Crush and Climb

Why Your Health is the Ultimate KPI with Branding Powerhouse Monica Kline In this episode of Crush & Climb, Jason McClain sits down with his dear friend and branding powerhouse, Monica Kline. Monica is a woman of extreme grit, having climbed the corporate ladder to Executive VP before building her own multi-million dollar branding empire. But her journey wasn’t just about profit; it was about survival. Monica shares the raw truth about being a single mother, navigating life-threatening personal trauma, and the “God moments” that forced her to realize that without health, there is no wealth. In this episode, you’ll discover: The 4.0 Version of Success: How Monica pivoted from a workaholic EVP to a health-conscious visionary. Health as a KPI: Why you should monitor your biology with the same intensity you monitor your business metrics. Overcoming the Odds: Monica’s story of being a woman of color in an era that wasn’t always “cool,” and how she turned that into her superpower. The 120 Life: Why Monica is part of a movement of entrepreneurs striving to live to 120 through radical health optimization. Money Solves Problems: A candid look at why financial independence is the ultimate tool for freedom and safety. Watch now to learn how to optimize your life for the long game. Monica Kline, branding expert, women in business, health optimization, entrepreneurship, longevity, grit, financial independence, trauma recovery, mindset, body optimization, Jason McClain, Crush and Climb, business strategy, scaling a business, health KPIs, epigenetics, single mother success. Chapters (00:00:00) - What They Need To Know About Narcissism(00:00:50) - CRUSH AND CLIMB(00:01:57) - Crush and Climb: Cloud 9 Chardonnay(00:04:11) - Monica Klein on Becoming a Businesswoman(00:07:24) - Monica Knowles on Money and Success(00:13:40) - One business owner's battle with anxiety(00:15:49) - What Are Your Greatest Flights Of Fancy?(00:19:35) - How to Stop Powering Through Your Health(00:22:35) - How to Prevent Alzheimer's Early in Life(00:26:05) - What Will You Do With the Time You Have Left?(00:31:32) - How my sister's cancer diagnosis impacted my business plan(00:35:38) - Monica 4.0: On Health and Healing(00:38:30) - What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?(00:40:13) - Monica Winery: A Wine That Matters(00:44:13) - Blow Up, Climb: Crush & Grind

In this candid episode of the Crush & Climb Podcast, host Jason McClain delivers a raw and personal look at the challenges of aging, the noise of modern life, and the critical need to live deliberately. Drawing on his own recent struggles—including a rotator cuff injury and the chaos of juggling family and multiple businesses—Jason shares the surprising, life-changing lesson he learned in physical therapy: “Stop before the pain begins.” This isn’t just about physical health; it’s a profound metaphor for life, career, and relationships. Jason challenges the common “push through the pain” mindset, arguing that constantly fighting against boundaries leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling of just existing rather than living. He introduces a powerful framework to help listeners evaluate their current state, asking them to “Examine the Noise Level of Your Life” through a simple self-assessment. Based on your “decibel level,” you’ll discover whether you are actively making strong choices or caught in a cycle of jitters and chaos. Key Takeaways: The Physical and Emotional Cost of “Pushing Through”: Jason shares how his rotator cuff injury revealed a deeper pattern of always fighting, leading him to question if he’s constantly pushing past the boundaries of what’s healthy in all areas of his life. The Power of Stopping Before the Pain: Discover the counter-intuitive wisdom of recognizing your breaking point and stepping back before you hit it—a strategy for long-term strength, not weakness. Examine Your “Noise Level”: Learn the three-tier system (0-35, 40-65, 70-100 decibels) to gauge the mental and emotional chaos in your life, providing immediate clarity on where you stand. Carpe Diem, Redefined: Jason issues a powerful challenge to stop living for an uncertain tomorrow and start making today matter by prioritizing the people and passions that bring true joy. A Call to Climb: The episode concludes with an emotional call to action: “Your job, your mission, is to make this day the very best.” Mentioned in this Episode: Pivot to Purpose Conclave: An upcoming two-day intensive event dedicated to helping individuals move from crisis to clarity in business and life. (Learn more at Breakthrough Publishing) Jason McClain’s Books: Island of One and Pivot to Profit. Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883 Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climb iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/ Websites: https://www.CrushandClimb.com https://www.JasonMcClain.com https://www.breakthroughpublishing.net Follow on Social Media: Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimb https://www.instagram.com/crushandclimb https://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain https://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclain https://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:, “Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuA This book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired...

