The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project

Pain will always be a part of life. You will always find countless hurdles and roadblocks in your journey, and sometimes they will pull you down and hurt you. But you have to do everything in your power to not stay on the ground and get back up. Hakeem Croom's story embodies this mindset, which he explores in this conversation with Gary Schoeniger. Before becoming an educator, life coach, author, and speaker, he was shaped by the harsh realities of his hometown Harlem, surrounded by poverty, addiction, and uncertainty. Hakeem shares how basketball became a lifeline for him, pulled him away from the streets, and brought him to Military School that forever transformed his life. Tune in on this story of grit, growth, and grace.

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, where I tease out the hidden logic that enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through finding solutions. In this episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Meena McCullough, a physical therapist who became an unlikely entrepreneur. Frustrated by the limitations of the medical system, she found herself constantly complaining. Yet she was motivated to take action after a friend challenged her with these simple words, "Put your money where your mouth is." This pivotal moment challenged her to shift her mindset towards solution-driven thinking in a way that ultimately led her to start her own business. She began with a simple solution—creating flashcards to help caregivers who worked with patients who were suffering from dementia. Once she saw that her idea actually worked, she was inspired to address larger challenges for those who suffered from chronic pain. Today, she has a thriving practice of her own, one that is revolutionizing physical therapy. Dr. Meena's story is a master class in entrepreneurship: look for problems to solve, try things on a small scale, and continuously learn and adapt. And, rather than taking big risks, she began by experimenting in the margins, after work and on weekends, building prototypes and refining her ideas through customer feedback. She also described the difficulty of overcoming self-doubt and dealing with negativity as well as the value of persistence, passion, and embracing uncertainty. What I love about Dr. Meena's story is the simplicity of it all. Look for problems in your everyday life. Stop complaining and start solving. The ability to identify and solve problems is something anyone can do. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Meena McCullough.

Welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, where I tease out the hidden logic that enables ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. In this episode, I'm speaking with Rick MacLennan, who happens to be the Chancellor of the Ventura County Community College System. Why am I interviewing a community college chancellor you might ask? As I have often said, an entrepreneurial mindset confers an enormous advantage to those who understand and embrace it, and Rick's story provides a great example. Watching his parents transform a struggling service station into a thriving business left an indelible impression on Rick, one that would enable him to thrive within the community college system. In our conversation, we covered a lot of ground, including the importance of focusing on improving the customer (student) experience, the role of a community college in supporting entrepreneurship within a given community, and the challenges of convincing leadership to adopt new approaches. We also discussed how he embraced an entrepreneurial mindset to transform a modest maker space into a thriving hub of entrepreneurial development that spread throughout the community. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rick MacLennan.

Today, I'm thrilled to speak with Kathy Boyd and Kim Goodwin, two inspiring leaders from the Orange County Department of Education, who have embraced this entrepreneurial mindset to make a real difference. We covered a lot in this conversation, and I was blown away by their energy and enthusiasm, as well as the innovative ways they're using entrepreneurial thinking to improve the student experience. One standout example is their collaboration with a local entrepreneur to create Spyder Lab, a student-run business generating over a million dollars annually for the school district while preparing the next generation of innovators. Even more exciting, the students are asking for more! Kathy and Kim embody entrepreneurial leadership by piloting ideas on a small scale before going big, collaborating across teams, and pushing boundaries while respecting the necessary guardrails.

Change is a constant force in both personal and professional growth. Join us for another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project as we sit down with Richard Boyatzis, a renowned psychologist and leading expert in emotional intelligence—an essential aspect of the entrepreneurial mindset. Drawing from his latest book, The Science of Change, and over 50 years of research, Boyatzis explores the five core elements of lasting change. Together, we discuss how his Intentional Change Theory connects to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of vision in driving transformation and the pitfalls of conventional goal-setting.

In this episode, we speak with Adam Pearson, co-founder of Fortunato No.4, a family-owned business producing some of the world's finest chocolate. Their journey—from the streets of San Diego to the jungles of Peru—is an adventure you won't want to miss.After losing their family business, Adam, along with his father and brother, had to start over. Selling parts for mining equipment led them to a successful chocolate business serving global customers. Through perseverance, they discovered a rare cacao breed thought extinct. Today, their company produces premium chocolate and supports hundreds of cacao farmers in Peru.Learn more in Adam's book, Finding Fortunato. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Adam Pearson.

