Episodios

  • 185: Jack Reipke - Unlock Legendary Moves for a Life You Really Love

    185: Jack Reipke - Unlock Legendary Moves for a Life You Really Love
    Apr 14 2026
    Ever ask yourself how anyone “really” builds a thriving life in business and real estate, not just overnight, but year after victorious year? Are you chasing financial freedom but feel overwhelmed by shiny hustles, fleeting wins, or advice that just doesn’t fit your dreams?On this episode, host Sean Phelps sits down with unstoppable leader Jack Reipke, an award-winning sales pro and entrepreneur who’s cracked the code for repeat success in commercial real estate, tech, and short-term rentals. Dive into Jack’s real-life playbook for mastering career pivots, building wealth from the ground up, and surviving setbacks with insane resilience. From cold Minnesota to Charleston’s vacation hotbeds, Jack reveals the rare habits, hard-won truths, and proven strategies that fueled his journey, all wrapped in lessons you won’t find anywhere else.The cost of waiting? Stagnation, missed opportunities, and watching others live the life you want. The unlock is here. Listen now for exclusive tactics, honest wake-up calls, and the momentum you need to break out of average. Only this episode gives you the REAL behind-the-scenes map to multi-industry success.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The shocking power of mentorship and why your next breakthrough depends on it[01:09] – Not a one-hit wonder: the surprising pattern behind Jack Reipke’s repeat wins[06:45] – What high-achievers get DEAD wrong about “finding your path” in college[10:57] – How Minnesota winters and parent lessons built bulletproof drive[13:35] – Why mastering sales means teaching it (and why most will never try)[18:02] – The secret meetings that landed Jack nine-figure clients, plus the wild truth about competition[28:23] – The fix-it journey: how scrappy home renos + relationship tests made real-world wealth[44:02] – The spark that separates the top 5% (and how to find your own, fast)[47:14] – Inside the wild world of short-term rentals, game-changing wins, and the nail-biting moments Airbnb never tells you aboutAbout The Guest Jack Reipke is a multi-award-winning sales leader and real estate entrepreneur with a track record of repeat excellence across commercial real estate, digital media, and short-term rentals. As the co-founder behind Charleston’s Inc. 5000-ranked Curated Vacation Properties and President’s Club winner at every stop, from College Works Painting to NBC Sports, Jack is renowned for scaling teams, closing major deals (including an NFL team), and building dynamic businesses rooted in heart and execution.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesCurated Vacation PropertiesUniversity of MinnesotaBigger Pockets PodcastNBC Sports / Sports EngineMint (now Monarch)Price LabsBeyond PricingCushman & WakefieldCBREColliersNewmark Knight FrankAirbnb1031 ExchangeReal Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)Important LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    1 h y 1 m
  • 184: Christine Blosdale - Claiming Your Unique Value and Stepping Into Authority

