BLTNT Podcast

Welcome to Five Bites — a weekly serving of bite-sized insights built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive. 🧨

In this powerful and emotional episode, host Matt Loria sits down with:

Senator John Damoose, Michigan’s 37th district

Israel Hernandez, former Deputy Assistant to President George W. Bush

Lt. Col. Robert Darling (Ret.), U.S. Marine and White House Military Officer on 9/11

Together, they share firsthand stories from the White House, the Pentagon, and Ground Zero—offering rare insight into the chaos, courage, and clarity that defined September 11th, 2001.

From near misses to critical national decisions, these stories aren't just history—they're remind...

We all know The Little Engine That Could—“I think I can, I think I can.” But what about when we don’t think we can? That’s where the voices around us matter most. We need someone to say “I think you can”…and we need to trust their trust just enough to make the first move. That one move can change the entire trajectory of a life.

As Zig Ziglar put it: “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.”

And here’s the truth: when someon...

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom sits down with Paul Glantz, co-founder and chairman of Emagine Entertainment—a visionary who transformed a borrowed $125,000 into a luxury cinema empire. Quietly, bravely, and always evolving, his story defines what success looks like.

Episode Highlights:

Who’s On Your Theme?

That’s not a typo.

You probably thought I was about to ask, "Who's on your team?" But this week, I'm leveling up. Let’s talk about the Theme behind the team—the throughline, the backdrop, the compass.  

[INTERUPPTION: you know I like side bars…so a quick thank you to my buddy Scott Schoeneberger for teaching me about “throughlines”…if I over use the term, blame him…I never knew what it meant until recently…just kidding, I love you buddy, thanks for always teaching me something new.]

Old MacDonald had a farm… and today’s executives have an AI farm. But not every “animal” is the same. Most leaders are working with Generative AI (GenAI) — powerful but limited. Emerging quickly is Agentic AI — systems that can take initiative. And still further out is General AI (AGI) — the wildcard of AI’s future.

We are going to rock our first 5 Bytes edition (tech = bytes instead of bites…pretty clever!). Coming off of Auxiom’s first-ever Auxiom Community Appreciation Event (ACA), I’m feeling technologically inspired. Those of you who attended heard from amazing speakers like Scott Schonenberger of...

What happens when you stop building a business around yourself—and start building one that can run without you?

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom talks with John Glon, Owner of Great Lakes Essential Power, Bloom Growth Coach, and host of the Roll Call podcast.

In this episode they talk about: ✅ The mindset change that changed everything ✅ How coaching sharpened his leadership focus ✅ The hard truth about ego in entrepreneurship

If you're in the thick of building something bigger than yourself—or think...

As you know I’m reading the book by Michael Erath, the 5 obsessions of elite organizations and I’m loving it…in it he reminds us that Nick Saban once said:

“Mediocre people don’t like high achievers, and high achievers don’t like mediocre people.”

It’s blunt, but boy is it true. Excellence has a way of exposing the gap between those willing to push and those who settle. That gap always creates tension. It’s a reminder of something we explored in our issue 00005 “Know thyself” when I referred to a book my buddy, James Hall...

Welcome to 5 Bites — bite-sized insights across BLTnT, built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick & ignite something explosive 🧨

Part 2 is here!!

In this week’s episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom continues his conversation with Dan Weingartz, President of W&P Management and third-generation leader in one of Michigan’s most respected family businesses.

If you lead a team, a family, or a legacy — this one will speak to you.

#BLTnTPodcast #FamilyBusiness #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessTransformation #DanWeingartz

A weekly serving of bite-sized insights built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive. 🧨

This week on the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Dan Weingartz, President of Weingartz for a 2-part podcast episode!

From navigating decades of growth in the power equipment industry to walking alongside families living in global garbage dump communities, Dan’s story is a masterclass in faithful leadership—and what it means to lead with your values in every season of life.

In this episode, they discuss:

✅ Why being “unqualified” can be a leadership superpower ✅ Faith as a compass through business decisions ✅ Learning to work from your strengths, not...

I’ve been loving a book that was recently recommended to me called The Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations by Michael Erath, and it’s hitting hard. His emphasis on structure, clarity, and people as the lifeblood of great companies has me thinking deeply about what we’re building—and why it works (or doesn’t). It's resonating because much of what Erath teaches goes along with something you hear me say often:

“You are uniquely qualified to be exactly where you are [doing what you are doing] today.” This carries both responsibility and reassurance.

I...

Welcome to 5 Bites - a weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations—built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive 🧨

This week on the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria talks with Mykolas Rambus, Co-Founder and CEO of Hush, a company rewriting the rules of online privacy and security. He explains how Hush was born from a simple but urgent question: “What’s online about me that shouldn’t be?” And how AI is both a threat and a tool in the fight for privacy.

Together they dig into:

· What CEOs Are Getting Wrong About Risk Why digital traceability is becoming a top-tier business risk—and how most leaders are still overlooking it.

· Building a C...