In this episode, we talk with Jaime Casap, former Chief Education Evangelist at Google. We discuss the evolving nature of learning and work, and why all students need to develop entrepreneurial attitudes and skills. Jaime challenges us to rethink how we prepare students for today's world, shifting the question from "What do you want to be when you grow up?" to "What problem do you want to solve, and what do you need to learn to solve it?" Join us for this insightful conversation, and enjoy the episode!

In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Bob Kramer, a master bladesmith and founder of Kramer Knives, known for crafting some of the world's finest cutlery. Bob's path is anything but conventional—ranging from clown college to oceanography and the culinary arts. Through undiagnosed dyslexia and a relentless spirit of adventure, Bob's story is a testament to the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of discovering opportunities and oneself. Join us as we explore how Bob turned his diverse experiences and passion into a remarkable business that redefined an industry.

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, I'm speaking with Dan Thorenson, a former Navy mechanic who became an unlikely entrepreneur.Growing up in a small town in North Dakota, Dan floundered in school, that is until he discovered an auto shop program that took him from the very bottom of his class to the top.After high school, he joined the Navy where he became an airplane mechanic, a skill that led to a stable career in the aviation industry. Yet, as he advanced in his career, he soon found himself at a desk job, a nagging inner voice asking, “is this all there is?”Like many entrepreneurs, it was that nagging inner voice that led him to pursue an entrepreneurial path. Today, Dan's business, Nordic Turbine Service, is serving clients around the world. Best of all, he is doing something that he truly loves.Ultimately Dan's story speaks to the power of entrepreneurial thinking as a way to create meaningful and prosperous lives.

Welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, I'm speaking with Doug Katz, who is an award-winning chef and an amazing entrepreneur. People open restaurants every day, and, as you probably know, the failure rate is extremely high. Yet Doug seems to have mastered the craft not only as a chef but as an entrepreneur. While he wasn't a great student, from a very early age, Doug knew he wanted to be a chef. By the age of 14 he started a catering business and never looked back. Today, Doug is an award winning chef and restaurateur who is at the top of his game. As a matter of fact, the Rolling Stones showed up at one of his restaurants just a few days after we spoke. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, from finding your passion and knowing your strengths to authenticity and the power of working with teams. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Doug Katz.

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project Today, I'm speaking with Camillo Archuleta, an aspiring entrepreneur who stumbled into an opportunity to teach his eight-year-old daughter how to think like an entrepreneur. It all started when he challenged his daughter to raise the money she needed for a school fundraiser. Drawing on the lean startup principles he learned while earning an MBA, Camillo challenged his daughter to leverage her capabilities in ways that might create value for others. What unfolded is a masterclass in how to raise entrepreneurial children; one that clearly demonstrates the power of entrepreneurial discovery learning as a way to promote creative and critical thinking, effective communication and resourcefulness, financial literacy, and so much more. Ultimately, Camillo's story clearly demonstrates the idea that children are not only desirous of more but capable of more. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Camillo Archuletta.

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today I'm speaking with Rodney Walker. This is truly an amazing story you won't want to miss. Raised on the south side of Chicago, Rodney was born to parents who both struggled with addiction. At the age of five, he was cast into the foster care system, where he was separated from his parents and siblings. As he put it, he felt like life was happening to him, that he had no control over his circumstances. While the foster care system kept him in school, he struggled to keep pace, often finding himself in after school detention. Little did he know that exposure to entrepreneurship combined with a dedicated mentor would alter the course of his life. Today, Rodney not only holds degrees from Morrehouse College, Harvard and Yale, he is also the author of several books and is now a sought-after speaker and entrepreneur. So without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rodney Walker.

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the entrepreneurial mindset project. Today, I'm speaking with Jim Correll, an everyday entrepreneur who started an entrepreneurial mindset revolution that transformed his community. At the age of 50, Jim was hired as an outside staff instructor to teach the Successful Entrepreneur Program at a small community college in Independence, Kansas. At first, his efforts struggled to gain the attention of students who were otherwise focused on a degree. And because he was a non-academic outsider, he wasn't getting much support from faculty and staff. Yet once he realized he needed to shift his focus from traditional business planning to the entrepreneurial mindset, things began to change as word soon began to spread. Before long, Jim transformed an abandoned building into a thriving fab lab that soon became a hub of entrepreneurial activity. Soon, he was attracting not only degree-seeking students from the college but also everything from middle schoolers to mid-career adults, retirees, and everything in between. Some were starting businesses, some were reinventing their careers, and some were doing both. This is a great story that demonstrates how one person can make a difference in their community by taking an entrepreneurial approach to grassroots economic development.