    184: Christine Blosdale - Claiming Your Unique Value and Stepping Into Authority
    Apr 7 2026
    Ever feel invisible, overwhelmed, or stuck wondering how real leaders go from chaos to clarity, and actually get paid for what they know?Matt Stewart welcomes Christine Blosdale, five-time bestselling author, media personality, and expert authority coach, for a radically open conversation about finding your voice, building brands that matter, and turning messy failures into career victories.From teaching to radio, consulting, and reinvention after disaster, Christine drops surprising, actionable secrets for winning trust and creating impact whether you’re shy or bold, just starting out, or ready for your next pivot.Skip the struggle, step boldly into your authority, and unlock proven strategies you won’t find anywhere else. These insights will help you avoid years of missed opportunities, and this episode is your exclusive window into the mindsets, lessons, and tools that create visible, lasting success. Listen now and claim your next level.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The signature statement hack: How a mantra can make any meeting unforgettable[00:43] – If you’re not seen and heard, you’re not hired: why staying hidden kills opportunity[02:30] – How disasters, failures, and generosity lead to the real reinvention edge[05:24] – The uncomfortable truth: Find out what you hate, and how that triggers your passion to emerge[09:23] – Fifth-grade copywriting: Why making your audience the hero is the new marketing superpower[14:45] – When imposter syndrome tries to steal the mic—what happened when Hollywood called Christine’s number[25:56] – The only three pillars for business success (health, wealth, love) and how to leverage your own[36:07] – Brutal honesty vs. compassionate teaching: The therapist’s bridge website disaster and the one fix that changed everything[40:52] – The uncoachable client dilemma: Why intuition matters and what to do with negative thinkingAbout The Guest Christine Blosdale is the founder of Expert Authority Coach and a five-time bestselling author recognized for her electrifying mastery of brand building, media communication, and helping entrepreneurs step boldly into their authentic authority. Former entertainment reporter and radio host, Christine now consults diverse leaders globally, helping them get seen, trusted, and paid for their expertise.🔗 LinkedIn | Facebook | Amazon | Website | Podcast Mentioned ResourcesAmerica Online (AOL)Microsoft MSNTime WarnerKPFK RadioÆon Flux (MTV)Human Design frameworkJane Fonda aerobicsStrengthsFinderImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    47 m
  • 183: Tyler McCullough - The Courage to Fail Gracefully and Really Win

    183: Tyler McCullough - The Courage to Fail Gracefully and Really Win
    Mar 31 2026

    Ever wondered why some leaders bounce back so much faster, stronger, and more confident after setbacks? Are you tired of second-guessing yourself, avoiding mistakes, or feeling stuck trying to live someone else’s version of success?

    In this high-voltage collage, Matt Stewart curates the most electric moments from Tyler McCullough’s wild journey from Clarkston basketball to buying a company at 23 to leading in uncharted territory. You’ll hear about redefining failure, going against expectations, sacrificing “fun” for true growth, and the mindset shift that turns pain into power.

    Tune in now to break the defeat cycle, embrace the real learning curve, and unlock the courage to pursue excellence on your terms. Miss this episode, and you risk spinning your wheels in self-doubt while others turn failure into fuel. This rapid-fire masterclass delivers raw, lived wisdom you won’t find anywhere else.

    Timestamped Highlights
    • 00:00 – The thrilling truth behind embracing failure and why Tyler McCullough started to get excited about making mistakes
    • 02:07 – How redefining excellence as a journey—not a flawless performance—will blow up self-doubt
    • 04:13 – Shocking lessons from grinding through school, varsity basketball, and work, all before college
    • 08:04 – The high-stakes, uncomfortable moment Tyler McCullough chose passion over family expectations
    • 13:24 – The raw “crash out” moment every parent and student dreads, and how to script your own destiny
    • 26:01 – Failing gracefully: the game-changing reframing that turns setbacks into a superpower
    • 34:58 – The myth of “being the boss is easier” exposed—leadership by example has a price
    • 41:11 – “Best sacrifice ever?” The college cliché that’s dangerous, and what to do instead if you want a thriving future

    About The Guest

    Tyler McCullough is a high-performance leader, award-winning entrepreneur, and current VP of the Great Lakes Division at College Works. Known for buying a company just a year after graduation, scaling teams across multiple states, and redefining what young leadership can look like, Tyler brings relentless heart, radical ownership, and a fresh take on what it means to pursue excellence, even when it means going against the norm.

    🔗 LinkedIn

    Mentioned Resources
    • Grand Valley State University
    • “Crash out” moments (mindset concept)
    • DISC assessment tools

    Important Links
    • Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)
    • Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application
    • Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
    • Watch full interviews on YouTube

    The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    45 m
  • 182: Will Taylor - What Happens When You Ignore the "Safe Path"?

