The Hustle with Will Harris

Earl Martin Phalen is one of K-12 education's most visionary leaders: a founder and CEO of multiple successful nonprofits, his mission is to deliver educational excellence and equity to low-income Black and brown children. Born into the Massachusetts foster care system, Earl was adopted into a large, loving Irish Catholic family at age two. His parents instilled the values that led him to a life of service and growing up Earl was encouraged to see people as they were, not to pre-judge relationships and situations on the basis of color. Earl's education taught him the power of Black self-determination, and the love of his family and community sustained him as he struggled to become the leader he once doubted he could be. Earl's exciting career is a testament to his mission's core message: all children deserve the support, the opportunity, and the self-belief they need to reach for their dreams without hesitation. On a mission to enhance the quality of life for KC Scholars and students worldwide, his prolific vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized how we look at education. Inspired by his own commitment to positively impact the global landscape, his work in the last year with KC Scholars has helped make the organization one of the nation’s most effective college scholarship and support programs.

In this exciting new episode, we are talking to Matt Sapaula, a financial coach, speaker, and media personality. He owns Money Smart Guy, a business that provides financial coaching services. Matt joins us to discuss what it truly means to be financially free and shares his backstory on bankruptcy, failed relationships, life as a marine, and what he learned from his failures. He appeared in various media channels such as MSN Money, The New York Times, FOX Business, and Chicago Now. This is a must listen!

Mario Chavez is a VET and entrepreneur. He owns Mersatech, a credit card processing that has had tremendous growth becoming a national brand. Mario is an amazing teammate, leader, and business man. Mario is a fantastic motivator and has the ability to push people beyond their normal talent levels. Mario has mentored 100s of kids supporting their growth in life and business. His continual success is due to his outstanding work ethic, perseverance, and dedication. Inspiring podcast for anyone that needs that "Sink or Swim" motivation!

Cody Harmon, a Marine Corp Veteran, and the founder and owner of Grindz Coffee. Cody grew up in an abusive household, to the point that the court allowed another family to take him in. By high school he had zero self confidence or aspirations, but always dreamed of a “better me”.  Then came the Marines. It was not hard for them to sell him on the fact that he would become a different person, since that’s all he wanted. College, multiple job aspirations later, still on a journey to finding who he truly was. Today, he recognizes ALL of this as his GRIND. Without the multiple grinding life events, he wouldn’t have found his story. So listen to this amazing podcast interview, keep grinding, and don’t let his story blind you from your own.

Amazing story with Felix Quinones whose passion shines through art and photography which has been a part of his life as long as he can remember. He has always been fascinated by the concept of an image and how it makes others feel.  Felix and his super supportive wife had the opportunity to serve the USA for 12 years in the United States Marine Corps, and you will hear in this conversation about his challenges with mental illness, diversity, finding his passion and about his importance in his family to push him forward. His story is about defiance and fortitude, and how he now lets that shine through his work in photography and art.  In 2020 Felix speaks about working in HR for a major casino in California. Once the Pandemic hit, they were both furloughed. As a father of three children, he knew he was not going to make it very far without making a quick decision for him and his family. Together they decided in the midst of a pandemic to pack up and move to Texas and start a photography business. There were so many risk factors including the cost of the move, no jobs, no client base, a business that requires personal interaction during a massive pandemic and only a small amount of savings to live on. Throughout his time in the Marine Corps one thing that was ingrained in him was “mission accomplishment”. Once you have set your sights on an objective, it must be obtained no matter what!

Mario Ranieri is an experienced retail/wholesale executive with the ability to cultivate and lead an agile organization that adapts to competitive and evolving markets. Solid track record of executing and driving brand strategies to achieve sales, revenue growth, consumer engagement and profitability goals. Proven ability to design and deliver top and bottom-line business objectives and results. Highly skilled in leveraging a global organization's legacy and culture to attract, engage, retain and mentor high performing staff members focused on service excellence, quality outcomes, fiscal accountability and overall customer experience. His humble beginnings started at Nordstrom, and he worked his way up in the organization, leveraging all that he learned to branch out on his own years later and started a clothing line called “Live LIVE” is to Love - Love the life you live, but always aspire to be more! He also donates 5% of all sales to organizations that support mental health.

