Guild Stories

Join Founder and CEO of Guild Collective Justin Ricklefs for Give A Damn, a podcast featuring Kansas City leaders and changemakers. Each episode features conversations with leaders who grow what matters most: the humans of their organizations and the impact of the good they bring to the world. Give A Damn podcast is a Guild Collective production. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/fe77a/vacation-collective License code: KIPIMPG4H6VCZXKS

Andy Rieger, president of J. Rieger & Co., shares with us what it was like bringing a KC-based family business back to life even when he didn't want to.  Ninety-five years after it closed, J. Rieger & Co. is a globally distributed distillery rooted in legacy but built for what's to come. Tune in for what started as a trip into a restaurant to fulfill a promise Andy made to his dad and turned into the building of an empathetic, curious, and experience-driven brand.

Cody Isabel finds purpose in helping others find happiness and intention in their own lives.  He's the developer of My Companion, an AI Trauma app that teaches trauma survivors practical neuroscience and psychology tools to improve their mental health.  His love for the human body started in middle school and led him to study Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience at Simpson College. Cody has always used his knowledge to help others understand highly complicated concepts, starting with teaching classmates how to cram for tests.  Set aside some time to digest this conversation. It's one of self-exploration, powerful teaching, and practical ways to improve your own mental health. Check out Mind, Brain, Body Lab on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more of Cody's valuable mental health tips and insight. 

Scott Horstman shares his journey on hiring for heart, accountability, and the type of leadership that wells up inside a person. Scott owns Christian Brothers Roofing and has broken his own business coaching rules when it comes to hiring family. His family-operated business offers its customers more than integrity but a level of service Scott and his team will never leave to chance.  You'll love this authentic story of a shoe salesman who made his way to entrepreneurship. 

Stan Hays loves barbecue, feeding people, helping in times of need. His organization, Operation BBQ Relief, has fed over 10 million meals to people in need in their nearly 12 years of existence.   When disaster strikes, they are quite often the first organization into town, bringing meals (incredible, comfort type meals) to people who need it most. Those who have been decimated and discouraged.   It's an incredibly brave organization that we loved learning about, and are so excited to see where they go in the coming months! (hint: they're building a camp in the Ozarks for first responders and their families who have experienced traumatic events).   Stan's story is strong and courageous, and his heart to make an even bigger impact is contagious.

Max Malldorf is a German national who fell in love with America as a foreign exchange student. He's now a master brewer at POG brewery south of Kansas City. He is candid about how discomfort has been a vehicle for change in his life, and we were honored to hear his story.

Josh Cress is a therapist and founder of Ampersand Counseling in Liberty, MO. Our conversation goes quickly into the vulnerable, discussing his journey "inward" toward self-awareness. It's a treacherous but rewarding road that many men and women have traveled (particularly since Covid disrupted life as we know it in March of 2020).   Josh is a brilliant, empathetic, and vulnerable man, and fellow Swiftie.   We hope you find the conversation helpful on your own journey.   His practice's website is: https://acg-kc.com/.

Author, leader, thinker, and man of deep care and humility - Brent Beshore shares his story with us this week, and we could not be more grateful to hear his heart.   Brent shares, among other things, what it's like to walk through pride and into humility, his opinions on "health bros" and their bad takes on ice baths, and many other lessons he's learned along the way.

Trent Raines is a partner at Collected Living, where he has taken his love of building and brought it into the workplace for this incredible design firm.   Throughout his career, Trent consciously has pursued work that makes him come alive. And like any empathetic leader, this road has been a journey of self-awareness and self-discovery.   And we are so honored to hear his story.

MJ Mitchell, CEO of Resto Athletic, has a riveting story: learning to lead a massive global organization at a young age, revolutionizing the custom performance apparel manufacturing industry, all while giving his team members the dignity of a living wage for their skilled labor.   Justin and MJ discuss leadership, redemptive entrepreneurship, how to become a horizon painter, and much more.   We are so excited to share this conversation with you.