Welcome to 5 Bites - a weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations—built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive 🧨

Welcome to 5 Bites - a weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations—built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive 🧨

This week on the BLTnT Podcast we are kicking off (The Summer of AI)! Matt Loria welcomes York Moore, CEO & President of CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach), for a conversation about faith, transformation, and navigating the intersection of culture, leadership, and technology.

York’s story spans from homelessness to Harvard fellowships, from Wall Street to launching anti-trafficking movements—and now leading one of the largest campus ministries in the country.

In this episode, they dig into:

Welcome to 5 Bites - a weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations—built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want faster takeaways that stick and ignite something explosive 🧨

Welcome to 5 Bites – The BLTnT Newsletter!

In case you didn’t catch the Intro Edition, here’s the scoop…I’m doing this newsletter because most of us are overstuffed with content but still hungry for clarity. Long-form books and podcasts? I love them. But we also need something we can actually finish—before our day gets hijacked or our next meeting kicks off.

"5 Bites" is my weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations.

And just like The BLTnT Podcast, the newsletter is built for le...

Welcome to 5 Bites – The BLTnT Newsletter!

I’m doing this because most of us are overstuffed with content but still hungry for clarity. Long-form books and podcasts? I love them. But we also need something we can actually finish—before our day gets hijacked or our next meeting kicks off.

"5 Bites" is my weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations.

And just like the BLTnT Podcast, it’s built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want real takeaways—only faster!

You’l...

Welcome to 5 Bites – The BLTnT Newsletter!

I’m doing this because most of us are overstuffed with content but still hungry for clarity. Long-form books and podcasts? I love them. But we also need something we can actually finish—before our day gets hijacked or our next meeting kicks off.

"5 Bites" is my weekly serving of bite-sized insights across Business, Life, Technology, and Transformations.

And just like the BLTnT Podcast, it’s built for leaders, learners, and curious minds who want real takeaways—only faster!

You’l...

What can business leaders learn from a book festival? A lot more than you'd think…

Dive into the world of literature, community, and cultural impact with Executive Director Amy Gillard and Board Chair Elise Fisher of the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book. From bringing authors into local schools to building a legacy organization that enriches the region’s cultural fabric—this one’s full of insights into creating events that matter.

Episode Highlights:

· A Book Festival That Transforms a Town: Discover how the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book turn...

This week on the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria CEO of Auxiom welcomes Karen Wood, CEO of MyCare Health Center, for a great conversation about leadership, service, and transformation.

Karen’s story is a masterclass in following your calling—starting as a dietitian, stepping back to raise kids, and finding herself at the helm of a thiving community health organization 25 years later.

In this episode they cover….

· What real, accessible healthcare looks like

· Leading through service (and grant writing!)

· Going back to school after the kids graduate

...

From renting VCR carts to producing immersive tech experiences for global brands — meet Scott & Chanel Schoeneberger of Bluewater Technologies.

This husband-and-wife duo didn’t just survive the pandemic — they pivoted, created, and inspired.

In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, we dig into:

· What it means to lead with optimism, humility, and “the future is unknown, and therefore friendly.”

· Why “culture” is more than a buzzword — and how Bluewater Technologies builds a culture people don’t want to leave.

· The secret sauce behind working with your spouse — in the...

What can a rock and roll drummer teach you about leadership, transformation, and empathy?

Turns out — a whole lot. In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria, CEO of Auxiom sits down with Sandy Gennaro, professional drummer turned keynote speaker, who’s played with legends like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, and The Monkees — and now brings stadium-level energy to boardrooms and business conferences around the world.

This isn’t just a music story. It’s a story about moments that matter — about empathy, connection, and saying "yes" even when it's inconvenient...

In this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Scott Eisenberg— a CPA-turned-investment banker, serial entrepreneur, turnaround consultant, board chair, and community builder — whose life story is as multifaceted as it is impactful.

Scott talks about his journey from working at Deloitte to launching multiple businesses, including Franklin Capital Advisors and a company that refurbishes enterprise IT hardware. With decades of experience guiding companies through M&A deals and high-stakes restructuring, he shares invaluable insight into what it takes to help businesses survive — or exit — at the right time.

Key...

This week, we’re digging into real leadership, authentic culture, and purpose-driven business with the one and only Kevin Schnieders, CEO of Educational Data Systems, Inc, (EDSI) - a company that grew from 9 to 900 employees under his servant leadership.

In this episode, Kevin opens up about what it takes to scale a culture-driven company without losing your soul. You’ll hear how he personally connects with every employee, why he measures success by human impact - not just profit - and how his leadership philosophy was shaped by faith, family, and failure.

Kevin shar...

On this episode of the BLTnT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Erik Larson, Vistage Chair, Leadership Coach, Existential Psychotherapist, and Lavender Farmer to talk about the power of emotional intelligence, leadership growth, and personal transformation.

They dig into:

If you’re a leader loo...