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? Like you’re an imposter just waiting to be found out? What if that feeling could be your greatest superpower? In this incredible throwback episode from the “Life Can Change” archives, Crush & Climb host Jason McClain sits down with marketing executive and entrepreneur Joshua Roache. Josh shares his raw and powerful journey from a tough upbringing and living out of his Honda Civic as a homeless teenager to becoming a Chief Marketing Officer. This isn’t just a rags-to-riches story; it’s a deep dive into the psychology of success. Josh reveals how he harnessed the feeling of being an “imposter” and used it as a tool to become the person he wanted to be. He explains why he stopped focusing on “working harder” and instead dedicated himself to one thing: getting better results. If you’ve ever doubted your own abilities or felt like the odds are stacked against you, this conversation will give you the mindset and the strategy to not only overcome but to dominate. What You’ll Learn: • The Imposter’s Advantage: How to reframe “faking it ’til you make it” into a powerful tool for growth. • Results Over Everything: Why focusing on delivering superior results is the ultimate equalizer, regardless of your background or education. • The Power of Discipline: The daily routines and non-negotiables required to build a life of success from scratch. • Defining True Freedom: How to find balance and create a life based on your own terms, not the expectations of others. • How to define and pursue true freedom in a world that constantly tries to put you in a box. Prepare to be inspired. This is a story you won’t forget. Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climbiHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/ Websites:https://www.CrushandClimb.comhttps://www.JasonMcClain.comhttps://www.breakthroughpublishing.net Follow on Social Media:Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimbhttps://www.instagram.com/crushandclimbhttps://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClainhttps://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclainhttps://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuAThis book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data. McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies. “Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!” This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transform perceived limitations into their g...

In a world filled with distraction and disruption, the ability to focus is your ultimate competitive advantage. But how do you maintain clarity when everything around you feels chaotic and uncertain? On this episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain provides a clear, actionable 10-step framework for navigating adversity with precision and purpose. Drawing on hard-won lessons from business and life, he moves beyond platitudes to offer a concrete plan for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to turn struggle into strength. From the strategic importance of diversifying your efforts to the psychological power of a disciplined morning routine, this episode is your personal blueprint for building resilience. Jason also shares the critical mission of “compressing decades into days”—a mindset that will help you take massive action and get results when you need them most. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Ride the Wave of Change: Learn why adapting is more powerful than resisting, and how to “surf” the waves of uncertainty. Define Your “True North”: Discover how to identify your one true mission and use it as a filter for every decision you make. The Anchor of Routine: Jason shares his 5-step morning routine designed to build mental and emotional fortitude before the day’s chaos begins. Plan for Tomorrow, Today: Learn the crucial balance between managing today’s crises and strategically planning for next month and next quarter. Your 7-Day Action Plan: The episode concludes with a powerful assignment to help you immediately implement these strategies and start building momentum. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start acting with intention, this episode is your guide. Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climbiHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/ Websites:https://www.CrushandClimb.comhttps://www.JasonMcClain.comhttps://www.breakthroughpublishing.net Follow on Social Media:Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimbhttps://www.instagram.com/crushandclimbhttps://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClainhttps://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclainhttps://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuAThis book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data. McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies. “Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and... Chapters (00:00:00) - Crush & Climb: Hope & Faith(00:02:38) - A Moment in the Studio(00:03:38) - Uncertain Times: How to Ride the Wave(00:05:20) - In Uncertain Times, Focus on Your Why(00:10:12) - Uncertain Times: Plan for the Future and Adapt(00:15:16) - How to Get Results Out of Uncertain Times

