The NXT Entrepreneur

Jordan Piazza is the Founder of ReBirth Brands. He started this company to revitalize brands in the Baton Rouge area and take their reputation to new heights with reformed management tactics. Jordan has a long list of experience in the hospitality industry growing up inside a local favorite, Phil's, which was founded by his late father. After working at top companies such as Walk-on's and Raising Canes early on in his career; Jordan was able to take the best business practices and apply it to his first big revitalization project with his brother - reopening Phil's in honor of his dad. Hospitality is definitely in his blood, because he now helps manages many trailblazers in the area such as Uncle Earl's, Schlitts & Giggles, and The Caterie. At one point in his career, he even ran for Major of Baton Rouge! We enjoyed learning about Jordan Piazza’s journey thus far; can’t wait to hear what y’all think of this one!Subscribe to hear more stories from Engaging Entrepreneurswww.youtube.com/channel/UCaeun0KRdkcmohnRYnDNr5AFollow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurThis episode is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Dr. Aimee Russo – Mounger, Owner of The Smile Bar, is someone whose compassion is the strength of her business. She believes in her mission of wanting to create a stress-free environment and change people’s opinion of going to the dentist. It is crazy to think she almost did not follow this path of dentistry. While growing up in New Roads, LA, she had dreams of become a professional dancer in NYC. Somewhere down the line she, with guidance from her family, decided to choose the path of being a dentist and never looked back. We can’t wait to hear of what is next for Dr. Aimee Russo – Mounger including her plans to expand her services to the islands through The Smile Bar At Sea!Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurThis episode is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

CC Lockwood, Wildlife Photographer + Author, is a Louisiana Legend that has been at the forefront of his field since the 70s. He did not always dream of being a photographer; it was more like the opportunity fell into his lap and he never looked back. And thank goodness for that! CC started his career in a time where digital photos did not exist; each shot had to be incredibly precise and intentional. In this episode his does tell a story about his first project where he needed to upload his photos digitally and the struggles that came along with that task – having to knock on strangers’ doors for help. Enjoy listening to the full episode to learn more about CC!Subscribe to hear more stories from Engaging Entrepreneurswww.youtube.com/channel/UCaeun0KRdkcmohnRYnDNr5ACC Lockwood Timestamps:0:00 Hook0:35 NXT Intro0:56 b1BANK Commercial2:04 Guest Introductions2:52 What CC Does Today3:28 KC to BR6:33 Working with a Camera6:50 LSU Newspaper7:46 Big Horn Sheep9:16 Becoming a Wildlife Photographer11:15 Atchafalaya Basin14:07 Levee System14:53 Further Education16:10 First Projects18:56 Journey Through His Projects21:20 First Book22:27 Writing vs Photography25:05 Second Book26:30 Discovering Louisiana30:58 Fifth Book32:37 The Grand Canyon36:17 Mississippi River Adventure40:13 Still Waters44:06 Alligators44:59 Mike the Tiger45:51 Capturing the Vanishing Wetlands47:20 Meeting His Wife50:14 Living on a House Boat51:59 Most Recent Book53:12 Sustainable Agriculture54:33 Wildlife Enthusiast55:39 Suba diving56:43 Equipment58:59 Louisiana Stamp1:01:29 The Future1:03:56 Closing RemarksFollow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurThis episode is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Tupac de la Cruz is the Founder + COO of Roofing Solutions. Roofing Solutions is recognized as being in the Top 25 roofing companies in the United States with offices in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Costa Rica. Tupac has had an entrepreneurial mindset from a very young age. We have heard stories from previous guests of selling candy to classmates to which Tupac as did. Not only was he doing that, he also had the crazy idea to develop a pond in his backyard to help a local aquarium in Costa Rica to breed a very specific type of fish. In this episode you will learn about Tupac's early entrepreneurial ideas, his journey to America, and how he became the successful business owner he is today!Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #121 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

 Lenny Lemoine is the CEO of LEMOINE. Lemoine is a company divided in 4 main focus areas: construction, infrastructure, program management, and disaster recovery. Lenny is what he describes as a “systems guy”; loving the operational side of the business. He believes some of the reasons for their success is due to them being very detailed oriented and their training program is incredible. Lemoine has been involved in so many large well known projects throughout the city including The Shaw Center, LSU Academic Center For Student Athletes, LSU School of Engineering, Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and many more.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #120 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen. 

Chris Meyer is the CEO of Baton Rouge Area Foundation. BRAF was built on the foundation that inspires philanthropist, supports the doers in our community, and brings impact. Chris is the type of person that is hyper focused on making an impact in the community and does not worry about receiving the credit for it. He is on the path of making Baton Rouge the best version of itself. Education is a huge part of his mission, taking what he learned from working in multiple school districts and battling through Katrina, to improve the system by rebuilding it. Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #119 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

David Rozas is the Founding Member and Partner at Rozas & Associates Law Firm. David grew up 1 of 7 siblings, making his mark on the world in true middle child fashion. Life for him was an uphill battle regarding education, language barriers, and sobriety. This episode covers his journey before deciding to start his own business - it definitely was not a straight path to get there, but now 8 years later, success has been achieved. Rozas & Associates Law Firm is rapidly growing in the area with 17 lawyers on staff, 40+ employees, and 120 - 180 clients a month. Fun fact: David's journey led him to almost being a standup comedian.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #118 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Cullen Talley is the Founder, Head Coach, and CEO of Exit Momentum, a business coaching firm for growing entrepreneurial leadership teams. Cullen started his business after a long running highly successful career in sales consulting and business reform. It wasn’t until his wife pointed out that he is always running to save other people’s companies from failing that he knew it was time to build his own. From a young age Cullen was fascinated by the process of running a business, seeing it firsthand through his parents and attending business conferences alongside them around the age of 6. This gave him a jump start on his peers throughout his life always being one step ahead and has a talent for moving people through the decision-making process faster. Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #117 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Miguel Castro is the CEO of Castro Real Estate Services. Miguel is originally from Honduras and traveled with his family to the US around the age of 11 years old. Something that consumed him from a young age was sports. Football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, he played them all vs watching them on TV. His love for soccer almost had him going to try out for the 1995 World Cup in California but fate had other plans. Along the route to CA, he stopped in Baton Rouge to visit with his brother and met the girl of his dreams. Now, years later together they run Castro Real Estate, Miguel running the Commercial side and his wife, Candice, running the Residential side of the business.—-“If you have a dream, just go for it, no matter what.”- Miguel Castro—-Subscribe to hear more stories from Engaging Entrepreneurswww.youtube.com/channel/UCaeun0KRdkcmohnRYnDNr5AMiguel Castro Timestamps:0:00 HookFollow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #116 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Sarah Hall is the President of Joel Catering and event venue, El Mercato, in New Orleans. We quickly learned after talking with Sarah that Joel Catering is much more than just food for your event. Yes, food is the easy part so typically the last question on their list when planning an event; they are more focused on the details of the event and what story it is going to tell its attendees. With 400 events a year, 75% of those being weddings, plus executing everything with 20 employees, we'd say they definitely know what they are doing. Sarah is originally from Miami; came to Louisiana for college at Tulane University and never left. She started working at Joel Catering right out of college as a receptionist and look at her now! So inspiring to hear about her journey to the top of this well known, successful catering company in New Orleans. Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #115 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Chris Meaux is Chairman of the Board at Boom Nation Inc and Mallard Bay. He was also one of the Founders of the food delivery service app, Waitr. Chris was at the forefront of technology, starting out building computers to diving into his corporate career at Hyundai Electronics and then Macafee right after graduating from Louisiana State University. Later he went on to start and end multiple business ventures; finally getting his big break with the idea of Waitr, stemming from one of his previous businesses - Meaux 2 Geaux - and another idea from a college student at an entrepreneurial startup weekend in Florida. So many stories in this episode and we appreciate Chris for being honest when sharing his journey, not skipping over the failures along the way.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #114 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/Pivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Jeremy McKane, Founder + CEO of OCN, uses the power of his art and technological advancements of data collection to bring an increase of awareness to what is going on in our oceans. Through his art and captivating mindset, he earned a seat at the table at many of the largest environmental discussions around the world, such as the Paris Agreement. He is also the Co-Founder of Ultramarine, member of The Explorers Club, ambassador for 5Gyres and Coral Gardeners, creator of The LUCiD Project, and much more! What Jeremy does is inspiring, and we encourage you to check out his latest projects at www.jeremymckane.com + www.OCN.ai.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #113 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Jennifer Weishaupt is the Owner and Co-Founder of Ruby Slipper Cafe and Ruby Sunshine. Ruby Slipper is one of the most popular breakfast joints in the New Orleans area that rapidly growing nationwide. Currently there are 22 locations spread across 6 states in the South with nearly 700 employees. It all started after Katrina and the neighborhood was in need of a place to grab coffee or eat breakfast without having to drive across town to get it. The main goal was to rebuild the community and to just breakeven; Jennifer never imagined expanding to another location, but their customers demanded it. Separate from her entrepreneurial venture of opening a restaurant, she also had a successful career being a chemical engineer at Shell and has a history of flipping houses. Originally from New York, Jennifer found a home in New Orleans and “There is no place like home.”—-“When you talk about entrepreneurs, it’s easy for us to talk about the wins, but the most important things usually come from the losses.”- Jennifer Weishaupt—-Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #112 is Sponsored byCastro Real Estate Services: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTPivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Blair Casey is the Executive Director of the @teamgleason Foundation. Their main mission is to empower those with ALS by giving them purpose, independence, and technology to live their life to the fullest. Blair grew up in New Orleans, has 3 undergraduate degrees, 3 masters, and speaks multiple languages. When he got the message of Steve Gleason's diagnosis, his whole world changed. Blair has been a part of the Gleason Family Team for 11+ years helping with the foundation and being a true friend to Steve. There was so much covered in this episode and could've gone on for another hour. Steve Gleason's journey and what Blair has helped accomplish is remarkable. This foundation has brought tremendous awareness to ALS not only locally but globally as all.----In reference to the Team Gleason Adventure. . .“Life experience - it's everything leading up to it, it's everything you experience during it and it's the story you tell after it.”- Blair Casey----Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneur NXT #111 is Sponsored byLatter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.comTurn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXT MBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/ MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/ Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/ Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/ The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/ BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Jency Griffin Hogan is an Actress, Director, Producer and Owner of Love Acting - Film Acting Studio. Love Acting is located in Baton Rouge, LA, offering acting classes to people of all ages (5+). Jency, originally from the Baton Rouge area, went to college at LA Tech in Northern Louisiana. Immediately after graduation she and a friend traveled to the City of Angels (L.A.) to pursue her career as an actress. In this episode she talks about the moment of when she chose acting as a career path, the struggles of being among "starving artists" in L.A., returning to the booming film industry in Louisiana, and her passion for making films/shorts. The featured film she has being working on is set to be released on streaming platforms at the end of May! It was incredible having Jency on the podcast and can't wait to watch Days of Daisy soon.----"When you don't know how to make a film, it is actually better, because you are more creative and you don't think inside the box."- Jency Griffin Hogan----Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #110 is Sponsored byNAI Latter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTPivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Melissa Pettavino is the Owner of Innovative Suit Therapy & Fitness. Melissa told us that she always wanted to go into the medical field but was not sure what area at first. It wasn’t until her experience with physical therapy firsthand through her grandmother, that she realized her calling; when you have been in a profession for 20+ years, you know you have made the correct decision. She started her clinic in 2008 after being relocated to the Northshore from Katrina and saw a need in the Mandeville/Covington area for a therapy clinic specializing in a unique form of therapy. This rare practice of using the TheraSuit and Universal Exercise Unit in PT sessions is only found in 50 other clinics in the United States. Melissa was first introduced to the TheraSuit from a colleague that was using this method with one of her patients. The TheraSuit and Universal Exercise Unit work together using a series of bands to strengthen targeted areas of the body resulting in patients getting stronger, faster. In a session these tools can be equivalent to 10 therapist hands at once! It was interesting learning about this form a therapy and hope this podcast will bring more awareness to others seeking intensive care.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneur NXT #109 is Sponsored byLatter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/ Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXT MBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/ MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/ Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/ Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/ The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/ BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

