Successfully Unsuccessful

From Weed Ponds to Kingdom Purpose

As business owners and leaders, we’re often laser-focused on metrics—revenue, growth, headcount, scale. But every now and then, I get the privilege of having a conversation that shakes those definitions of success to the core. That’s exactly what happened in this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, when I sat down with my good friend and CBMC peer, Connor Pichet. Connor’s the founder of Scuba Weed Control, a company that started as a scrappy college side hustle and has grown into a multi-location operation cleaning lakes and ponds across Minnesota. What struck me wasn’t just how he’s scaled a niche service—it’s how he’s done it while raising four kids, building a team from the ground up, and learning to lead with vision, faith, and intentionality. But the real gold of our conversation was what you won’t find on a P&L. Connor opened up about a transformative moment in his life—a late-night conversation with his cousin that led to a powerful encounter with God. It was raw, it was real, and it was the start of something eternal. He wasn’t in a church pew or a boardroom; he was in the middle of a personal storm, and yet God showed up with clarity, comfort, and conviction. That moment shifted everything: how he leads his company, how he loves his family, and how he sees success. And if you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, identity, or whether you’re building something that really matters, Connor’s story will meet you right there.

Built to Rise: Redefining Success Through Faith and Leadership

In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with my good friend Eric Robinson, co-owner of Rise Realty, for an honest and refreshing conversation that went far beyond real estate. From his early years in Wisconsin to his journey through car sales and eventually into real estate, Eric shares the transformative moments that shaped both his professional and personal life. We explore the deep motivation behind founding Rise Realty—not as a profit engine, but as a community built on the right people, structure, and support. Eric unpacks how this model has allowed agents to thrive in their own way, embracing the “be more, do more” mindset that’s foundational to his mission. But we didn’t stop at business. We dove deep into what success really means for Eric—a concept measured not in dollar signs but in dinners at home with family, open conversations with his wife, and the consistent effort to remain fully present. He speaks candidly about how his phone, a vital business tool, often becomes the biggest distraction in his marriage, and the systems he and his wife use to stay aligned. We touched on parenting styles, the balancing act of fatherhood, and the importance of guardrails to avoid drifting off course in life. His transparency on these challenges is both relatable and encouraging. Perhaps most powerfully, Eric opened up about a deeply humbling season in 2023 when everything he thought was stable—relationships, finances, plans—was stripped away. He describes this time as a “sweet cut of the surgeon,” a painful but necessary realignment of heart and purpose. We ended by reflecting on the intersection of faith, work, and calling, and how Eric uses his position in the real estate world as a platform for meaningful conversations and lasting impact. Whether you’re in ministry, business, or navigating personal growth, there’s something in Eric’s journey that will resonate with you.

Dad Awesome vs. Dad Angry: Leading with Legacy

What a joy it was to welcome Jeff Zaugg, founder of Dad Awesome, to the Successfully Unsuccessful podcast. From the moment we hit record, Jeff brought his signature high-energy presence and deep insights into what it means to be a father who shows up with intentionality and heart. His journey from being a reluctant kids' ministry leader to launching a podcast that has released 375 episodes and mobilized over a thousand men through events like Fathers for the Fatherless is a powerful testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. We unpacked his transition into full-time ministry, the importance of making the role of dad a delight, not a duty, and how delighting in our kids can shape their sense of identity in a world filled with lies. This conversation hit me in a personal way. Jeff talked about the difference between dad angry and dad awesome—how we're called not to perfection but to a posture of curiosity, cheerleading, and consistency. He shared practical tools, from candlelight blessings to specific affirmations that light up our kids’ eyes. He reminded us that being a great dad starts with going upstream—dealing with our own wounds, finding healing, and surrounding ourselves with brotherhood. His metaphor of the RV showerhead versus a waterfall of God’s love brought to life the difference between living as orphans, hustling for worth, and living as beloved sons, overflowing with purpose and presence. I’m still chewing on the impact of simply “getting low and getting slow” with my own kids, and I hope it hits you like it hit me. What I loved most about this episode is how Jeff reminded us that fatherhood is a story—our story. And when we zoom out, we realize that today’s decisions shape generations. Jeff’s vulnerable moment of running out of ministry funding wasn’t a failure—it was formation. And that spoke volumes to me about trust, stewardship, and living fully aligned with what God is calling us to do. If you’re a dad, if you’re a leader, or just someone searching for purpose beyond a paycheck, this episode will stir your heart. Let it be a spark that flips the switch from surviving to thriving.

From Comfort to Calling: Jake Howes' Leap of Faith

What a powerful conversation with Jake Howes—entrepreneur, founder of Pioneer Golf Company, and a man on fire for purpose. I’ve had a front-row seat to watch Jake’s transformation from a corporate guy in the golf simulator industry to a bold, faith-driven founder ready to shake up the game. Jake's journey started with a dissatisfaction in his W-2 life, but what set him apart was his proactive approach. From proposing an innovative national video marketing campaign at his old job to boldly stepping out and launching his own company months ahead of schedule, Jake is living proof that when you're called to something, you go. We talk about the fears, the mental gymnastics of waiting for the “perfect time,” and how our core council helped him make the leap. What stood out most to me is Jake's clarity on his mission—not just in business, but in life. He’s not only building top-tier golf simulators for homeowners and commercial facilities alike, but he's also driven by deeper values: mentoring, community, and excellence through Christ. His approach is deeply relational. He responds to clients the same day, customizes solutions down to the studs, and shows up with passion and purpose. Jake isn’t just building simulators—he’s building trust, freedom, and experiences that make a lasting impact. And he’s doing it while learning how to be a husband, supporting his wife’s food truck launch, and living out his faith in a way that truly inspires. This episode reminded me of what it really means to pursue freedom—freedom of time, freedom in Christ, and the freedom to create something meaningful. Jake’s story is a masterclass in patience, obedience, and the power of community. It’s a testimony to what happens when you stop waiting and start building. I’m proud to know Jake, to watch him grow, and to learn from his fearless pursuit of what matters. Whether you're considering a side hustle or wrestling with your next move, this episode is for you. Let Jake’s journey be your wake-up call—because if he can do it, you can too.

Exclaim Jesus: Branding, Belief & Bold Purpose

On this episode of the Successfully Unsuccessful podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Nash Faulk, a man whose journey from a non-believing, basketball-obsessed kid to a faith-filled entrepreneur is both raw and inspiring. We talked through his early years marked by dysfunction at home and a singular focus on basketball, which ultimately gave way to a winding road of self-discovery, professional experimentation, and deep spiritual transformation. Nash shared how his initial years in sales and tech eventually led him to question the purpose of it all, sparking a spiritual hunger that was finally satisfied when he encountered the truth of God’s Word, starting with the book of James. What really stood out to me was how Nash's entrepreneurial path became an extension of his faith journey. He went from chasing worldly definitions of success to embracing his calling through brand building and fractional marketing. His story about the birth of the “Exclaim Jesus” brand—scribbling spiritual truths on a notepad and watching that turn into a bold faith-forward apparel line—was powerful. What I loved most was his perspective on branding as a unique reflection of personal story and values. In a world of noise and sameness, Nash is helping others stand out by anchoring their business identities in what matters most. We also talked about integrated living—how community, business, and faith aren’t meant to be compartmentalized. Nash challenged the idea that marketing is just tactics and ROI; instead, he believes that belief systems shape brands. He brings that to his clients, helping them unpack their unique story so their messaging is authentic and enduring. His insights into the long game of building something meaningful, especially in a culture obsessed with instant results, hit home. This episode was a real one, full of truth, testimony, and reminders of what matters most when walking in purpose.