The Culture Matters Podcast

"Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns. He who doesn't, pays it." - Albert EinsteinCulture matters now more than ever.  It may be hard to believe, but this is the 1000th episode of The Culture Matters Podcast!  In today's very special episode, our very own Jay Doran is taking some time to reflect on the last six years and what it has meant to continually bring this show to our listeners.  We've had a myriad of guests who have so generously given of their time to share their expertise along with their successes and failures and advice to burgeoning entrepreneurs and business professionals.  We've had a cavalcade of monologues and observations on culture and business and the continually changing world around us.  We've talked about everything from market trends and core values to faith, family, and pushing through the grind.  The Culture Matters Podcast has served as a platform for like-minded individuals to come together to discuss the relevant topics of the day and given a voice to people who truly have something to say and want to share it with the world.  Jay discusses the humble beginnings of the show, why he started doing it in the first place, and how the future of the show is starting to take shape.Everyone here at Culture Matters would like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to come on the show and share their experiences with our listeners.  We would also like to thank every single person who has listened to this show at one time or another and proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that culture really does matter.Thank you to everyone who has made 1000 episodes of The Culture Matters Podcast possible and we couldn't be more excited for the next chapter of the show.

"The moist enduring traditions are those which have been forgotten." - Friedrich NietzscheGlobal business and family advisor, mentor, teacher, author of the book A Road to Triumph in Family Business, and founder of Exaudi Family Business Consulting Guillermo Salazar is joining us on the program today and we are taking full advantage of his expertise.  If you are involved in a family business or considering becoming involved, you have come to the right place.  Guillermo and Jay are digging into what family business consulting is and what some of the unique challenges are that come from working with family, the complications that can arise in generational family succession but also some of the advantages, understanding your history, and even why going outside of your area of business can be helpful in your area of expertise.  There are some out there that may have never considered the challenges that can a family business can face, but you'll be very well-versed after listening to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I have made conflict masked as passion my mate and in that I am my own soul mate. I am in love with myself. How damned am I?"Welcome back to the program and welcome back to another edition of Thirty Days of Thought featuring our very own Jay Doran as he discusses excerpts from his book, Thirty Days of Thought.  For today's discussion, Jay is investigating the concept of the "soul mate".  Whether that is linked to a romantic relationship or one created and crafted through business ties or however else that relationship might form, the idea of tying one's soul or essence or being to another is an altogether intimidating and possibly foreign concept to some.  But the value that can be created and the need to respond to and react with another is what helps to create culture.  Whether that culture is familial or business-related is based on the dynamic and purpose of the relationship, but it creates culture nonetheless.  This is a topic that could be discussed a million different ways and given a million different meanings and we're glad to be bringing just one on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The successful warrior is the average man with laser focus." - Bruce LeeOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is back to continue his discussion on focus which is one of the core values driving Culture Matters' mission.  In yesterday's episode, Jay looked into focus as a concept and why it should be at the top of mind of anyone in the business space, regardless of what that business is.  Today, Jay is diving a little deeper and looking at what the results of good focus can be.  Where have we seen focus create success through history?  Who has thrived from being as focused as one can possibly be on the task at hand?  Where can focus get you?  We're taking a look at all of that and a whole lot more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"He who chases two rabbits catches none." - ConfuciusOur very own Jay Doran is back again with another look into the core values that drive Culture Matters as a company and today's focus is on just that: focus.  In order to be successful in any business venture, the entrepreneur or CEO or founder or whatever title one might bring to the table, it takes a certain level of ability to hone one's attention in on the task at hand.  Whether that task is building a company from the ground up, taking one's company or organization to the next tier of success, or providing your clients with the best possible service you can, your focus and your attention is going to have to be absolute in completing that task.  That can tend to be much easier said than done.  In this episode, Jay is taking a deeper look at the concept of focus and how being focused on the client is at the very heart of what Culture Matters is all about.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