Matt Cretzman is the founder and CEO of Stormbreaker Digital which is a growth marketing agency for brands looking to grow their online presence with the most innovative strategies and tactics. Think LinkedIn, including tech and cutting-edge hacks that few people know exist and bigger! This heart wrenching but inspirational episode is a must! Matt spent 6 years as a nonprofit founder, forty-five states and a dozen countries later which led him to a defining moment in his life which many would call a tragedy and instead he did something special with it. He has worked with clients including the NHL, NBA, in SaaS, logistics, speakers, and many others.

Alex Kozub took the steps that society thinks are right, graduate high school, go to college, get an internship then get on full time with that company or another one right away. He quickly realized the ‘9-to-5 grind’ and working for other people wasn’t for him. Against the advice of others, Alex made the decision to leave school and follow his entrepreneurial spirit. Alex Kozub and his partner are the founders of Vital Apparel- mens and womens workout clothes. They wanted to help others live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle through an athletic apparel brand dedicated to raising awareness on mental health and to change the stigma around it. This passion to raise awareness is fueled by personal experience and a percentage of every profit they make is donated to mental health research. This episode is raw, vulnerable and all about being an authentic version of yourself! You don’t want to miss it!

Jason Elias, Founder and President of 1670 Creative Inc. was inspired early on by the most important part of every story, the beginning, hence his nickname “storyteller” was born. 1670 was his original address from Brooklyn, New York.  Inspired by the foundation of family, a sense of home, and embracing values, 1670 Creative Inc. was born.  He is a creative genius who’s desire and dedication is about curating, learning, and telling a company’s brand story. Stories share insight, experiences, and passion and Jason helps clients turn those into memorable, repeatable and shareable pieces of art in the form of marketing to build their brand! A very inspirational interview that you do not want to miss!

Mason Brawley is the owner of the “Dallas Heat,” which specializes in evolving talent into viable collegiate athletes and professionals from the semi-pro level to the NBA G-league/overseas, providing them amazing opportunities! He had a vision to change minor league basketball forever and inspire and protect other players from bad agents. In 2016, he created the Dallas Heat and they have been the #1 team since in the US placing 23 players overseas. Also, affiliated and an official partner with the Texas Legend/Dallas Mavericks. Mason’s motivation is amazing, doing all of this plus working a regular 9-5 and raising two boys! You will learn a lot from this episode of The Hustle with Will Harris! #wegrowtogether 

Douglas Thomas "DJ" is a serial entrepreneur from Louisiana. He is a proud owner of a digital marketing agency, commentator for AKA, podcast host of Frequency Interrupted, and recently launched his new BBQ catering company called Pork & Fork BBQ. DJ definitely does not fear the hard work that comes with an entrepreneur lifestyle and now looking to expand his businesses to Texas. With continuous growth be sure to keep up with DJ and his next venture!  Check out this awesome episode where two entrepreneurs hash out the difficulties in marketing and how to overcome the obstacles in building a successful business. This is an episode you will not want to miss!

Tony Mack is a business owner and retired professional fighter. Tony started boxing at the late age of 20 years old and quickly ranked number 3 in the nation and competed in the 2012 Olympic trials before turning professional. He was preparing for a life-changing match until a medical diagnosis took over instead. Tony was diagnosed with a detached retina facing permanent blindness in his left eye, which is what forced him into retirement as a boxer. In a short period of time, he had to find a new purpose in his life and go through five eye surgeries. During the inspiring interview with Will, they talk about the importance of not only physical toughness but also mental toughness, and the transition from a fighter in the ring to a coach and fighter in life. Tony was raised by a single father, not having his mother around, he struggled in school, and was made fun of for being chubby, but is proud of his adversities because it made him the man he is today – one who doesn’t quit when times get tough. In this episode you will learn how Tony learned not to take life too seriously. Life is a marathon, not a race, no matter how you start, you will always finish stronger. If you outwork anyone, you will beat anyone, all it takes is determination, dedication and will. A very inspiring 8th episode. #wegrowtogether

