Leaders Across America With Steve Acorn

  Ever wondered what happens when a young person steps into the world of business without any experience? In this inspiring episode, host Steve Acorn has a conversation with James George, a former intern with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who shares his transformation from an uncertain college student into a confident leader.   James dives into the unexpected challenges and powerful lessons he learned while running his own student painting business. From balancing coursework with entrepreneurship to building resilience and mastering time management, his story shows how the right support system and a willingness to grow can change everything.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: Why stepping outside your comfort zone is the real catalyst for growth The importance of trusting the process when results aren't immediate How balancing academics and business builds time management skills The mindset shift from checking tasks to taking purposeful action How leadership skills learned early can impact every future career path What it really takes to stay focused despite distractions and uncertainty The value of mentorship when facing problems for the first time Why this internship becomes a lifelong asset, not just a resume booster And much more…     Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America Connect with James on LinkedIn  

What do you do when the world shuts down 10 days after you launch your dream business?   In today's episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn catches up with Simon Fraser, a standout leader in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program back in 2013-2015, and now the founder of Headlamp Studios, a Utah-based video production company. Simon first joined YEAA as a student at Ohio State, running a $60K branch his rookie year and scaling to over $750K in sales as a GM. But this conversation is about what came next—and how he built a business (and a life) from the ground up.   Simon opens up about leaving his job at a video company in Charleston, moving across the country, and launching Headlamp just before the pandemic hit. He shares what it was like to go from freelance survival to leading a team of 15+ contractors, working with brands like Microsoft and Aspen Valley Hospital, and producing documentaries that light him up creatively. He also reflects on how the YEAA program gave him more than skills—it gave him the mindset to keep going when things got hard.   From sharing a Jeep Wrangler with his brother to building a values-first creative agency, Simon's story is packed with practical insight, honesty, and inspiration for anyone trying to create something meaningful on their own terms.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: How Simon started over in a new city—and new industry—during COVID Why being scrappy early on taught him to lead with creativity, not ego How he scaled Headlamp Studios while staying true to his values Why entrepreneurship isn't about speed, but about staying in the game The surprising ways the YEAA program still shows up in Simon's business Why self-awareness might be the most important skill you gain in this program Why Simon chose flexibility and fulfillment over fast growth And much more… Guest Bio: Simon Fraser is the founder and CEO of Headlamp Studios, a creative video production company based in Utah. A graduate of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program, Simon scaled his student painting business to over $240K before joining the YEAA team full-time. After a few years in commercial video, he launched Headlamp Studios in 2020, where he leads a team of contractors and creatives producing ads, brand films, and documentaries for clients like Microsoft, Firestone, and Aspen Valley Hospital. Simon's work has been featured in multiple film festivals, and his company is known for its grassroots, story-first approach.    Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America 100 | CEO Steve Acorn Tells His Story Connect with Simon on LinkedIn Headlamp-Studios.com  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders Across America podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.  

What happens when you outgrow a traditional job, get a nudge from your grandma, and end up buying a business you once door-knocked as a student painter?   In today's episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn reconnects with Evan Rose, a 2013 branch manager and 2014 regional manager with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who went on to become the owner of a thriving custom apparel business. From learning how to lead a team in college to weathering the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, Evan shares the pivotal lessons from his student painting days that continue to guide him more than a decade later.   You'll hear how Evan navigated burnout as a recruiter, took a leap of faith to acquire Best Buy Uniforms in Pittsburgh, and used the work ethic and leadership skills honed at YEAA to grow through uncertainty—even during COVID-19. This is a story of ownership in every sense of the word: owning your future, owning your growth, and owning your path—even when you don't feel ready.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: Why Evan left a traditional job to buy a business with no industry experience How the YEAA program shaped his mindset more than college ever did The most valuable leadership lesson he still uses today What it's really like to run a small business through a pandemic Why some customers just aren't the right fit—and how to say no How to keep your team motivated even when you're overwhelmed The importance of knowing your limits before they break you Why Evan's YEAA experience still defines his competitive edge And much more… Guest Bio: Evan Rose is a former branch and regional manager in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program who currently owns and operates Best Buy Uniforms, a custom apparel and promotional products company based in Pittsburgh. After starting his professional journey in third-party recruiting, Evan pivoted into entrepreneurship and acquired the business in 2019 with no prior industry experience. Through challenges like COVID-19 and the daily grind of small business ownership, Evan credits YEAA for helping him build the resilience, self-awareness, and leadership skills that continue to drive his success today.     Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Connect with Evan on LinkedIn Best Buy Uniforms  Contact Evan at evan@bestbuyuniforms.com  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders Across America podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.  

What happens when you push past fear and self-doubt to take on a leadership role? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn sits down with Grace Lemerise, a standout Student Works alumna, to discuss how she transformed her confidence, leadership skills, and career path through the program.   Grace shares how she went from feeling uncertain about entrepreneurship to running a $100,000 business in her rookie year and later overseeing $348,000 in revenue as an executive. She opens up about the skepticism she faced from her university advisors, the resilience it took to push through outside doubt, and how the program helped shape her into a confident leader.   Now working as a Senior SDR at demandDrive, Grace explains how the skills she learned—accountability, persistence, and leadership—continue to drive her success in her career today. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to step outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on growth and mindset shifts. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why you don't have to have everything figured out to start How mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people accelerate growth Why pushing through fear is a sign you're on the right path How to overcome skepticism and doubt from others when making bold career decisions The power of accountability and mindset shifts in achieving long-term success And much more…     Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America Connect with Grace on LinkedIn  

What does it really take to scale from six figures as a young entrepreneur to running an eight-figure business—and how do the lessons learned at YEAA can shape that journey?   In today's episode of the Leaders Across America Podcast, Steve Acorn welcomes Chandler Bolt, a successful entrepreneur and proud alumnus of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Chandler shares how his early experiences knocking doors, hiring crews, and learning to follow proven systems became the foundation for building Selfpublishing.com, an industry-leading company helping thousands of authors around the world.   Chandler opens up about his journey from a rookie branch manager to Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, including the milestones, challenges, leadership lessons, and growth strategies that fueled his remarkable success. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom on persistence, goal setting, scaling a business, and why mastering the basics during the YEAA program can set you up for life.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: Why the fundamentals you master during the YEAA program set the foundation for long-term success How Chandler turned early sales experience into a global brand serving thousands of customers The difference between chasing growth versus building sustainable, profitable businesses How to use goal setting and daily focus to consistently drive results Why resilience and extreme ownership are non-negotiable for future leaders The power of sticking with proven systems instead of reinventing the wheel How YEAA's lessons prepared Chandler to lead, scale, and thrive in business And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Chandler's LinkedIn Selfpublishing.com  7-Figure Principles  74 Chandler Bolt | 34 Million In Sales After YEAA Program Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win   

In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn talks with Jacob Zegowitz, a UMass Amherst graduate, who shattered expectations in the Student Painters Management position.   Jacob shares his journey of running a $180,000 business during his first year with the program, earning nearly $40,000 in profit, and how the experience challenged him to grow as a leader. He reflects on how perseverance and grit helped him navigate the ups and downs of running a business, from building a strong preseason marketing strategy to overcoming rejection and leading a motivated team.   Jacob also explains the importance of coachability, time management, and holding himself accountable, emphasizing how these lessons have shaped his success not only in the program but in life. Now, as a full-time mentor with Student Painters, Jacob is dedicated to helping others achieve extraordinary results by following the same principles that drove his success.   This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, interns, and anyone striving to achieve personal and professional growth. Enjoy!   In This Episode You'll Learn: Why embracing challenges and setbacks is key to growth How to build and motivate a team that drives results The importance of marketing and a strong preseason effort in scaling success Why grit, resilience, and adaptability are the cornerstones of leadership How Jacob's journey with Student Painters has set the foundation for his future goals And much more…     Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

