In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Bobby Bourguignon, an alumnus of the College Works program.

During the conversation, Bobby shares how they navigated the early stages of his career, experimenting with different paths before finding one that sparked genuine excitement. The discussion explores the importance of passion in professional growth, while also acknowledging that not every day will be easy—sometimes, perseverance through difficult seasons is what ultimately leads to lasting fulfillment.

You'll hear about the impact of personal relationships and daily habits on long-term success. Bobby reflects on the difficult but necessary decision to change his social circle, surrounding Himself with individuals who inspire and challenge him. You'll also learn the critical role of health and self-discipline, emphasizing that personal well-being directly affects motivation, productivity, and overall happiness.

This episode offers a powerful metaphor about diving beneath the surface, encouraging you to embrace deeper conversations, take meaningful risks, and push yourself toward greater self-awareness.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Bobby's experience with College Works, a tough internship that taught him valuable lessons and that he calls the hardest year of his life, both physically and mentally.
• The challenges of working remotely and the impact on his mental health and substance abuse issues.
• The importance of choosing the right partners and having a clear value proposition.
• The lessons Bobby has learned from his challenges and how they have shaped his current mindset and approach to life.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Matt Hickmann, a video content creator.

You'll hear Matt's compelling journey of discovery, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Faced with a crossroads in life, he embraced a bold challenge — venturing into the unknown with nothing but raw determination and an eagerness to learn. His story unfolds through moments of uncertainty, rejection, and self-doubt, yet it is precisely these obstacles that fuel their relentless pursuit of success.

Gain insights into the mindset shifts and daily disciplines that separate dreamers from doers. Matt emphasizes the importance of taking action over endless preparation, learning by doing rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. He reveals how a simple yet strategic approach—leveraging persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to fail—opened doors they never imagined possible.

With lessons that apply far beyond one's own field, this episode serves as a reminder that success often comes down to one key factor: the willingness to show up and put in the work, every single day.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Matt's college journey, starting as a mechanical engineer and then switching to computer science.
• How Matt started using a camera for fun and saw it as a potential business opportunity.
• How an 'all-in' mentality helped him figure things out quickly and achieve his goal of making enough money to live in San Diego.
• The importance of consistency and effort in achieving excellence.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Hirad Emadi, co-founder and President of Innovative Construction Solutions.

During this engaging conversation, Matt explores the journey of a successful entrepreneur who transitioned from a stable career to launching a thriving business. Hirad highlights the importance of identifying gaps in the market and consistently adding value, which can lead to repeat business and long-term success.

You'll discover the dynamics of partnerships in business, as well as the benefits and potential pitfalls of working with partners. Gain insights on how compromise and shared values are crucial for a successful partnership, and how different approaches can lead to various outcomes.

This episode provides a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons for anyone interested in the entrepreneurial journey.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Why consistently adding value and addressing gaps in service can lead to repeat business and long-term success.
• The dynamics of business partnerships, including the benefits of compromise and shared values, and how different approaches can impact the success of a venture.
• Achieving balance between a demanding career and personal life, and the importance of family and community involvement.
• The value of developing essential skills like people skills and writing skills early in your career, and how these can contribute to long-term success.
• The concept that passion can emerge from hard work and success, even in areas you weren't initially passionate about, and the importance of staying open to new passions.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Hirad's LinkedIn

Innovative Construction Solutions

In today's episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Brad Baldridge, certified financial planner, college funding consultant, and chief podcaster at Taming the High Cost of College.

Matt and Brad explore the multifaceted process of preparing for an important milestone that affects many families—paying for college. They discuss various strategies and options available to navigate this complex landscape, as well as the importance of understanding different types of support and how they can impact overall outcomes.

You'll discover the specific challenges faced by those in unique situations, such as owning a business or dealing with unexpected financial changes. You'll also find insights on how to leverage available resources and make strategic choices to optimize benefits.

Whether dealing with financial aid, merit-based awards, or other types of support, this episode provides valuable guidance for anyone facing this pivotal stage in life.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The differences between need-based aid and merit-based aid, and how to identify which type of aid you might qualify for.
• Why top-tier schools like Harvard and Yale often do not offer merit aid and focus solely on need-based aid, and how this can affect your financial planning.
• Specific strategies for business owners to manage their finances and maximize aid eligibility, including tax benefits and income management.
• The importance of finding a college where you will thrive, and how this decision can outweigh the prestige of attending a more expensive institution.
• Practical advice on leveraging available resources, doing thorough research, and making informed decisions to achieve long-term success in your educational journey.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Taming the High Cost of College

Baldridge College Solutions

Brad's LinkedIn

In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Darton Case, owner and CEO of Dart Appraisal Services.

They discuss the challenges and triumphs faced in building a lasting business. Darton offers insights on having a long-term vision, emphasizing how critical it is for entrepreneurs to diversify and not rely too heavily on a single client or market.

You'll discover the evolution of Darton's role from a hands-on entrepreneur to a CEO who empowers his team to take the reins. The conversation explores the importance of continuous learning and the value of being part of a supportive peer group.

Darton also touches on the sacrifices and decisions that shaped his path, particularly the intense focus and work ethic required in his 20s, as well as the significance of finding a career that aligns with one's passions and strengths.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The difficulties entrepreneurs face, including the statistic that 90% of businesses fail within the first few years.
• How Darton's company expanded statewide and then nationally by diversifying their client base and focusing on service excellence.
• Darton's commitment to continuous learning through organizations like EO, where he gained insights from peers facing similar challenges.
• How strategic acquisitions are crucial in overcoming stagnation and regulatory challenges in Darton's industry.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Dart Appraisal Services

In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ryan Coon, entrepreneur and former CEO / co-owner of Avail.

Ryan outlines some of the invaluable lessons learned from his early career experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking, particularly how connections made during internships and college can lead to unexpected opportunities later in life.

You'll learn about the serendipity of reconnecting with former colleagues and mentors in various professional contexts, illustrating the long-term benefits of maintaining a robust professional network.

Ryan reflects on the journey of growing his business from a small startup to a thriving company, the strategies that led to their success, and the importance of being intentional and deliberate with one's time and efforts.

You'll also get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of acquisitions, detailing the unique process Ryan underwent when his company caught the interest of major industry players.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How connections made during internships and college can lead to significant professional opportunities in the future.
• Strategies for being deliberate and intentional with your time to achieve high performance in your professional endeavors.
• The importance of maintaining confidence and persistence in the face of rejection, and understanding it as part of the journey to success.
• The value of building optionality in your career and business decisions, ensuring you have multiple paths and opportunities available.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Ryan's LinkedIn

In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Madi McSwain, an insurance agent with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

Madi shares her unique journey and the strategies she has employed to achieve success in her professional life. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building, strategic planning, and maintaining a customer-focused approach.

You'll discover the challenges Madi encountered in her early days starting from scratch, the sacrifices she made, and the relentless work ethic that drove her to the top. Be inspired by her story of perseverance, dedication, and the strategic choices that have defined her career.

You'll also get a glimpse into the impact of supportive relationships and how Madi's upbringing and the encouragement from loved ones have played a pivotal role in her achievements.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The advantages of being a multi-line agent and how it simplifies clients’ insurance needs, making it cost-effective and easier to manage.
• The challenges and rewards of starting as a scratch agent, focusing on new business development, and transitioning to managing a book of business through referrals.
• The value of giving back and helping others, inspired by the guest’s own experiences and the positive impact of her internship.
• The career progression within the insurance industry and the skills and attitudes necessary to advance from entry-level to higher responsibilities.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Madi's LinkedIn

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

In this engaging episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by David Renberg, a successful entrepreneur who started his own real estate brokerage at a remarkably young age.

Throughout the conversation, David reflects on his journey, offering insights and advice based on his experiences. He shares key moments of growth and realization, touching on topics like work-life balance, team building, and the importance of perspective in handling challenges.

You'll take a journey through David's career, from the early days of starting his brokerage to his present-day successes. The discussion also dives into the mindset required to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of staying grounded and focused on long-term goals.

David's story will resonate with anyone seeking to make a positive impact, showcasing the power of perseverance and the value of building meaningful connections in both business and life.

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What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The core values of David's business, emphasizing integrity, excellence, and kindness.
• How hiring the right staff and delegating tasks effectively has helped him grow his business and maintain a better work-life balance.
• David's advice to his younger self: to not stress over every detail and task.
• David's insights from the book "What's Best Next" by Matt Perman, highlighting the concept of scheduling your day at 70% capacity.
• Why David believes his greatest impact may come from his influence on others, particularly his children and those he mentors.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Foundation Realty

David's LinkedIn

What's Best Next book