E191 - How a Teacher Built a Tech Recycling Business Without Quitting His Day Job w/ Michael LeBeau

E192 - Lessons from Michael LeBeau: The Ultimate Side Hustle Reframe

In this episode, host Rob Tracz explores how entrepreneurs can build sustainable businesses without quitting their day jobs. Featuring insights from Michael LeBeau, a high school teacher and electronics recycling entrepreneur, the discussion challenges common myths about entrepreneurship and offers practical strategies for side hustlers. KEY TOPICS: * How a full-time job can be an asset, not an obstacle, in building a side business * The importance of leveraging stability and structure from your day job * The power of awareness and education in creating new business opportunities * Why not all entrepreneurship needs to look grand—focus on solving manageable problems * The mindset shift from performing as an entrepreneur to simply solving problems * The concept of building slowly and safely to sustain long-term success * How identifying overlooked problems can create unique business niches * Practical ways to start and grow a side hustle without immediate full-time commitment TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction: Building sustainable success on your own terms 00:33 - The Prime Performance Process explained 01:22 - Invitation to book a free strategy session 02:13 - Reframing the side hustle: What if your job is the advantage? 02:39 - Michael Lebeau’s story: Building a company as a teacher 03:08 - Why Michael doesn’t identify as an entrepreneur 04:05 - The value of structure and stability from a day job 05:04 - The power of doing the next thing, step-by-step 06:31 - Leveraging constraints and structure for growth 07:19 - Challenging the narrative: Your job can be your advantage 08:36 - Awareness as a key business asset 09:36 - The importance of educating about hidden problems 10:34 - The opportunity gap: Educate, guide, and build trust 11:27 - Success without a leap: Building in the margins of life 12:24 - How to connect with Michael and his services 13:20 - The mindset: Not needing to be an entrepreneur, just a problem solver 14:10 - Final encouragement: Start small, solve problems, love the work 14:50 - Closing remarks: Share, review, and connect RESOURCES & LINKS: * Tech Cycle Solutions [https://www.techcyclesolutions.com/] * Support email: support@techcyclesolutions.com [support@techcyclesolutions.com] * Contact phone: 617-302-6306

E191 - How a Teacher Built a Tech Recycling Business Without Quitting His Day Job w/ Michael LeBeau

In this episode, Rob Tracz chats with Michael LeBeau, a high school computer science teacher and founder of Tech Cycle Solutions, who is making waves in the electronics recycling industry. They explore balancing a full-time teaching job with launching a side hustle focused on sustainability and data security, offering insights into starting, growing, and maintaining a purpose-driven business. Main Topics: * The importance of secure electronics disposal and common misconceptions (0:00 - 2:57) * How Michael transitioned from a tech background into electronics recycling (3:24 - 8:37) * The role of support systems and managing imposter syndrome as a side hustle founder (8:37 - 9:43) * Data destruction processes and regulatory compliance (11:40 - 13:31) * The impact of AI and evolving tech on e-waste (15:52 - 16:37) * Tips for juggling multiple roles, avoiding burnout, and maintaining motivation (17:01 - 21:27) * Growth strategies, hiring, and scaling a sustainability-focused business (22:06 - 25:30) * Connecting residential and corporate recycling efforts for greater impact (25:30 - 25:52) * Practical advice for others balancing side projects with full-time jobs (29:23 - 29:56) Timestamps: 00:00 - The risks and myths of improperly disposing electronics 02:57 - Introduction to Michael LeBeau and his side hustle 03:24 - How teaching supports Michael’s entrepreneurial efforts 04:06 - The journey from tech background to electronics recycling 06:47 - Why secure data destruction is critical and how it's done 08:37 - The impact of technology trends on e-waste 09:43 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and managing work-life balance 11:40 - Compliance standards like NIST and HIPAA in data destruction 13:31 - Cost-effective security solutions for businesses 15:52 - Effect of AI on electronics turnover and disposal 17:01 - Juggling roles and maintaining motivation 18:25 - Balancing work and personal life with strategic breaks 22:06 - Scaling through hiring and expanding operations 25:30 - Moving from residential to large-scale corporate recycling 29:23 - The key to surviving a side hustle: passion and conviction Resources & Links: * Tech Cycle Solutions [https://www.techcyclesolution.com/] Connect with Michael LeBeau: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lebeau-528361274/] Whether you’re considering a side project or looking to make an impact in sustainability, Michael’s story illustrates the importance of passion, support, and strategic growth. Don’t miss these actionable insights on balancing your ambitions while contributing to environmental responsibility.

