation, and deep spiritual transformation. Nash shared how his initial years in sales and tech eventually led him to question the purpose of it all, sparking a spiritual hunger that...
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Grace Over Grind: Redefining Success Through Surrender
Successfully Unsuccessful
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Jim Walczak—an incredibly resilient, faith-filled man who’s navigated intense challenges, transformation, and wild success in the world of sales. What struck me most was his openness about the journey from a works-based faith to one rooted in grace, and how that revelation transformed not only his relationship with God but also the way he parents, mentors, and lives every day. Jim reminded me how critical it is to simplify our understanding of Jesus—how grace, not performance, is the foundation—and how...
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Excellence Over Success: Leading with Eternal Purpose
Successfully Unsuccessful
I had the chance to sit down with my friend Alex Wilson, a man I deeply respect and admire, for this powerful episode. Alex is a husband, father of three boys, and a Chick-fil-A owner/operator of two thriving locations. But behind the accolades and business success is a story of perseverance, obedience, and faith. We reflected on the early days—our time in a peer advisory group together, his unique journey from consulting to fast food, and how God used seemingly unrelated experiences to prepare him for this season. His path wasn't linear, but it was divinely ordered. Alex's heart for...
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Belief, Business & Legacy: Leading with Purpose
Successfully Unsuccessful
As business owners and executives, we often measure success in numbers—profit margins, revenue growth, and market share. But what if true success isn’t just about financial gain? What if it’s about something much deeper—about faith, about purpose, about how we steward the opportunities and gifts we’ve been given? In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, my co-host Chris Baird and I explore the foundation of the BEAST framework: belief. Because belief is what shapes everything—our leadership, our businesses, our relationships, and ultimately, our legacy. One of the most...
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From Success to Surrender: Leading with Faith & Purpose
Successfully Unsuccessful
In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sit down with my good friend Skip Johnson to unpack his incredible journey from building a billion-dollar wealth management firm to discovering what true success really means. Skip shares openly about his drive for achievement, the identity struggles that came with it, and the moment he realized that outward success wasn’t bringing the fulfillment he had hoped for. We talk about how he transitioned from chasing accolades to focusing on integration—blending faith, business, and family in a way that honors what matters most. Skip gets real...
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Redefining Success: From Ambition to Calling
Successfully Unsuccessful
In this milestone 40th episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, we take a different approach as I sit down with my co-host and producer, Chris Barrett. We reflect on our shared journey, the impact of radical transformation through faith, and the power of walking the path together rather than alone. Success, as defined by the world, often revolves around financial milestones and personal achievements. However, in this conversation, we reframe the concept of success through a faith-based lens, exploring how true fulfillment comes from aligning our pursuits with God’s definition of success rather...
info_outlineIn this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Jake Stank, diving into his journey through banking, faith, and leadership. Jake shared how his return to the banking world revealed a renewed perspective on purpose, shifting his fulfillment from the technical aspects of finance to the profound impact he has on his team and peers. We discussed how his passion for seeing "the light bulb" come on for others in the workplace mirrors the joy of fostering growth in people—a core part of why he does what he does. His experiences highlighted the significance of relational health and the value of helping others reach new heights, both in the corporate world and within his faith community.
Jake also opened up about the contrasting experiences he encountered between his banking role and his volunteer work within the church. The difference in his sense of purpose and fulfillment became evident when he realized that, despite the structured environment of banking, it was his passion and positive attitude in a church setting that brought him the greatest joy and success. This conversation underscored the importance of aligning one’s work with a deeper purpose, showcasing Jake's journey to redefine success beyond financial metrics and instead focusing on relational and spiritual fulfillment.
Throughout our conversation, we explored the concept of success and how it evolves over time. Jake shared his thoughts on redefining success in various life stages, emphasizing how true peace and fulfillment stem from contributing positively to others' lives. His reflections on maturity, stewardship, and balance serve as an inspiring reminder of the rewards found in living a purpose-driven life. Our dialogue offered a compelling look at stewardpreneurship and the transformative power of a faith-centered approach to work and life.