In this episode, Bryan chats with Billy Downs about the ins and outs of the restaurant industry, from building a strong team culture to maintaining a clear vision and core values. Billy shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hospitality to becoming a successful restaurant entrepreneur, including the evolution of Ford’s Garage. They dive into the challenges of leadership, the power of mentorship, and the potential of franchise opportunities in shaping the industry. Billy also discusses the importance of servant leadership, identifying your superpower, and balancing fun and love in work. Tune in to uncover key insights on creating a thriving business culture and achieving long-term success in any industry.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Passion for Hospitality and Team Culture
• 05:12 Journey into the Restaurant Business
• 09:56 Building a Team-Oriented Culture
• 14:54 Vision and Values in Business
• 20:07 Franchise Opportunities and Growth
• 27:10 The Evolution of Ford's Garage
• 29:04 The Importance of Servant Leadership
• 32:27 Culture and Hospitality in Business
• 34:51 Identifying Your Superpower
• 37:14 Navigating Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
• 40:34 The Difference Between Fun and Love in Work
• 42:02 Maintaining Culture Through Transitions
• 46:54 Key Takeaways for Building a Strong Culture
• 50:39 Future Aspirations for Ford's Garage

Connect with Billy:

• Facebook: @BillyDowns
• LinkedIn : @BillyDowns

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

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Bryan chats with Jason Okroy about his journey from soccer player to entrepreneur, building a purpose-driven company that hires veterans and creates a strong culture. They discuss the transition from sports to business, the power of curiosity, and the challenges of scaling a business. Jason shares insights on leadership, mentorship, and leaving a lasting legacy through meaningful work. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on passion, growth, and making an impact.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 03:00 Transitioning from Sports to Business
• 06:13 The Importance of Curiosity and Feedback
• 09:05 Building a Business with Purpose
• 11:50 Navigating Challenges in Hiring Veterans
• 15:12 Establishing Company Values and Culture
• 18:00 Creating a Movement in Veteran Employment
• 20:53 Legacy and Impact Beyond Business
• 25:11 Navigating Business Growth and Partnerships
• 30:10 The Role of Private Equity in Scaling Businesses
• 35:20 Embracing Data and Board Dynamics
• 39:14 Post-Transaction Reflections and Humility
• 45:19 Future Aspirations and Mentorship

Connect with Brad:

• LinkedIn: @jasonokroy

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan interviews American soccer legend Brad Friedel, who shares his incredible journey from playing in the English Premier League to leading as a sporting director in Turkey. Brad opens up about the unique challenges American players face in European leagues, the rapid evolution of soccer in the U.S., and the art of building a strong, resilient team culture. Dive into powerful insights on leadership, selecting the right talent, and balancing work-life demands in high-pressure sports environments. Friedel also highlights his approach to winning, the importance of character in player recruitment, and his commitment to inspiring the next generation.

Key Moments

• Chapter00:00 The Journey of an American Soccer Pioneer
• 05:49 Transitioning from Player to Sporting Director
• 11:56 Building a High-Performing Team
• 20:04 Leadership and Culture in Sports Organizations
• 26:22 Winning Trophies and Authentic Leadership
• 31:11 Character Assessment in Player Recruitment
• 36:29 Scouting and Preparing for Success
• 42:11 Lessons from a Storied Career
• 48:22 Legacy and Inspiring Future Generations

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

Jeremy Aisenberg is back for a candid conversation on finding your true North Star. Together, Bryan and Jeremy dive into what it means to define meaningful personal and professional goals, uncovering the purpose and alignment needed to make life and work truly fulfilling. Jeremy shares powerful insights and personal stories from his entrepreneurial journey, providing a practical framework to help you discover your North Star and confidently navigate your unique path. Tune in for an inspiring discussion packed with actionable takeaways on purpose, passion, and the road to success.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Finding Your North Star
• 10:01 Defining Purpose and Goals
• 20:12 The Importance of Alignment
• 30:10 Embracing the Journey

Connect with Jeremy:

• Instagram: @jaisenberg
• LinkedIn: @jeremyaisenberg
• Website: www.TalentBrandLabs.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Bryan Finnerty interviews Robert Wolfe, founder of Moosejaw Mountaineering, Crowdrise, and now Zeck, to discuss his dynamic entrepreneurial journey and the importance of hard work, luck, and genuine customer connection. They delve into the unique culture at Moosejaw, the challenges of building a company from the ground up, and the role of goal-setting and accountability in achieving success. Robert shares valuable insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need to embrace chaos, enjoy the ride, and stay dedicated to working hard.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Robert Wolfe and His Ventures
• 01:36 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Days and Moosejaw's Founding
• 07:58 The Role of Luck and Hard Work in Success
• 10:52 Connecting with Customers: Moosejaw's Unique Approach
• 15:36 Company Culture: Embracing Chaos and Fun
• 27:23 Building an Awesome Company vs. Building to Sell
• 32:49 The Importance of Goals and Accountability
• 40:56 Conclusion and Future Insights

Connect with Robert:

• LinkedIn: @robertw
• Website: www.zeck.app

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

Bryan sits down with renowned golf instructor and entrepreneur Michael Breed to explore his journey from a passionate golfer to a leader in the industry. Michael shares how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his career, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, accountability, and support in individual sports. He reflects on lessons learned from both successes and setbacks and how quotes and journaling have been pivotal in his personal growth. Michael’s philosophy focuses on over-delivering in relationships, the integrity required for lasting partnerships, and the art of active listening as a key to success. Through inspiring personal anecdotes, he reveals his commitment to improving golf equipment, prioritizing family, embracing challenges, and leaving a legacy of care and motivation.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Michael Breed's Journey
• 02:52 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Influences and Growth
• 05:47 Team Dynamics in Individual Sports
• 09:01 Leadership: Balancing Accountability and Support
• 11:48 Learning from Experiences: Good and Bad
• 15:02 The Power of Quotes and Journaling
• 18:10 Integrity in Partnerships and Relationships
• 21:00 Over-Delivering: The Key to Successful Relationships
• 23:51 Listening and Helping: Cultivating Long-Term Success
• 29:09 Innovative Ideas in Golf Equipment
• 33:54 The Importance of Family and Career Decisions
• 39:13 Embracing Failure and Learning from Mistakes
• 43:02 Legacy and the Power of Caring
• 50:58 Motivational Speaking and Making an Impact

Connect with Michael:

• Instagram: @michaelbreed
• Facebook: @anewbreedofgolf
• YouTube: @michaelbreed
• LinkedIn: @michaelbreedgolf
• Website: michaelbreed.com

Resources:

•The Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon

•Thinking for a Change by John Maxwell

•Failing Forward by John Maxwell

•The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

•The Pyramid of Success by John Wooden

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

In this episode, Cisco Terreros, founder of Felkrem, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur in Colombia to a successful sports agent. He opens up about the challenges of being an immigrant, managing ADHD, and overcoming personal struggles like divorce. Cisco emphasizes the importance of mentorship and authenticity in representing athletes, focusing on personal growth. Bryan joins the conversation to discuss building a culture of humility in the sports industry and how Felkrem empowers athletes through scouting, mentoring, and support. Tune in for an inspiring look at entrepreneurship and personal development in the sports world.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Cisco Terreros and His Journey
• 03:06 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Early Experiences and Challenges
• 06:04 Immigrant Experience: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Opportunity
• 09:05 Passion for Sports: The Path to Sports Agency
• 12:12 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: The Decision to Go Solo
• 14:59 Navigating Challenges: Personal Struggles and Professional Growth
• 17:46 Building Felkrem: A New Approach to Athlete Representation
• 21:54 Building a Culture of Authenticity
• 25:13 The Importance of Humility in Sports
• 29:25 Teaching Humility: Lessons from Experience
• 33:01 Scout, Mentor, Achieve: A Unique Approach
• 39:23 Embracing Growth Through Pain

Connect with Cisco:

• Instagram: @felkrem
• LinkedIn: @felkrem
• Website: www.felkrem.com

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.

Join Bryan in an inspiring and heartfelt conversation as he interviews his mother, a trailblazing entrepreneur who turned her early jobs into a thriving salon business. Get a behind-the-scenes look at her journey—from the challenges of building a successful business to the triumphs of creating a positive work environment. Discover powerful insights on following your dreams, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the priceless lessons that have shaped their family’s entrepreneurial legacy.

Key Moments

• 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Journey
• 01:01 Early Career and Education Path
• 03:56 Transitioning to Salon Ownership
• 10:10 Navigating Business Challenges
• 15:26 Creating a Positive Work Environment
• 19:10 Reflections on Business Experience
• 24:56 Advice for Future Generations

Connect with Bryan:

Check out the website: www.whatsnextpodcast.com
Connect with Bryan on Instagram: @bryanfinnerty22
Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: @bryanfinnerty

PS- Do you love this podcast? We would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review for the show. This will continue to help us support athletes as they transition to what's next.

Don't forget to FOLLOW the podcast so you don't miss a single episode.