This week, we’re bringing you a conversation from Harbor Springs, Michigan, where we sit down with Israel Hernandez, co-owner of the newly transformed Otis Harbor Springs. From Texas ranches to the West Wing of the White House, Israel shares his journey through politics, business, and now, hospitality.

Key Highlights:

White House Days: How Israel went from a small Texas town to working for George W. Bush as Texas Governor, all the way to the West Wing with him as President George W. Bush.

The Power of Persistence: How knocking on do...

We’re hitting the slopes at Nubs Nob Ski Area in Northern Michigan for a fireside chat with Rob Dube - author, speaker, CEO, and entrepreneur. Rob shares his journey with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), the power of 10-year thinking, and how self-awareness and discipline can unlock true entrepreneurial freedom.

We also dig into his latest book he co-authored with Gino Wickman, "Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to True Entrepreneurial Freedom."

In this episode:

How EOS transformed Rob’s business and led to a successful exit...

In this episode of the BLTnT podcast, Matt Loria joins Elise Fisher, the spirited owner and chairperson of Nub’s Nob Ski Area. Elise shares her profound connection to the ski area she runs alongside her mother and siblings, Yvonne and Greg Fisher. Elise shares her multifaceted life journey from a young ski enthusiast to a pivotal community leader.  

As a mom, grandmother, philanthropist, and influential leader in both healthcare as a board member and local business owner, Elise weaves a story of deep community involvement, impactful leadership, and the timeless values of her family legacy. 

In this episode of the BLTNT Podcast, we explore the art of hospitality reimagined with Ty Humpert, co-owner of the wonderfully unique Otis Harbor Springs, a specialty hotel in Northern Michigan. Nestled in a stunningly renovated space, Otis is where thoughtful design meets community spirit, creating an experience that’s as luxurious as it is welcoming.

Ty shares the meticulous care that goes into every detail of the hotel, from handcrafted decks to locally sourced interiors, ensuring every guest experiences a unique blend of luxury and comfort.

🎙 What You’ll Learn in This...

When Vision Aligns: How Respect and Trust Drive Success at Nubs Nob

In this episode of the BLTNT Podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Ben Doornbos, General Manager of Nubs Nob Ski Area and Resort, to explore the unique dynamic that drives the resort's success.

Ben discusses his leadership philosophy, his inspiring journey from hiking the Appalachian Trail to managing a premier ski destination, and how shared values between ownership and leadership foster harmony and growth.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Shannon Striebich, a dynamic leader balancing roles as a wife, mother, and the president / CEO of Trinity Health Michigan Market. Shannon shares her journey from growing up in Michigan to leading a major health organization. They talk about her early leadership roles, her transition through educational phases, and pivotal moments that shaped her career.

Episode highlights:

Vision for Healthcare: Shannon provides her vision for the future of healthcare, focusing on community health, accessibility, and integrating mental health services more thoroughly...

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Scott Buchzeiger, aka Scotty Buck. Scotty shares his dynamic life journey, from his early struggles with direction and discipline to finding his path through boxing. He discusses the profound impact his family and wife, Mary, have had on his life, stressing the importance of family support in personal and professional success.

Episode highlights:

Team Buck Boxing Talk: Scotty talks about his creation and management of a dedicated boxing community through his Facebook page. He discusses how this platform serves as a...

In this episode of the BLTnT podcast, host Matt Loria sits down with Mary Buchzeiger, CEO of Lucerne International. Mary shares her tough and unique journey in the automotive industry, from her early days of "work camp" instead of summer camp, to driving her company to success through economic downturns and industry upheavals.

With a candid recount of the highs and lows, for example relocating her family to China to oversee business expansion—just before a pandemic ensued! Mary's story is a testament to resilience. She dives into the complexities of international business, the effects of...

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, Matt Loria digs into the world of business innovation and personal journeys with guest Brian Hollowaty, founder of Los Angeles Brands. They discuss the transformative strategies behind building a successful brand in the personal health and beauty industry.

Brian shares insights on leveraging retail buyer relationships, the importance of responsiveness in business communication, and the revolutionary approach to launching brands that disrupt traditional market models by utilizing data-driven insights and consumer behavior patterns.

Episode highlights:

Innovative Bootstrapped Fundraising a Big...

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, Matt Loria sits down with Sam Munaco, President at Advocate Commercial Real Estate Advisors, known for his sharp wit and deep industry insights. Sam shares his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to becoming a player in commercial real estate. He discusses the nuances of the market, the transition from in-person networking to leveraging technology, and how personal relationships drive business success.

Episode Highlights:

In this episode of the BLTNT podcast, host Matt Loria welcomes John Lucci, President of the management consulting firm FTE Performance. John discusses personal reflections on aging and embracing life's new chapters, highlighted by his stories about adjusting to technological advancements and changes in personal life and the importance of staying relevant through continuous learning and adaptation.

Episode Highlights:

Wisdom on Aging - John reflects on personal changes and insights gained from aging, discussing how it affects his professional and personal life, including his new role as a grandparent.

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