No Base Pay Podcast with Spencer Campbell

Josh Mueller didn’t start as a natural.He started broke… inconsistent… and honestly, not very good at selling.On probation, figuring life out, and just trying to pay his bills.But 25 years later he’s one of the most influential reps in company history, a $1M+ producer, and someone who’s helped develop thousands of high performers.So what changed?In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Josh breaks down the long game—what it actually takes to go from struggling rep to elite operator, why “find the master, follow the model” became the foundation of his career, and how most people fall short simply because they never fully commit to the process.He shares the moment with his dad that flipped the switch, the early years of scraping by, and the systems, partnerships, and mindset shifts that allowed him to scale multiple businesses without burning out.This one isn’t about quick wins.It’s about what happens when someone stays in the game long enough to actually become great.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Josh Mueller03:00 – Early Life, Trouble, and Turning Point08:00 – The Moment That Changed Everything13:00 – Starting Cutco With No Skill18:00 – Struggling the First Few Years23:00 – “Find the Master, Follow the Model”27:00 – Work Ethic vs Talent32:00 – Then vs Now (Technology Shift)38:00 – Building a Real Book of Business43:00 – Mentorship and Learning Faster48:00 – Amy’s Role in His Success55:00 – Partnership in Business & Life1:02:00 – Avoiding Burnout Over 25 Years1:08:00 – Long-Term Vision vs Short-Term Execution1:14:00 – Monthly Checkpoints & Financial Clarity1:20:00 – The “Slow Burn” Approach to Success1:26:00 – Time Management & Lifestyle First1:32:00 – Scaling Multiple Income Streams1:38:00 – Hardest Moments in His Career1:44:00 – Learning From People He Mentored1:50:00 – The Power of Strategic Partnerships1:56:00 – Why Most People Never Max Out Their Potential2:02:00 – Final Advice for Reps & Leaders

Most reps chase bigger weeks.Jenni Vega built a business that let her step away from them.$8.2M+ in career sales. Top 15 all-time in Cutco history. Nearly $300K years working ~15 hours a week. And a system that produces income even when she’s not the one taking the orders.But it didn’t start that way.She was laid off from a telemarketing job… took a chance on a newspaper ad… had a zero fast start… and took an entire year just to hit $25K.What changed?Not talent. Not luck.Direction.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Jenni breaks down how she transitioned from grinding demos to building one of the most efficient gifting businesses in the company, why most reps stay stuck too long in the wrong lane, and how she used Cutco as the foundation to build a serious real estate portfolio and long-term wealth strategy.This one is about playing a different game entirely.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Jenni Vega: $8.2M Career & Top 15 All-Time 03:00 – From Layoff to Finding Cutco Through a Newspaper 07:00 – A Zero Fast Start & First Year Struggles11:00 – Reverse Field Training That Changed Everything15:00 – Early Mentors: Amy Müller & Kevin Hannah19:00 – The Old Cutco Days vs. Today’s Opportunity23:00 – Burnout & Leaving the Business (2006–2008)27:00 – Coming Back & Rebuilding Full-Time31:00 – Discovering the Realtor Program35:00 – First Realtor Talk (and Getting Challenged Immediately)39:00 – Transitioning Out of Demos & Shows43:00 – Building a More “Passive” Sales Engine47:00 – Working Less, Producing More51:00 – Why Cutco Is Easier Than Selling Anything Else55:00 – The Power of Niche & Specialization59:00 – Masterminds, Mentorship, and Staying Sharp1:03:00 – Building Income Outside of Cutco1:07:00 – First Airbnb & Getting Started in Real Estate1:11:00 – Growing to Multiple Properties & Partnerships1:15:00 – The “Slow Flip” Strategy Explained1:20:00 – Using Other People’s Money (OPM)1:24:00 – Why Real Estate = Leverage + Wealth1:28:00 – Fear, Timing, and Getting Started Anyway1:32:00 – Systems, Delegation, and Scaling Everything1:36:00 – The Long-Term Vision: Retire in Early 50s1:40:00 – Final Advice: Pick a Strategy & Go

Steph Helgeson didn’t struggle to get going. She had a fast start.Early momentum. Early wins. Proof right away that she could do this at a high level.But like a lot of reps, the real question wasn’t how to start…It was how to sustain it.Because what comes after the fast start is where most people fall off.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Steph breaks down what it actually takes to turn early success into something long-term, how she navigated the pressure and expectations that come with starting strong, and why the reps who last are the ones who evolve past just “riding momentum.”She shares what it looked like to grow into leadership, build consistency beyond the hype of early wins, and create a life and business that actually holds up over time.This one is about turning a fast start into something that actually lasts.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Steph Helgeson03:00 – Getting Started in Cutco Without a Fast Start07:00 – Early Struggles & Finding Confidence11:00 – The Reality of the “Middle Phase” Most People Quit In15:00 – Building Momentum Without External Validation19:00 – Learning How to Actually Work the Job23:00 – Mentorship & Influence That Shaped Her Path27:00 – Staying Consistent When Results Weren’t There Yet31:00 – Identity Shift: From Rep to Leader35:00 – Leadership Lessons That Actually Matter39:00 – Balancing Life, Work, and Priorities43:00 – Avoiding Burnout While Still Growing47:00 – Why Most People Leave Too Early51:00 – The Compounding Effect of Staying in the Game55:00 – Systems, Habits, and Consistency59:00 – Relationships & Building a Support System1:03:00 – The Role of Faith & Personal Values1:07:00 – Redefining Success Over Time1:11:00 – What She Would Do Differently Starting Over1:15:00 – Advice for New Reps Feeling Behind1:20:00 – The Long-Term Vision & What She’s Building Toward1:25:00 – Final Thoughts: Stay Longer Than You Think

