KJ Blattenbauer didn’t set out to build a PR firm - she quit her corporate job without a plan, moved to a new state, rented an apartment sight unseen, and started calling “cool people and brands” to see if they needed help. When 13 said yes, KJ realized she should do this the right way and start a business. And just like that, Hearsay PR was born.

As the Founder and Publicist of Hearsay PR, and author of Pitch Worthy, KJ lives by the mantra “How hard can this be?” She believes every person, product, and business has a story worth sharing. Her work is rooted in helping clients step into visibility with confidence - putting themselves out there, owning their voice, and trusting that their story deserves to be seen and heard.

Her other mantra? Life is too short not to enjoy what you’re doing and have fun - even in a notoriously tough industry like public relations.

If you’ve ever questioned your next move, or needed the push to put yourself out there, this conversation is for you.

This conversation is a masterclass in sales...and in resilience.

Mike’s sales career started early, helping his dad sell boats at the Chicago Boat Show. In the dead of winter, with snow on the ground, he volunteered simply to help his dad - and still outsold the full-time sales representatives. That momentum never stopped.

What’s his edge?
He builds real relationships.
He sells with urgency.
He shows up disciplined and consistent - EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
He never makes excuses when it comes to closing sales.

When Mike left a secure, successful sales role to start LionHeart with his partners, he bet on himself. He also felt the weight of being the company’s only salesperson, carrying the pressure of providing for his family while building something from the ground up. The pressure was real, but quitting was never an option.

If you lead sales, build teams, or are considering betting on yourself, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

Welcome to Finding Reverie: An Entrepreneur's Journey Micro Podcast. These short, but sweet (and definitely informative) podcasts will feature the Reverie team diving into strategies, insights, and best practices that help founder-led businesses grow and thrive.

At Reverie, we believe every business has its own unique journey, and along the way, there are lessons, tools, and ideas that can make a real difference. Join us as we share practical tips and thoughtful conversations designed to help you create impact and momentum in your business.

This episode's topic: From Founders to Leaders. We're diving into the biggest transformation a business owner will ever go through - the shift from founder to leader. We discuss how it's possible to learn to let go without sacrificing quality, and how important having effective systems & processes is during this transformation.