The Get Shit Done Experience

Turning Setbacks into Fuel and Finding Your Role

In this special year-end wrap-up, we bring together a powerful collection of voices—from professional athletes and entrepreneurs to mental health advocates. This episode explores the common threads of resilience, the "GSD" (Get Stuff Done) mentality, and the transformative power of failure. Whether it’s navigating a career-ending injury, a business hurdle, or a personal crisis, our guests share how they stayed on the path to success by embracing the grind and keeping their eyes on the next mountain. Key Takeaways * The Gift of Failure: Why failing out of college can be the "best thing that ever happened" by providing the maturity and perspective needed for the real world. * The "Next Mountain" Mentality: The importance of having your next goal scheduled before you finish your current one to avoid stagnation. * Defining Your Role: Lessons from the ice and the mound—you don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest; you have to be the best at your specific role in the organization. * Systems vs. People: Insights into the social injustices of impoverished communities and the resilience of families fighting against rigid systems. * The Power of Sound: A moving look at how music (specifically Pearl Jam) became a lifeline during the recovery from the trauma of a mass shooting. * Handling Mistakes in Business: Why empathy and relatability are your most important tools when things go wrong with a client. Quotes * "The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next. You have to have that next goal ready so that when you knock this one out, you're already looking at the next." * "Mistakes happen. Everyone does that. It’s really how you handle those mistakes... as much as it might not be your fault, you still have to relate to them and understand what they are up against." TIMCODE:  * [00:00] - Snowboarding and Loopholes: A story of qualifying for nationals, navigating an unexpected pregnancy, and using unemployment as a "pro-snowboarding" scholarship. * [04:15] - Hard Truths in Education: Reflecting on a 900-square-foot home with six people and getting rejected from every PhD program applied to. * [07:30] - The Locker Room Culture: The art of staying "cool, calm, and collected" under the pressure of the Stanley Cup finals. * [11:15] - Leaving Home at 16: The grit required to move to a big city alone to pursue a junior hockey career. * [14:40] - Creative Resilience: How a print company owner uses humor, airplanes, and "temperament pushups" to make traditional manufacturing engaging in a digital world. * [18:20] - Healing Through Music: A vulnerable discussion on finding solace in familiar melodies during the sleepless nights following a tragedy. If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward. Take the first step today. Explore what we have to offer: Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/ [https://www.ttsg.com/] Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com [http://gsdnow.com] Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty: https://20twentydesign.com/ [https://20twentydesign.com/] Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation [https://ttsg.com/contact/] and let’s start creating success together! Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Trauma to Triumph: Rob Marshall's Blueprint for a Purpose-Driven Life

In this episode of The Get Shit Done Experience, host John Morris sits down in the studio with Rob Marshall, the founder and owner of Universal Marketing. Rob shares his incredible 30-year journey, from starting a business in his basement just after getting married to building a lasting legacy in the promotional products industry. He opens up about overcoming profound personal tragedy and how those experiences shaped his core values of family, faith, and resilience. This is a powerful conversation about leading with purpose over product, the superpower of authenticity, and how embracing uncomfortable situations is the key to personal and professional growth. Key Takeaways * Adversity is Fuel: The most challenging moments in life can become the bedrock of your strength. Facing adversity builds the resilience needed to grow a business, lead a family, and inspire others. * Purpose Before Product: Lasting success is driven by purpose and principle, not just transactions. When you focus on building genuine relationships and serving others, the business becomes a vehicle for a greater mission. * Authenticity Attracts Opportunity: Sharing your true story—the triumphs and the traumas—is a powerful magnet. It fosters genuine connections and brings people into your life who want to be part of your future story. * Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: True growth happens just outside your comfort zone. Intentionally putting yourself in new and challenging situations, whether joining a prayer group or starting a podcast, is essential for development. * Urgency is a Core Value: In a commoditized industry, the customer experience is everything. A relentless sense of urgency and attention to detail are what separate great brands from the rest and keep customers coming back. Quotes * "Product is very important, but they're more driven by purpose and principle." * "The best thing that ever happened to me was her. She's the most kind, caring, loving, unbelievable mother that I could ever imagine." * "Put yourself in an uncomfortable position to get comfortable. Again." * "It's not how good you are when you're good. It's how good you are when you're bad." * "Tomorrow is not promised. That's the reality of it all." * "I have this saying that the more commoditized your brand or business is... the more humanized your content needs to be." If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward. Take the first step today. Explore what we have to offer: Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/ [https://www.ttsg.com/] Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com [http://gsdnow.com] Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty: https://20twentydesign.com/ [https://20twentydesign.com/] Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation [https://ttsg.com/contact/] and let’s start creating success together! Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together! TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights 01:20 Welcome and Introducing Rob Marshall 02:15 The Power of Authentic Connection on LinkedIn 05:20 Rob’s Journey: College Sports, Finding His Wife, and Early Career 11:30 Sponsor Spotlight: Total Technology Solutions Group (TTSG) 12:45 Overcoming Profound Adversity and Family Tragedy 22:15 Starting Universal Marketing from an Unfinished Basement 32:00 Sponsor Spotlight: GSD Technologies 33:10 Navigating Business Growth and Surviving a Building Fire 41:00 The Pivotal Decision to Move for Family and Finding True Success 51:45 Building a Culture of Urgency and Family 59:00 Sponsor Spotlight: 20Twenty Design 1:00:15 Final Thoughts: The Power of Getting Uncomfortable Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

