Ep. 113: The 8 Key Principles to GREAT Leadership w/ Rick Tolakson, CEO of Hubbell Realty

Ep. 113: The 8 Key Principles to GREAT Leadership w/ Rick Tolakson, CEO of Hubbell Realty

What does it take to lead an Iowa legacy for over four decades?In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, we sit down with Rick Tollakson, the recently retired CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. From joining as a construction engineer in 1984 to steering the firm through 170 years of business history, Rick’s journey is a masterclass in local leadership, diversification, and "thinking bigger."Whether you are a Des Moines business owner navigating current economic shifts or an aspiring leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, Rick’s insights on the "Eight to Great" principles and the power of community-driven "Extreme Builds" are essential listening.Topic Conversations & Timestamps(00:06) – The Hubbell Legacy: Introducing Rick Tollakson and the 170-year history of Hubbell Realty.(01:37) – Teamwork Over Ego: Why a CEO’s biggest mindset shift is trusting the team to carry the vision.(05:52) – The Accidental 42-Year Career: How Rick went from a "five-year plan" to a four-decade tenure.(08:56) – Des Moines Renaissance: Lessons from building the Hub Tower and the 1980s real estate climate.(14:15) – Leadership in a Crisis: Stay optimistic—why down markets are the best time for bold opportunities.(25:33) – The "Eight to Great" Principles: A deep dive into the cultural pillars that define Hubbell.(31:19) – "Can You Think Any Bigger?": The story behind Hubbell’s famous "Extreme Builds" and community impact.(41:42) – Life After the Corner Office: Rick’s retirement bucket list, from Route 66 to global travel.(52:58) – Mastering the Succession Plan: How Rick spent 5 years preparing Kyle Gamble to take the helm.(1:09:57) – Final Advice: Taking advantage of the cycles—advice for the next generation of Iowans.Connect with Our Guest & Resources📖 Get the Book: Rick’s new book, Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success, is available now. Learn how to apply these leadership pillars to your own business:Purchase on Amazon | Barnes & Noble🏗️ About Hubbell Realty Company:Explore the projects shaping the Midwest and learn about Hubbell’s 17+ operating divisions:Visit HubbellRealty.comAbout the ShowThe Rhymes with Odd podcast, hosted by Ryan Snaadt, features the builders, creators, and leaders who make Iowa a powerhouse of innovation.Learn more about Ryan Snaadt and Snaadt Media Group: snaadtmedia.com--Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

Ep. 112: Leaving the STRESS of Entrepreneurship to Focus on Foster Care w/ Chandler Faldet

Is it time to quit your business? In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with Chandler Faldet, the former co-owner of Hatch, to discuss the raw reality of building, merging, and eventually exiting a successful marketing agency.Chandler reveals the "accidental" origins of his entrepreneurial journey, the high-stakes transition from 100% commission sales to business ownership, and the pivotal moment he realized that "staying comfortable" is the most dangerous thing an entrepreneur can do. Whether you are looking to scale your team, find the right business partner, or navigate the emotional complexities of selling your shares to prioritize family, this conversation offers a masterclass in professional evolution.We dive deep into:How to value what you’ve built and start with the end in mind.The "T-Shaped Marketer" hiring philosophy.Transitioning from $500/mo clients to high-level strategy accounts.The life-changing difference between "Expectations" and "Agreements."Balancing the "Work Kid" (your business) with your real family.📍 Topic Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Meet Chandler Faldet01:30 – Starting with the end in mind: Planned vs. Accidental business owners03:21 – From Northeast Iowa to the Des Moines marketing scene05:40 – The grind of 100% commission media sales at KCCI11:53 – Buying your first business: The $2,000 jumping-off point13:32 – Scaling the team: Hiring your first 3 employees in year one16:32 – The 50/50 Partnership: Merging companies with Hatch22:33 – Pivot to Strategy: How to 10x your per-client revenue27:06 – The Exit: Why Chandler chose family stability over ownership31:30 – Lessons in Leadership: Managing people and P&Ls35:33 – Lightning Round: Best tools (ClickUp) and B2B marketing tips38:22 – Recommended Reading: Why The E-Myth is essential45:02 – The only thing standing between you and your dream52:18 – Expectations vs. Agreements: A life-changing mindset shift54:18 – Life after the exit: Homeschooling and foster careConnect with Chandler:LinkedIn: Chandler FaldetConnect with Ryan Snaadt:Website: snaadtmedia.comInstagram: @RyanSnodThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