    182: Will Taylor - What Happens When You Ignore the "Safe Path"?
    Mar 24 2026
    Have you ever felt stuck, caught between what’s expected and what you truly want? What does it take to escape the trap of “safe careers” and actually create a path that feels uniquely yours? In this energizing collage episode of The Edge of Excellence, you’ll hear from Will Taylor, Matt Stewart, Sean Phelps, and Narrator as they revisit pivotal moments of transformation, choices, and breakthrough habits drawn from several past episodes.From growing up with the shadow of a corporate legacy and wrestling with painful growth, to launching a bold clothing brand and mastering digital marketing for real impact, this episode dives into the lessons, struggles, and surprising victories that shape a purpose-driven career.Listen now! Here you’ll learn systems thinking, the truth about authentic alignment, and practical strategies for turning curiosity into a life you really love. Skip this episode and you risk missing proven career moves and mindset shifts shared nowhere else on the show… so tune in and claim your edge!Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – Will Taylor recalls the first time painful accountability became rocket fuel for transformation and how the “bootcamp to manhood” catalyzed his future.[05:00] – Why assuming you’ll follow in your parents’ footsteps is both comforting and limiting—and the exact moment Will realized the world was bigger than Detroit’s Big Three.[07:00] – The step-by-step breakdown of Will’s journey from eBay flips to his first real taste of entrepreneurship and how College Works Painting became the game changer.[13:09] – Will Taylor’s revelation: your skills and relationships matter more than courses and grades, plus the risky move that made everything click.[15:00] – Launching a clothing brand not just for profit but to master digital marketing—Will’s “internship you build yourself” (and the book he never finished).[20:00] – Plunged into agency life, managing million-dollar budgets: What Will wishes he’d known about corporate politics and how curiosity created opportunity.[27:09] – Consulting NFL franchises and iconic global brands—the unexpected thrill (and humility) of being the architect behind their marketing strategies.[33:08] – The heartbreak and lesson from quitting YouTube as a teenager and how Will turned that regret into a lifelong habit of courageously following his gut.About The Guest Will Taylor is Vice President of Consulting at VaynerX, driving innovative marketing strategy and creative media solutions for global brands. Previously the founder of Softgoods and York Project apparel companies, Will is known for his systems thinking, digital advertising mastery, and authentic leadership that transforms organizations. His story offers young leaders a blueprint for compounding success by embracing curiosity, risk, and real alignment.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesCollege Works PaintingSoftgoodsYork Project (apparel)VaynerXGary Vaynerchuk (GaryVee)The Intelligent Investor (book)ShopifyNotre Dame IDEA CenterGood, Good Golf (influence example)DISC assessment toolsSeabreeze ManagementAdidasNikeImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    43 m
  • 181: Greg Hughes - Find Your Niche, Love Your Work, and Never Look Back

    181: Greg Hughes - Find Your Niche, Love Your Work, and Never Look Back
    Mar 17 2026
    Are you feeling lost choosing your first career, secretly worried you’ll miss out on your true calling, or get stuck in something “safe” that leaves you bored? You’re not alone.On this episode of The Edge of Excellence, host Matt Stewart sits down with the legendary Greg Hughes, acclaimed insurance executive and founder, for an eye-opening deep dive into building a career (and a life) that’s both secure and electrifying.From explosive stories about betting on yourself to the proven ABZ action formula and the underrated magic of side hustles, you’ll discover how to get ahead even if you don’t know your true passion yet.Don’t let indecision stall your future. Listen now to dodge the dead-end jobs, master career pivots, and unlock exclusive, real-world insights only Greg can give. This episode is your backstage pass to proven moves most professionals never learn until it’s too late.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – How Greg’s wild ride from music to insurance revealed the “secret menu” of dream job options[00:43] – Why acknowledging reality + crazy self-belief is the foundation for unstoppable excellence[02:34] – The Stockdale Paradox: Why embracing brutal facts might save your career (and sanity)[04:13] – The ABZ Formula that top performers (and rock stars) use to create luck and opportunity[08:11] – The myth of “follow your passion” vs. the magic of smart side hustles and practical paychecks[18:07] – The accidental moment Greg got hired—proof that timing and location matter more than you think[26:06] – What nobody tells you about sales, mentorship, and finding your lane in a massive industry[31:55] – The three hacks Greg wishes every 20-something would use to crush self-doubt and stand outAbout The Guest Greg Hughes is a high-net-worth insurance executive, founder, and business builder with over two decades of industry innovation. Known for his mastery of private client risk management and his elite consulting for multi-millionaire families and enterprises, Greg brings a rare mix of process-driven wisdom, creativity, and actionable mentorship to rising leaders. Currently, he is a key executive at Poms Insurance and a sought-after advisor for those chasing both security and fulfillment in life and business.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesMarsh McLennanNorthwestern MutualUCLALoyola High SchoolLa Cañada High SchoolStockdale ParadoxImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    42 m
  • 180: Austin Killian - How To Go From Zero To $350M+ in Revenue in Just Seven Years