If you have spent any time listening to this podcast, or even taken a look at the title, then it should come as no surprise to you know that culture is very important to us here at The Culture Matters Podcast.  The question you may be asking yourself is why?  Why does culture matter so much?  Why does culture matter to the point that we have spent nearly 1000 episodes talking about that very subject?  Well, our very own Jay Doran would like to shed a little light on that question and dip a metaphorical toe into that very subject.  What is it about culture that matters so much and where does it belong in your business?  Why do we spend so much time emphasizing its importance to others?  You're going to get all of that and more on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Invisible threads are the strongest ties." - Friedrich NietzscheSpecialist leadership consultant and researcher, mentor, high-performance coach, world, national, and Oceania champion athlete, Board Director and Head of Programs with Progressive Coaches, and founder of Golden Mean Leadership Dr. Damien Taylor has joined the program once again and we are diving deep today so take a deep breath and let's get after it.  Dr. Taylor and Jay are discussing the value of coaching and what it takes to truly help people who are legitimately trying to improve themselves, how being comfortable in who you are and in your own values can lead you to accepting more challenges in your professional life, and why believing in your core values and taking the time to understand them and investing in them will give you every advantage you need.  As always, we want to extend a giant thank you to Dr. Taylor for sharing his time and expertise with us and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"CrossFit needs to invest in the means of production, not just the production and if they can control the means of production, they will own the entire ecosystem."Personal trainer, author of the book Nutrition Finances, and founder of STRONGSIDE Fitness Mitchel Black is back on the show today and we are picking up right where we left off.  On his last appearance on The Culture Matters Podcast, Mitchel and Jay began discussing the global phenomenon known as CrossFit and they are continuing that conversation for today's program.  In this discussion, Mitchel and Jay are digging into the consistent decrease that CrossFit has been experiencing over the past few years and some of the reasons behind it, the changes that CrossFit made to their affiliate gym models and what some of the consequences of those actions have been, and what the future may hold for one of the world's most popular and intense forms of physical fitness training.  Mitchel really knows his stuff and we hope you find this as interesting as we did on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." - Jim RomeDirector of Growth and Strategy with The Pavement Group Brian Ferris is joining us on the program today and this is a man who has truly enjoyed success in every venture he has tried his hand at.  Whether in economics, stock trading, entrepreneurship, or construction, this man has been around the block a time or two and he has done it the right way.  Brian and Jay are digging into why discipline can mean the difference between achieving your goals and constantly finding yourself falling short, why the establishment of core values takes a certain level of maturity and sticking to them takes even more, how discipline and core values tie directly into the type of leader you want to be and the type of leader those in your company deserve, and why being prepared not only shows respect to those around you, but ensures that you are at the top of your game.  Brian is a wonderful example of where hard work and discipline can get you and we're very happy that he decided to share with all of our listeners on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are taking a bit of a different approach than we normally do and we are taking a look inward with our very own Jay Doran talking about the origin story of Culture Matters.  Sometimes when we feel at our most lost and unsure of what to do, an answer will present itself in the most unlikely of places.  Who would have thought that a book about The Container Store would lead to a decade and change long journey into business, culture, and the relation the two have to one another?  Today's episode is a deeply personal look at what led to Culture Matters as an entity and how a trip to Barnes and Noble would lead to a lifelong study of culture and service to others.  We hope you enjoy this look inside Culture Matters on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"A website without SEO is like a billboard in the woods; no one sees it." - Tyler StrattonCreative specialist with 1Team Media and custom shoe and clothing designer Jesse Woods is joining The Culture Matters Podcast for the first time and we are incredibly excited to learn more about this true work horse of a human being.  Jesse has made a name for himself by taking sneakers or cleats, cleaning them up, and adding custom artwork to footwear that needed new life breathed into them.  What started off as a side hustle has blossomed into so much more that has given Jesse the opportunity to work with professional athletes, people in the entertainment industry, and beyond.  Jesse and Jay are unpacking the journey from cleaning up and painting sneakers from Goodwill to working with some very high profile individuals, harnessing your intention and attention to create something new, and how a good product or service will basically write its own branding and marketing.  We've got so much good coming out of this episode and we really hope you enjoy this conversation with the one and only Jesse Woods.

"The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly." - Friedrich NietzscheWelcome back to the program and welcome back to another edition of Thirty Days of Thought featuring our very own Jay Doran as he discusses excerpts from his book, Thirty Days of Thought.  Today, our excerpt is bringing up the topic of being different.  For much of our early lives, whether subconsciously or not, we don't want to be different.  We want to blend in or be like everyone else.  As we grow older, we learn that being different is a good thing and something that should be encouraged.  Today, Jay is taking a closer look at what being different means from a psychological aspect, from a business aspect, and from the point of view that being different is what sets you apart from others and gives you a leg up that you might not have known you had.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean KingFormer NFL punter, Super Bowl champion, host of The Fan morning show, and Director of National Sales with 1Team Media Josh Miller is on the program today and we are excited to have a true champion bring his championship mentality to The Culture Matters Podcast.  Josh and Jay are digging into the common threads that exist between people who are succeeding at the highest levels of athletics and business, the evolution of marketing within media, some of the differences that exist in how people are brought up and how they learn within the media and marketing space today compared to just a few years ago, and why people podcast and what they are looking to gain from it on an individual level.  Josh is a guy that knows what it takes to win at the top and whether we're talking about sports or business or media or anything in between, there aren't too many better to learn from than the one and only Josh Miller.