"Do you mind if I pray before our conversation," Chris asked before we hit record.   Chris started the conversation with intention, clarity, and surrender.   And what resulted was mind blowing.   We're humbled to share this dialogue, and the glimpse into the deep parts of Chris' story.   One of triumph, transformation, and truth.   His bravery, his resilience, and his purpose is on full display here.   And it's beautiful.   Hit play, and be inspired.

Rebecca Kidwell has a huge heart, an incredible academic pedigree, and deep humility. She has used her intellect as an engineer to start the LEARN Science and Math Club for students in the Kansas City area. That club has gone on to pioneer and develop mobile machines that help students with disabilities experience motion and play with their peers. Where they belong.   She is an incredible person that we are honored to know, and are so excited to share her story with you.

Jeremy Parsons is a lot of things: a father to three growing young men, a lover of the wild places in Western Colorado (where he grew up), films by Tarantino and Wes Anderson, the comedy of John Mulaney and Patton Oswalt, and ordering more of the adventurous selections on a restaurant's menu.   He has traveled the world as a documentary photographer, falling in love with humanity along the way. In 2020, he joined the Guild team, recently assuming the role of Director of Story at Guild Collective in 2022.   Jeremy and Justin sat down and had a candid talk about what it's like to be 42, to have kids leaving the home, the wounds they have carried since childhood, and aging into new perspectives on life, religion and mistakes.   The result is a heart-felt and life giving conversation.

Who is Guild Collective? What does it mean to be "human first"? Why does Guild Collective exist? Why does story matter?   Racheal Burnett, COO at Guild Collective, and Jeremy Parsons, Director of Story at Guild Collective join Justin to have a transparent and enlivening conversation, getting to the heart behind what drives GC and how we got here.

Kemet Coleman is an urbanist, artist, entrepreneur, and activist, to name a few.    Born and raised a KC native, Coleman grew up in a household motivated to seek justice for our city. After dabbling in music and theatre, he found his path through an urban studies class. This father of three thrives on helping KC see itself in a creative way and for who we really are.    "The cultural identity that is soaking into the soil of the city enhances the city's cultural identity."   Take a listen as Coleman describes: -How to approach creating art and storytelling -Using music, beer, and art to uplift and awaken our city -Overcoming suburbanization and geographic racism on the East side of KC -Making gentrification dollars work for everybody -The vital role of mobility in a city and its tie to wealth and innovation   -Follow Kemet on Instagram at: @KemetColeman -Find Kemet's band on twitter at: @ThePhantastic -Discover his work by checking out:    -2000 Vine     -Vine Street Brewing    -Enginuity    -Kemmet Creative    -Troostival

A discussion on swimming upstream to create work that matters with team members Devin Simmons, Director of Digital Marketing, Racheal Burnett, VP of Creative, and Colin Potter, VP of Business Operations. In the past 5 years, our team has grown from one guy with a laptop to 12 kind, brilliant people. It's a plane being built in flight, and the biggest thing we've learned: work with good humans that want to do good work.  Listen in as we discuss: -Where story and strategy intersect  -The importance of listening in storytelling -The discipline of taking time off -Finding work-life harmony -Addressing the scarcity mindset and the endless hustle -The difference between real work and staying busy -Letting go of your ego to provide your team opportunity to grow -Swimming upstream to tell every brand's story with integrity

Hear from Bronson, Cory, and Justin as they dive deep into mindset and what it takes to work through the fear that leads to scarcity thinking.

Hear from Professor Dave Geenens, author and professor at Benedictine College, on his journey of building businesses on the pillars of virtue and challenging the status quo.    Geenes incorporates counter-cultural business practices to make money while making your business one that benefits everybody. In our discussion, he imparts his wisdom on: -Expanding your comfort zone to create opportunities -Re-defining leadership as “the art of maximizing cooperation”  -Challenging the old ideology that business is only about maximizing shareholder wealth -Getting back to our moral foundation  -Combining virtues with virtues of faith to develop businesses that address social justice and responsibility   Check out one of his four books: “Truth in the Transcendent Business” “Nothing is Free”  “Leaders Slip” “Arise, Life-Changing Truths for the Tormented Leader” Contact Geenens through his blog or by sending him an e-mail.

