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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% improvement method, and his approach to overcoming life's challenges. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pu...

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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 the creation of the Go Gilbert Facebook group, a hub for over 120,000 engaged members. Ann also provides valuable...

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In this episode of 'Above and Beyond where Excellence meets Elevation,' we welcome Rob Elder, a man whose life and career have been marked by integrity, service, and dedication. 

Born and raised in Wyoming, Rob excelled as a four-sport athlete and college wrestler before serving four years in the U.S. Navy, including deployment in the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm. 

Transitioning to a successful 23-year career in the automotive industry, Rob eventually moved to Arizona, bringing his commitment to service into the residential mortgage lending field. Beyond hi...

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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 her experiences in theater, dance, and her path to becoming a published author and playwright. Discover how she uses creativity as a...

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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 also shares intriguing stories from the real estate trenches, including narrowly escaping an arrest a...

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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 organizations, developing leadership teams, and making a lasting impact beyond the boardroom.

Fred also discusses his early life i...

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Terrance Johnson—devoted husband, father of seven, elite athlete, coach, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Terrance shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a two-time US Olympic trials qualifier, successful business owner, and community leader.

Discover how Terrance overcame setbacks, built a thriving fitness business, and continues to impact lives through coaching and mentorship. From lessons learned on the track to the challenges of entrepreneurship and the importance of family, Terrance’s story is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the...

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In this episode of the Above and Beyond Podcast, we talk with Leanna DeBellevue—international speaker, social media strategist, and owner of DeBellevue Global Marketing Agency. Leanna shares her journey from single mom to global business leader, offering insights on resilience, leadership, and building a successful team.

Tune in for real-world advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs and anyone facing challenges.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

#Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Resilience #LeannaDeBellevue

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Join us on this inspiring episode of 'Above and Beyond' as we sit down with Roxy Szigat, a lifelong artist, entrepreneur, and the creative force behind Rox Ink Calligraphy. Discover how her love for calligraphy started at age 14 and evolved into a thriving business. Roxy shares her journey from California to Germany and back, and how her experiences shaped her unique artistic talents. Learn about her work, her passion for music and painting, and the intense support from her husband, all while navigating the challenges and triumphs of being a solopreneur. Get ready...

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In this episode of Above and Beyond, host Jan Simon sits down with Mike Euper, a man whose life has been a whirlwind of unique experiences. Growing up in Bell Chase, Louisiana, Euper shares how his upbringing by strong women shaped his values and life choices. From his time in the Air National Guard as a jet engine mechanic, to his days spinning records and opening nightclubs across the country, Mike's story is one of passion, pivoting careers, and purpose. Discover how he transitioned from the nightlife to owning a mobile DJ business...

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Join us  as we sit down with Korey Bahme, the founder of Bahme Law in Arizona. Korey shares her incredible journey from growing up in Florence, Arizona, to becoming a trailblazing entrepreneur and lawyer. Learn about her no-nonsense approach to business law, her dedication to community service, and the challenges she faced along the way, including her work as a public defender and her transition to founding her own law firm. Discover the mindset and strategies that helped Korey push her career and business to new heights. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

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 In this episode, radio personality Brady Bogen takes us on a wild ride through his colorful career—from selling flooring to co-hosting Holmberg’s Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD for over 20 years. Brady shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on life in radio, and dives into his passion for barbecue, including his ventures with BTP sauce and the restaurant Porkopolis. From mascot to pitmaster, Brady’s journey is as unexpected as it is entertaining. 

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🚀 Ready to be inspired? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Karin Gadberry, a marketing powerhouse and Hall of Fame athlete, on our latest podcast episode. From breaking records on the softball field to leading with passion in the business world, Karin shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on leadership, resilience, and empowerment. Don’t miss out on her story of going 'Above and Beyond'! #Leadership #Inspiration #AboveBeyondPodcast

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 In this episode of Above and Beyond, host Jan Simon interviews Arizona real estate leader Melanie Nemetz. From her start in the White Mountains to founding a top-producing team at Keller Williams Gilbert, Melanie shares her unique journey—from flight attendant to industry powerhouse. She dives into the importance of relationships, community impact through foster care, and key insights for thriving in today’s market. 

A must-listen for anyone chasing success with purpose. 

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Join host Jan Simon in this episode of 'Above and Beyond the Podcast' as he delves into the remarkable life story of Todd Mather. Growing up in a small desert town in California, Todd balanced a rigorous schedule of school, sports, and helping with his family's milk and ice cream business. After an impressive football career that saw him earn a scholarship at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Todd returned to his roots, dedicating almost two decades to coaching high school football and working in the family business. His leadership in the...