    180: Austin Killian - How To Go From Zero To $350M+ in Revenue in Just Seven Years
    Mar 10 2026
    Are you secretly afraid your ambition will cost you your happiness, your relationships, or your shot at real success? What if you could excel without sacrificing what you love, and build a business that actually changes lives?In this electrifying Edge of Excellence episode, host Matt Stewart sits down with Home Genius Exteriors Co-Founder Austin Killian, a leader who went from wrestling mats to multi-million-dollar boardrooms. Dive into the raw moments that shaped Austin from family hardship and gritty sports discipline to launching a billion-dollar brand built on heart, hustle, and true leadership.Tune in now, because the pain of “what if” is bigger than any setback and Austin’s proven formulas, emotional truths, and unexpected stories will empower you to leap ahead. You won’t hear these battle-won insights anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – What happens when ambition, marriage, and a nationwide outage collide[00:01:46] – Austin’s resourceful definition of excellence and the real formula for mastery[00:05:56] – The family crisis that flipped everything, and how sports gave him “direction”[00:14:41] – The hidden moment when entrepreneurship finally “clicked” for Austin[00:17:44] – Changing the game: how Home Genius was built to be revolutionary, not just profitable[00:25:38] – The unstoppable daily habits, leadership legacy, and why caring is the secret ingredient[00:32:14] – $100M from door-knocking? Inside the jaw-dropping growth playbook[00:36:39] – Austin’s gritty advice for young leaders: Go for it all, survive the dark times, love the struggle[00:43:05] – Sacrifices and victories: The real cost (and reward) of chasing dreams, moving away, and building something legendaryAbout The Guest Austin Killian is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice-President of Home Genius Exteriors, one of America’s fastest-growing home improvement companies. Known for his grit, bold decision-making, and commitment to building culture and legacy, Austin scaled Home Genius from zero to $350M+ in revenue in just seven years and is a recognized force in developing next-generation leaders.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesCollege Works PaintingRonald McDonald HouseStrengthsFinderEO (Entrepreneurs’ Organization)University of PittsburghWashington & Jefferson CollegeImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    43 m
  • 179: Michael Kleydman - Launching Brands at Walmart and How To Own Success