A Tactical Guide to Overcoming Hard Times and Conquering Your Fears Hard times and fear are inevitable, but staying stuck in them is a choice. In this deeply tactical episode of the Crush & Climb podcast, host Jason McClain pulls back the curtain on the exact mindset and strategies required to navigate life’s toughest challenges and conquer the fears that paralyze us. Forget dwelling on the “why”—Jason argues that understanding the cause of a problem isn’t necessary to solve it. Instead, he delivers a powerful, solution-focused framework for taking action. From applying the 80/20 rule to your problems to understanding why “ripping off the band-aid” is crucial, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply today. Jason also dives into the psychology of fear, breaking down the 5 basic human fears that drive our decisions and revealing how to reframe fear from a roadblock into fuel for your success. What You’ll Discover: • A counterintuitive approach to problem-solving that focuses 80% on what’s right. • The 80/20 rule for emotional and mental energy during a crisis. • How to leverage your community and “share the burden” to find solutions faster. • The 5 core fears that subconsciously control you and how to recognize them. • The importance of developing a “short-term memory” for failures, inspired by professional athletes. • A powerful final challenge: to give up your “right to fail” and stop letting assumptions dictate your future. This is the essential guide for anyone ready to stop being a victim of circumstance and start becoming the architect of their comeback. Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climbiHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/ Websites:https://www.CrushandClimb.comhttps://www.JasonMcClain.comhttps://www.breakthroughpublishing.net Follow on Social Media:Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimbhttps://www.instagram.com/crushandclimbhttps://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClainhttps://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclainhttps://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuAThis book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data. McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies. “Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your... Chapters (00:00:00) - Crush & Climb: Overcomer(00:03:31) - How to Get Through a Hard Time(00:07:08) - All Greatness Comes From Struggle(00:14:05) - How to Streamline Your Life(00:14:28) - How to Stay Positive Through Hard Times(00:18:22) - Why You Can Overcome Your Fears(00:26:45) - Jason McLean

We all have an Achilles’ heel—a weakness or vulnerability that holds us back from achieving our greatest potential. But what if you don’t even know what yours is? In this eye-opening episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain guides you on a journey to uncover your personal and professional blind spots. He reveals how the things we don’t know about ourselves are often the very things that prevent us from moving from “good to great.” Using a profound yet simple four-quadrant framework, Jason explains how to dramatically increase your self-awareness. By learning how to effectively solicit feedback, embrace vulnerability through self-disclosure, and create a safe environment for growth, you can shrink your blind spots and expand your “open area” of success. This episode is more than just a lesson; it’s an assignment for a better life. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Johari Window Explained: A practical breakdown of the Open, Hidden, Blind, and Unknown areas of your personality and skills. Why Feedback is a Gift: Learn why a resistance to criticism is a direct barrier to growth and how to start actively listening. From Hidden to Open: Understand the power of strategic self-disclosure in building trust and stronger teams. Take the Test: Jason provides a clear call to action and resources to help you map your own awareness and identify exactly where change is needed. The True Path to Freedom: Discover why finding your blind spot is the first and most critical step toward authentic success in business and life. Ready to see what you’ve been missing? Tune in and start your transformation. Follow the Podcast, Crush and Climb.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crush-and-climb/id1834770883Spotify Podcasts: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/crush-and-climb/Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/da508dd9-3349-478b-8e90-72ea5c2252a8/crush-and-climbiHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/292074359/ Websites:https://www.CrushandClimb.comhttps://www.JasonMcClain.comhttps://www.breakthroughpublishing.net Follow on Social Media:Crush and Climb: @CrushAndClimbhttps://www.instagram.com/crushandclimbhttps://www.facebook.com/crushandclimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClainhttps://www.instagram.com/jasoncmcclainhttps://www.facebook.com/jasoncmcclain Get Jason’s Books on Amazon:,“Pivot to Profit: Turning Failures into Fuel”: https://amzn.to/42DNWuAThis book is for the entrepreneur, the leader, and the salesperson who recognizes that the path to profit is not a straight line. It’s for you if you’re tired of reacting to crises and ready to systematically turn every obstacle into an opportunity. It’s for those who want to stop treating failure as a verdict and start using it as data. McClain provides his battle-tested, four-stage blueprint, the R.I.S.E. System, forged in the fire of his own professional disasters. This is the exact framework he used to bounce forward from ruin to build a thriving luxury wine brand and multiple successful companies. “Island of One: Born Different.  Built to Thrive” : https://amzn.to/42Go94Z“Island of One” is a powerful call to action, reminding you that your unique design is not a mistake, but a magnificent blueprint for success. Discover how to live deliberately, connect authentically from a place of wholeness, and make a meaningful impact, transforming your “island” into a beacon of hope for yourself and others. Your thriving life isn’t a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality, waiting for your conscious, courageous “Yes!” This isn’t just his story; it’s a universal blueprint for anyone seeking to transfo... Chapters (00:00:00) - Blind Spot(00:03:21) - Your Blind Spot(00:06:49) - Blind Area and Hidden Area: How to Grow(00:13:02) - Blind Spots in Your Life(00:18:24) - Take a Test to Change Your Life Forever