"Champions keep playing until they get it right." - Billie Jean KingThe founder of 20/20 Vision for Success and author of Finding Honor: The Journey to Truth, Christine Beckwith, is back on the show today after far too long of an absence.  Christine is here talking about her new book, High - Selling is a Drug, and putting a nice bow on this series that we started way back in October of 2024.  On this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, Christine and Jay are taking a look back the why, how, and what of this book and what inspired Christine to put so much of her knowledge around high performance sales onto paper.  We're going over some of what drove the chapters of this book, what it means to truly be a high performer, and the value that finding the right coach for the right reasons will bring.  We hope you enjoy this recap with the one and only Christine Beckwith.

"Consistency is what transforms average into excellence."Today on The Culture Matters Podcast, we are continuing our series on the core values that drive Culture Matters as a company with our very own Jay Doran giving  our listeners a peek behind the curtain.  Our topic for this episode is consistency and how being consistent is something in life and in business that will either drive you to success or keep your business on a particular plateau.  To be consistent is to provide comfort to your clients that when you say you are going to do something that they can take it to the bank that it will be done.  Consistency is not just something to strive for, but something that you can and should be from the onset of any relationship.  There are very few qualities that will instill trust, a willingness to take chances, and a desire to continue to work together like good, honest, consistent results.  We strive for consistency every day and, as always, we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Continuity is not the absence of change, but the ability to adapt without losing your essence."Family business dynamic expert, coach, advisor, and the CEO and founder of Positively People Consulting Dr. Jean Meeks-Koch is making her very first appearance on the show and we are taking this dive really deep into a field that many of our listeners may not be very familiar with.  In a nutshell, Dr. Jean deals in organizational systems, restructuring, conflict resolution, and continuity planning among a plethora of other areas as it pertains to businesses that are run by families.  Those dynamics can be tricky because as the old saying goes, "You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your family."  No matter what happens in the business, those folks are always going to be your family and the challenges that can arise are unique to that dynamic.  Dr. Jean is here to discuss a little about what her work is all about, navigating familial relationships in business, and how to come out strong on the other side.  We are very fortunate to have Dr. Jean on the show today and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The strongest of all warriors are these two: time and patience." - Leo TolstoyChief Strategy Officer for Pine Valley Investments, author of The Morning Core, and a long-standing leader in the financial and investing world Nick Lampone is joining us on the program today and if you are interested in a wealth of information on finance then you have come to the right place.  Nick is putting on a clinic today and we are happy to be along for the ride.  Nick and Jay are unpacking the far greater emotional toll losses take than gains, the importance of trustworthiness in this industry, how the advancement of technology and in particular AI has impacted the world of financing and investing, and how much more educated the younger generation coming up now is compared to those that came up before them.  We have a true legend in the business on the show today and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

I am not afraid. I was born to do this." - Joan of ArcFounder of Capano Speaking and Training, host of the "Claraty and Action" podcast, leader, sales trainer, and an all-around culture boss Clara Capano is joining us on the show today and we are taking our culture chat to the next level.  Clara and Jay are taking a deep dive into leadership on today's episode including how a leader can't be afraid to set the tone and the standard for their company, how if the leader isn't getting what they need or doing what they need to do then the rest of the organization isn't going to get what they need, and how an organization will always be stronger moving together as a unit then as a group of individuals.  There is a lot to unpack in today's episode and we hope you enjoy hearing from the one and only Clara Capano.