    179: Michael Kleydman - Launching Brands at Walmart and How To Own Success
    Mar 3 2026
    Are you stuck wondering how to turn hustle into real impact or worried that you don’t know the path through today’s chaotic career maze? Ever dreamt of launching a business or landing a deal that changes lives... but aren't sure how integrity, ownership, and bold leaps really pay off?This episode assembles thrilling stories and actionable secrets from Michael Kleydman’s journey through the massive retail universe, as coached and explored by Sean Phelps. From immigrant roots and overcoming debt to becoming a sought-after consultant for Fortune #1 Walmart, this episode delivers proven lessons on relationship-building, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and practicing excellence every step of the way.Listen now to avoid stagnation, discover the urgent steps that will outsmart your obstacles, and unlock exclusive, real-world wisdom you won’t find anywhere else.Timestamped Highlights[00:02] – How a pizza delivery gig sparked a revolutionary mindset and led to a life-changing career in retail[00:07] – The emotional story of immigrant grit, integrity, and entrepreneurial drive (and what it takes to start with “two suitcases”)[00:15] – Game-changing insights on how ownership transforms failure into power, and why “everything is your fault” becomes your greatest asset[00:22] – Why walking away from multi-million dollar deals is the ultimate victory for your reputation (and the true value of excellence isn’t the dollars)[00:35] – The high-stakes, behind-the-scenes world of Walmart buyers and brokers: Who succeeds, who fails, and the wild jobs you didn’t know exist[00:48] – How teaching college classes, mastering supply chain, and consulting for giants all connect—and what young leaders must do to break through[00:58] – Uncommon advice for overcoming student debt, seizing risky opportunities, and building a reputation in a small-but-global industry[01:11] – Surprising stories of small companies, “golden tickets,” and million-dollar wins plus the data secrets that determine which products survive (and thrive) About The Guest Michael Kleydman is a Principal & Senior Consultant at Shift Retail Group, specializing in helping emerging and established brands navigate the Walmart ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in retail supply chain and business development, he’s taught procurement at University of Arkansas and managed multi-million dollar teams. Michael’s journey from immigrant beginnings to entrepreneurial leadership offers proven, uncommon wisdom for young professionals and future business leaders.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesSpectrum BrandsCollegeWorks PaintingUniversity of ArkansasSt. Louis UniversityMizzouWalmartBarebells Protein BarsMars, Wrigley, Hershey’sAnheuser-BuschImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    51 m
  • 178: Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski - How to Win Life by Rediscovering Your Strengths

    178: Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski - How to Win Life by Rediscovering Your Strengths
    Feb 24 2026
    Ever feel like you’re stuck on a path that isn’t yours, or wonder if you’ve got what it takes to truly reinvent yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode of Edge of Excellence, host Matt Stewart curates raw, victorious, downright electrifying moments from the journey of Rabbi and Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, multi-hyphenate lawyer, professor, rabbi, social worker, and Fortune 500 coach.You’ll discover how to rewrite your inner story, master positive psychology, and ignite the strengths you didn’t know you had. Walk with Rabbi Alfredo Borodowski through dazzling highs and crushing lows, and learn the tested frameworks that turn adversity into purpose and fulfillment.Don’t wait for a second chance at clarity. Tune in now for exclusive tools, battle-won truths, and the blueprint to break out of autopilot. This episode reveals insights and actionable breakthroughs you literally won’t hear anywhere else. Turn the volume up. Your next chapter demands it.Timestamped Highlights[00:00] – The “awareness hack” that stops autopilot thinking in its tracks[00:49] – Why reinvention isn’t luck, it’s a muscle you build before you need it[02:23] – Redefining excellence: why your best is different (and enough)[06:19] – A true story: Disappearing friends, military regimes, and a call to justice[13:09] – What no one tells you about crashing and daring to start over[15:31] – The messy middle: mania, diagnosis, and coming back stronger[17:34] – Steal this formula: text trick for discovering your strengths in one day[22:04] – Turn purpose into impact: how to align what you do with who you are[35:15] – The secret happiness habit every future leader needs (and forgets)About The Guest Alfredo Borodowski, PhD, MSW is an executive coach, published author, and renowned positive psychology expert who has helped leaders, Fortune 500 firms, and nonprofits rewrite stories of adversity into scripts for high performance and fulfillment. With decades of experience as a lawyer, professor, rabbi, and social worker, Alfredo Borodowski brings an unrivaled blend of ancient wisdom and modern science to the art of personal reinvention.🔗 LinkedIn | WebsiteMentioned ResourcesHebrew Union CollegeJohn Maxwell LeadershipPositive Psychology (24 strengths framework)Purpose Factor AssessmentSuicide and Crisis Lifeline (988)CollegeWorks PaintingNational Services Group (NSG)Northeastern HillelImportant LinksGrow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG)Join our Student Professional Program: Internship ApplicationConnect with Matt on LinkedInWatch full interviews on YouTubeThe Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
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    40 m