Hear from Bronson Ko and Cory Scheer, past guests of the Guild Stories podcast, in a new monthly format called The Orchard. This will be an evolving dialogue where Bronson, Cory, and Justin meander through a variety of topics including leadership, wellness, community, entrepreneurship, mindset, emotional health, marketing, technology, creativity, and whatever else may emerge. This month's conversation dives into: Disappointing others at a rate they can handle Competing frameworks within organizations Extending and receiving mercy Fixing yourself vs. focusing on yourself Leading with a deeply rooted, strongly fortified identify Being a Chief Reminding Officer Emitting fragrance, not toxicity How to not be an invasive species  And a lot more. This month's inspiration: Bronson – How to Run Your Business By THE BOOK by Dave Anderson  Justin – CODA (Apple TV+), Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Hear from Eric Bartlett, co-founder and partner at Northland Injury Law, as he shares lessons in building an intentional brand, including:  Standing out in a cluttered industry segment  The importance of disarming and comforting clients through clear communication and education  Using external feedback as a mirror for your business How COVID revealed an opportunity to shift and expand his firm's marketing efforts, even as it took a toll on his personal health Building systems and processes to enable scale within a business Check out Eric's firm at www.northlandinjurylaw.com

Hear from Beth Anne + Russ Branden, partners in life and part of the partnership group at Built Interior Construction.  They share their philosophy on: Client service Team development and empowerment Disrupting an entire industry Building a business and life with purpose The changing face of business environments How life and business partnerships thrive And much more.       

Hear from Bronson Ko, Founder of KOMA. This conversation is rich in practical and philosophical wisdom. Among other topics, Bronson shares about: Failure being a generous gift The two sided coin of precision How processes free your people to be fuller versions of themselves How emotional resilience is built How character is forged in the fire  What it takes to build something beautiful  Why core values are core to your success as an organization  Pop in your AirPods and hit play.   

Hear from George Weyrauch, Founder of Rock Creative Network on his role as Chief Relationship Evangelist in the KC creative community.  You'll soak up great wisdom and encouragement from one of the most generous connectors in the often competitive agency space.  PS - George knew Seth Godin before Seth Godin was, well...Seth Godin.  You can follow George on LInkedIn here. 

Hear from Tod Puetz, Founder and CEO of Insane Impact, as he shares his six-year entrepreneur and starter story and drops some gold as it relates to: Why you should hire your friends What it's really like to start something meaningful  How his motto of Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Beers has carried many tough days Why he cares deeply about relentless innovation How he's shifted from start-up mode to "all gas, no brake" mode The self-discovery that emerges in adversity  And much more  

Hear from Shannon and Dustin Lundberg, Owners of Blue Heating and Cooling, on their journey as entrepreneurs, owners, and community builders.  You'll appreciate their honesty, vulnerability, and humor as they share their story of building one of Kansas City's best home service businesses.   

Hear from Marilyn Chappell, Founder and Executive Director, of Exceeds Expectations as she shares real, powerful stories of: Her gambling addiction and how she accepted her reality How she and her husband had the courage to dream, then the guts to do something about them How she's helping end generational poverty through financial literacy  How her faith helps her see opportunities and achieve the impossible  How she's helping people see the stories that have held them back And many more moments of inspiration and encouragement There's zero chance you won't be moved by Marilyn and her story.  Follow along on her journey here. 

Hear from Mike Sgro, Leadership Coach, on how he helps people how to people.  Among many other nuggets of wisdom, Mike shares: How to unlock the power within each of us How transformation is the journey His Degree of Oprah That feelings are not facts How to wake up to yourself Healthy habits that can transform your life The difference between productivity vs. morale How to slow down to see clearly Check out Mike's work and practice here.   