E190 - Lessons from Glenn Bostock: Reimagining Business Success

In this episode of Surviving the Side Hustle, Rob Tracz dives into a transformative perspective on entrepreneurship with Glenn Bostock, founder and CEO of Snapcab. Glenn challenges traditional business models, emphasizing kindness, authenticity, usefulness, and seeing the business as a living organism. Discover how to shift from hustle culture to a more sustainable, value-focused approach. MAIN TOPICS COVERED: * The limitations of conventional hustle and top-down leadership in business growth * Building a business on values: be kind, be authentic, be useful * Starting in the neighborhood: the importance of unglamorous work as a foundation * Transitioning from technician to leader for scalable success * The power of surfacing and solving problems: systems that reward transparency * Treating your business like a body: creating a self-healing, ecosystem-like organization * Practical steps for entrepreneurs to build resilient, purpose-driven companies TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction and core question: Is the traditional business operating system holding you back? 02:19 - Glenn's unusual entrepreneurial journey from cabinet maker to CEO of a $30M company 04:55 - The three core values: be kind, be authentic, be useful, and their impact on business culture 06:36 - The importance of starting in the neighborhood: doing unsexy work to grow into your dream business 07:55 - Glenn’s example: building from refinishing furniture to elevator interiors, growth through humility 08:46 - The value of unglamorous work and embracing the early, imperfect steps 10:00 - The transformation from technician to leader as a key to scalability 11:41 - Hiring and building a team around your weaknesses, not just your strengths 14:02 - The concept of “gold in problems”: building systems to surface issues openly 14:53 - Reward employees for reporting mistakes, and view problems as growth opportunities 16:36 - Building a business like a body, with a nervous system for rapid feedback and self-healing 17:41 - The importance of sensing disconnection and misalignment early 18:53 - Creating a self-healing, ecosystem-like business model that outlives the founder 20:05 - Practical advice: obsess over usefulness, value, and building systems that support growth 20:52 - Glenn's upcoming book, A Human Business, and how to learn more 21:17 - Encouragement for entrepreneurs to focus on what lights them up and add value persistently RESOURCES & LINKS: * A Human Business by Glenn Bostock [https://www.amazon.com/Human-Business-People-First-Lasting-Success/dp/B0GCHGXDBF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DWJVWYBRY25W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sYtzXIDhS8zE8sk2UUJKHinzpFTAFf8YmoQqvtbUPTUJUMj_ls7LCTANWd2GFr6UaH7ox9CwF3PxLltf9nYX1rDppB2IIopSQQAbmv3Slsiqh4f3yQHHNFOlvhXuUYeFxtQ3G-PpHyAmJiT2Iz44qyYWYb-eig6QgUvkL1yXSAFYk1Br5wwbk_06R_uJeAdYTq3PShtQ8Esqbc-1dqKoDafcrkWxuAigS7nj-n_fLPY.nngEpQsf1mLhhFar_D5jtvoIkRk0CwOPXqQyuETQSLU&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+human+business&qid=1770208047&sprefix=a+human+business%2Caps%2C386&sr=8-1] (Book release June 16th) * Glenn Bostock Consulting Website [https://glennbostock.com/] FINAL THOUGHT: ROB EMPHASIZES THAT BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IS ABOUT LONG-TERM USEFULNESS AND ALIGNING WITH WHAT LIGHTS YOU UP—FOCUSING ON VALUE OVER QUICK HACKS LEADS TO REAL GROWTH AND RESILIENCE.

E189 - Why Building a Company as a Community Turns Problems Into Opportunities with Glenn Bostock