He was told he’d never amount to anything. He was fired from a job he hated. He suffered a devastating motorcycle crash that broke his pelvis. So how did Chip Yates go on to set 18 world records and invent the world’s fastest electric motorcycle and airplane? In this episode, host Jason McClain shares a powerful and timeless interview with innovator and daredevil Chip Yates. Chip reveals the counterintuitive philosophy that made him a legend: seek out failure, get comfortable being uncomfortable, and when the world’s rules don’t work for you, create your own. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about transforming life’s biggest setbacks into the launchpad for your greatest achievements. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why getting fired can be the best thing that ever happens to you. The concept of “buying back your time” to invest in your true passions. How a crippling injury led directly to a world-record-breaking innovation. Chip’s strategy for turning a childhood dream into a tangible, record-setting destiny. The importance of constantly setting new goals, especially after you achieve a big one. Websites: https://www.CrushandClimb.com https://www.JasonMcClain.com Follow on Social Media: Crush & Climb: @CrushAndClimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain Get Jason’s Book, “Pivot to Profit”: https://a.co/d/5MDRzM4 Chapters (00:00:00) - Crush & Climb: Opportunity(00:01:00) - Ganache Blanc(00:02:25) - Opportunity to Change(00:05:47) - Riding the Fire Suit With Chip Yates(00:07:03) - This 18-Year-Old Made a Million-Dollar Business(00:12:07) - What Would Go Through Your Mind to Quit Your Job?(00:13:10) - Inventing a High-Speed Motorcycle(00:16:42) - What's It Takes to Turn Your Life Around?(00:18:41) - In the Elevator With Chip McClain

What does it take to develop a true winner’s mind? How do you cultivate the pride and joy that comes from consistently achieving your goals, even when you get knocked down? In this high-energy episode of Crush & Climb, Jason McClain pours a glass of “Pride and Joy” GSM and gives you the fuel for a champion’s mindset. This isn’t just about motivation; it’s a practical breakdown of the principles that separate the best from the rest. Discover the 8 Core Principles of a Winner’s Mind: Be the Best: Why there is no prize for second place and how to adopt a #1 mindset. Success is a Marathon: Embrace the power of methodical, day-by-day progress. Trust Your Gut: Learn to listen to your own inner voice above all others. Tell the Truth: Why there is no value in telling people what they want to hear. Execute or It Doesn’t Exist: How to turn your ideas from distractions into reality. Lead, Don’t Follow: Why you should run the other way when “everyone is doing it.” Solve Real Problems: The key to success is creating innovative solutions, not just content. Never Be Satisfied: Use your accomplishments as fuel for the future, not a place to rest. If you’re ready to stop “almost” winning and start living life on your own terms, this episode is your guide. About The Podcast: Crush & Climb, hosted by author and winery owner Jason McClain, pairs the stories of great wine with the strategies needed to navigate life’s biggest challenges. It’s a guide for leaders and entrepreneurs to build a life that is not just successful, but significant. Connect with Us: Websites: https://www.CrushandClimb.com https://www.JasonMcClain.com Follow on Social Media: Crush & Climb: @CrushAndClimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain Subscribe for your weekly ritual!   #CrushAndClimb #WinnersMindset #SuccessPrinciples #ChampionMindset #AnatomyOfAWinner #Motivation #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HighPerformance #JasonMcClain #TrustYourGut #ExecutionIsEverything @CrushAndClimb @JasonMcClain Chapters (00:00:00) - A Winners Mind(00:03:06) - Get Pumped Up For Your Path to Freedom(00:03:50) - A Winner's Mind(00:08:28) - Follow Your Gut(00:13:24) - By Following Others(00:19:33) - You Are a Winner!(00:20:02) - My Challenge for Today