One Bite at a Time: Building Community with Level Up Social Club

The Get Shit Done Experience is live at Bella Napoli for a buzzing Level Up Social Club networking event. Host John Morris connects with the club's founder, David Ko, along with a dynamic lineup of entrepreneurs and business leaders making their mark in the Chicago suburbs. The evening is a testament to the power of genuine connection and compounding commitment. Guests share powerful stories about building a brand "one bite at a time," leveraging a competitive mindset learned from sports, and the incredible transformation that comes from living an authentic, passion-driven life. It's an energetic look at how top performers get shit done by fostering community and leading with gratitude. Key Takeaways * Community Over Transactions: The foundation of successful networking is putting the person first and the profession second. Focus on building genuine relationships and creating good vibes, and the business will naturally follow. * Build Your Brand One Bite at a Time: Lasting success isn't built overnight. It's the result of compounding commitment—showing up consistently, creating content, and making one genuine connection at a time to build unstoppable momentum. * Authenticity is a Superpower: Living your truth and finding work you're passionate about is not a weakness, but a source of immense energy and drive. It allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and build a life you're proud of. * Embrace the Competitor's Mindset: Lessons from sports—like resilience, understanding that failure is part of the game, and maintaining a competitive drive—are directly transferable to the corporate world and essential for getting shit done. * Your Space is Your Vibe: An office is more than just a place to work; it's an investment in your culture, brand, and employee well-being. Creating an environment where people can thrive boosts productivity and makes a powerful statement to clients. Quotes * "Level Up has always been about the person first and the profession second. It's all about the vibes, not about the highs." * "You know how you build a brand? One event at a time. One meeting at a time. One content piece at a time. One call at a time." * "The most powerful force in the world is compounding commitment." * "I had a hard time understanding that in the sports world, being perfect from a baseball side is impossible. It's a failure sport." * "...treat people how they want to be treated. Meet 'em where they're at." * "Studies show that 4% of employees are actually thriving in a workplace. So we have just started what we call... Project Thrive." If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward. Take the first step today. Explore what we have to offer: Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/ [https://www.ttsg.com/] Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com [http://gsdnow.com] Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty: https://20twentydesign.com/ [https://20twentydesign.com/] Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation [https://ttsg.com/contact/] and let’s start creating success together! Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together! TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights 01:05 Welcome to the Get Shit Done Experience 01:35 Live from the Level Up Social Club Networking Event 02:40 Interview with David Ko: The Power of Community and Gratitude 09:05 Sponsor Spotlight: Total Technology Solutions Group (TTSG) 10:30 Interview with Chris Welock: The Athlete's Mindset in Business 21:50 Sponsor Spotlight: GSD Technologies 23:05 Interview with Dave Savio: Living Beyond Default and Compounding Commitment 37:40 Interview with Marianne Bial: Security, Service, and Making an Impact 40:20 Interview with Colleen Doyle: The ROI of a Thriving Workspace 48:15 Sponsor Spotlight: 2020 Design 49:40 Final Thoughts and Thank You Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Beyond the Press: Print, Purpose, and People

The Get Shit Done Experience welcomes Brian Franz, a dynamic leader from the family-owned and operated commercial print company, Envision3. Brian details his 12-year journey within the company, sharing how he helps a seemingly commoditized industry thrive through authentic human connection and a service-first mindset. He dives into the importance of building a brand on integrity, the power of a disciplined daily strategy, and how his faith drives his passion for helping others succeed. This episode is a masterclass in modern sales, leadership, and finding profound purpose in your work. Key Takeaways * Humanize Your Commodity: In a world of similar products and services, your greatest differentiator is you. The more commoditized your business, the more humanized your content and connections need to be. * Mistakes Are Your Greatest Marketing: Your brand’s strength isn’t measured by perfection, but by how you respond to failure. Owning mistakes with empathy and accountability is the fastest way to build unbreakable customer loyalty. * Purpose Fuels Passion: Aligning your daily work with your core values and a desire to serve others is the true secret to a fulfilling career. When you genuinely want to help people, business becomes a mission, not just a transaction. * Win the Day with a Simple Strategy: Success is built on daily, repeatable actions. Implement a simple, non-negotiable framework (like the 10-5-3-1 strategy) to ensure you are always making progress on the things that matter most. * There is No "Staying Still": In business, faith, and life, you are always moving in one direction or the other. You are either progressing and growing closer to your goals or drifting further away—there is no neutral. * Sell What You Love: Your enthusiasm is contagious. The easiest way to transfer energy and win business is to pursue brands you are personally passionate about, turning you from a salesperson into a true brand advocate. Quotes * "The more commoditized your business is, the more humanized your content needs to be." * "It's really how you handle those mistakes. So you have to be there, you have to empathize with them." * "I wanna help people is what I really do. You know, I wanted to do something with my career that was impactful." * "You are either going closer to Jesus or further from him. That hit so hard. Because it's true... there's no, 'oh, I just stay still.'" * "The difference between trying and training is trying will fail. Trying is not good enough." * "People do business with people they like. That hasn't changed... it won't change." If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward. Take the first step today. Explore what we have to offer: Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/ [https://www.ttsg.com/] Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com [http://gsdnow.com] Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty: https://20twentydesign.com/ [https://20twentydesign.com/] Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation [https://ttsg.com/contact/] and let’s start creating success together! Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together! TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights 01:05 Welcoming Brian Franz to the Show 02:40 Why You Must Humanize a Commodity Business 04:25 The Story of Envision3 08:15 The Highs and Lows of a Family Business 12:35 Navigating a Relationship-Driven, Commoditized Industry 17:15 How Handling Mistakes Defines Your Brand 25:40 Creating the "Light Bulb Moment" for Customers 33:20 The "Why" Behind Helping: Leading with Service and Faith 41:30 The Common Thread: Stewardship, Purpose, and Success 57:30 Why Sales is a Branding and Marketing Game 1:08:15 Building a Modern Sales Team: The 10-5-3-1 Strategy 1:23:45 Mind, Body, and Soul: The Importance of Fitness and Discipline 1:40:15 Brian's Three Pillars for Getting Shit Done 1:51:30 Final Words and How to Connect Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Corporate Grit to Canine Care: The Bark Avenue Story