Hear from Kansas City Symphony's Executive Director, Danny Beckley, as he shares stories and lessons on: Blazing trails Radical expansion Historic renovations of a community showpiece Orchestra for all How the pandemic created invitations  And much more You'll be inspired by his thoughtfulness, wisdom, insight, and trails blazed. 

Hear from Dr. Christine Nedeau, Founder & CEO, Family Medicine, Functional & Integrative Medicine at Bloom La Vie Health - Where Good Health Grows. Among many other things, Dr. Nedeau discusses: The deep need for great sleep (and why most don't get it) How most doctors aren't able to focus on and care for the root causes of health because they're incentivized to treat illness The introduction of a new model of health and wellness Practical, healthy habits to grow good health The journey of leaving a well-established practice to begin (and build) a new journey  

Hear from Stephanie Crockett, President and COO of Mower, one of the leading communications marketing agencies in the country.  Among many other things, Stephanie discusses: The power (and need) of empathy in marketing How leadership isn't a position or job title How brands are navigating the need for both story and data Building a culture of fierce friends Navigating the pitfalls and possible burnout that's typical in many agencies You can follow Mower here and Stephanie on LinkedIn here.       

Hear from Mike Kenny, Executive Director of Warriors' Ascent, as he shares his own story of stepping forward into growth and how his mission is to empower warriors to take ownership of their lives. You can hear more about the incredible work of Warriors' Ascent here.  And you can follow Mike on LinkedIn here.

Hear from Amy Myers, CMO at NFM, as she walks us through her story and unpacks tons of wisdom, including: - The power of data in marketing, but only when held with humanity - The importance of strong relationships in a career arc - How creating content through the lens of the end-user is difficult, but critical - Pivoting a massive business in a pandemic - How they're making a big store, small through high-touch, concierge service You can buy loads of amazing stuff at NFM. And you can follow Amy on LinkedIn here.

Hear from Greg Graves, Author of Create Amazing + Retired CEO of Burns and McDonnell, on the health of the American economy, the way to create something amazing, and how to make a massive impact. You'll leave this conversation inspired. Buy Greg's book here:  Follow Greg on LinkedIn here: 

Hear from Kansas City Royals Color Commentator, Rex Hudler and The Battle Within's Executive Director, Justin Hoover and Director of Development, Mitch Wheeler, as they go deep and share vulnerably about the healing work this program has on the lives of our nation's veterans and first responders. And, as a way to raise awareness for the program, they throw the most whimsical fundraiser in the history of fundraisers. Wiffle at the Hollow, complete with a manicured field of dreams by the one and only, George Toma. Get all the details here. Learn more about The Battle Within here.

Listen to Travis Odom, Franchise Owner at Moe's Southwest Grill, on picking yourself up off the curb, having fun in your career, and changing the world one burrito at a time. Connect with Travis on LinkedIn.

Hear from Brett Hersma, Senior Vice President of Young Life, on how relationships are the glue that hold us all together. Give Brett a follow on LinkedIn here! guildcontent.com/bretthersma

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is far bigger than baseball. This sacred place that started on a hope and a prayer has now become a catalyst for conversations around inclusion and diversity for not only individuals, but corporations, and an entire country, as well. Listen in and be inspired by this conversation with Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President, Bob Kendrick, and Community Engagement Manager, Kiona Sinks. Check out the museum here:  Follow Bob on Twitter here:  Follow Kiona on Twitter here:  

Hear from Darren Prenger, COO at ECCO Select on humility, ambition, and listening your way to success. Give Darren a follow on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-prenger-5a24b91

Hear from Mike Farag, CEO + Chief Brand Strategist at Fervor. A marketing + consulting agency in Kansas City, who is making worldwide impact. Mike is deep, genuine, raw, wicked smart, and shares stories of transforming mistakes, finding harmony, and creating fervor.  Check out his company here. Give him a follow on LinkedIn here.   