In this episode of Crush & Climb, Jason McClain pours a glass of “Wings” Pinot Noir and tackles a universal challenge: Why do we fail to achieve our goals? So many of us set goals to lose weight, make more money, or improve our relationships, only to find ourselves back where we started. Jason reveals the practical reasons this happens and provides a clear path forward. This isn’t just about motivation; it’s about building a system for success. In this episode, you will learn: The 5 Main Reasons We Fail: We don’t make the time. The task is harder than we expect. Distractions keep us from the dream. We don’t reward ourselves for progress. We fail to do the maintenance once a goal is achieved. A 5-Step Framework to Finally Succeed: Put In The Time: How to use daily milestones to build powerful habits. Do The Hard Work: Why your “fear is fuel for your future.” Make The Personal Sacrifice: How saying “no” to distractions means saying “yes” to your success. Understand It’s An Ongoing Effort: Success isn’t a destination; it’s something you maintain. Dedicate Yourself To The Process: Learn to find joy and satisfaction in the journey. Join us as we turn raw experience into practical wisdom. It’s time to crush your challenges, climb to new heights, and build a legacy you can be proud of.     About The Podcast: Crush & Climb, hosted by author and winery owner Jason McClain, pairs the stories of great wine with the strategies needed to navigate life’s biggest challenges. It’s a guide for leaders and entrepreneurs to build a life that is not just successful, but significant. Connect with Us: Websites: https://www.CrushandClimb.com https://www.JasonMcClain.com Follow on Social Media: Crush & Climb: @CrushAndClimb Jason McClain: @JasonCMcClain Subscribe for your weekly ritual!   #CrushAndClimb #GoalSetting #Productivity #Mindset #HowToSucceed #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #Motivation #BusinessPodcast #SelfImprovement #PivotToProfit @CrushAndClimb @JasonMcClain Chapters (00:00:00) - McLean Taylor's Wings(00:03:21) - Why We Fail at Our Goals(00:09:01) - The Path to Freedom(00:10:29) - To Meet Your Goals(00:14:05) - Living Well: The Personal Sacrifice(00:17:43) - Path to Freedom: Three Things That Stopped Me From Doing What

In this episode, Jason McClain sits down with his good friend and sales powerhouse, Jeff Helton, to tackle the one thing every business needs to survive: closing the deal. As they open a special bottle of McClain Cellars’ 2017 “Timeless” wine, they use it as a metaphor for the enduring principles of great salesmanship. Whether you’re in a slump, facing the end-of-month crunch, or just looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation is packed with actionable advice from a true master of the craft. In this episode, you will learn: The “No Call” Strategy: Why your most powerful prospects are the ones who have already told you no, and how to re-engage them with new value. It’s Management’s Job to Sell: The counterintuitive reason why managers, not just salespeople, are ultimately responsible for closing deals and how to structure your team for success. Remove the Fear: The single biggest obstacle in any transaction is the customer’s fear of making a bad decision. Learn how to remove that fear and build unshakable trust. Building Your Book of Business: How to treat every interaction as an opportunity to create a loyal, long-term customer base that pays dividends for years to come. Grinding with a Purpose: It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart. Discover the system and daily process that turns activity into consistent, predictable revenue. This isn’t just for car salesmen or wine ambassadors. The lessons in this episode apply to anyone who needs to persuade, motivate, and get to “yes.” Pour yourself a glass and get ready to learn how to climb out of any slump and crush your goals.   Follow Crush and Climb: Instagram: @CrushandClimb Facebook: @CrushandClimb Website: crushandclimb.com Follow Jason McClain: Instagram: @jasoncmcclain Facebook: @jasoncmcclain Website: www.jasonmcclain.com #CrushAndClimb #CrushAndClimbPodcast #jeffhelton #autosales #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Resilience #SuccessMindset #Leadership #Motivation #FailureIsFuel #salesguru #JasonMcClain #PivotToProfit #IslandOfOne #McClainCellars Chapters (00:00:00) - San Jose's Timeless(00:02:39) - Making Money: The timeless quest(00:06:38) - How to Reach Out to the Right People(00:11:08) - "It's All About The Win"(00:12:22) - How to Motivate Your Sales Team?(00:15:48) - The Importance of a Manager(00:20:29) - How to Sell Wine Clubs(00:24:16) - Jason McLean on the Car Dealings(00:29:13) - How To Close a Deal?(00:34:18) - Wine Sales: The No Call(00:39:02) - Crush & Climb: Learning the Joys of Wine(00:42:44) - Crush and Climb: The Sales Process

