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 of “Successfully Unsuccessful”. I sat down with my good friend, Jordan Olmscheid, who has carved out a unique path as a solopreneur in the cleaning industry. Jordan shares his journey from teaching to managing a window cleaning business, initially started as a side income. Through trial and error, hard work, and a spirit of adaptability, he found his niche in the commercial cleaning space. We delve into the realities of wearing many hats as a solopreneur and the importance of setting up a stable, consistent business model that aligns with his conservative nature.
Jordan opens up about a pivotal mentorship he received from an established business owner who taught him invaluable lessons on growth, scalability, and maintaining balance. Despite initially aspiring to grow a large business, he realized the importance of prioritizing his family and mental clarity over potential business expansion. This decision led him to redefine his goals, focusing on manageable growth that allowed him to maintain autonomy without overwhelming responsibilities. Jordan’s reflections highlight the significance of balancing ambition with personal priorities.
In the latter part of our conversation, we discuss the spiritual and mental freedom Jordan finds in his work, particularly his ability to nourish his faith while on the job. Listening to podcasts like the “BEMA Podcast”, he uses his workday as a time for personal growth and reflection. We talk about the deep, ongoing challenges of aligning one's life with spiritual values, navigating the tensions between financial security and faith, and keeping focused on what truly matters. This episode is a testament to redefining success to match personal values, family commitments, and spiritual well-being.