Most city government workers, even though they have a keen eye on business, simply stay where they are and do not venture outside their comfort zone. What would it take for them to unlock their hidden entrepreneurial leadership skills? In this episode, Gary Schoeniger sits down with Rob Vigil, a retired government worker in the City of Albuquerque. He looks back on his unlikely journey of becoming an entrepreneurial leader in city government, who now encourages others to take action on their entrepreneurial aspirations. Rob shares strategies for overcoming the sphere of failure, the power of constant micro-experimentation, and appreciating the importance of your opinions.

In this episode, Gary sits down with Joe Jaros, a remarkable entrepreneur who turned a pizza delivery job into a thriving career. Joe's journey is a testament to the transformative power of an entrepreneurial mindset, even in franchise ownership. Hailing from a working-class background in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe's story mirrors the essence of entrepreneurship: solving problems to empower oneself. They delve into crucial aspects of the mindset, from the significance of having a vision and reliability to continuous improvement. Joe emphasizes understanding the needs of both customers and employees. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom applicable to your job, life, or career. Join the conversation with Joe Jaros on this insightful episode!

Today, we're speaking with Susana Cabrera, who is one of the original entrepreneurs featured in the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program. I originally interviewed Susana in 2010, when she was in the first few years of her entrepreneurial journey. Today, I had the chance to catch up with her to revisit her journey and the life lessons she learned along the way. One thing you can say is that she takes the concept of side hustle to a whole new level. Susana built and sold Delicious Bites, a successful food product business—in her spare time—all while raising two children and holding down a full-time job as an executive in a Fortune 500 company! In this episode, we talk about overcoming fear, building resilience, the importance of asking for help, and the power of a compelling goal.

Welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, we're joined by Chad Porter, a young, inventive entrepreneur who is well on his way. While studying biomedical engineering at Ohio State, he noticed that students were hauling fewer books around campus, which required a new type of backpack. All he needed was a prototype that would enable him to test his idea on his fellow students. Once he scraped up the money to buy a sewing machine, he went to work, experimenting with designs. By the time he sold 200 backpacks, he knew he was onto something that had the potential to grow. All he needed was the money to make it happen. Yet he quickly learned that venture capital investment was not readily available to young black entrepreneurs. He had to figure out how to make his business happen some other way. Like most entrepreneurs, Chad's story is full of challenges and setbacks, as well as unforeseen opportunities. What stood out to me was the combination of passion, optimism, and persistence that enabled him to find a different path.

Welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project! Today, we have an inspiring story to share with you. Meet Ashley and Abby Garfield, identical twins and young entrepreneurs. Starting with just a vacuum cleaner, a broom, a bucket, and a mop, they launched a cleaning business in high school. As they pursued business courses at a local community college, their determination grew, and they decided to fully commit.Now, at the age of 21, they are well on their way to turning their vision into reality. This story gives us a glimpse into the early stages of an entrepreneurial journey and shows the power of vision combined with the determination to make it happen.So, without further ado, join us as we chat with the Garfield Twins and be inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project! In this special edition, we're taking a different approach as we delve into the fascinating realm of the entrepreneurial mindset through the lens of psychology. Our guest today is Dr. Jennifer Hall, co-author of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile—a groundbreaking psychometric tool that assesses the entrepreneurial strengths of individuals across various domains, from students to organizational leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. Hall and her team have identified 14 key traits and skills that set entrepreneurs apart from the rest. But here's the burning question: Is the entrepreneurial mindset the driving force behind entrepreneurial behavior, or is it a consequence thereof? Join us as we explore this intriguing inquiry and uncover the intricate connections between psychology and entrepreneurship. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jennifer Hall, where we unlock the secrets behind the entrepreneurial mindset. Let's dive in!