Success in the sports industry doesn't happen overnight—it's built through resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step far outside your comfort zone. In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn welcomes back Jillian Walker for the special "Where Are They Now?" segment.   Jillian, a proud alumna of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program, has carved an impressive career path in professional sports, transitioning from the Detroit Tigers to the Memphis Grizzlies, then to the Detroit Pistons, and now serving as the Senior Manager of Premium Sales and Service with the Florida Panthers NHL team.   Jillian reflects on how stepping out of her comfort zone, a lesson learned during her time with YEAA, helped her thrive in a male-dominated industry. From moving across the country for leadership roles to leading premium sales during the Panthers' historic Stanley Cup Championship run, Jillian shares valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and how to build a career that aligns with your passions.   This episode is packed with inspiring insights for anyone ready to chase their dreams and build a fulfilling career, no matter how challenging the path. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: How stepping out of your comfort zone leads to massive personal and professional growth Why consistency and mindset are critical to long-term success How to navigate and excel as a woman in male-dominated industries The importance of mentoring and supporting others as you grow How Jillian turned her internship experience into a thriving career in professional sports. And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America 38 | Jillian Walker | How to Set Yourself Apart, Mindset Strategies, and Overcoming Your Biggest Failures  

What drives a college student to break records and lead a six-figure business before graduation? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn speaks with Ashton Benkert, a junior at Adrian College who shattered Michigan's rookie production record by running a $180,000 business in his first year with the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program.   Ashton shares how his relentless determination, coachability, and focus on building a strong marketing team helped him double the average rookie sales. He opens up about the mindset shifts that fueled his success, the lessons he learned from facing setbacks, and how staying consistent through mental slumps gave him a competitive edge.    Now, Ashton is setting his sights on reaching $250,000 in revenue while mentoring rookie managers to follow in his footsteps. This episode is packed with practical strategies and powerful insights for anyone ready to take on leadership challenges and push beyond their limits. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: How determination and being coachable are key drivers of success in the YEAA program Why developing and leading a high-performing marketing team is essential for business growth How to stay focused and overcome mental roadblocks when challenges arise The impact of mentorship and collaboration on personal and professional development Why trusting the process is critical to achieving long-term goals And much more…   Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

What does it take to start, grow, and sell a successful business? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, host Steve Acorn welcomes back Andrew Dennison, an alumnus of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program and now the CEO of Basepath. Andrew shares his incredible journey from running his first business as a student branch manager to co-founding a groundbreaking software company that revolutionized payments for college athletes.   Andrew reflects on how the lessons he learned as a student entrepreneur—including managing challenges, trusting the process, and scaling operations—shaped his approach to business and ultimately led to the sale of his company. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a blueprint for leadership, growth, and resilience. In This Episode You'll Learn: The critical role of learning by doing and the power of mentorship in entrepreneurship. How the fundamentals of running a painting business apply to scaling tech startups. Why trusting the process is essential to achieving long-term success. The importance of ownership in building personal wealth and professional legacy. How networking and alumni connections can open doors to new opportunities. And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

What does it take to excel as a young entrepreneur and leader? On this episode of Leaders Across America, host Steve Acorn speaks with Griffin Workman, a standout participant in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Griffin takes us through his transformative journey from a rookie painter to running a $150,000 business and earning $30,000 in profit—all while balancing the challenges of leadership, team management, and sales.   Griffin shares how his competitive mindset, strategic approach to marketing, and ability to implement incentives for his team helped him achieve extraordinary success. He discusses the importance of buying into the system, leveraging mentorship, and staying focused on your own path despite external doubts. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire and motivate. In This Episode You'll Learn: The critical role of a strong preseason strategy in achieving success How to build trust and inspire your team through incentives and challenges Why time management and an hour-by-hour schedule can set you apart How to stay focused on your goals and block out external noise The power of mentorship and following a proven system to drive results And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

How does a student-athlete balance rigorous commitments while running a six-figure business? In this episode of Leaders Across America, Steve Acorn sits down with Emma LaVelle, a trailblazing participant in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Emma shares her inspiring journey of managing a $120,000 business while excelling as a full-time student athlete and figure skater. Her story showcases the power of discipline, time management, and an unwavering mindset in achieving the extraordinary.   Emma dives into the challenges she faced, from breaking through doubts to mastering leadership and scheduling, all while smashing records in the program. She highlights the importance of mentorship, self-confidence, and stepping out of her comfort zone to unlock her full potential. This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to achieve their goals while balancing multiple priorities. In This Episode You'll Learn: How Emma broke records while balancing the demands of being a student-athlete The importance of mentorship and mindset in achieving big goals How to plan and schedule effectively for both work and personal success Why stepping out of your comfort zone leads to extraordinary growth Tips for overcoming doubts and building confidence in leadership And much more…   Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

How do you go from zero business experience to smashing state records in just a few summers? In this episode of Leaders Across America, Steve Acorn talks with Adam Pompilius, a standout in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program and Michigan's all-time sales leader.    Adam shares his journey of becoming Rookie Manager of the Year, managing over $230,000 in sales during a single summer, and transforming his raw potential into real-world success. He discusses the key lessons he's learned about mentorship, time management, and personal growth throughout his three years in the program. From mastering the art of leadership to balancing the grind with having fun, Adam's story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.    Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to take your first steps or simply curious about the skills and mindset needed to excel in business, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and practical advice. Adam's journey will leave you feeling motivated, equipped with fresh perspectives, and ready to tackle your own challenges with confidence and determination.   If Adam's story inspired you, share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing it! Don't forget to follow, rate, and review Leaders Across America to stay updated on more incredible stories of young leaders making their mark. In This Episode You'll Learn: Mentorship plays a huge role in figuring out what works and how to succeed. Effective time management is critical—you only have so much time in a day, so make the most of it Hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary results Being coachable and learning from those who've walked the path before is essential to growth Having fun, learning, and embracing personal development are key to making the most of the internship experience And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

On today's show, we interview Ashland Stansbury, one of our successful alumni who was part of the Young Entrepreneurs Program back in 2015. She was a freshman at Babson College when she joined our program and she sold over $165,000 that summer, winning the Entrepreneur of the Year award. Today, Ashland is the CEO of Because, a B2B software platform that she founded four years ago upon graduation. In this episode, Ashland is going to talk about the important lessons she learned at YEAA and how this experience helped her in the business she runs today. Ashland is also going to talk about the vision she has for her company and the goal of becoming a billion-dollar organization. She'll discuss challenges she experiences not only during our program but ones that she's faced today as a CEO at Because. She will also talk about how she got funds and fundraising to be able to have a business, will share a very inspirational and detailed story on how she started her business, the mistakes she made along the way and the lessons she took from them and so much more.   Enjoy!   What You Will Learn In This Show: A little bit about Ashland's story and how she got involved into our program. The difference between Student Painters and a regular internship.  The most important keys to success in Ashland's preseason. The best mindset to have in order to achieve success in our program. About Ashland's production schedule that we still use today. How NOT to manage your employees.  About Ashland's business: how she started it, the challenges she had along the way and her goals for the future. And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