The Get Shit Done Experience is back in the studio with Michelle Sarwas, the inspiring founder of the award-winning Bark Avenue Day Camp. Michelle shares her incredible journey from a high-level international financial analyst in the corporate world to a purpose-driven entrepreneur. Spurred by personal tragedy and a life-changing master's degree project, she took a leap of faith, trading boardrooms and global deals for the science and love of canine care. For nearly two decades, Michelle has built a business on grit, resilience, and an unwavering mission to do what’s best for the dogs, proving that the greatest successes often come from the boldest decisions. Key Takeaways * Trust Your Gut's Alignment: The most powerful decisions are made when your head, heart, and gut all line up. When you feel that alignment, it’s time to stop analyzing and start moving forward with confidence. * Tragedy Can Be a Catalyst: Profound loss can force a reevaluation of what truly matters. For Michelle, personal hardship became the driving force to leave a secure career and build a life based on passion and purpose. * Leadership is Adaptability: You must manage people the way they need to be managed, not the way that’s most comfortable for you. True leadership requires being a chameleon and adapting your approach to connect with and motivate each individual. * Accountability Defines Your Brand: Your reputation isn't built on being perfect; it's built on how you handle problems. Owning mistakes, taking responsibility, and making things right is what turns a negative experience into lasting customer loyalty. * Know What You Don't Know: Great leaders empower their teams by stepping back. Trusting your people to do their jobs and letting go of the need to control every outcome fosters growth, loyalty, and a stronger business. Quotes * "When your head, your heart, and your gut come into alignment, you'll know. Sprint, start going, and you'll know the answer and just go with it." * "People always say if you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life." * "You have to manage them the way they need to be managed, not the way that's comfortable for you." * "It's not how good you are when you're good. It's how good you are when you're bad." * "Happiness is a choice, and success is a choice. And I don't mean success financially... your business can make a huge profit, and that does not mean you're a success." * "That's the other biggest thing as an owner is know what you don't know." If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. Unlock your business's potential with TTSG! Join forces with us to elevate your brand, streamline your operations, and achieve unparalleled success. With our comprehensive range of services—from IT solutions and cybersecurity to cutting-edge marketing strategies—we empower you to focus on what you do best. Let's create a story worth telling and drive your business forward. Take the first step today. Explore what we have to offer: Experience cutting-edge technology with TTSG: https://www.ttsg.com/ [https://www.ttsg.com/] Unlock your potential with GSD Technologies: http://gsdnow.com [http://gsdnow.com] Transform your vision into reality with 20Twenty: https://20twentydesign.com/ [https://20twentydesign.com/] Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation [https://ttsg.com/contact/] and let’s start creating success together! Partner with TTSG and experience the difference. Let's get shit done together! TIMECODES 00:00 Introduction and Episode Highlights 01:05 Welcome to the GSD Experience 01:50 Introducing Michelle Sarwas and Bark Avenue Day Camp 03:45 From Corporate Finance to Entrepreneur: The Early Journey 06:20 The Capstone Project That Sparked a Real Business\ 09:10 Taking the Leap: Securing an SBA Loan and Giving Notice 15:30 Surviving the 2008 Financial Crisis: "Sink or Swim" 18:15 Overcoming Personal Tragedy and Finding a New Drive 24:45 The Power of Head, Heart, and Gut Alignment 28:30 Building a Culture of Accountability and Customer Service 33:40 The Evolving Science of Dog Care and Enrichment 40:10 How Dogs Teach Us to Manage People (Especially Gen Z)\ 46:50 The Art of Stepping Back to Empower Your Team 50:30 Keys to Getting Shit Done: Decisions, Mission, and Purpose 55:45 Final Words of Encouragement for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.