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, I'm speaking with a special guest, Steve Orlando, who is not only an incredible entrepreneur, but was one of my very first students when I was experimenting with teaching entrepreneurship at a local high school back in 2006-2007. Trust me when I tell you Steve has an incredible story to tell. As a mediocre student from a working-class family, Steve wasn't sure where he was going in life. Watching his father struggle to get ahead left a profound impression on him from an early age. Yet a light-bulb moment shifted his awareness in ways that had a profound impact on his life.What started as a simple idea for an office cleaning business soon morphed into an adjacent opportunity that enabled him to earn $40,000 in his spare time - all while a senior in high school! From there, Steve has since created a number of successful businesses, none of which required more than a few hundred dollars to start. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, yet the one thing that really stood out for me was something that we never really discussed: the original idea doesn't matter. What really matters is that we get out of the building and start knocking on doors, looking for problems to solve, and talking to people who might have the problem we are trying to solve. Sooner or later, an opportunity will emerge—an opportunity that you could never have foreseen when you began. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve Orlando.

Today, we sit down with Stephanie Riel, founder of RielDeal & Co., a brand strategy consulting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, we explore the origins of an entrepreneur's passion and drive. Stephanie was inspired by her father's journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and always knew she wanted to start something on her own. However, finding her true calling was a challenge. She persevered and ultimately found success, starting with nothing and using Craigslist to find her first clients. During our conversation, Stephanie shares her insights on the value of side hustles, learning by doing, and the importance of having mentors. Her story serves as a reminder that when we combine our interests and abilities in ways that benefit others, we tap into a powerful force that ignites our passion and fuels our drive. Listen to this episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project podcast to learn more about Stephanie's journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today I'm speaking with my friend, collaborator, and co-author, Clifton Taulbert. Clifton has an amazing story to tell–from his childhood in the Mississippi Delta during the height of legal segregation to becoming a Pulitzer-nominated author and successful entrepreneur. I first met Clifton in 2008 while doing a research project for CISCO. It was his story that became the inspiration for the book Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss the life-changing influence of his Uncle Cleve Morman and how it shifted his thinking in ways that would ultimately transform his life. So without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Clifton Taulbert.

Today I'm speaking with Dave Yeany, the founder of Yeany's Maple, a small but thriving maple syrup business located in Marienville, PA. This is really an amazing underdog story that you won't want to miss. I met Dave a few months back when giving a talk in Marienville, which is a small town of approximately 3,500 people located smack dab in the poorest county in Pennsylvania. Little did I know there was an unlikely entrepreneur in our midst. As a high school dropout, he spent the bulk of his career as a custodian at the local high school. Yet he was always looking for ways to make extra money in his spare time. One day, he decided he would try to make maple syrup from scratch. With only a few borrowed taps, he figured out how to make his first batch, which he then gave away to family and friends. They soon came back asking for more. At that moment, he realized there might be an opportunity at hand. Yet rather than quitting his job and going all in, he started small, selling maple syrup at the end of his driveway on the honor system. By the time he sold $70,000 worth of maple syrup in his spare time, he decided it was time to make the leap. Today, he not only has a thriving business, but he is also making a huge impact in his community. This is such a great story, one that not only demonstrates the power of the entrepreneurial mindset to improve our own lives but also the impact it can have on the communities we inhabit.

A full mindset shift is needed to get through the most challenging moments of your life. Without this life-changing process, you cannot unlock a more positive version of yourself. Our guest today is Trent Wallace, an up-and-coming entrepreneur from the streets of North Omaha, Nebraska. In this episode, we discuss his struggle to overcome the challenges of his past, the lessons he learned at Boys Town, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset to become a force for good. Meanwhile, host Gary Schoeniger discusses the power of optimism and the concept of future positive orientation to access problem-solving abilities in the brain that are not otherwise available to you.

What is the value of learning, and do we ever stop? In this episode, guest Tremain Davis of Davis and Davis Investments and Management joins us to talk about shifting his mindset through constant learning. He joins Gary Schoeniger to share how he did not have an easy start in life. Raised by a single mom in an underserved community, the only entrepreneurs he knew were illegal ones. Yet, from an early age, he knew he wanted more. Tremain shares how building an underground candy operation as a kid inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship on a higher level, constantly refining his strategies and building on his knowledge. They also discuss transforming yourself into a powerful optimist, maximizing current technology for nonstop learning, and managing security risks when aiming for bigger life goals.