On today's show, we interview Joe Tedesco, one of our successful alumni who joined our program back in 2016 and completed an $81,000 business with a profit of $15,000.    What is unique about Joe's story is that he was the very last intern hired that year (it was early to mid-April) and he had to figure out very quickly how to get started in this business. But he had a very strong mindset that helped him become one of our top managers that year.   For Joe, failure was not an option. He was driven and motivated, even though no one had ever done this before, starting late in mid to late April and running a successful business that was one of the tops in the country.   Today, Joe is a sales manager at Skyline Solar and he is also the owner of Tedesco Painting, an interior restoration company   In this episode, Joe is going to talk about this incredible journey and the lifelong impact this experience had on him.   He will also share how our internship motivated him to stay in college, will talk about how being an underdog was a very powerful motivational tool for him, will share some of the most important lessons he took away from YEAA, will reveal the key secret to becoming the best leader you can be, and so much more.   Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: Joe's experience as an underdog and how he overcame this intimidation. The importance of having a strong mindset in order to succeed.  Some of the most important lessons Joe took away from YEAA. The importance of finding the right mentors to help you on your journey to success. And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

On today's show, we interview Ben Steenkamp from the University of Connecticut. He was one of our successful branch managers back in 2017 and 2018 running a $75,000 business and making about  $16,000 in his first year in our program and about $25,000 in his second year. Today, Ben works as an account executive at Oracle NetSuite.   In this episode, Ben is going to talk about the importance and the power of taking control of your own destiny and how being part of YEAA helped him get a full-time position at a successful company like Oracle.   You will find out a little bit about Ben's background and origin story, how he heard about our program and what made him decide to join it.   Ben will talk about his results in the program and some of the most important key takeaways he got out of this experience.   He will share some of the challenges he had to overcome and how those helped him grow and he will also reveal the most important key to his success at Student Painters.   You will find out what the Oracle job interview process was like for Ben and how he related it back to Student Painters.   Ben will also talk about what he does at Oracle and how he applies some of the lessons he learned in our program. He will also share his plans for the future and so much more.   Listen now and enjoy another insightful conversation with one of our successful young leaders!  What You Will Learn In This Show: How Ben heard about our program and what made him decide to join Some of the key takeaways that Ben got out of his experience in our program Some of the challenges Ben had to overcome and how those helped him grow The most important key to Ben's success  How the Oracle job interview process was like for Ben and how he related it back to Student Painters?  And so much more…     Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

On today's show, we interview Michael Acorn, one of our successful interns. Since joining our program in 2019, he sold over $1.8 million and earn personally over 160,000, he has recruited, coached, and mentored 18 college students who've earned an average of 22,000 hours a summer. He is also the number one branch manager of all time with single sales of $366,000 over three summers.    In this episode, Michael is going to talk about his incredible story and share in great detail his coaching secrets on how to be a top performer at YEAA   You will learn a little bit about Michael's background and the unique history he has with YEAA.   Michael will talk about the importance of having a goal-crushing attitude and the right mindset in order to succeed.    He will share some micros on how he coached top performers in this program.   He will also talk about how to ensure a successful preseason and will share some of the most important lessons hel took from his experience with YEAA.   Michael will discuss the importance of dedication, perseverance and believing in your dream, he will talk about why surrounding yourself with top performers can help you succeed as an entrepreneur, will reveal how being organized can lower your stress levels and so much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: The importance of having a goal-crushing attitude and the right mindset in order to succeed  The flip between employer and employee mindsets Some micros on how Michael coached top performers in this program How to ensure a successful preseason Some of the most important lessons Michael took from his experience with YEAA The importance of having a coach or a mentor And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America  

On today's show, we interview AJ Rodriguez, another one of our successful alumni. He was an intern with us back in 2012 and did a $70,000 plus business.   After finishing school, AJ entered his family business. Today he owns 34 Sport Clips Haircuts locations, 1 Gigi's Cupcakes Bakery, Beyond Parallel Fitness 24/7 & CrossFit gym, and is a landlord/property manager for real estate investment properties.    In this episode, AJ is going to get into some micros of how he got in the franchise business, how to go about buying a franchise if you're interested and how his experience with Student painters helped him become who he is today.    You will learn more about who AJ Rodriguez is and a little bit about his background and origin story.   AJ will talk about how he heard about our program and what made him decide to join, will share more about this experience, his results in the program and some of the most important takeaways he got from it, important lessons he still uses today in his businesses.   You will find out more about how to start and what it takes to become a franchisee.   AJ will share more about how he got involved in real estate investing and how many rental properties he has today.   He will also reveal some key characteristics and habits a successful entrepreneur should have, will talk about why you should cut out the people that aren't positively attributing to your life, the value of the network and the connections you gain through the program, will share his plans for the future and so much more…   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: Who is AJ Rodriguez: a little bit about his background and origin story How AJ heard about our program and what made him decide to join Some of the most important takeaways AJ got from our program and still uses today in his businesses How do you start and what does it take to become a franchisee? AJ's challenges during Covid and how he overcame them How AJ got involved in real estate investing and how many rental properties he has And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America AJ's LinkedIn  

On today's show, we interview another one of our amazing recent alumni. His name is Mike Morrill, he was an intern with us for three years, from 2019 to 2022 and sold over $1.5 million during this period.   Mike not only ran his own business successfully but also coached many interns and watched them grow with our program, both professionally and financially.   In this episode, Mike is going to talk about the impact that this program had on him, and how much he's grown and learned through the way program.    You will discover how Mike found out about YEAA and what drew him into the program.   He will talk a little bit about the small business he had while in high school and why he always wanted to become an entrepreneur.   Mike will share what he did to maximize his three summers at YEAA and will talk about his experience coaching other managers.   You will learn more about the importance of having a good process in place and why dedication and perseverance are key to success in business.   Mile will talk about his challenge during Covid and how he managed to overcome them and he will also share some other trials and tribulations he had during the program and the lessons he took away from them.   He will also share a blueprint of what you need to do to ensure your success in this program, will talk about the most important takeaways he got from his experience at YEAA, will reveal some of his plans for the future and much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: What Mike did to maximize his three summers at YEAA About Mike's experience coaching other managers A blueprint of what you need to do to ensure your success in this program The most important takeaways Mike got from our program Some of the trials and tribulations Mike had during the program and the lessons he took away from them And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we interview Tyler Wagner, one of our alumni who was a branch manager down in Columbia, South Carolina back in 2012.   Today, Tyler lives in Miami and has started a few companies, one of the main ones being Authors Unite, a company that focuses on publishing books for people that currently has about $15 million a year in sales.    In this episode, Tyler is going to talk about some of the biggest takeaways he took away from YEAA and how it almost gave him superpowers.   You will find out more about what Tyler does today both personally and professionally. Tyler  will talk about how he founded Authors Unite and what this company does   You will learn how Tyler heard about the YEAA program and what made him decide to join.   Tyler will share some of the biggest st lessons he learned from our program and how he is still applying them today in his businesses.   He will reveal the biggest superpower he got from our program and will talk about how Student Painters forced accountability upon him and helped shape who he is today.   You will find out how YEAA helped Tyler build his confidence, he will talk about the importance of having a good process in place for any type of business, will share some of the struggles he had early on as an entrepreneur and how he managed to overcome them and so much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show  What Authors Unite does and how Tyler founded the company How Tyler heard about the YEAA program and what made him decide to join About Tyler's first year in the program: results and takeaways Some of the biggest lessons Tyler learned from our program and how he is still applying them today in his business There's a lot of failure along the way to success The importance of having a good process in place for any type of business And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Tyler's LinkedIn Authorsunite.com  The Tyler Wagner Show