"Every great philosophy is the personal confession of the author." - Friedrich NietzscheWelcome back to the program and welcome back to another edition of Thirty Days of Thought featuring our very own Jay Doran as he discusses excerpts from his book, Thirty Days of Thought.  Today's discussion focuses on the thought that knowledge is potential energy and how in the end, like many of the topics discussed on this show, a lot of how you use that knowledge and that energy comes down to your values.  Knowledge isn't just about memorizing facts and figures.  Knowledge is about having the wisdom to do the right things for your business and your employees, the wisdom to know what not to do, and the wisdom to discern to know when to act and when to learn more.  More knowledge creates more opportunity and having the wisdom to act on that opportunity can be the difference between success and less than success.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Solving the same problem over and over again is fine. The really great people find interest and excitement in solving different types of problems, applying different skill sets, constantly learning and figuring out how to solve a problem. The second thing is: they ask really great questions. The best consultants that I've worked with are really keen to define the problem they're to solve and understand it before they try to solve it. The lesser consultants give you an answer before they fully understand the question."Senior Partner with Kinavic Leadership Acceleration and a consultant to the consultants Juan Pablo Gonzalez has made his triumphant return to our show and if you listened to his first appearance in episode 826 then you already know you're in for something special.  In today's disucssion, Juan Pablo and Jay are taking a hard look at the consulting profession and putting some of the finer points of what it takes to be a consultant on display.  These two culture conquerors are getting into how sometimes a question is asked for the implications the answer will give instead of the answer itself, understanding that different organizations run in different ways and are better fits for some than others, and how strategy can be broken down into simply making choices.  It's always a treat to have Juan Pablo on the show and we're already looking forward to having him back on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert EinsteinOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is back again to discuss what makes curiosity such an important quality or value to possess.  It is curiosity that launches exploration; whether in the physical world around us or in the exploring new concepts or ideas or trends that could help your business or your family or both.  It is curiosity that causes people to ask "what if" instead of accepting the world around them as it is.  Curiosity causes empathy and makes us want to know the people around us and what their stories are.  In other words, it is curiosity that drives us to understand the things around us and make us want to know what we already don't.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The system is the solution." - Michael GerberManaging partner and co-founder of Reagan Beecher, executive search expert, consultant, and advisor Clark Beech has made his way onto The Culture Matters Podcast and we are unpacking an awful lot in a relatively short amount of time, so we are wasting no time getting right into it.  Clark and Jay are unpacking how Clark began his career not even knowing what executive recruiting was and how he has now become an expert on the subject with an outright unbelievable completion success rate, how the use of data analytic tools can help predict how good a fit someone will be within a particular company or system, and why the biggest opportunities in consulting are coming from mid-market businesses and why that trend is continuing to go up.  We're incredibly happy that Clark was able to spend some time with us today on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Far better is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, then to rank with those timid souls who never enjoy much nor suffer much." - Theodore RooseveltFormer NFL player, best-selling author, business and executive coach, and the host of the massively successful "Get Authentic with Marques Ogden" podcast Marques Ogden is joining us on the show today and we are ready to do some hard hitting with this gridiron gladiator.  Marques and Jay are digging into some of the obstacles and challenges that Marques had to overcome in his journey to becoming the man he is today, what goes into making a successful podcast and the need for the audience to connect with the brand of the show as well as the host and subject matter, and what bringing real leadership to everything you do is the only way to actually being a leader.  Marques is a larger-than-life individual with a larger-than-life story and we're so excited he decided to share it with us on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The discipline of suffering, of great suffering - do you not know that only this discipline has created all enhancements of man so far? That tension of the soul in unhappiness which cultivates its strength, its shudders face to face with great ruin, its inventiveness and courage in enduring, preserving, interpreting, and exploiting suffering, and whatever has been granted to it of profundity, secret, mask, spirit, cunning, greatness - was it not granted to it through suffering, through the discipline of great suffering?" - Friedrich NietzscheOn this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is taking another look at some of the things that drive Culture Matters as an organization behind the scenes.  The core value that Jay is discussing today is urgency.  Urgency is a driving force that requires us to be on our toes and to keep pushing even when we think we've given the task all we've got.  Urgency is what is going to get you across the finish line of your goals when you're feeling like you've gone past the point of exhaustion.  Working with a sense of urgency is what is going to set you apart from your competitors in your field.  We work with a sense of urgency because that is what keeps the blood flowing and the work at the highest level.  We hope that you feel a sense of urgency to listen to this episode and then go out there and get the work done.

"When culture is treated as a core business function, you start to see real traction." - Brian SmithOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is taking some time to discuss a very intriguing article that was sent to him by someone he considers a mentor.  The article in questions was put out there by a publication called Executive Search Review and is entitled "The Critical Role of Executive Search in Driving Culture Change".  This article runs the gambit of cultural information from statistics breaking down employee retention by companies with strong cultural experiences versus those with weaker ones, what you need to do in order to see significant culture transformation within your business, and ways in which you can create a strong company culture that will attract top performers.  Jay is taking a deep dive into this culture playbook and giving his insight into some of the very in-depth and well researched points this article has to make.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The higher we soar, the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly."On today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is here with a very different take on our normal "Thirty Days of Thought" episode.  For this edition of the series, Jay is reading the excerpt from "Attention Deficit" chapter and letting it stand on its own.  The words from this section are going to stand on their own without any explanation or analysis.  Instead, we're letting the words breathe and leaving them open for you, the listener, to interpret as you will.  We hope that when you walk away from this, you're thinking, reflecting, and using these words as a catalyst to come to your own conclusions and definitions.