John Roberts is Co Founder and Owner of Attracct Accounting Advisors and Co Founder of Roberts Brothers Investments. John attended Southeastern Louisiana University, playing football until a severe injury changed everything for him. It was a challenge to finish college while doing multiple hours of physical therapy a day to recover. The lessons learned from that experience shaped who he is today, “being in the present: mindful + spiritual”. In the episode John talks about how he made a vision board with his main goals he wants to achieve in life. Ever decision he makes, he asks himself: Is this going to take me one step closer to my goal or a step further away from my goal?Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #108 is Sponsored byNAI Latter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTPivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Dima Ghawi ديما غاوي is the Owner, Executive Coach of Dima Ghawi, LLC and Author of the book Breaking Vases. Dima's story is incredible and truly inspiring. In her book she tells her story of growing up in the middle east, having an arranged marriage, moving to the US, escaping a life threatening situation, and so much more. Over the last 8 years she has built a foundation of a business that is structured to empower people of all types to embrace who they are and to break social norms of what is "expected" of them. When she decided enough was enough, Dima was awakened by the opportunity to create a better life for herself. She was able to shattered the expectations of her family and those around her; taking back control of her own life.___ "My story is no longer about me, it is about the women, men, students and leaders I meet; it's about everyone that I can inspire, encourage and empower." - Dima Ghawi ___Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneur LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneur NXT #107 is Sponsored byLatter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/ Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXT MBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/ MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/ Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/ Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/ The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/ BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Amy Vandiver is the Owner of Clover Creative Agency and Founder of The Flower Fest, here in Baton Rouge! She is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, The Flamingeauxs' dance group choreographer, creative, visionary, branding coach, and also great at sending memes in group chats. How does she manage her work life balance? Laughter! Amy is doing great things throughout the Baton Rouge community included running the Flower Fest which is a 2-day festival in it's 3rd year raising money for St. Jude. There you can enjoy market vendors, food + drink, art installations, photo ops, and more, all designed around the floral theme. In this episode you will learn how Amy went from working in a dentist office to running a creative branding company of her own.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #106 is Sponsored byNAI Latter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTPivotal, LLC: https://www.pivotalperforms.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studiowww.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.

Steve Mellor is a High Performance and Leadership Coach of Career Competitor LLC, Host of the Career Competitor Podcast, and Author of Shock the World. Steve grew up in England with the theme of his childhood being PLAY. He was encouraged to play, be creative and openminded to the world around him. Around the age of 12 years old swimming became a part of his brand. That piece of his brand allowed him to come to the United States and ultimately change who he was as a person. In this episode you will learn about his journey to the US to swim in college, losing his visa, coaching an Olympic swimmer and how he became a business owner.Follow Us On Social!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNXTEntrepreneurInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenxtentrepreneurLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-entrepreneurNXT #105 is Sponsored byLatter & Blum: https://www.latter-blum.com/Turn Key Solutions: www.tks.la/NXTMBD Automation: https://www.mbdautomation.com/MFB Firm: https://mfbfirm.com/Centura Advisors: https://www.centura-advisors.com/ Season 3 of NXT is Proudly Presented by b1 BANKwww.b1bank.com/The NXT Entrepreneur is Produced by Propel Production Studio www.propelyourstory.com/BioThe NXT Entrepreneur Podcast shares the stories of an entrepreneur’s journey and the lessons learned from the successes as well as the failures. We want to share all of the stories from the rejections to the huge wins, the long hours, and the ultimate payoff. The journey is many times dramatic, sometimes unbelievable but always fascinating. It’s all about the stories; pull up a chair and listen.