It is the 100th episode of the Leaders Across America podcast and we wanted it to be something really unique and special. So this time, Steve Acorn is going to turn the microphone around and will tell his own story and his experience with Young Entrepreneurs Across America. Steve is going to be interviewed by Chris Thomson, the Head Coach of the Student Work Management Program, a similar organization from Canada and the host of the Leaders Of Tomorrow podcast. You will find out how Steve heard about Student Painters and what made him decide to join the program in the first place. You will also learn who Steve Acorn was before joining Student Painters and what was his parents' opinion about him joining the program. Steve will share some of his favourite memories about the program early on and will talk about how technology changed over time and how it helped Student Painters evolve. You will also learn what was Student Painters' culture when Steve joined the program and how it changed over time. Steve will also talk about the structure of Student Painters and how it changed over the years, will share the most important lessons he took from his experience with Student Painters, will talk about some of the challenges he has to deal with now, will reveal some plans for the future and so much more. Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show  How Steve heard about Student Painters and what made him decide to join Some of Steve's favorite memories about the program early on  What was Student Painters' culture like back then and how did it change? A little bit about the structure of Student Painters and how it changed over the years The most important lessons Steve took from his experience with Student Painters What is coming in the future for Student Painters and Steve Acorn And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Student Works

In today's show, Steve interviews Cate Latting, Executive Regional Manager at Young Entrepreneurs Across America.   This show starts with Cate sharing how she got involved with YEAA in the first place. Outgoing and athletic, Cate got a chance to co-op in her sophomore year. In this segment of the show, Cate talks a bit about the mental hurdles that she had to overcome when she first got involved in the painting business. Was it worth taking up all the challenges?   Next, Cate gives us some interesting insights into her summer stint where she ended up making an $18,000 profit from her painting job. Home-owners, Cate reveals, like to buy from young and excited students who are heavily invested in making a better future for themselves. Further, you will also learn how having an accountability partner inspired  Cate on to put in her best.   One theme that we discuss quite a bit is the importance of communication and follow-up. As is common with many folks who are managing their first business venture, Cate was afraid that incessant follow-up would kill her sale. She talks about her struggle with overcoming this mental hurdle.     Cate also shares how, given the chance she will handle her employees differently. Having gone through 25 painters throughout summer made her realize that she needs to better incentivize her employees. In her second year at YEAA, Cate is managing a team of 7 first-year interns. How does she plan on mentoring these interns to have a more successful second year?   We wrap with this show with Cate sharing some great advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tune in for some excellent insights!   What You Will Learn in This Show: How to communicate with prospects and convince them to hire you How to deal with your employees and build a dream team for your business How an accountability partner can inspire you to put in your best And so much more...   Resources: Young Entrepreneurs Across America

On today's show, we interview Miles Drum, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, who has completed his first year of the YEAA program and set an all-time business record in selling over $226,000 and profiting over $60,000 this past summer.   In this episode, Miles is going to share with you what he had to do to become number one of all time, his real-life experiences with YEAA  as a freshman in college, and the benefits that he got out of the program.   Miles will talk about how it feels for him to be an all-time leader and the importance of understanding the “why” behind the process.   You will find out what Miles did to differentiate himself from the other interns and why it is important to take ownership of your own business.   Miles will also talk about some of the activities he did in the summer and the estimates he was able to accomplish.   You will find out more about how to overcome the fear of knocking on doors and the importance of keeping your team motivated and feeling like a team.   Miles will share his thoughts about the YEAA culture, the most valuable things he has earned through the program, his plans and goals for the future and so much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: How Miles differentiated himself from the other interns Some of the activities Miles did in the summer and the estimates he was able to accomplish  The importance of keeping your team motivated and feeling like a team The most valuable things Miles earned through the program What is next for Miles Drum? Plans and goals for the future And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's special show, we interview Alexa Moore, one of our successful alumni.     Alexa was a branch manager at YEAA between 2015-2016 and she did over $ 100,000 in business with about $ 22,000 in profits. She developed as a top performer in sales, recruiting, interviewing, marketing, management and leadership. In 2017 she was promoted to General Manager of the Michigan and New England Division.   After leaving YEAA, Alexa continued to grow and develop personally and professionally working as an account executive at Qualtrics, and after that as a Customer Success Manager at Riverside Insights.   In this episode, Alexa is going to talk about limits that people put on themselves, and how if you believe in those limits, your achievability is much less. She will explain how how approaching this internship with no limits was the key to her success.    You will learn a little bit about Alexa's background and how she decided to join Young Entrepreneurship Across America.   She will talk about her results in the program and the important lessons she learned from it.   You will find out why it is important to have a manager who believes in you and why having your own drive and desire to succeed is crucial.   Alexa will also talk about her experiences of working at Qualtrics and Riverside Insights, and will explain how a being part of the YEAA alumni network helped her in her career.   She will also reveal some of the biggest challenges she had as a branch manager at YEAA and how she managed to overcome them, she will share how the program impacted and inspired her whole family and so much more. Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show  The importance of having a manager who believes in you How the Young Entrepreneurship Across America program has changed so many students' lives Alexa's experience working as an Account Executive at Qualtrics after she left YEAA·  About Alexa's experience as a customer success manager at Riverside Insights The most important key to being successful  How the YEAA program impacted and inspired Alexa's family And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's special show, we interview Jacob Melvin, a finance student at Michigan State University who has just completed year one of the YEAA program.   Running a $177,000 business this past summer, and earning over $30,000 in income, Jacob managed to break the all-time rookie record for sales along with the all-time Michigan sales record for a branch manager.    In this episode, he is going to talk about his experience at Young Entrepreneurs as a freshman in college and the benefits he got from the program   You will find out more about Jacob, his background story and what made him join our program.   You will discover how 18 to 22-year-olds can actually achieve success with the program and what it takes to win.   Jacob will talk about some of his highs and lows while going through the internship and he will share how he managed to overcome the challenges he had to face.   He will also talk about the importance of continuous recruiting and finding more people for the team, the role of mentors in setting you up for success, his plans and goals for 2023 and so much more.   Enjoy this incredible conversation with the number one sales leader ever in the state of Michigan! What You Will Learn In This Show  Jacob's experience at Young Entrepreneurs as a freshman in college and the benefits he got from the program How 18 to 22-year-olds can actually achieve success with the program and what it does take to win The role of mentors in setting you up for success Plans and goals for Jacob's business in 2023 And so much more…

On today's special show, we interview Chris Goldman, one of our successful alumni.     Chris was a branch manager in Spartanburg, South Carolina for two years, 2016 and 2017 and won the Manager of the Year each time.    Today Chris is the owner of Dahlia Homes, a real estate investment company, specializing in property management, acquisitions and construction management in South Carolina.   In this episode, Chris is going to talk about his most important takeaways from the program and his journey to becoming an entrepreneur in the real estate space.   You will learn more about how Chris found out about our program and what made him decide to join.   Chris will share his unique story of coming from a less privileged background and how he sees Student Painters as a great opportunity, particularly for people coming from a similar background.   He will share why he believes that our program is a  level playing field, where all you have to do is outwork everybody else to succeed.   Chris will also talk about how our process and coaching enabled him to compete on an equal footing with everyone within the organization.    You will discover what are the main reasons why Student Painters actually works and how to find the metrics that help you get the best results.   Chris will share how the YEAA experience helped him in starting and running his real estate business and will reveal the main things he learned during the Student Painters program that he still uses today.   He will also share more details about his business and how he started Dahlia Homes and much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: The main reasons why Student Painters actually works How did our process and coaching enable Chris to compete on an equal footing with everyone within the organization? How did the YEAA experience help Chris in starting and running his real estate business later About Chris' results in the program and the big lessons he took from the experience later on What is Dahlia Homes and how did Chris start it? And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Dahliahomes.com

On today's special show, we interview Eric Emerick one of our successful alumni who ran a $100,000 plus business back in 2013-2014. What is unique about him is the path he chose after leaving our program and graduating from  Purdue University in 2017: he moved to New York where he went to an acting school to perfect his acting skills.   Today he is an actor, a model, a sailing instructor, and also a project manager for his sets. Although his professional path seems different from other alumni of our program, Eric is actually an entrepreneur in many different ways.    He believes that entrepreneurship is more like a way of thinking and that you can bring that toolbox and that skill set to anything you set your mind to   In this episode, Erick is going to talk about how his Student Painters experience taught him invaluable lessons that h applies in his career today.   You will learn more about how Eric found out about our program and what made him decide to join it.   You will also find out more details about Eric's results in our program.   He will share with you the reasons that make him decide to become an actor and he will reveal how you can make a business out of an acting career.   Eric will talk about his career, the movies he was in and his goals for the next five years, and much more.   Listen now and enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show More details about Eric's results in our program When and why did Eric decide he wants to follow an acting career?  How you can make a business out of an acting career  How his Student Painters' experience helped Eric become the person he is today And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Ericemerick.com Eric's Instagram Erick's Linkedin

On today's special show, we interview Xavier Cole, one of our alumni, a graduate of UConn, who is today a visionary real estate consultant with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Commonwealth Real Estate.   He was a branch manager in our program in 2020 and he believes that this experience had a huge impact on his professional life and set the foundation for who he is today.    He is also the host of “Make Excuses or Make it Happen”, a new podcast that takes in the first-hand experiences' of premier global and regional entrepreneurs focused on real estate, finance, and education and offers free content and consultations for those looking to eliminate all excuses and make it happen.    You will find out How Xavier heard about the program and what made him decide to join YEAA.   He will share some of the main things he learned from our program and how those lessons helped him in his career later on.   Xavier and Steve will also talk about the amazing power of the YEAA network.   You will find out more about Xavier's passion for real estate and his journey in this space and he will share a little bit of what he does as a visionary real estate consultant at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Commonwealth Real Estate.   You will learn more about Xavier's new podcast, what he plans to discuss there, what the concept of “Make Excuses or Make it Happen” really means and so much more.   Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show: Some of the main things Xavier learned from our program and how those lessons helped him in his career later on The power of the YEAA network  What does Xavier do as a visionary real estate consultant at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Commonwealth Real Estate? What does Xavier plan to discuss on his new podcast? And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Xavier's Instagram Xavier's Facebook Berkshire Hathaway Commonwealth Real Estate  Make Excuses or Make it Happen

On today's special show, we interview Joe Delia, Operating Principal at Keller Williams Paint Creek, and owner of the Delia Group. He is also one of our alumni and he talked about his experience with Student Painters in a previous episode.   This time we invited Joe to talk about what students need to do in order to be able to apply to elite companies like Keller Williams after college   With more than 800 franchises.  Keller Williams is the largest residential and commercial Real Estate company in North America, and the second-largest in the world.    You will first find out what Keller Williams specializes in, what is their business model and why it would be a great opportunity to work for them when you graduate college,   Joe will share the hiring process he goes through in his company and what you could expect if you apply at Keller Williams.   You will find out what kind of student Joe looks for when conducting interviews with someone who just graduated college.   Jope will share the exact processes a candidate goes through when applying for a job at Keller Williams.   He will reveal what is the Keller Personality Assessment and how it is used in the recruitment process   For all these and much more, tune in to this very informative episode and get a blueprint of exactly what you need to do while in college so that you can apply for a great job at an elite company. What You Will Learn In This Show  What does Keller Williams specialize in and what is the theory business model? The hiring process Joe goes through in his company and what you could expect if you apply at Keller Williams What does it mean to have on your resume something like the YEAA? The Keller personality assessment and how it is used in the recruitment process What do the first six months of working for Keller Williams look like? And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America 68 | Joe Delia | Amazing Business Successes Thedeliagroup.com  

In today's episode of the Leader Across America podcast, Steve sits down with Aaron Acorn and Josh Drushel, both Vice Presidents of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program for the final episode of their special four-part series. The topic for today's show involves the benefits students can gain by being part of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program.   As the summer winds down and we approach the end of this year's internship, Steve, Aaron and Josh take some time to reflect on why this year's executive team may be the strongest yet, and highlight some of the benefits of the program.   Beyond the growth potential that the program provides to participants - offering opportunities to build new skills and helping to make themselves more marketable - it also answers a question many have asked: "Is there anything left to learn?" What they quickly realize however, is that learning never really ends. As you gain experience in business and get better at your job, your learning opportunities actually increase.   Networking is another powerful benefit of the program. Working with like-minded people on an executive team provides powerful opportunities for connection and learning, whether it be from your own class, the executives above you or the people that come after you. Once you reach the executive level, you're able to create that connection with the top 10% of the entire country.   Steve, Aaron and Josh also take time to discuss the deep level of interaction and hands-on learning present in the program. Many internships are based on "shadowing," offering small glimpses of what that office actually looks like. However, what's missing is real world experience, a hands-on approach that provides more opportunity for learning.   Enjoy!      What You'll Learn in this Show: Why this year's executive team may be the strongest they've ever had going into 2022. The answer to the perennial question: "Is there anything more for me to learn?" How the networking opportunities offered by the program allow you to build connections with the top 10% in the country. Why internships that only allow participants to "shadow" office environments are missing out on a powerful learning opportunity. And so much more...   Resources: YEAA Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

On today's special show, we interview Joey Szczepaniak a former intern of ours who had excellent results in our internship program back in 2016. He stayed with us only for one year, but he believes that year had a major impact on his life, both professionally and personally.    Since he left YEAA he had an amazing story filled with great opportunities and he thinks that his experience in our program is what led to all the things that he's been able to accomplish today.   In today's show, Joey will share his background story and what made him decide to join Young Entrepreneurs Across America.   He will share the results he had in the program and the most important lessons he took away from it.   He will also talk about his experience as an intern account manager at ALKU after leaving Student Painters.   You will find out how Joey got a quarter-million-dollar a year position and why he turned that down.   You will also find details about Joey's experience as a sales specialist at Self Publishing School as well as about his experience working as a Senior Advisor at Traffic and Funnels.   Joey will talk about the amazing power of the YEAA culture and network and he will share the most important keys to his success   Tune in to our latest episode to hear another story of an amazing young leader whose journey to success started at Student Painters! What You Will Learn In This Show  What were Joey's results in the program and his biggest takeaways? Why did Joey turn down a quarter-million-dollar a year position? The power of the YEAA culture and network Joey's experience as a sales specialist at Self Publishing School  What are the three rules of sales and how does Joey use it  Joey's experience working as a Senior Advisor at Traffic and Funnels And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Joey's Instagram Joey's Facebook Joey's Linkedin