"Confidence comes from preparation." - John WoodenOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, our very own Jay Doran is sitting down to discuss preparation as a concept, as a mindset, and as a tool for success.  Behind the scenes, a lot of work goes into making sure Jay is as prepared as possible for every guest that comes on the show to make sure that we are doing right by the people that take the time to come on to speak with Jay.  Preparation shows respect, a willingness to learn, and that whatever it is you are preparing for has inherent value.  Whether you are prepping for an interview, a speech, a presentation, or anything else, the amount of work you put in beforehand is going to be reflected by what you produce.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"He who has a strong enough why, can bear almost any how." - Friedrich NietzscheDaniel Wright is the founder of Proline Paving, the host of the "Paving the Way" podcast, and a member in good standing of the Top Contractor School and we're extremely excited to have him back for his second appearance on the show.  In today's discussion, Daniel and Jay are taking a deeper look into the core values that drive Proline Paving everyday.  Daniel preaches doing the right thing always and while it sounds like such a simple thing to do, it may prove more difficult to put into practice.  With that said, it's the difficult things that normally prove to be the most valuable.  We're also getting into rewarding good work, recognizing good work and making sure others do too, and what it actually means to continually try and do things the right way.  There's a lot of uplifting talk in today's discussion and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Invisible threads are the strongest ties." - Friedrich NietzscheReal estate professional, businessman, co-owner of R.K. Reiman, and host of "The Real Build" podcast Bill Reiman is back again for another round of culture conversation on The Culture Matters Podcast and today we're taking a look at core values and sacrifice.  It's been said that there is no success without sacrifice and in discussing the sacrifices parents make for their children and entrepreneurs make for their businesses, that statement is proven very true during today's talk.  Bill and Jay also dive into what it means to have core values and how those who are operating without them simply aren't doing things the right way.  You're in for a treat on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast with the one and only Bill Reiman.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." - Peter DruckerOn today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast, we are continuing our series where our very own Jay Doran gives a little insight into the what, the why, and the how of Culture Matters as an organization and exactly what it is that culture means in the grand scheme of things.  For this discussion, Jay begins to build upon the brief overview of the series' first episode by digging a little deeper into the why of Culture Matters.  What was the inspiration behind the beginning of this adventure?  How does culture strengthen when it is getting tested?  How does business and culture mix when life outside of the business is just as complicated, if not more so, than life inside the business?  We're just beginning to scratch the surface of these and a lot more questions, so we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast and will stay tuned as we continue to dive even deeper into Culture Matters.

"I am a steadfast anchor living in purpose and on purpose serving wherever my feet are."Coach, doctor of Biblical naturopathy, co-host of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast and author of a book of the same name, and a very dear friend to Culture Matters Dr. Suzanne Vester is joining us for her inaugural appearance on the show and we are ecstatic to have her here.  Dr. Vester and Jay are digging into Dr. Vester's lifelong journey in service and helping others and how that has been a major influence throughout her life, the importance of making sure there is alignment between you mind, body, and spirit, and why a good portion of the most successful among us have learned that it is more important to speak less than it is to listen more.  Dr. Vester has dedicated her life to helping others in more ways than one and it was an honor to have her on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.If you or someone you know would be interested in donating to The Well, please visit https://www.zeffy.com/fundraising/steps-of-faith-29029-for-the-well .

"We all are learning, modifying, or destroying ideas all the time. Rapid destruction of your ideas when the time is right is one of the most valuable qualities you can acquire. You must force yourself to consider arguments on the other side." - Charlie MungerValue investor in real estate and beyond, co-founder of Revolution Capital Group, and a principle with Keating Partners Gray Wilson is going our program today and if you are someone who wants to get into the nuts and bolts of real estate, investing, and other financial pursuits then you have come to the right place.  Jay and Gray are digging into understanding that every market is going to have its ups and downs and it is up to you to be in the right position when the down times come, the unique ability the real estate market has to transform the smallest holder into a tried and true giant in the industry, and why it is important never to stretch whatever leverage you possess past into a place where you're abusing it.  Gray is truly a brilliant mind and we feel very fortunate to have him on The Culture Matters Podcast and we think you'll know why after listening to this episode.

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On!' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." - Calvin CoolidgeOur guests today are the Head of Engagement and Outreach at American Business Media, Andrew Berman, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Paul Lucido, and we've got them back for yet another conversation surrounding our very own Jay Doran's work, Thirty Days of Thought.  During today's discussion, these three colossuses of culture will be examining what happens when someone gets stuck, what leads to getting stuck, and how to get out of it when you're in the middle of it.  Nietzsche preached walking to clear your mind and get the answers you were looking for and others have other methods, but the truth is, only you can get yourself unstuck.  There is a lot to unpack today and the gents are not holding anything back.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin FranklinOwner of 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage, author of the book Hometown Titan, co-founder of the Titan Retreats, and host of "The Nice Guys on Business Podcast" Wade Swikle is here to talk moving, leadership, being an entrepreneur, and so much more and we are delighted to have him on the show today.  Wade and Jay are diving into Wade's journey from majoring in broadcast journalism to owning his own moving company, the importance of at least understanding every single position within your company as an entrepreneur, and exactly what Titan Retreats are and the purpose they serve.  Not only is Wade a great guy with a lot of wisdom to impart, but he also has the distinction of being the very first guest on the show from the moving and storage space!  We have a great episode on tap today and we hope you get as much out of it as we did with the one and only Wade Swikle.