Ep. 111: Every Leader NEEDS These Two Things (According to a PhD) w/ Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger

What does it take to walk away from a thriving, 40-person real estate brokerage in Austin, Texas, to start over in the Iowa classroom? In this episode, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger, Director of Undergraduate Leadership Studies at Iowa State University. This conversation is a masterclass for Des Moines business leaders, hiring managers, and entrepreneurs who want to bridge the gap between "managing" and truly "leading."Chad brings a unique perspective—combining the high-pressure "street smarts" of the Texas real estate market with the "book smarts" of a PhD in Leadership. We dive deep into why some of your best performers shouldn't be promoted, how to foster a culture of accountability in a "soft" world, and why the current generation of graduates is struggling to integrate into the Iowa workforce.Connect with Snaadt Media Group:Website: snaadtmedia.comServices: Video Production, Podcast Launching, & Content Strategy.🕒 Topic Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: From Texas Real Estate to Iowa State University.01:38 – The "Sliding Doors" moment: Why Ryan Snaadt didn't get the job (and why it was for the best).04:47 – What separates a "Good" leader from a "Great" leader?07:42 – The Salt Shaker Analogy: Why your top performers are often your worst managers.11:34 – Chad’s backstory: Growing up in Boone, IA and surviving cancer.16:10 – Learning the "No-BS" approach to Real Estate from the "Grandfather of Austin."18:47 – Making the move back to Des Moines and the Polk County Courthouse.22:43 – The jump into Academia: Navigating the PhD process at Drake.28:48 – Modeling the Way: How to build a high-integrity culture in any industry.34:25 – Leading clients through financial wealth vs. personal security.40:01 – Why Des Moines leaders should encourage their teams to "Go Away" and gain perspective.45:44 – Lightning Round: Hilton Magic, Cafe Bealaere, and the best leadership books.51:48 – The "Fear Factor" in Corporate Iowa: Why leaders aren't taking a stand.58:32 – The lack of accountability in Higher Ed and how it impacts the "Product" (Students).1:13:44 – What Des Moines employers are actually looking for (NACE Competencies).1:21:57 – Why "Extroversion" is a leadership myth and "Compassion" is the reality.1:27:15 – Wrap up and how to connect with Dr. Chad.Enjoyed the show?👉 Subscribe to the channel to help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers!👉 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other local leaders find the show.#DesMoinesBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #IowaState #SnaadtMedia #ManagementTraining #IowaBusiness #PodcastThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