On today's special show, we interview Patrick Gorman, a second year branch manager and a rookie executive with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who produced  over $90,000 in business and profit exceeding $28,000 during his first year in our program.   Patrick will dive deep into his s rookie year keys to success, month by month as well as he three most important things he enjoyed the most in his first year.   You will find out what you need to do to ensure a great second half of the summer at YEAA.   You will also learn why it is important to continue recruiting painters and some secrets to managing a great team.   Patrick will share some some real life experiences he had with the YEAA and the key benefits he got out of the program so far.   He will reveal some of his highs and lows and some pitfalls he encountered during his internship.   Plus, Patrick will share his plans for this year and some of his goals for the future   For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show: Patrick's rookie year keys to success, month by month Three key things Patrik enjoyed the most in his first year What you need to do to ensure a great second half of the summer at YEAA The benefits Patrick got out of the program so far Patrick's highs and lows and some pitfalls he encountered during his internship Patrick's plans for this year and his goals for the future And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's special show, we interview two of our succesful rookie entrepreneurs, Nick Draginoff and Dylan Klocker, to capture a little bit about their story so far since joining Young Entrepreneurs. Nick is a sophomore at Miami University, Ohio, and so far he has about $55,000 in sales and 45 estimates completed. Dylan is a sophomore at UMass Amherst, and he has about 130,000 in sales, 53 estimates completed and about 22 jobs booked In today's episode, you will find out a little bit about Nick and Dylan's background stories and their experiences in the program so far. They will share their opinion about what is the best part of our organisation, as well as the skills they have developed since joining the program. You will find out how Nick and Dylan became interested in the program and how they knew they'd succeed. They will also talk about their biggest fears since they started this journey and their key secret to maintaining a successful business while being a full-time college student. Nick and Dylan will also talk about their personal and professional growth since joining the program and the top characteristics they think you should possess to be a winner in this program For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show    What skills have Nick and Dylan improved since they joined the program? How did Nick and Dylan become interested in the program and how did they know they'd succeed? The biggest fears Nick and Dylan had since they joined the program The key secret to maintaining a successful business while being a full-time college student The top characteristics you should possess to be a winner in this program Nick and Dylan's parents' first reaction when they heard about the program And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Charles Beck, a young leader who will share with us insightful details about his 5 years experience with Student Painters that started back in 2014. Currently, Charles owns his own painting business and he is also a Field Underwriter at Symmetry Financial Group. In today's show, you will find out when Charles heard about  Student Painters and what drew him into the program. You will also learn some details about Charles' achievements in his first and second years in the program. Charles will share some of the key habits a young leader should develop to set himself up for success Charles will talk about how Student Painters changed his life both personally and professionally. He will also reveal some details about what he does today and what are his goals for the next years. For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!   What You Will Learn In This Show  When did Charles hear about Student Painters and what drew him into the program?  What are Charles' key takeaways from the program? Key habits you should develop at a young age to set yourself for success How Student Painters changed Charles both personally and professionally  Some advice for our rookie managers What is Charles doing today and what are him goals for the next years And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Charles' Linkedin

On today's show, we talk to Ben Cummings, a Branch Manager at Student Painters back in 2012 who used what he learned in the program to start three different companies He is currently the CEO of Sales Rev, an organization that helps small businesses streamline and innovate how they do business as well as adopt the right technology stack for their needs. Before Sales Rev, he owned a video production company in Detroit and a full-service landscaping company.  “An entrepreneur at heart”, as he likes to call himself, Ben is also a creative person and a talented musician. He plays as a drummer in a band called Schema Things. In today's show, you will find out how Bem started his experience in the YEAA program and how he became a Branch Manager. Ben will talk about his results as a Branch Manager at Student Painters, key takeaways from the program and the pivotal moments that changed his life both professionally and personally.  He will share the biggest mistakes during the program and the lessons he learned from them. Ben will reveal How Ben used what he learned in the program to start three companies. You will also find out what is the #1 thing you have to do to become succesful, why implementing a process and a system is important in a business and some tips to finding your first customers. For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!   What You Will Learn In This Show    How Ben started his experience in the YEAA program and how he became a Branch Manager Ben's results as a Branch Manager at Student Painters Ben's key takeaways from the program and the pivotal moments that changed his life The #1 thing you have to do to become successful Ben's biggest challenges during the program and how he overcame them How Ben used what he learned in the program to start three companies And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Ben's Linkedin Schema Things Youtube Channel

On today's show, we talk to Laura Lawson EVP and Chief People Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage and elite company helping independent mortgage brokers deliver a far superior client experience than banks and retail lenders.  Additionally, they offer training, technology, marketing support, and more to help their partners compete, win, and grow their businesses. In this special episode, Laura is going to share important insights and the steps you can take as a young student or graduate to get the attention of an elite company like UWM. Throughout the interview, you will learn what Laura is doing at United Wholesale Mortgage as well as a little bit about the company's business model. Laura will share some keys to creating and maintaining UWM's workplace culture. She will also talk about the importance of constantly seeking feedback from your team. You will find out what are some of Laura's biggest challenges when hiring someone in the organization. Laura will share some tips on how to apply for a job at United as well as how she chooses the best candidates.  You will discover what you need to know before applying for a job at UWM and also what is the income range and the benefits you can have working for them. Plus, you will learn why having YEAA experience is a big plus when applying for jobs at UWM. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about how to get an elite job right after college!   What You Will Learn In This Show  Laura's role at United Wholesale Mortgage and a little bit about the company's business model Keys to creating and maintaining UWM's workplace culture The importance of constantly seeking feedback from your team What you need to know before applying for a job at UWM The income range and the benefits you can have working for UWM Why having the YEAA program experience is a big plus when applying for a job at  UWM And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Laura's Linkedin Uwm.com www.Uwmcareers.com

On today's show, we talk to Fernando Tenesaca, Senior Executive at YEAA, currently building the New England Team for Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Development Program for our 2022 Summer Internship opportunity. As a Senior Executive, Fernando is recruiting and interviewing candidates for the Branch Manager position from public and private institutions in the New England area and also mentoring students in starting their first profitable business In today's show, Fernando will talk about his backstory, how he heard about our program and what made him join it. He will share his results in the program and the greatest lessons he took from his first year. He will also talk about some of the challenges he had as a rookie manager and how he managed to overcome them. You will learn some which are some of the most important keys to a successful startup. You will also find out some interesting details about Fernando's speech on perspective and taking advantage of pivotal moments in your life. For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show    Fernando's results in the program and the greatest lessons he took from it Important keys to a successful startup Tips to building a solid relationship with clients The importance of understanding your “why” Fernando's speech on perspective and taking advantage of pivotal moments in your life. And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Fernando's LinkedIn

On today's show, we talk to John Gave, Managing Partner at The Metiss Group, a company that provides team development solutions, recruitment selection services, talent assessment, and EOS integrator recruitment. John's experience working with emerging companies through growth and performance initiatives enabled him to accelerate the company's growth. To help The Metiss Group and their clients create more predictable results through consistent process application, he uses experience from his days as a software developer, systems engineer, and distribution center manager. He also plays an important role in growing new markets for the company. In today's episode, John will talk about some important strategies for finding the right talent for any type of company and role. You will learn how John and his wife started the Metiss Group, the inspiration behind it and what the company does today. You will find out more details about John's role in the company as a Managing Partner. John will talk about creating specific defined approaches to helping organizations make a better hire and how to minimize the most common hiring mistakes. He will also share some secret keys to a great hiring process and will reveal the reasons behind most retention issues and how to prevent them. You will learn what a scorecard is and why you need to have one when hiring new talents. John will also discuss the importance of having a healthy organization and will reveal some secret keys to becoming a great leader and why this is crucial for your organization.  He will also share his thoughts on the YEAA program and why he believes this is an important experience for a college student For these and much more, tune in to our latest episode! Enjoy!   What You Will Learn In This Show    Creating specific defined approaches to helping organizations make a better hire The secret keys to a great hiring process  What is a scorecard and why do you need to have one when hiring new talents? Secret keys to becoming a great leader and why is this crucial for your organization  John's thoughts on the YEAA program and why he believes this is an important experience for a college student  And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Mike Praeger, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at AvidXchange, a successful company that provides “AP” (accounts payable) automation software and payment solutions for middle-market businesses and their suppliers.  As a YEAA alumnus, Mike believes that the experience and skills he gained in our program contributed greatly to becoming who he is today - the owner of a company valued at over a billion dollars. You will find out how Mike got involved with Student Painters and what are some of the takeaways he gained from his experience as a branch manager. You will discover what Mike did to start and grow AvidXchange, and what the company does today. Mike will reveal his secrets on how to build and manage a great team and he will talk about how important it is for a CEO to have a vision of the company and be able to help execute that vision. He will also discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people that are better than you and why getting out of your comfort zone is the key to success.  For this and much more invaluable advice from one of our most successful alumni, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show  How Mike got involved with Student Painters and some of the takeaways he gained from his experience as a branch manager What Mike did to start and grow AvidXchange, and what the company does today How important it is for Mike as a CEO to have a vision of the company and be able to help execute that vision  The importance of surrounding yourself with people that are better than you Why is getting out of your comfort zone the key to success? And so much more…

On today's show, we are joined by YEAA Vice-President Josh Drushel and Aaron Acorn who share with us the 4 keys to starting and managing a successful start-up business. Drawing from their combined experience of nearly three decades, Josh and Aaron share some of the biggest things that can help eighteen-year-olds manage a large painting business at YEAA (Young Entrepreneurs Across America).  You will learn the importance of having enough human capital at your disposal. Being a labor-intensive business, unless you over-hire and always have some fallback options, your business will stall sooner, or later as “unforeseen circumstances” come up. Perhaps, retaining your employees is as important (if not more) than the hiring process. And on today's show, Josh and Aaron emphasize setting expectations right away and rewarding employees adequately. Next, we discuss marketing and reveal why it's important to make an early start. Always having a full sales pipeline will help you work out any hiccups so you can hit your revenue goals. You do not want to miss the show ending where we talk about communication. Clear communication with your vendors, painters, and customers will help you run your first business smoothly and profitably. This is a show you do not want to miss. Enjoy! What You Will Learn In This Show The 4 Keys to managing a start-up Expert tips for guaranteeing employee satisfaction Keeping your sales pipeline full, and how it can help you hit your revenue goals How to communicate clearly with your vendors, painters, and customers And so much more…   Resources Young Entrepreneurs Across America Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Galen Malthouse, a young leader from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. This is going to be a different kind of episode because Galen is not one of our alumni and he is not working for YEAA. He works with Scholars Edge, another company dedicated to empowering and developing the very best university students through business ownership. Galen is here today because of what he's been able to accomplish in the student development, student painter space in North America. He made $23,000 as a rookie and produced $85,000 in business in 2018. He just completed his fourth summer as a branch manager, making $440,000 and profited over $110,000. You will find out a little bit about Galen's story and background. What drew him into the Scholars Edge program and how did he know it was the right choice for him.  Galen will share his results in each year of the program and how he achieved them. He will talk about the importance of production managers and how he managed to bring his team together to achieve the same goals. You will find out what were Galen's biggest fears when he started the program and how he overcame them. Galen will reveal the most important element in any business as well as some of the takeaways that he got out of the Scholars Edge program over the four years. For this and much more invaluable information on what you need to do to get great results in the student painter space, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show  The activities Galen took to position himself for a sale of $400,000 plus How to bring your team together to achieve the same goal Galen's biggest fears when he started the program and how he overcame them Some of the takeaways that Galen got out of the Scholars Edge program over the four years What are the future goals Galen has set for himself and his team? And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Galen's Linkedin

On today's show, we talk to Anna Ostrowski, National Sales Onboarding and Training Manager at Henry Schein, an elite company that is always on the lookout for young talented professionals to be part of their worldwide team. It is going to be a special episode in which Anna is going to share important insights and the steps you can take as a young student to get the attention of an organization of this status.  You will find out what Henry Schein's business model is and how it makes a difference, as well as what are the schools throughout the country that this company partners with. Anna will share her own experience of how she got hired by Henry Schein and how she got the role she has today. She will also reveal some key things she looks for in an applicant and the questions she asks them to decide if they can be a good fit for the company. You will discover what is the most important thing you should have in your resume when you apply to Henry Schein. More than that, you will find out what are the reasons why graduates of our program do so well at Henry Schein. For this and much more invaluable information of what you need to do to get an elite job coming out of college, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show    What is Henry Schein's business model and how does it make a difference The schools throughout the country that Henry Schein partners with Key things Anna looks for in an applicant to see if they can be a good fit for Henry Schein What makes Henry Schein an elite company and how much do their sales reps earn? What is the most important thing you should have in your resume when you apply to Henry Schein? And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Anna's Linkedin Henryschein.com

On today's show, we talk to Abigail Jaqua, a recent internet of Young Entrepreneurs, who ran a business in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 2021 and completed the internship with an incredible result, with an $80,000 business and profits over $17,000. In today's show, Abigail will talk about her experience with the YEAA internship and will give a roadmap of exactly what she did from the time training was over, in the middle of February, until about May the 10th. She will talk about how she found out about the YEAA program and what made her decide to apply, while she will also share the biggest goal that motivated her during the internship. You will learn what Abigail's end result in the program was and how she achieved it. Abigail will talk about her amazing pre-season and will share some effective strategies she used to make it happen. You will find out how Abigail managed to make the YEAA experience a really fun one and enjoy the whole process. Abigail will also talk about her current job as a real estate agent and how her experience in the program helped her, while she will also share some of her plans for the future. For this and much more about Abigail's journey and the great lessons she took from our program, tune in to our latest episode!   What You Will Learn In This Show    What was the biggest goal that motivated Abigail during the internship? What was Abigail's end result in the program and how did she achieve it? How was the training step for Abigail and the takeaways she got from it About Abigail's amazing pre-season and the strategies she used to make it happen How to make the YEAA experience a really fun one and enjoy the whole process And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Abigail's Linkedin Abigail's E-mail Address: abigail.jaqua@gmail.com

On today's show, we talk to Peter Schanz, Sales Counselor at Fischer Homes and CEO of Seasonal Setter, a holiday decorating business he started in 2018 inspired by his experience with the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program.  Back in 2015, as a rookie branch manager with us, Peter did about $45,000 worth of business. After attending our internship, he believes he has advanced much further in life than he would have otherwise.  In today's show, Peter shares how his decision to join YEAA led him into the world he is in right now and the most valuable lessons he learned from our program. He will share a little about his personal story and background and then he will talk about how he heard about YEAA and what made him decide to join it. Peter will talk about his first year in the program and the secret to his success, and then he will also share the challenges and achievements of his second year at Student Painters. He will speak about his experience as Sales Counselor at New Home Sales Counselor Fischer Homes and how he applies there what he learned at YEAA. After that, he will share the story of Seasonal Setter and what are his future plans for this company. For this and much more about Peter's journey to success, tune in to our latest episode!   What You Will Learn In This Show  Peter's first year in the program and the key to his success What can you do to work smarter, not harder? Dealing with naysayers and haters. How to overcome negative feedback and remain motivated Challenges and achievements in Peter's second year at Student Painters The story of Seasonal Setter and what are Peter's future plans for his company  And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Jenna McBride, majoring in finance and entrepreneurship, with a big passion for the business field that includes sales, finance & marketing. Jenna is on her third internship year with Young Entrepreneurs Across America. She had an incredible preseason and in her rookie year, she did $121,000 in business. In today's show, Jenna will talk about her success in the program while highlighting some key strategies that any rookie manager can learn a lot from. She will talk about her incredible pre-season and give a roadmap of exactly what she did to set her business up for success. Jenna will also reveal how she found her marketing and her painting team and the importance of being aggressive on social media when searching for people to hire. She will share her biggest fears at the beginning of the program and how she overcame them, and then she will talk about the COVID challenges she had to face in her first year.  Jenna will also talk about her experience as a coach and field adviser in the program and the biggest lessons she took from it.  Tune in for this special episode to learn from Jenna's experience how to set yourself up for success in the YEAA program!   What You Will Learn In This Show  About Jenna's incredible pre-season and the strategies she applied  How to set yourself up for a great month of May to propel you into a great launch of your business at YEAA  Jenna's experience as a coach and field adviser in the program How did Jenna find her marketing and painting team? The COVID challenges Jenna had to face during her first year in the program And so much more… Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Brian Marr, a successful entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the commercial printing and marketing industry. As the owner and president of National Wholesale Printing Corp, Brian excels at establishing long-term relationships with clients and teams to meet their specific marketing needs. In this episode, you will discover how Brian started his printing business at 19 years old and how his company evolved over the years. Brian will share how he survived the downturns he faced over the years and some great tips for mastering damage control in a company. He will also reveal some of the sacrifices he had to make overtime to keep his business growing, and he will also talk about the most exciting part of being a business owner. You will find out what are the most important skills and some of the key habits a successful entrepreneur should have. For these and much more, tune in for this special episode   What You Will Learn In This Show  Who is Brian Marr and how did he start his printing business at 19 years old How Brian's printing company has evolved over the years How Brian has survived the downturns he faced in the industry or economic situations Great tips for mastering damage control in a company. Key habits and skills a successful entrepreneur needs to have And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

