190: Carter Zirbes - Break Through Average: Unleash Your Inner Excellence Now

198: Colin McGuire - How a “Hustle Portfolio” Ignited a National Brand

What if the fastest way to build something big is to stop chasing fast money? Sean Phelps reconnects with Colin McGuire, a College Works alum he worked alongside in the Illinois division two decades ago. Colin went from a self-described, generally unemployable student with severe ADHD to running a growth marketing agency and launching Glimmr, a superfood haircare brand now scaling fast inside Target. They get into the messy 20-year road most people never see. The T-shirt hustles, the wooden toothbrushes, a viral prank gift site, the broke nights in Vegas, and the hundred-plus door-to-door sales pitches that later helped him walk into Target HQ and win. Colin breaks down why staying calm keeps you in the arena, how one skill compounds over a decade, and why patience beats hype. If you are waiting to feel ready or chasing the next shiny thing online, this conversation is your wake-up call. Listen now. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:56 – The three-part definition of excellence that starts with a surprising word 02:11 – The truth behind the overnight success nobody talks about 05:06 – Why being generally unemployable turned out to be an advantage 07:50 – The classroom moment that made door-to-door sales sound perfect 21:12 – His first six-figure profit came from the most boring product imaginable 30:09 – Broke in a 40-dollar Vegas motel, he meets the partner who changes everything 36:55 – The real growth numbers, and where Glimmr goes nationwide next 41:03 – No boardroom, no PowerPoint: the Target pitch that almost fell apart 47:53 – The one skill he tells every young person to master first ABOUT THE GUEST Colin McGuire is the co-founder and CEO of Boomn, a full-service growth marketing agency he started in 2017, and the CEO and co-founder of Glimmr, a superfood hair care brand built around its 10-minute hair mask. A College Works Painting alum and Illinois State University graduate, Colin spent years building and selling a portfolio of scrappy ecommerce businesses before turning that hard-won experience into an agency and a fast-scaling consumer brand now expanding across Target and other major retailers. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinvmcguire/] MENTIONED RESOURCES * Glimmr [https://www.glimmr.com/] (superfood hair care brand) * Boomn [https://boomn.com/] (growth marketing agency) * College Works Painting [https://collegeworks.com/] * Illinois State University [https://illinoisstate.edu/] * Springdale Ventures [https://www.springdaleventures.com/] * Target [https://www.target.com/] * TJX Companies [https://www.tjx.com/] (Canada retail partner) * TikTok Shop [https://www.tiktok.com/] * Udemy [https://www.udemy.com/] (GAAP accounting course) * Kickstarter [https://www.kickstarter.com/] * Flippa [https://flippa.com/] (website marketplace) * Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/] * Shopify [https://www.shopify.com/] * WooCommerce [https://woocommerce.com/] IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

197: Caleb Hyman - How to Do It All Without Choosing Just One Thing

What if the reason you feel stuck is that you keep believing you have to pick just one thing? In this episode, Matt Stewart sits down with Caleb Hyman, a 20-year-old who plays college football, runs a district for College Works, and still makes time for his friends and family. Caleb was a four-sport high school athlete who worked all the way through, and he brought that same refusal to choose into his first years in business. They get into what Matt calls the tyranny of OR, the trap of thinking you can only do one thing well. Caleb breaks down how he stays fully present in football, school, and work, the simple way he processes stress before it piles up, and why one hard sacrifice as a young branch manager set up everything that came after. If you are tired of feeling pulled in too many directions, this conversation is your map. Listen now. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS * 01:19 - His definition of excellence, and why hitting your goal is not the finish line * 03:40 - The tyranny of OR, and why Caleb refuses to pick just one thing * 08:20 - Four sports, a job, and school at once, without burning out * 10:01 - The two questions he asks to kill stress fast * 15:18 - Why even the highest performers have to schedule time for friends * 19:01 - The message in English class that pulled him off the Kwik Trip path * 20:41 - The leap from painter to running a six-figure branch, then a district * 34:49 - The three-hour weekend drive he would make all over again MENTIONED RESOURCES * College Works Painting [https://collegeworks.com/] * Kwik Trip [https://www.kwiktrip.com/] * University of Wisconsin-La Crosse [https://www.uwlax.edu/] * Vector Marketing [https://www.vectormarketing.com/] * Cameron Herold [https://cameronherold.com/] * College Pro [https://student.collegepro.com/] * Backwoods Log Homes [https://www.backwoodsloghomes.com/] ABOUT THE GUEST Caleb Hyman is a 20-year-old college athlete and young business leader. A four-sport high school athlete in football, baseball, wrestling, and track, and a captain in football and wrestling, he now plays college football at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He started with College Works as a summer painter, was promoted to branch manager, where he built a six-figure business, and in his first year as a district manager, produced roughly 1.5 million dollars, one of a small handful ever to reach that mark. He plans to follow in his father's footsteps into entrepreneurship and one day run his own business. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-hyman-b99b14382] IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