Ep. 110: I Lived In A Moldy House And It Nearly Killed Me w/ Amanda Dirkx

"Western Medicine is for emergencies, but Holistic Care is for LIFE." 🌿In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with Amanda Dirkx, the founder of Deeply Rooted Healing in Ankeny, Iowa. A former pediatric oncology nurse of 14 years, Amanda shares her powerful transition from the high-intensity world of Western medicine to building a scaling, multi-provider holistic clinic.We dive deep into:The "Root Cause" Philosophy: Why trimming the leaves of a sick tree doesn't work if you don't nourish the soil.The 10K Mindshift: How the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helped Amanda stop being just a practitioner and start being a CEO.Healing After Toxic Exposure: Amanda’s personal journey through mold illness that sparked her obsession with muscle testing and whole-food supplements.The Air, Food, Water Method: Three simple, non-negotiable changes you can make at home for zero dollars to transform your health."Healing isn't a quick fix—it’s a lifestyle change." — Amanda Dirkx⏱️ Topic Timestamps00:06 – Introduction: Meet Amanda Dirkx and Deeply Rooted Healing 01:19 – The Mental Shift: Transitioning from Practitioner to Business Owner 03:13 – 14 Years in Pediatric Oncology: Why Western Medicine still matters 03:57 – Growing up Nomadic: How 9 moves taught Amanda kindness 09:23 – The Tree Analogy: Why the name "Deeply Rooted" matters 11:06 – Mold, Illness, and the Wake-up Call: Amanda’s personal health journey 17:37 – Testing on the Family: The first steps into holistic treatment 21:07 – Is Holistic Medicine "Woo-Woo"? Addressing the stigmas 25:18 – The 45-Day Launch: Jumping off the cliff to start a clinic 28:53 – Free Business Gold: Utilizing the SBDC for startup success 31:19 – The Goldman Sachs 10K Program: Scaling a multi-provider brand 41:02 – Adding Services: The Hocket Sauna and Functional Labs 45:57 – Lightning Round: Northern Vessel coffee and "Shitt's Creek" 53:09 – The Best $0 Mental Health Tool: The power of sunshine 57:15 – Authentic Leadership: Leading a team with open communication 1:02:11 – The COVID Deadline: The moment that forced the big leap 1:05:11 – Air, Food, and Water: The three pillars of home healing 🔗 Connect with Amanda DirkxWebsite: DeeplyRootedHealingIA.com Instagram: @DeeplyRootedHealingIA Facebook: Deeply Rooted Healing IA Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

Ep. 109: My Tattoo Mentor Tore Me Down to Zero (And I’m Glad He Did) w/ Jesse Drake

Is the "Tattoo Boom" just getting started? 💉In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with award-winning artist Jesse Drake, a veteran of the industry with 16 years of experience and over 50 hours of work on Ryan personally. Jesse shares his journey from "trap house" garage tattoos and eBay kits to dominating the convention circuit and winning back-to-earth trophies for his world-class black and gray realism.We dive deep into:The Reality of Tattooing: Why being an artist is only 20% of the job—and how to survive as your own accountant, receptionist, and social media manager.The Power of Mentorship: The story of how an art genius "tore Jesse down to nothing" just to build him back up into a better artist.Black and Gray vs. Color: Why Jesse chose to specialize in a "shark tank" of artists to separate himself from the pack.The Next Big Thing: Jesse reveals his new prototype, Midnight Alchemy, a CBD/CBG-infused aftercare product made by a tattooer for tattooers to fight redness and swelling in real-time."If you want to be successful, shut the f* up and listen." — Jesse Drake⏱️ Conversation Timestamps00:06 – Introduction: Jesse Drake’s 16-year career 02:02 – The Tattoo Boom: Why 41% of young Americans are inked 04:42 – Street Shops vs. Custom Art: The evolution of the industry 06:30 – High-Tech Art: How iPads changed the game (and why they’re a trap) 09:42 – Jesse’s Origin Story: Born in the Philippines, settled in Iowa 12:38 – The Garage Days: Tattooing in bedrooms at 17 17:31 – The Turning Point: Being torn down by a mentor to reach square one 20:22 – Life on the Road: Grinding through the national convention circuit 24:21 – Tattooing Rockstars: Meeting Tech 9 and Elijah Wood 33:48 – Beyond the Needle: Oil painting and airbrushing murals 37:24 – The MMA Days: Getting beat up for pennies 42:33 – Specializing in Realism: Why Jesse avoided the "Goldfish in a Shark Tank" 46:40 – The Sharpie Method: Drawing tattoos by hand instead of stencils 53:03 – The Physical Toll: Carpal tunnel, back pain, and "locking in" 1:00:58 – The "Annoying Client" Hall of Fame 1:12:31 – Midnight Alchemy: Jesse’s new CBD/CBG aftercare venture 1:22:08 – The Science of Ointment: Turning a kitchen into a clean-room lab 1:35:24 – Taking on Conglomerates: Why the industry needs "Artist-Owned" products 1:49:56 – Advice for the "Obsessed": Success on the road less traveled 🔗 Connect with Jesse DrakeInstagram: @JD_Drake89 Facebook: Jesse Drake Product: Midnight Alchemy (Coming Soon!) Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast