Purpose-Driven Progress

AI, Automation & Sales Mastery — How Tony Koenig Helps B2B Teams Close More Deals Faster

What if you could spend less time chasing cold leads and more time closing deals? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I sit down with Tony Koenig—tech veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Connect Digital—who’s been building sales systems since the ’90s. From selling MS-DOS farming software to leveraging AI-driven automation for modern B2B sales, Tony shares his journey and reveals how businesses can scale smarter, not harder. We dive into: * Tony’s early days in tech and e-commerce before SEO was even a buzzword * How AI is transforming lead generation and pipeline segmentation * Using AI voice assistants to qualify prospects and book sales calls automatically * Speed-to-lead strategies: why the first 5 minutes make or break conversions * The role of prompt engineering in getting better AI results * Creating content that converts vs. chasing vanity metrics * The “Dream 100” strategy for targeting your highest-value clients * Avoiding tech stack overload while still leveraging automation effectively * Why personal branding and thought leadership are more important than ever Whether you’re a sales leader, entrepreneur, or consultant, Tony’s insights will show you how to work less, sell more, and stay ahead in a world being reshaped by AI. #AIForSales #SalesAutomation #B2BSales #PromptEngineering #LeadGeneration #SalesSystems #AIInBusiness #ConnectDigital #ScalingFounder #PurposeDrivenProgress #TonyKoenig #PodcastInterview

How Jean-Luc Daigle Built One of New England’s Fastest Growing Sneaker Conventions From Scratch

What does it take to turn your sneaker obsession into a full-fledged business and cultural movement? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I sit down with Jean-Luc Daigle, a sneakerhead-turned-event-organizer and hospital budget analyst by day, who's quietly building one of the most buzzed-about sneaker conventions in New England—For the Culture CT. We dive into: * Why Jean-Luc left investment banking ambitions to pursue community and culture * The terrifying moment just days before launch when they had <10 vendor tables sold * How he and his friends built brand trust by hitting every event they could * What makes a truly great sneaker event in an oversaturated market * How sneaker culture has evolved from niche hobby to global force * The counterfeit challenge: how to spot fakes and protect your collection * How to get started as a sneaker collector (or reseller) in 2025 * Scaling an event business while working full-time * What it means to build for the community, not just the hype This conversation is packed with raw entrepreneurial insights, community-first thinking, and sneaker wisdom from someone who's been in the trenches—from long lines and fake kicks to scaling up a passion project with purpose. #Sneakerhead #SneakerCon #ForTheCultureCT #EventMarketing #Entrepreneurship #SideHustle #CommunityBuilder #StreetwearCulture #FakeSneakers #SneakerAuthenticity #PodcastInterview #PurposeDrivenProgress #JeanLucDaigle

From Chip on His Shoulder to Tech Industry Disruptor – Austin Younglove on Sales, Grit, and Scaling Smarter

What do you get when you combine relentless grit, sales mastery, and a fresh approach to enterprise tech? You get Austin Younglove. In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I sit down with Austin Younglove, the CEO and founder of Titan, and Director of Sales at Tech Launch Solutions, to unpack his nonlinear journey from underdog in IT staffing to leading a fast-scaling, no-cost tech brokerage that’s changing how companies buy and optimize technology. Inside this conversation: * Why not finishing college gave Austin the edge to outwork everyone in the room * How he built confidence and credibility in enterprise sales * What makes a great consultant—not just a great closer * Why pruning bad clients led to his biggest income leap * How Titan helps companies cut tech costs without sacrificing performance * The brokerage model that lets them serve clients at zero cost * What most businesses get wrong about their tech stack—and how to fix it * The mindset shift every early-career salesperson needs to hear This one's a must-listen if you're in sales, tech leadership, or scaling a high-trust business. Austin brings honesty, humility, and serious strategic insight. 🔗 Learn more: https://techlaunchsolutions.com [https://techlaunchsolutions.com/] 🎯 Want to grow your sales with the right people, systems, and structure? Start here → Jacob Hicks Coach [www.jacobhickscoach.com] #SalesLeadership #TechStrategy #StartupGrowth #ITConsulting #Entrepreneurship #AustinYounglove #Titan #TechLaunchSolutions #PurposeDrivenProgress #PodcastInterview

From the Marines to Managing Global Sales in Car Washes – Kyle Martin on Leadership, Systems & Faith

How does a Marine go from promising never to enter the family business… to leading international sales in the car wash industry? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I sit down with Kyle Martin—a leader shaped by military discipline, family values, and his deep faith. Kyle shares his unlikely journey into the car wash industry, his rise through the ranks, and what really drives success in sales and leadership today. We dive into: * The power of consistent follow-up and relationship-first sales * How Kyle builds personal boundaries while still giving out his personal cell * Smart subscription strategies in a competitive market * The shift from tunnel car washes to in-bay models * Why faith and integrity guide every decision Kyle makes * The role of CRM systems and personalized service post-sale * And how pricing psychology impacts subscription conversions Whether you're in sales, leadership, or building something of your own, Kyle’s story is packed with actionable insights and purpose-driven wisdom. Learn more at Oasis [https://oasiscarwashsystems.com/] 👉 Interested in sales coaching or building a team that sells with purpose? Let’s talk: JacobHicksCoach [www.jacobhickscoach.com] #SalesLeadership #FaithInBusiness #CarWashIndustry #SalesStrategy #CRM #SubscriptionModel #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDrivenProgress #PodcastInterview #KyleMartin

From Code to Clothing: Lulu Wang on Art, Grit, and Building a Brand That Feels Like You – interview with Lulu Wang

What do you do when your degree doesn't feel like your destiny? In this inspiring episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I sit down with Lulu Wang — a software engineer turned creative entrepreneur — who transformed her digital artwork into a thriving clothing brand built on experimentation, emotion, and human connection. We cover: * How Lulu pivoted from computer science to design * Turning passion projects into income through real-world hustle * The behind-the-scenes of her 100+ Black Friday order day * Finding identity in your art — and creating a brand around it * Knowing when to scale up… and when to scale back * The power of consistency, inspiration, and staying true to yourself Whether you're a creative, entrepreneur, or just someone questioning your current path — this conversation is packed with wisdom, warmth, and wildly real stories. 💬 Want help building a business that actually fits your life? Reach out for coaching at: 👉 https://www.jacobhickscoach.com [https://jacobhickscoach.com/] 🔗 Connect with Lulu: * LinkedIn: Lulu Wang [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luluwang25/] #CreativeEntrepreneur #PurposeDrivenProgress #FromCodeToCreative #ClothingBrand #WomenInTech #AnimeArt #SmallBusinessJourney #BlackFridaySales #PassionToProfit #ArtAndBusiness #SalesCoach #PodcastInterview