What makes a goal compelling? What do we gain from comparing ourselves to others? In this conversation with entrepreneur Cameron Tolbert, Founder of Native Ingredients, we dissect topics around honing a strong entrepreneurial mindset. We explore how circumstances and beliefs push people down the path of entrepreneurship, the dangers of comparing oneself to others, and human's innate tendency toward self-actualization. Cameron also opens up about the lessons he learned in his own career journey. From seeing how an internship shaped his mindset to learning from his failures, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Who are you when no one is watching? That's what Bernardo Martinez will help you uncover with host Gary Schoeniger in this episode. Bernardo is the founder of Grow-Farms, a Mexico City-based startup designed to enable small and medium-sized farmers throughout Latin America to access global markets. Throughout the conversation, Bernardo makes it clear that mindset is essential to having your venture impact the world. From early childhood experiences to the value of finding your purpose, this is a fantastic conversation for anyone wanting to learn about the power of entrepreneurial thinking. In the episode, Bernardo and Gary reference a few impactful books and documents. You can find those at the links below: Bernardo's Mantra—www.fastleader.net/wp-content/uploads/self-confidence-formula-napoleon-hill.pdf Ego is the Enemy—https://amzn.to/3RitqaR Start With Why—https://amzn.to/3AnYIGd The Road Less Traveled—https://amzn.to/3PMJvEs

Starting up a business is hard. Doing it while in an active warzone is even harder. Ukrainian Entrepreneur Bogdan Romaniuk joins Gary Schoeniger for this podcast episode to share insights into his mindset as a co-founder of xTiles—a tool for visual thinking that helps people organize projects and ideas. Bogdan also lets us in on his thinking about solving problems and how being open to new experiences makes you more susceptible to "getting lucky" and finding new opportunities. Join this episode as they take us deep into this web-based organizational note-taking system for creative minds whose easy yet stylish user interface dramatically improves project organization. What is more, you can try and check xTiles' free demo here.

When you talk about business, dog-walking isn't necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. It's a profession that people don't know too much about. Can you make actually make a living, walking dogs? The answer is yes, but you need to know how to market yourself. You need to know how to build relationships so that you can ask for referrals from your clients. And, you need to live within your means. Live a simple, yet happy life. These are the things today's guest did when she made her small dog walking business. Join Gary Schoeniger in today's episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, as he is joined by Susan Beauregard. Orphaned as a young adult, she developed a small dog-walking business to sustain herself in New York City. Now, by continuing to focus on her customers' needs, she is not only sustaining but thriving. Listen in to learn more!

Managing your beliefs is such an important thing to do when determining your future. If you believe that you'll succeed as an entrepreneur, you will. You just need to know how to shift your mindset so that you can put your mind to that goal. Stop living in your lies. And stop listening to people that tell you what you can or can't do. Find your own purpose in life. Join Gary Schoeniger as he talks to Myron Pierce for the start of season two. Myron is an entrepreneur and community leader based in Omaha, Nebraska. He's the Founder of Village Social and is one of the Co-founders of Shift Omaha, where he helps the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed. Listen to today's episode as Myron shares more about his struggles growing up. Learn more about why hope is the best strategy. And discover all about the power of managing your beliefs. Listen to his inspiring story of changing his mindset to succeed.

Resilience is not about being fearless. It's about overcoming the fear. Joining us for another episode is entrepreneur, speaker, and author Sirena Moore-Thomas. After our first conversation, we decided there was too much to unpack and have her back for another fantastic conversation. In this episode, she goes more into her recent endeavors as an entrepreneur, including how she became the COO of a 100-million-dollar company. Sirena also shares her 4-step The W.A.L.K. Method™ on how to overcome fear, setbacks, and self-doubt from her book, Water Walker: How To Embrace Uncertainty And Do What Seems Impossible. There's a lot to learn and gain from this episode so make sure to tune in.

Is there any way we can go back to our roots and champion the natural, organic way of consuming things? The world is so used to pressed, processed, and packaged goods that we often forget sustainable farming is still practiced. In this episode, Brian Bruno of Apple Ridge Farm joins us to talk about small, sustainable ag-entrepreneurship. He shares how the farm lives by its vision of producing the best food in the most sustainable way possible. This story has plenty of lessons about starting where you are and finding a compelling goal.

It's natural to face many challenges when journeying on a new path. The question is, how do we turn adversity to an advantage? In our first episode of 2022, Theodore Moore joins us to discuss the founding of Elohim Cleaning Contractors. He shares how he started the business with a few hundred dollars and some used office equipment he fished out of the garbage. Ted's story emphasizes the power of hope and the value of helping others. Listen in as Ted discusses ways to navigate the trials one might face while setting out on their own path.