In this episode, Glenn Bostock, founder and CEO of SnapCap, shares his journey from a cabinet maker to leading a multi-million dollar company. He discusses the importance of cultivating a human-centric culture, embracing failure, and building trust within organizations to achieve sustainable growth. KEY TOPICS: * Glenn’s transition from woodworking to elevator interiors and eventually to building SnapCap * The significance of company values: be kind, be authentic, and be useful * How fostering a caring environment reduces fear and boosts innovation * The role of mentorship and embracing failure as a growth tool * Creating a culture of transparency through mistake reward systems * Comparing business growth to muscle development and the importance of problem-solving * Applying Japanese manufacturing principles, like the Toyota system, for operational excellence * Building trust and community within a business to improve performance and scalability * The motivations behind Glenn’s upcoming book, “A Human Business” * Practical tips for entrepreneurs starting out, focusing on passions and market needs TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction to leadership driven by passion and caring environments 02:44 - Glenn’s career journey from cabinet making to elevator interiors 03:40 - Culture creation based on kindness, authenticity, and usefulness 04:13 - Challenges and lessons learned in business growth 07:04 - Starting a business with limited resources and learning mechanics of finance 09:22 - Overcoming technician mindset and building confidence in entrepreneurship 11:12 - The transformation from technician to community builder 12:26 - The purpose of a business: creating value and usefulness 13:16 - Lowering fear and fostering a safe learning environment 14:04 - Hiring for culture fit and passion over skills 16:14 - Creating collaboration through community-minded initiatives 17:42 - Using the human body as a metaphor for organizational health 18:52 - Hiring and leadership lessons during rapid growth 19:09 - Learning to identify the right roles for growth 22:13 - Building trust through honesty and value delivery 23:18 - Reward systems for mistakes and continuous improvement 26:29 - Creating a company culture rooted in love and shared purpose 30:02 - Applying Japanese manufacturing principles for operational excellence 33:10 - Glenn’s motivation to share his “Human Business” philosophy with the world 37:16 - Tips for entrepreneurs: start with what excites you and add value RESOURCES & LINKS: * Glenn Bostock’s Website [https://glennbostock.com/] – Get a free chapter of "A Human Business" * A Human Business Book [https://www.amazon.com/Human-Business-People-First-Lasting-Success/dp/B0GCHGXDBF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DWJVWYBRY25W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sYtzXIDhS8zE8sk2UUJKHinzpFTAFf8YmoQqvtbUPTUJUMj_ls7LCTANWd2GFr6UaH7ox9CwF3PxLltf9nYX1rDppB2IIopSQQAbmv3Slsiqh4f3yQHHNFOlvhXuUYeFxtQ3G-PpHyAmJiT2Iz44qyYWYb-eig6QgUvkL1yXSAFYk1Br5wwbk_06R_uJeAdYTq3PShtQ8Esqbc-1dqKoDafcrkWxuAigS7nj-n_fLPY.nngEpQsf1mLhhFar_D5jtvoIkRk0CwOPXqQyuETQSLU&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+human+business&qid=1770208047&sprefix=a+human+business%2Caps%2C386&sr=8-1] (coming June 16th, published by Forbes Books) CONNECT WITH GLENN BOSTOCK: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennbostock/]

E188 - Lessons from Meggi Rombach: Your Body’s Signal of Courage

This episode explores how external validation, high achievement, and evolving success definitions shape our mental and emotional well-being. Meggie Rombach from Switzerland shares her journey through burnout, high performance, and her revolutionary approach to living authentically—guided by mindfulness, courage, and rewriting personal rules. IN THIS EPISODE: * Secrets behind burnout rooted in external validation, not workload * How high performers are often driven by a need to be seen as enough * Meggie’s "mindful rebellion" and coaching framework the three C’s (Clarity, Courage, Confidence) * The power of redefining success as life changes and priorities shift * The surprising link between courage and excitement—how physical sensations can guide growth * The importance of sitting in the messy middle during transitions, not rushing through valleys * Practical session on mindfulness as a tool for leadership and clarity * How to recognize and rewrite the rules that actually govern your life TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - What rules are you actually playing by? 00:29 - The truth about burnout and inherited goals 00:57 - Meggie Rombach’s background and burnout story 01:27 - The "mindful rebellion" and her three C’s & F’s 02:23 - Why burnout often stems from external validation 02:52 - The danger of outsourcing your worth 03:18 - How validation fuels high achievement and people pleasing 04:12 - Recognizing patterns of over-delivering and burnout 04:41 - External validation vs. internal validation—breaking the cycle 05:09 - The real work: building self-worth from within 06:04 - The rise to the challenge framework and needing less achievement 07:07 - The trap of seeking external approval through success 08:05 - Growing on valleys, not peaks—personal stories 09:01 - The significance of valleys and growth through hardship 10:01 - Moving through transitions and the importance of sitting in the messy middle 10:29 - William Bridges’ "Transitions" and the neutral zone 11:00 - The power of being uncomfortable in transition for real change 12:00 - The reframe: Courage and excitement share the same physical signals 12:30 - Building courage through lifestyle prototyping 13:00 - The signals of Thresholds—when growth opportunities appear 13:59 - Building courage as a skill, not a trait 14:29 - The nervous system's role in performance and decision-making 15:00 - Teaching your body to interpret fear & excitement differently 16:28 - How changing priorities reshape your version of success 17:28 - The importance of consciously choosing your goals 17:57 - Recalibrating your rules for authentic success 18:27 - The danger of sprinting in the wrong direction and the need to slow down 19:14 - Recognizing and rewriting external scripts and societal expectations 19:43 - Playing by your own rules for lasting fulfillment 20:12 - Resources for deepening mindfulness and coaching opportunities RESOURCES & LINKS: * Play It By Your Rules Podcast [https://meggismindsetmastery.podbean.com/] * Maggie Rombach’s Website [https://meggirombach.com/] CONNECT WITH MAGGIE: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrombach/]