Ever had a passion so strong you wanted to turn it into a business, only to realize the dream and the reality are worlds apart? In this powerful episode of the Crush and Climb Podcast, Jason sits down with his dear friend Vito La Fata, the visionary owner of the highly-acclaimed La Fata Cellars, for a glass of wine and a brutally honest conversation about the entrepreneurial climb. Vito shares his raw journey of pivoting from a successful career in coaching and marketing to pursuing his family’s legacy in winemaking. But this wasn’t a simple fairytale. He reveals the “moment of reckoning” when he realized his passion project was on a path to failure, costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars in preventable mistakes simply because he had a dream, but not a business model. This is a masterclass for anyone who has ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain if their venture can truly succeed. In this episode, you will learn: The critical difference between a hobby and a business, and the moment Vito realized he was treating his business like a hobby. The story of one costly mistake with wine barrels that perfectly illustrates the importance of having a mentor and a proven model. Why the “hustle” mindset can be dangerous without the right strategy and how to shift from just “doing” to “building.” Vito’s powerful philosophy of “reach up, but reach back”—seeking mentorship while also helping those who are on the climb behind you. How to handle the daily emotional struggles of entrepreneurship and find joy and gratitude even when things get tough. If you’re ready to move beyond the romance of your idea and build a truly sustainable and profitable brand, this conversation is your roadmap. Pour yourself a glass and get ready to crush your assumptions and climb toward a smarter future. Connect with our Guest: Winery: La Fata Cellars Website: www.lafatacellars.com Instagram: @lafatacellars Follow Crush and Climb: Instagram: @CrushandClimb Facebook: @CrushandClimb Website: crushandclimb.com Follow Jason McClain: Instagram: @jasoncmcclain Facebook: @jasoncmcclain Website: www.jasonmcclain.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Crosst and Climb: Vito Lofata(00:01:01) - Crush and Climb: Vito Lafada(00:02:36) - Love & Happiness Pinot Noir(00:04:00) - How to Cope: The Transition to Profit(00:04:47) - What Made Me Quit the Wine Business(00:08:12) - Starting a Wine Brand: Where the Failure Became Fuel(00:14:01) - The Transition From Coaching to Wine(00:16:33) - Choosing the Right Choices(00:19:35) - Are You Happy?(00:24:05) - What Do You Say to Someone Who's Struggling?(00:29:12) - What They Didn't Tell You About Life(00:32:06) - In the Elevator With Peter Thiel(00:34:37) - The Core Opportunities of Starting a Wine Business(00:41:03) - Wine and Love(00:44:44) - Crush & Climb

In this captivating episode of Crush & Climb, host Jason McClain uncorks a bottle of McClain Cellars’ Summer Breeze with special guest Cheri Tree, a world-renowned author, speaker, and the founder of the B.A.N.K.™ personality system. Jason and Cheri dive deep into the world of sales and human connection, challenging the age-old belief that “sales is a numbers game.” Cheri reveals her own journey from a struggling financial advisor to a multi-million dollar earner, all by shifting her focus from chasing “no” to strategically seeking “yes.” She explains how her B.A.N.K. system, an acronym for Blueprint, Action, Nurturing, and Knowledge, scientifically decodes a person’s buying behavior in less than 90 seconds. Discover how understanding your client’s unique B.A.N.K. code can dramatically increase your sales success rate, eliminate the hustle and grind, and give you back your most valuable resource: your time. Jason shares his own experience using a similar methodology to define his ideal customer profile (ICP) for McClain Cellars, and together they reveal how the B.A.N.K. system could have been the missing piece of his strategy. This episode isn’t just for entrepreneurs and salespeople. Cheri shares heartwarming stories of how the B.A.N.K. system has transformed family dynamics, mended relationships, and even saved a life by fostering a deeper understanding of one another’s core values. This episode is a powerful blend of business strategy and emotional intelligence, proving that whether you’re trying to close a deal or connect with a loved one, making people matter is the key to lasting success. About the Guest: Cheri Tree is an author, speaker, and the founder of the B.A.N.K.™ system, a revolutionary personality methodology based on the science of buying behavior. Her books include Why They Buy and Make People Matter. To learn more and get your own B.A.N.K. code, visit https://crackmycode.com/free. Chapters (00:00:00) - Crush and Climb: Sherry Tree(00:01:52) - Summer Breeze Winemaker(00:03:06) - A Summer Breeze(00:03:58) - Pivot to Profit: The Bank System(00:06:36) - Go for No in Sales(00:08:50) - How to Get the Yes(00:12:48) - Pivot to Profit(00:14:49) - The bank program to pick out your ideal client profile(00:17:11) - The Bank Code of Your Ideal Client(00:19:32) - Ideal Client Code(00:22:00) - The 3-Step Bank Code of Your Ideal Client(00:26:15) - Confessions of a Values-based Salesperson(00:28:02) - Pivot to Profit: How to Stop Grinding and Get Paid(00:30:21) - Break the Bank: How to Manage Your Relationships(00:34:37) - Why They Buy vs. Make People Matter(00:37:42) - Cherry Trees