"No one can build you the bring on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life. There is one path in the world that none can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don't ask; walk." - Friedrich NietzscheFinancial advisor and the founder and CEO of Tailored Wealth Dan Pascone is our guest on the show today for the very first time and we are planning on squeezing every drop information we possibly can out of this discussion.  Dan and Jay are digging into what Dan perceives to be the fundamentals of leadership, how it may not be the most pleasant thing in the world to have the difficult or crucial conversations but you will always feel better after you've had them, and remembering that the ultimate board that you have to report to as a leader is made up of your team and your clients.  We truly hope you are buckled up because this is not only a masterclass in finance, but in leadership as well.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Once you get to a really high level, the margin becomes mindset."Personal trainer, author of the book Nutrition Finances, and founder of STRONGSIDE Fitness Mitchel Black has made his way back to The Culture Matters Podcast for his sophomore appearance and we are incredibly excited to have him back on the show.  Today is the start of a brand new series here on the show where Mitchel and Jay are going to be discussion the phenomenon that is CrossFit and the culture that it has bred among its millions of participants.  During this discussion, Mitchel and Jay are digging into the early days of CrossFit, the science that drives this incredibly unique workout regiment and the measurables that make it unlike any other fitness routine in existence, and some of the issues that CrossFit has faced both internally and externally.  This is going to be a very inspiring and intensive series and we're very glad to have someone spot us like Mitchel Black.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." - Peter DruckerWe are very excited to be starting a brand new series today where our very own Jay Doran is pulling back the curtain back a little to share what it is that Culture Matters does, what Culture Matters means, and what Culture Matters is.  This podcast has served as a way for culture to take center stage in the worlds of contracting, real estate, finance, philanthropy, and a host of other businesses that deserved to have their stories heard.  And now we are taking a little time to share some our story.  This first episode serves as introduction in to what is to come in this series and we hope that our listeners will take it as an opportunity to get to know us better as we continue to seek out and elevate culture at every turn.  We look forward to bringing you this series and we hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin FranklinFounder of Arena Securities and co-host of the Investor Series right here on The Culture Matters Podcast Aleck Arena is here for a for a very deep dive into the current landscape of the global financial market and the global economy as a whole.  Aleck and Jay are discussing some of the effects that recent economic decisions made by the U.S. have had on the global trade market, why it is a good thing to go back and re-evaluate the way things are being done every so often from the aspect of seeking a better trade balance, and what it looks like to switch over from an economy based on manufacturing to one based less on labor and more on assets.  If you were looking to jump head first down the economic rabbit hole, you have come to the right place.  Aleck in an incredibly knowledgable person and we are so happy to have him here to share his wisdom and insights with us on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"There was once a wise, spiritual master who was the ruler of a small but prosperous domain and who was known for his selfless devotion to his people. As his people flourished and grew in number, the bounds of this small domain spread and with it the need to trust implicitly the emissaries he sent to ensure the safety of its ever more distant parts. It was not just that it was impossible for him personally to order all that needed to be dealt with: as he wisely saw, he needed to keep his distance from, and remain ignorant of, such concerns. And so he nurtured and trained carefully his emissaries, in order that they could be trusted.Eventually, however, his cleverest and most ambitious vizier, the one he trusted most to do his work, began to see himself as the master, and used his position to advance his own wealth and influence. He saw his master's temperance and forbearance as weakness, not influence, and on his missions on his master's behalf, adopted his mantle as his own - the emissary became contemptuous of his master. And so it came about that the master was usurped, the people were duped, the domain became a tyranny; and eventually it collapsed in ruins." - Friedrich NietzscheIf you've ever listened to The Culture Matters Podcast before, then you know that the sayings and philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche are a staple of this program.  On today's episode, our very own Jay Doran is having a look at the above quote  and breaking it down to take a deeper dive into the relationships that exist between mentors and mentees as well as people in a position of authority and their subordinates.  They say people don't leave their jobs, they leave their bosses and a lot of it has to do with a lack of investment in those employees.  There is a lot to unpack in this episode and we are here for absolutely all of it on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"The fact that 3/5 of an octopus' neurons are not in their brain, but in their arms, suggests that each arm has a mind of its own." - Sy MontgomeryCOO of the Hubert Vester Auto Group, creator of the "Faith. Family. Fulfillment." podcast, and the author of the book Answers From the Stairs Chris Vester has made his way back to The Culture Matters Podcast and we've got a great discussion on tap for our listeners today.  The focus of today's discussion is on a program that Chris has developed and strengthened over the years that he calls "The Nine".  Based in faith and an understanding that certain factors of your life need to align in order reach your maximum potential, The Nine is a journey into self-awareness and operating with integrity.  Starting with body, soul, mind, and spirit, Chris and Jay are walking our audience through the notion that once all of these things are in line and a person is willing to do the work to get there, aspects of their personal and professional life will begin to blossom in ways that they simply hadn't before.  We're taking a deep dive into self-improvement and firing on all cylinders with our good friend, the and only Chris Vester.

