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Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation is a podcast that dives deep into the stories of business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are striving to make an extraordinary impact. Each episode explores their roots, motivations, and defining moments to inspire listeners on their own journey to excellence.
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Send a text Lawrence Naranjo, a renovation and construction entrepreneur, discusses why honesty and transparency with clients matter in life, business, and construction. He shares his Arizona upbringing, family background, and experiences in sports, golf, and college, including leaving ASU’s business program a few classes short due to work demands. Lawrence recounts pursuing firefighting and EMT work during the 2006–2008 downturn when hiring froze, then building a 13-year career in plastics d...
Send a text In this episode, Ted Bliefnick opens up about growing up in Decatur, Illinois—where faith, sports, community, and hard work laid the foundation for his life. He shares candidly about battling ADD and depression, the heartbreak of losing close friends to suicide, and the lessons learned from regret, failure, and rebuilding. From scaling a recruiting firm to tens of millions in revenue to launching a new venture during COVID, Ted unpacks how his leadership evolved—from commanding to...
Send a text This episode features Sally Harrison, president and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce since 2013, who moved from Washington state to Arizona in 2004 and joined the Mesa Chamber in 2008 after a 20-year career helping grow a physical therapy practice into 20 clinics and launching a community-focused foundation. She discusses how her upbringing in a small Washington community, her parents’ involvement in civic organizations, and her brother’s long law-enforcement career shaped her ...
Send a text Join us for an insightful conversation with Brock Mather, a former Division 1 linebacker whose life has been profoundly shaped by discipline, family, and competition. Raised in Ridgecrest, California, Brock spent nearly two decades on the football field, fulfilling his dream at Sacramento State University where he helped secure a Big Sky Championship. After college, Brock pivoted to join his family’s legacy in the ice and water distribution business in Arizona. In this episode, Br...
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Larry Schendelman, the founder of A&J Graphics and Promotions, who shares his unique journey from working in the printing industry as a teenager in New York City to moving across the country and establishing his successful business in Arizona. Larry delves into his core philosophy of providing unparalleled service regardless of the client's budget, his early life working alongside his father, and the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneu...
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with LJ Richardson, a family-first entrepreneur known for his dedication, hard work, and strong relationships. LJ shares his incredible journey from struggling with the possibility of alcoholism to finding stability through his faith in Jesus. He opens up about his early career in the tire industry, his ventures into golf apparel, and the founding of MobiTire. LJ also discusses the impact of his faith on his personal and professional life, providing in...
Send a text In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the life of Frank Bellavia, founder of Fido Cigar Company. Born in New York and raised in California, Frank moved to Arizona with his wife to bring a long-held dream to life after spending over 20 years in the cigar industry. We explore Frank's journey through personal and professional highs and lows, including his experience with ADHD, his military school days, his various career shifts, and the foundational support of his wife. Frank...
Send a text In this episode, we dive deep with Steve Alexander, a man known for his engaging presence and authentic leadership. Steve shares his journey growing up in East Texas, his diverse career path spanning 20 years in operations and talent leadership across various industries, and his current role as a talent acquisition relationship manager for TE Connectivity. He also discusses his entrepreneurial venture, Recruiter Pro 360, and the unique challenges and rewards of managing his own bo...
Send a text Join us for a special episode where the tables are turned, and podcast mastermind Jan Simon takes the hot seat. In a dynamic and heartfelt interview, Jan shares his intriguing journey from a firefighter repelling from helicopters to an insurance expert and community leader. With moments that span from tear-jerking to laugh-out-loud funny, Jan recounts his challenging yet inspiring path through life's ups and downs. Tune in as he reveals his passion for storytelling, the impact of ...
Send a text In this engaging episode, we sit down with Ryelee Ponce, an Arizona native, animal lover, and twin mom who transitioned from a corporate life to becoming the founder of LZR Marketing and Early Bird Strategies. Ryelee shares her journey from the struggles of strict parenting and a traumatic divorce to building a successful digital marketing agency with her wife, Liz. She delves into the challenges of corporate politics, finding her voice, and balancing life as an entrepreneur and a...