Nikki Bloxton believes that taking chances in life is the only way you can truly realize your full potential.  She ventured out into a male dominated industry to own her very own bar called Gaslight in Dallas and talks about why “think small, start big” as her guiding principle which she elaborates on further in the show. She doesn’t let a “little” fire which takes down the entire neighborhood bar stop her though. If that wasn’t enough, she decided to delve into the liquor industry and launch her own vodka brand called Infinity Premium Vodka in her 20’s! 5 steps back and 2 steps forward and this year she opened a new placed called The Palms and isn’t stopping there. This bad ass lady has fire coursing through her veins and her passion for success motivates us all! She has gone through more heartbreak and disappointment in her early years than most and is so motivated to learn and make mistakes and keeps her eye on the prize!

Experienced attorney with a demonstrated history of working with business owners and serial entrepreneurs. Tyler Berger, a strong, bad ass, headstrong women, who has made a name for herself in a “man’s” world owns, The Berger Law Firm. She specializes in trademarks, copywriters, and transactional law from business formations to mergers and separations. A very skilled negotiator with key insights into her clients needs always! Originally from Pearsall, Texas, Tyler grew up on a ranch and raised cattle, chickens and rabbits and she was on the rodeo team in college. She moved to Dallas after graduating from law school. She has overcome so many hurdles, while building her successful brand and continues to grow steadily! She inspires her listeners on how to push forward even when you are hit with obstacles in all directions and to never give up. Her ability to continually stay positive and improve her “Hustle“ is motivation for all.

Serial entrepreneur, Adam Evers, who continuously comes up with new ideas and starts new successful businesses discusses how when one door closes another one always opens! A dynamic interview with so much positivity, it’s hard not to be engaged on every word that is said! With a strong Christian base, bio-chemist who started a Texas-based energy drink powerhouse company, BluMania. The beverages are a bridge between the great taste of soft drinks and the coveted benefits of energy drinks with no preservatives, now in 13 different states. Adam also owns, EZ Bev Bar Supply, which produces juices, sodas, cocktail mixers, and beverage machine services. His bar, Gaslight, which he started with his partners burned down during COVID, which will open again soon, exudes a sports bar feel by day and an upscale cocktail lounge come nightfall. His mantra is, find people you trust, or learn to trust the people you have. Find people with similar values and drive, and give them a chance to flounder and learn!

Willie Pile is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys. He also played in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. He played college football at Virginia Tech. He is a great teammate, leader, and business man. Willie is a great motivator and has the ability to push people beyond their normal talent levels. His continual success is due to his outstanding work ethic, perseverance, and dedication. Inspiring podcast for anyone that needs that "Sink or Swim" motivation! 

The Barbershop Marketing in Dallas is owned by the badass Amy Hall Phyfer in a male dominated field. She has achieved tremendous success in her career with over 20 years of experience in advertising, marketing and being her own boss. Its no surprise she has worked for some impressive, big names in the biz world. As an entrepreneur at heart, Amy's vision and direction for each client, combined with her amazing team make her irreplaceable. She inspires her listeners on how to conquer obstacles like a divorce and still move forward as a successful entrepreneur. Her ability to see talent in people and what motivates them is a strength that she implements daily to improve and hustle on, in both her personal life and agency life. 

Doc Wright, the proud owner of "The Wright Edge". He is an international artist that specializes in wood design. He has completed projects for Fortune 500 companies, such as The Ritz Carlton and Marriott hotels, and has designed specific pieces for major sports athletes and world famous rock stars! His story as a corporate executive turned woodworking entrepreneur will motivate you to follow your passions!

First official podcast for, The Hustle with Will Harris. In todays episode we get a transparent view of the struggles an NFL star faces and how he overcomes them by building a better tomorrow for today's youth. A great listen for anyone looking to gain and maintain an inspirational mindset even after a few setbacks. Will make you feel comfortable and like you are having a conversation with your best friend.