"While I was unaware that, at the time, my real compensation for that job wasn't monetary. It was learning about, and getting comfortable with, rejection and, as I would later realize, indifference to rejection is a fundamental part of being an entrepreneur." - Sam ZellAuthor of The Blueprint, founder of Holmes Drafting Services and the Holmes Family Foundation, and the founder of ApeShot Media Nick Holmes is joining the program today and we have a lot to cover, so we're jumping right in.  During today's discussion, Nick and Jay are digging into why contractors get a bad wrap even though an overwhelming majority of them are providing high-quality work, why people in the industry run into issues because of only dealing with one product or service, and how shifting your focus in hiring for the long-term instead of simply because someone checks off a few boxes is going to benefit your company for years to come.  Having Nick on the show was a real pleasure and we're looking forward to hosting him again on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"In this world, nothing can be certain except death and taxes." - Benjamin FranklinAccounting and tax expert and partner with Citrin Cooperman Advisors Kevin Ryan is our guest on the show today and we hope you're ready for a deep dive into the world of accounting and taxes because that's exactly what we are delivering today.  Kevin and Jay are discussing Kevin's early lessons in the importance of relationships and networking when getting into business, how the world before computers forced you to learn and understand taxes and tax returns because there was no technology to do it for you, how the world of accounting has changed and ensured that there is a little more diversity in day-to-day responsibilities, and how the importance of service to the client has been pushed to the forefront of the industry with the amount of options there are for different firms.  Kevin has been servicing clients for the better part of four decades and after this conversation it shouldn't be hard to see why he remains in such high demand.  We hope you enjoy this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"My ego is not going to take me through life. My vanity is not going to take me through life. Me serving others is going to take me through life."Inventor, author of the book Keep Going, fractional CMO, and founder of Forty Three Inc. Regan Weiss is here with us again and we have got a whole lot to unpack in this discussion, so we are going to get right into it.  Regan and Jay are digging into Regan's laugh of thehubnetwork.com which allows people all across Florida to hire the right businesses for their needs, how grassroots marketing and community involvement remain a top priority for Regan and how they should remain a top priority for everyone as they allow people to be more engaged with potential clients, and how something as small as a phone call can create a ripple that affects so many people in a very positive way.  We love having Regan on the show for his upbeat attitude and positive message and we're hoping to have him back again soon on The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Happiness is three things: something to do, someone to love, something to look forward to." - Dermot Desmond Entrepreneur, investor, activist, and the chairman of Invest Africa Rob Hersov has made his triumphant return to the show and if you listened to Rob's first appearance on The Culture Matters Podcast way back in episode 801, then you know that we are about to deep-dive business with a guy who knows his stuff.  During this discussion, Rob and Jay are digging into the inspiration provided by and amazing accomplishments of Rob's wife, Dr. Katie Hersov, and her work as the CEO and co-founder of Medikidz, the value in treating everyone from the richest billionaires to the people who put gas in your car the same with respect and dignity, and why creating networks of like-minded and driven people will help you reach your full potential.  Just as with the last conversation, this one has proven to be a trust master class and we hope you get all the value you can out of it with the one and only Rob Hersov.

"There was once a wise, spiritual master who was the ruler of a small but prosperous domain and who was known for his selfless devotion to his people. As his people flourished and grew in number, the bounds of this small domain spread and with it the need to trust implicitly the emissaries he sent to ensure the safety of its ever more distant parts. It was not just that it was impossible for him personally to order all that needed to be dealt with: as he wisely saw, he needed to keep his distance from, and remain ignorant of, such concerns. And so he nurtured and trained carefully his emissaries, in order that they could be trusted.Eventually, however, his cleverest and most ambitious vizier, the one he trusted most to do his work, began to see himself as the master, and used his position to advance his own wealth and influence. He saw his master's temperance and forbearance as weakness, not influence, and on his missions on his master's behalf, adopted his mantle as his own - the emissary became contemptuous of his master. And so it came about that the master was usurped, the people were duped, the domain became a tyranny; and eventually it collapsed in ruins." - Friedrich NietzscheThe founder and owner of Guardian Roofing and Siding and one of our favorite returning guests, Robert Frehafer, is back on the show after far too lengthy of an absence.  Robert is a vociferous man of Christian faith and that is what is being used as the cornerstone of today's discussion.  Robert and Jay are looking into what the "Holy Spirit" means to Robert and how it has affected his life inside and outside of business, how Robert's tumultuous early life and the subsequent decisions and actions of those around him didn't deter him from living his life according to his Christian beliefs, and what it means to him to see the successes of his children as they continue to make their own way in the world.  It's always a pleasure to have Robert on the show and we hope you enjoy this discussion on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"I'm no prophet. My job is making windows where there were once walls." - Michel FoucaultFounder of Duffin Media and Duffin Coaching, host of the "Your Message Received" podcast, and a frequent and favorite returning guest of the show John Duffin and we've got the man with the golden pipes back to get into leadership, culture, and everything in between.  John and Jay are digging into the work that is going into John's upcoming book, The Hyper-Authenticity Business Blueprint, and why he felt called to write it, why it is important to drop your armor in order to receive or distribute information properly when you're in a business setting, and the work that it requires to not feel "less-than" around others.  John's easy-going style and copious amounts of knowledge and insight always make these conversations some of our favorites and its no different on today's episode of The Culture Matters Podcast. 