196: How To Turn Ordinary Days Into Extraordinary Results - (Tyler Walden, Justin Bauer, Brad Bond, Brady Druecke, and Sean Phelps)

What if chasing perfection, knowing you’ll never reach it, is the real secret to winning in business and in life? This episode features powerhouse young leaders Tyler Walden, Justin Bauer, Brad Bond, and Brady Druecke, all veteran College Works managers, with co-host Sean Phelps in a raw conversation with Matt Stewart. They reveal what it's really like to run a six-figure business before even graduating, the real obstacles most people ignore, and why most never make it to that elusive “next level.” You’ll hear the unfiltered truth about failure, leadership, and how to use a single tough experience to transform your impact forever. Miss this conversation and risk staying stuck in comfort while others leap ahead. Listen now for a behind-the-curtain look you won’t get from textbooks and unlock the bold moves that set the next generation of leaders apart. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 01:13 – The quote that changed their entire definition of excellence 06:18 – The hidden advantage all four had before launching their businesses 14:10 – The strange power of picking the “wrong” major (and why it worked) 19:10 – The single shift that made scaling a business suddenly possible 22:51 – The brutally honest lesson most rookies ignore about real profit 29:29 – Why building a system—not just a business—is the only path to freedom 35:58 – The surprising connection between brutal honesty and building trust 42:31 – Why signing up for another year changes everything (and how) ABOUT THE GUEST A standout intern and fraternity president from North Dakota, Tyler Walden made history with College Works Painting as a $207,000 rookie manager and is chasing the all-time revenue record. Known for scaling his business to unprecedented heights, he brings leadership experience from both athletics and early management roles. Tyler is passionate about building scalable businesses and leading high-performing teams. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-walden-356a37286/] Hailing from Iowa, Justin Bauer grew his College Works Painting branch to $120,000 in his first year, then surpassed $150,000 the next. With a background as a four-sport athlete and experience in his family’s plumbing business, Justin is energized by hands-on work and aims to launch his own landscaping company, using his internship as a launchpad for future service-based entrepreneurship. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-bauer-37958b332/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/College-Works-Painting-Cedar-Falls-IA/61556593317654/#] Brad Bond juggled playing college football in Emporia, Kansas, while building his College Works Painting business to over $150,000 in revenue, doubling his success as a “double dipper.” Brad’s entrepreneurial journey started with his own lawn mowing business in high school. He’s focused on building his confidence and leadership skills and sees a future in business—where consistency and adaptability are his trademarks. A Michigan State student who jumped into business as a freshman, Brady Drueke managed $239,000 in his first year at College Works Painting and is scaling up with even more employees in his second year. A varsity athlete in high school, Brady’s early work experiences and involvement in friends’ service businesses sparked his interest in entrepreneurship, organization, and team leadership. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-drueke] A key mentor, Sean Phelps brings years of leadership and practical business coaching to the table. As a longtime leader within the College Works Painting organization, Sean combines experience in accounting, entrepreneurship, and people development. He’s passionate about helping young leaders achieve excellence through honesty, time management, and persistent growth. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-phelps-2754782] MENTIONED RESOURCES * Vince Lombardi [https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/vince_lombardi_385070] (quote on chasing perfection) * Nick Saban [https://www.carew.com/the-leadership-playbook-of-nick-saban/] (coaching mindset) * Michigan State University [https://msu.edu/] * Emporia State University [https://www.emporia.edu/] * NDSU [https://www.ndsu.edu/] (North Dakota State University) IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