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🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨

This week on the Above & Beyond Podcast, we’re joined by Tracy Autber — founder of Let’s Go Recovery, author, speaker, and a true force for transformation.

Tracy opens up about his journey through addiction, the power of faith in recovery, and how he turned personal pain into a purpose-driven movement. From launching a nonprofit to hosting a podcast that’s changing lives, Tracy’s story is a raw and powerful reminder that redemption is possible — and it starts with one decision to say, “Let’s go.”

🎧 L...

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 On this episode of Above & Beyond, we bring you “Driven to Lead: Jeff Breid’s Journey from Technician to COO.” Jeff’s story embodies what this podcast is all about — the relentless pursuit of growth, excellence, and leadership. From turning wrenches as a young technician to leading a thriving automotive business, Jeff shares how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to developing others have fueled his success. This conversation dives deep into leadership lessons, the importance of investing in people, and how staying hands-on — both in business and in life — drives lasting impact. 

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Meet Rob “Big Rob” Rodriguez—a Puerto Rican powerhouse from New York who’s spent 19 years lighting up comedy stages across every major U.S. market and making history as the only Hispanic comedian to dominate urban comedy circuits nationwide. In this episode, Rob shares his journey from growing up in New York to building a life rooted in laughter, entrepreneurship, and family. A 15-year business owner, father of five, and grandfather to nine, Rob opens up about balancing the stage and the...

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In this episode of Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with C. Andrew John, Vice President of John’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. From learning the trade alongside his father to leading an award-winning company rooted in integrity, Andrew shares his journey of legacy, leadership, and community impact. We explore how he’s grown the business, empowered his team, and helped launch initiatives like Elevate to support fellow business owners. Tune in for a powerful conversation on doing things the right way — no matter what.  

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In this powerful episode of Above & Beyond, we sit down with Bob Flecken—a devoted husband, proud father of four, and a true example of what it means to rise through hard work and purpose-driven leadership. Starting his career as a warehouse and storefront door technician, Bob climbed the ranks to become a successful executive and now the owner of Best Option Restoration.

Bob’s story is one of grit, self-awareness, and relentless pursuit. He shares how choosing hands-on experience over a traditional college path shaped his leadership style, and...

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In this episode, we sit down with Leticia Barwick, founder and CEO of Meritum, to explore her 37-year journey in the credit card processing industry. From teaching English in Mexico City at 18 to becoming a respected business and community leader in Arizona, Leticia shares insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of serving others with heart. 

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Born in Japan and raised in Sierra Vista, Arizona, TJ Tillman shares his incredible journey from bank teller to founder of a multi-million dollar wealth management firm, including a series of speed bumps and potholes along the way. After selling his firm, he turned his passion to building beloved local businesses like Paradox Escape Room, Level 1 Arcade Bar, Outcast Doughnuts, and Rebel Wine Lounge.

Now, through his new venture capital firm, Incomparably Dope Venture Partners, he’s helping scale hyper-local concepts and reshaping Arizona’s small business landscape. Tune in to hear...

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🚀 Dive into the incredible journey of Andi Ott, a powerhouse entrepreneur who turned challenges into triumphs. From opening multiple restaurants to founding The Next Chapter, her story is all about resilience, passion, and building legacies. Tune into her inspiring conversation on Above and Beyond the Podcast! 

#Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #AboveBeyondPodcast

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In this episode of Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with Bryan Boutain — a visionary entrepreneur, community builder, and the driving force behind several successful ventures. Bryan opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to leading innovative businesses that are shaping the future of the Gilbert community and beyond.

We dive into his early influences, the pivotal moments that defined his path, and the "why" that fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence. From navigating challenges to celebrating hard-won victories, Bryan shares insights that will resonate with aspiring en...

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In this episode, we sit down with Frank Stirpe Jr.—a dynamic leader, award-winning educator, and visionary community builder. From his roots in Syracuse, NY, to transforming schools across the Southwest and founding the impactful Above Par Network, Frank’s journey is a masterclass in leadership, connection, and purpose. Tune in as we explore how he’s shaping education, empowering professionals, and building thriving communities—one bold move at a time.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful conversation packed with inspiration, wisdom, and real-world impact.

#Leadership #Education #CommunityBuilder #AboveParNetwork #FrankStirpeJr #PodcastInterv...