Hear from Josh Brewster from Trozzolo Communications as he shares his journey of transforming obstacles into opportunities. Follow Josh on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huntbrewster

Hear from Sike Style as he tells his story of creating memories through art and transforming public spaces. Check out Sike's work at https://sikestyle.myportfolio.com/exteriormurals

Hear from Jon Schram, Founder and CEO of The Purple Guys, on small business being the engine that drives our country, the entrepreneurial spirits, and the fascination he has with the business of business.Check out The Purple Guys here.And connect with Jon on LinkedIn. 

Hear from Trevor Blake, a perpetual student of life. Author of NY Times Bestseller, Three Simple Steps, and his newest book, Secrets to a Successful Startup: A Recession-Proof Guide to Starting, Surviving & Thriving in Your Own Venture. Trevor was the founder and CEO of QOL Medical LLC, which he started with just a few hundred dollars, and sold in 2010 for more than $100 million. He has since sold two more companies (over $300 million) and is currently at work on his 4th, 5th, and 6th. He's never hired a single employee or worked more than 5 hours a day. He has worked in the UK, Europe, and the USA with companies such as Lipha, 3M, and Biogen and has won many industry awards, including Pharmaceutical Manager of the Year 1990, 1991 & 1992, and UK marketing professional of the year. Trevor’s passion is physics and how we can use an understanding of the relationship between energy and matter to achieve success in any aspect of business and life. His website is: https://www.trevorgblake.com/

Hear from Andrew Vleisides, Region Owner of Ram Jack, on causing disruption, constantly tinkering, and creating positive change. Check out Ram Jack here. And follow Andrew on LinkedIn here.

Hear from Warren Wang, Co-Founder and CEO of Visdom Technologies (tag) on leaving the top of the corporate ladder at Google to be transformed through the power of a Silicon Valley Startup. Check out Warren's company here and follow Warren on LinkedIn here.

Hear from Phil Singleton, Best-Selling Author and Owner of KC Web Design & SEO, on what it takes to become an 800-pound gorilla by building authority, creating compelling content, and becoming an expert.Phil's web design site: http://kcwebdesigner.com/ Phil's SEO services site: http://kcseopro.com/ Phil's book site: https://seoforgrowth.com/ Phil's podcast guesting agency: https://podcastbookers.com/ Recent award link: https://kansascity.bloggerlocal.com/reviews/experts-seo-kansas-city-companies 

Hear from Mike Hyer, Owner of Rocktops KC tell his story from startup to 80+ employees by building a beautiful brand that can be trusted, and by putting his a** on the line. Follow along on the Rocktops KC journey in the following places: WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestYouTube

Hear from Jonathan Epstein, Principal and Co-Founder of Running Pony Productions, on how his side hustle turned into one of the nation's premier video production companies, and how his focus now is on building a business that will outlast him. Check out their award-winning work here.And give Jonathan a follow on LinkedIn here.  

Hear Eng Taing's powerful story. From his birth in a Thailand refugee camp, to a childhood of hustle in Los Angeles, to the Wharton School of Business, to prestigious career stops at AT&T, Capital One, and Apple, Taing is now helping people unlock their potential and find financial freedom as the Founder & CEO of Touzi Capital. Give Eng a follow on LinkedIn.    

Hear from Retired Army Colonel, Author, and Team Leadville Leader Tony Hofmann on being the 'Tip of the Spear' in Kuwait, Leading Ultra Teams, and Embracing Grit in his new season of life. Grab Tony's book here, and follow him on LinkedIn here. 

Hear from Matt Johnson, VP of Marketing at CommunityAmerica on approaching marketing with the customer in mind, finding work you are passionate about, and paying attention to what really matters (hint: it always comes back to relationships). Hit Matt up on LinkedIn, and tell him how awesome he is.