We often think of government employees as the polar opposite of entrepreneurs. But what could happen if we teach them to think this way, transforming them into empowered employees? In this episode, we are joined by educator and entrepreneur Tom Darling. Tom serves the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico as a Division Manager of their Employee Learning Center. In addition, he has undertaken a radical experiment to teach the city's employees to think like entrepreneurs. Listen to a fascinating conversation about how managers can empower organizational employees by solving small problems for their coworkers and the people they serve.

In this episode, Gary is joined by serial entrepreneur and public speaker Sirena Moore-Thomas. In the conversation, Sirena and Gary unpack her early life and how her experiences shaped her trajectory. As a single teenage mother of twins, raised in public housing, with no college degree, Sirena is the epitome of an unlikely entrepreneur. Her accomplishments—not the least of which is co-founding a million-dollar cleaning business with a few hundred dollars in her spare time—have garnered national media attention, including the New York Times, Black Enterprise Magazine, and NBC. She is also one of the featured entrepreneurs in the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program. She emphasizes the importance of showing up. Keep moving forward! Tune in to hear valuable insights to take those steps to be a successful entrepreneur.

As a Palestinian refugee growing up in Kuwait, Faris Alami was a straight-A student on his way to university and a stable career. And then life intervened when the Iraqi invasion turned his world upside down.    Fresh out of high school, in the midst of a war zone, Faris found himself in charge of a local grocery store, a precarious experience that he barely escaped with his life. Yet, it was an experience that taught him how to think like an entrepreneur.    In this episode, we talk about his transition from being a straight-A student who knew how to follow the rules to learn how to survive in a war zone and how by selling T-shirts, he became an unlikely entrepreneur. 

Going to prison is a serious, at some points depressing, form of solitary confinement. It is commonly seen as a depressing community, and released inmates are usually discriminated, if not entirely rejected by society. But in reality, prison time can provide the needed reinvention one truly needs. In this episode, new entrepreneur William Snoddy joins us to discuss his life leading up to and including his entrepreneurial journey. After going to prison several times, William is now getting a trucking business off the ground. He and Gary Schoeniger talk about the books and the people that inspired him, the lessons he learned while in prison, and the power of a compelling goal.

In this episode, Yiannis Nikolopoulos joins us to discuss how he became an entrepreneur. He is the Co-founder of Clio Muse Tours, an Athens-based company that offers self-guided audio tours and virtual tours for museums across Europe. Yiannis describes how curiosity and humility enabled him and his partners to find the right product-market fit before going all in. And they pulled it off in the midst of the worst recession in modern Greek history.

Entrepreneur John Kendale joined us for an engaging conversation about his journey to become the inventor and owner of Toppy Toddler bibs. Listen in to hear about how John began his entrepreneurial journey with one simple idea, solving a problem any parent might face, a messy baby eating a meal.

Ryann Halo joins us to talk about her entrepreneurial journey. Hear her dig into surviving tragedy and trauma, overcoming it all to become a successful business owner of two award-winning salons.

Middle school teacher Elias Ruiz joined the podcast to talk about his journey from garage inventor to a successful business owner. Starting in his garage with a piece of plywood and empty 2-liter bottles, Elias has gone on to invent the Feather-Raft, a lightweight raft perfectly suited for a variety of outdoor water sports. The patented design was an iterative process to craft, and Elias shares an array of hurdles he had to overcome while bringing his product to market. Starting from meeting a personal need, Ruiz has created a successful and growing business selling Feather-Rafts all over the United States.

Veteran and long-time entrepreneur Patrick L. Hughes Sr. joined us to discuss his life, the various businesses he has started, and his thoughts about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Throughout the conversation, Patrick shares his entrepreneurial roots growing up as the child of a sharecropper, his various companies and side hustles, all the way to his successful government consulting firm, Hughes Group LLC. Hughes is the winner of the National Minority Small Business of the Year Award for 2010.

Many people wanted to start their own businesses but end up hesitating because of a lack of funds. But a lot of entrepreneurs have proven that starting a self-funded business is still possible even without a huge capital. Our host Gary Schoeniger is joined by Melissa Weed, founder of Pittsburg, Kansas-based cleaning business Honey Does LLC. During their conversation, Gary and Melissa unpacked her journey towards being an entrepreneur, her relationship with education and work, and how what started as a small side hustle blossomed into a successful and thriving business that serves her community. She delved into the story of how she laid the foundation of her business with minimal funds, coupled with professionalism, motivation, and credibility.