195: Todd Baldwin - Life, Losses, and the Victory Mindset to Really Build Wealth

What if the only thing between you and your dream life was rewiring your thinking about what’s possible? In this energizing episode, Sean Phelps sits down with “Millennial Millionaire” Todd Baldwin, a self-made real estate investor who went from a small-town troublemaker to a multimillionaire before 30, without family money or big-city connections. Together, they challenge the myths holding young leaders back, revealing the raw work, mindset shifts, and unconventional tactics that actually create real wealth today. You’ll hear the untold struggles behind scaling rental empires, how “thinking bigger” beats raw talent, and why your habits in your 20s make or break your future. Don’t let another year pass stuck in the status quo. Tune in now to discover the brutal truths and proven strategies you actually need to craft a life you love. Miss this, and miss your chance to rewrite your own rules of success. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:51 – The moment a single mom’s struggle sparked an unstoppable drive 03:33 – Getting expelled and outgrowing self-sabotage: a pivotal shift story 06:08 – One real estate client that altered the course of his life forever 09:28 – The unorthodox strategy that snowballed into $40k/month in rent 12:07 – The candid reality of picking the right tenants (and dodging disaster) 14:44 – The fast path to $50k deals: how wholesaling changed everything 18:26 – Why mediocre Airbnbs fail (and the key to crushing hotel competition) 24:07 – Brutally honest: what 100-hour weeks in your 20s actually buy you 28:52 – The “delusional” mindset that made millionaire dreams real ABOUT THE GUEST Todd Baldwin is a self-made real estate investor and content creator, widely recognized as CNBC’s “Millennial Millionaire.” Featured on BiggerPockets and financial media, he built a multi-million dollar portfolio in the country’s most competitive markets—starting with no connections and all grit. 🔗 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/toddjbaldwin/?hl=en] MENTIONED RESOURCES * “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki [https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194] * “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham [https://www.amazon.com/Intelligent-Investor-Definitive-Investing-Essentials/dp/0060555661] * “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason [https://www.amazon.com/Richest-Man-Babylon-George-Clason/dp/0451205367] * BiggerPockets [https://www.biggerpockets.com/] * Hospitable [https://hospitable.com/] (property management software) * Facebook Groups [https://www.facebook.com/groups/discover/] for tenant sourcing * Airbnb [http://airbnb.com] IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].

194: Henry Goodnow - Brutal Lessons from Building Trust, Fast

What if the secret to breaking through wasn’t talent but choosing the harder path, even when “good enough” should be enough? In this revealing episode, Matt Stewart sits down with Henry Goodnow to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stand out as a young leader and entrepreneur right now. They go far beyond résumés, diving into the pressure of building trust in small towns, the brutal truth about indecision, and what happens when you commit to seeing things through—no matter how uncomfortable it gets. If you think you need experience to be ready for anything, this conversation challenges that head-on. Miss this, and you risk sleepwalking through opportunities that will never return. Listen now to uncover rare mindsets and tactical wisdom you won’t find anywhere else. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS 00:31 – The definition of excellence that flips “good enough” on its head 04:54 – Can you really work and play three sports in high school? A myth busted 10:48 – The brutal surprise of starting a business where nobody knows your name 13:42 – What most people get wrong about decisiveness and commitment 19:53 – How choosing harder paths transforms your reputation and outcomes 24:50 – The yellow card wisdom: Make a decision, then make it right 32:46 – When messing up earns respect (if you do this one thing) 41:40 – Why most young people get stuck—and the fastest way out ABOUT THE GUEST Henry Goodnow is a fast-rising entrepreneur, currently leading teams and divisions within the College Works organization. He has managed over 100 people and millions in revenue before age 23, earning a reputation for radical accountability, coach-style leadership, and relentless pursuit of better outcomes. 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-goodnow-91b930318/] MENTIONED RESOURCES * College Works * Handshake (college recruiting platform) * YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) IMPORTANT LINKS * Grow, do great work, and lead the way: National Services Group (NSG) [https://rebrand.ly/acb9b9] * Join our Student Professional Program: Internship Application [https://rebrand.ly/0e0f13] * Connect with Matt on LinkedIn [https://rebrand.ly/a571d1] * Watch full interviews on YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/56fe17] The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand [https://rebrand.ly/pybms2026].