Send a text In this episode, we welcome Kate Mayeski, a community builder and personal brand strategist, who shares her compelling journey from corporate America to founding Maverick May Solutions. Kate discusses the importance of storytelling and authenticity in building a brand, her diverse career background, and her personal challenges, including health struggles and mental health. She highlights her experiences growing up, her motivations for entrepreneurship, and the lessons she's learne...
Send a text In this episode, Eric Reber shares his compelling journey from a Six Sigma green belt and lean manufacturing expert with 26 years in transportation and logistics to the president of IS Enterprises and owner of Speed Pro Mesa Gilbert. Discover how Eric's determination and curiosity led him to pivot from a traditional corporate career to owning a business specializing in large format graphics. Learn about his Midwestern upbringing, educational background, corporate experiences, and ...
Send a text In this episode of Above Beyond, we are joined by Nathan Thue, founder of Arizona Total Home Restoration and IICRC certified firm. Starting from scratch in 2014, Nathan has built his business based on honesty, integrity, and exceptional craftsmanship. Beyond the job site, Nathan is committed to building trust and community, serving on the board for Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun and as part of the Gilbert Leadership Class 34. Nathan shares his journey, family, career challe...
Send a text In this episode of the Above and Beyond Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation with Kevin Kosisky, more commonly known as KK. With over three decades in the mortgage industry, Kevin's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and relentless passion for helping others. Starting at the age of 23, Kevin made his mark at Academy Mortgage leading a top-performing team and currently co-owns his firm, Mortgage Tree Lending. Beyond his professional successes, Kevin shares person...
Send a text In this compelling episode, Chad Dunn shares his transformative journey from being an athlete, felon, and drug user to becoming a certified behavioral change specialist and author. Following a two-year term in federal prison, Chad founded Move Human Performance Center in Chandler, where he helps athletes and everyday individuals rebuild their lives through fitness and mental resilience. Dunn discusses the pivotal moments that led to his redemption, his unique methodologies for ove...
Send a text In this episode of Above and Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with Josh Carstens, a man whose journey embodies bold pivots and purpose. Born and raised in McHenry, Illinois, Josh began his career as a documentary filmmaker with National Geographic before transitioning to the restaurant industry. Discover how Josh and his family started over in Arizona, helping create Vero Chicago Pizza—a rapidly growing brand. Learn about his leadership philosophy, the 1% impr...
Send a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ann Schude, a seasoned real estate professional with over 23 years of experience. Ann shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to co-owning the successful real estate firm InstaSold. In this episode, discover how Ann blends her deep understanding of community, honed during her time at Arizona State University, with her passion for real estate and mentorship. Learn about her early challenges, the importance of trust in the process, and t...
Send a text Join us on this episode of Above and Beyond where host Jan Simon sits down with Peppur Chambers, an acclaimed international writer, producer, and educator. Dive into Peppur's inspiring journey from her Wisconsin roots to becoming a significant voice in addressing women's issues, social justice, and love. Explore her challenges, triumphs, and defining moments, including groundbreaking works like the short film 'Bastard' and her award-winning 'Do Something'. Peppur also shares...
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with one of America's leading real estate agents, Doug Hopkins. From his humble beginnings in Bedford Hills, New York, to his rapid rise in the Arizona real estate market, Doug shares his remarkable journey. With over 20,000 home purchases and sales under his belt, Doug reflects on the highs and lows of his career, including personal challenges like his difficult divorce and how he turned to motivational resources to overcome depression. Doug als...
Send a text From the Football Gridiron to Business Leadership: Fred Wakefield's Journey Join us for an inspiring conversation with Fred Wakefield, co-founder and CEO of Thrive CXO. Fred's incredible journey spans from playing professional football with the Arizona Cardinals and Oakland Raiders to earning an MBA from the University of Illinois and transitioning into a successful career in business leadership. In this episode, Fred shares his experiences and insights on scaling organizati...
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