On today's show, we talk to Chandler Bolt, an investor, advisor, founder of Self-Publishing School & SelfPublishing.com, and author of six bestselling books. Chandler's journey to success started with the YEAA Program back in 2011. He was a branch manager and a regional manager and he won the Rookie Executive of the Year in 2012. In this episode, you will discover a little about Chandler's story and background and how the experience with YEAA Program transformed him personally and professionally.  You will find out some important concepts that Chandler has taken from the program. He will reveal what is “public accountability” and how he used this concept to achieve success. He will also talk about what is Self-Publishing School and how he started the business. Chandler will share what were the most important things that led him to become the “Entrepreneur of the Year”. He will also talk about the challenges that Chandler had to overcome, the most rewarding part about being an entrepreneur and much more. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about Chandler's experience with Student Painters and how it opened the door to his success as an entrepreneur!    What You Will Learn In This Show  How the experience with YEAA Program transformed Chandler into who he is today Learning theory vs getting real-life experience in business What is public accountability and how Chandler used this concept to achieve success  What is Self-Publishing School and how Chandler started the business The most rewarding part about being an entrepreneur  And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Chandler's LinkedIn Chandler's Facebook Self-Publishing School Get Chandler's Book for free   Books: Chandler Bolt - Published.: The Proven Path From Blank Page To 10,000 Copies Sold Chandler Bolt - Book Launch: How to Write, Market & Publish Your First Bestseller in Three Months or Less AND Use it to Start and Grow a Six Figure Business

On today's show, we talk to Jon Gusanders who shares a fascinating, unique story with a powerful message about freedom and how to take control of your life at a young age. Jon was a rookie branch manager with the YEAA back in 2005 and he believes that the biggest lesson he took from our program is “to be able to wake up every day and have control over what you do and how you do it”.  In this episode, you will discover how Jon learned about YEAA internships and what attracted him to the program. You will also find out what is Jon's biggest takeaway from the program and how this experience helped him become who he is today. Jon will also talk about how he left the program and started a small business while attending Illinois State University. He will also share how he got into liquor sales and how he became a Retail Sales Manager at Provi. You will find out Jon's fascinating story about how he enjoys new life experiences while living in an RV and much more. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about Jon's unique story! What You Will Learn In This Show  The biggest takeaway that Jon took from Student Painters  How Jon got into liquor sales and how he became a Retail Sales Manager at Provi Building relationships and trust with your clients Wonder on Wheels. Enjoying freedom and new life experiences while living in an RV  And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Jon's LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

On today's show, we talk to Gabe Elias, a junior at Bridgewater State University who just finished his rookie branch manager year at the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. He ran a $175,000 business and earned over 30,000 last summer as a sophomore, a life-changing experience that helped him grow personally, as well as professionally. In this episode, you will find out a little bit about Gabe's background and who he was before joining the program.  He will also share how he learned about YEAA internships and what attracted him to this internship. Gabe will also share some specific activities he did, from the time he entered this program until the end to achieve such great success. And he will also reveal his number one strength that set him apart from everyone else. He will discuss the importance of creating a marketing team and how social media marketing was vital to his success. You will learn about Gabe's highs and lows during this internship and how he managed to overcome the challenges he had to face. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about how 18 to 22 year olds can actually achieve success with this program and what it takes to win.   What You Will Learn In This Show  How Gabe learned about YEAA internships and what attracted him to the program The benefits Gabe got from his first year in the program Gabe's highs and lows during this internship The importance of establishing a marketing team for Gabe's success Specific activities Gabe did, from the time he entered this program until the end to achieve such great success And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Gabe's Linkedin Gabe's Instagram Gabes' Twitter

On today's show, we talk to Tyler Lajoie, a young entrepreneur with an inspiring vision and perspective on life, career, and success. In 2018, Tyler was the Manager of the Year in our program, he made over $100,000 in his first year and he came back in 2019 as an executive. Tyler has successfully run three different entrepreneurial ventures after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In today's show, Tyler will share how he heard about the YEAA internship and what attracted him to the program. He will also talk about the huge impact that Young Entrepreneurs had on both his career and personal life. You will find out how you can block the outside noise and listen to the inner voice in order to succeed. You will also discover the key secrets to becoming a successful branch manager and why having a deep-rooted “why” is essential for a young entrepreneur.  Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about Tyler's remarkable journey to success and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.  What You Will Learn In This Show  How Tyler heard about the YEAA internship and what attracted him to the program The impact Young Entrepreneurs had on Tyler's life The outside noise vs the inner voice and who to listen to 3 different entrepreneurial ventures Tyler ran after graduating University of Massachusetts Amherst The key secrets to becoming a successful branch manager And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Tyler's Linkedin

On today's show, we talk to Joe Lisa, an ambitious, hardworking and self-driven young leader with a passion for entrepreneurship, leadership, and creativity. He was an intern with us for three years from 2016 to 2018 and he cumulatively ran a $950,000 business and earned over 100 grand while he was in school. Joe studied Business Administration at Bowling Green State University, focusing on sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Today he owns 58 properties and runs a successful business in the Airbnb space.  What is really unique about Joe is his positive attitude and his view on life, which are, in his opinion, the most important keys to his success. In today's show, Joe will share a little about his background and how he got to Bowling Green State University. Then he will talk about how he heard about the YEAA internship and what was the thing that drew him into the program. He will also reveal what were the key skills that led him to success in the program and the lessons he learned from this experience. You will find out how Joe started his Airbnb business and the challenges he had to overcome.  Joe will also share some of the creative and unique Airbnb ideas that led him to success and also how he gets his capital for buying new properties. For this and much more about Joe's amazing journey to success, tune in to our latest episode! What You Will Learn In This Show  How Joe heard about the YEAA internship and what was the thing that drew him into the program How being part of Young Entrepreneurs helped Joe become who he is The event in Joe's life that made him realize he wants to leave a legacy behind How Joe started his Airbnb business and the challenges he had to overcome Creative and unique Airbnb ideas that led Joe to success And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Joe's Linkedin Fireside Instagram  Website

On today's show, we talk to Nick Turnbull, Head of Manufacturing Execution at The Kraft Heinz Company. Previously, he was the Director of Quality and Operations at TurtleCell LLC, a company that he co-found in 2011. Nick was a YEAA intern back in 2010 and he stayed with Young Entrepreneurs for three years. He went to the University of Michigan and graduated with an engineering degree in mechanical engineering. He won numerous awards including Executive of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year. In this episode, Nick will talk about how he heard about the YEAA internship when he was a student at the University of Michigan and was the thing that drew him into the program. You will learn about the progress he made year after year and you will also discover what kind of person you need to be to succeed in this internship. Nick will also talk about the next business step he took after he left the program, how he founded Turtle Cell, and his experience with the Kraft Heinz program. For this and much more about Nick's incredible journey to success, tune in to our latest episode now.   What You Will Learn In This Show  How did Nick hear about the YEAA internship at the University of Michigan? What kind of person do you need to be to succeed in this internship? The progress Nick made year after year in the program How Nick and his partner founded Turtle Cell and what made the business successful Nick's experience with the Kraft Heinz program And so much more…   Resources: YEAA Website