"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." - Søren KierkegaardIf you've been listening to this show for any length of time, then you must be familiar with today's guest.  Chief Victory Officer at the Center for Victory and Executive Coach and the Director of Learning and Development of Top Contractor School Eric Guy has returned for another go around with The Culture Man and, as always, we think you're in for a treat!  Eric and Jay are digging into some of the lessons and observations Eric has made over the last year or so through mentoring and encouraging small business owners, the importance of buying into your employees so that they can buy into the vision of the company, and why you can't lead (or parent) well from a place of fear.  Eric brings a lot of good insight and information every time he is on the show and today is no different on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

Steve Sims was a mentor, strategist, advisor, loving father, and author of the books Go For Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculously High Goals and Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen and, unfortunately, he passed away recently after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  To honor his life, we are taking this opportunity to re-release the last time that Steve was on the show and to put his words and thoughts back into the world.  During this discussion, Steve and Jay dig into using your past experiences to help others achieve their goals, why even what appears to be the smallest of gestures can lead to big things, and why showing up is so important in all aspects of your life.  Steve was a good friend and someone who was admired by everyone at Culture Matters.  His loss will be felt by all he knew and all he influenced without ever having met them personally.  Please join us in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man and enjoy this conversation with the one and only Steve Sims.

Steve Sims was a mentor, strategist, advisor, loving father, and author of the books Go For Stupid: The Art of Achieving Ridiculously High Goals and Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen and, unfortunately, he passed away recently after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  In his honor, we are taking this opportunity to put his own words back into the world.  In the very first season of The Culture Matters Podcast back in 2019, long before we knew exactly what this show would become, Steve was gracious enough to share his time with us and lend his voice to this passion project turned exploration in all things culture.  In this first interview, Steve shares some of his experiences in early life that allowed him to become the man he would ultimately become, what perseverance and belief in yourself can lead you to, and why service to others should always be at the forefront of your endeavors.  Steve was a good friend and someone who was admired by everyone at Culture Matters.  His loss will be felt by all he knew and all he influenced without ever having met them personally.  Please join us in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man and enjoy this conversation with the one and only Steve Sims.

"The very fact that a general problem has gripped and assimilated the whole of a person is a guarantee that the speaker has really experienced it and perhaps gained something from his sufferings. He will then reflect the problem for us in his personal life and thereby show us a truth." - Carl JungMichael Allosso is an acclaimed public speaker, self-awareness expert, and director and he has made his triumphant return to The Culture Matters Podcast after far too long an absence from our airwaves.  For today's discussion, Michael and Jay are taking a look back at Jay's recent interview with Dr. Jordan Peterson at the TAG 2025 event in Atlanta, Georgia and what made that such a strong interview and what it means to establish yourself when you are speaking in public, the benefits of giving positive affirmations to people and how that can affect not only the person receiving those affirmations but also the person giving them, and why great speakers and leaders delete the word "just" from their vocabulary.  There is never a dull moment when Michael is on the show and today is no different on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

"Mission: Eliminate the friction of clients and agents doing business together."The founder of All Things Insurance Group and one of our favorite returning guests, Pete Fournier, is back with us again to take us through some of the factors that make ATIG the success that it is.  Pete and Jay are digging into how the changing landscape of doing business in 2025 can lead to contention between agents and clients, what it has been like for Pete to go from being the person that advises customers to their best insurance options to the person who is advising and leading the next generation of insurance professionals into the future, and the fact that when you make the decision to become an entrepreneur and lead others professionally that at the end of the day, the burden of responsibility lands on you and that you have to be able to handle it.  As always, Pete is bringing his unique take on business, insurance, and leadership and giving it all to our listeners on this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.