Most people learn sales.Roger Rodriguez became someone people want to buy from.From growing up in Mexico and learning English through pure curiosity and energy… to being turned away at the border as a kid… to building a $3M+ Cutco career, Rolex, Hall of Fame status, and some of the most unforgettable client experiences in the business, Roger didn’t just get good at selling.He built a presence.A presence that turns towel hand-offs into conversations… conversations into relationships… and relationships into $10K+ orders years later.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Roger breaks down how curiosity became his edge, why mentorship changed everything for him, how he creates unforgettable client experiences, and what it actually means to live with discipline, intention, and joy. In business and in life.This one hits way deeper than sales.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Roger Rodriguez: Energy, Presence, and First Impressions04:00 – Growing Up in Mexico & Learning English Through Curiosity08:30 – The Border Story: Rejection, Perspective, and Early Lessons12:30 – “It’s Who You’re With” – Lessons from His Dad16:00 – Getting Started in Cutco at 1920:00 – From $400 Paychecks to Bigger Vision24:00 – Building Confidence, Communication, and Presence28:00 – The Power of Mentorship & Coaching32:00 – Turning Conversations into Relationships36:00 – $3M+ Career Sales, Rolex, and Hall of Fame40:00 – Breaking Down Big Weeks, Big Orders, and Consistency44:00 – The Calendar Club & Insane Commitment Stories48:00 – Discipline vs. Motivation: Doing What You Said You’d Do52:00 – Marriage, Partnership, and Complementary Strengths56:00 – Becoming a Father & Raising the Standard1:00:00 – Joy vs. Happiness: Living a Full Life1:03:00 – “Do It Scared” – Confidence Through Action1:05:00 – Final Message: Keep Challenging Yourself

Most reps chase attention.Kadeem Samuels built a career by avoiding it.Nothing but consistent $500K–$600K years… $3.7M+ in career sales… and a reputation as one of the most disciplined, under-the-radar professionals in Cutco.From starting in 2012 as a college wrestler working three jobs… to selling virtually before it was normal… to turning follow-up into a weapon that produced $50K+ orders years later, Kadeem didn’t just work the system, he mastered the fundamentals most people ignore.He’s a former D1 wrestler, Olympic Trials competitor, mechanical engineer, and one of the most process-driven reps in the business. All while designing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, autonomy, and long-term scalability.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Kadeem breaks down the real power of follow-up, how to simplify your demo to close more, why most reps misunderstand time and scheduling, and how discipline outside the business directly translates to dominance inside it.This is a masterclass in consistency, patience, and building quiet leverage over time.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – From College Wrestler to Cutco Rep04:30 – Three Jobs, $18/hr, and Getting Started08:00 – Virtual Selling Before It Was Normal12:00 – Turning Down Management for Engineering16:00 – Life as a Nuclear Power Plant Engineer20:00 – Discipline from Wrestling & Olympic Trials25:00 – Training Like an Athlete While Selling Full-Time30:00 – Nutrition, Energy, and Event Performance35:00 – $3.7M Career Sales & Staying Under the Radar39:00 – Simplifying the Demo to Close More43:00 – The True Power of Follow-Up48:00 – The 6-Year Follow-Up That Led to $50K+ Orders54:00 – How to Follow Up Without Being Annoying59:00 – Breaking Down a $57K Week1:03:00 – Time Freedom vs. Work Ethic1:07:00 – Why Mentorship Is an Investment1:12:00 – Reading Nonverbals & Advanced Sales Awareness1:17:00 – Scaling Your Business Without Burning Out1:21:00 – Building Toward Time Freedom

Most reps think gifting is a side play.Tony Carlston turned it into a quarter-billion-dollar vertical.From quitting Taco Bell on day two of training… to making $43,000 his senior year of high school… to winning Silver Cup twice and eventually building the largest gifting ecosystem in Cutco history, Tony didn’t just sell knives — he redesigned the model.Today, he oversees Cutco Gifting, owns Branding Tools (the exclusive engraving partner responsible for 1,000–2,000 knives per day), and has helped generate over $230 million in closing gift sales. He’s built businesses, raised eight kids, races motorcycles 25 days a year, and lives with complete autonomy over his time.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Tony breaks down how he accidentally created Cutco Closing Gifts, why most reps misunderstand entrepreneurship, what it actually takes to scale something for decades, and why “get rich quick” is the wrong question to be asking.This is a masterclass in leverage, long-term thinking, systems, culture, and building something that lasts.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – From Taco Bell to 43K Senior Year05:00 – Becoming a Top Rep & Moving Into Management10:00 – Discovering Business Gifts at RDC14:00 – The Keller Williams Breakthrough19:00 – Turning a One-Time Purchase into Repeat Revenue24:00 – The Realtor Methodology That Changed Everything29:00 – Building the First Realtor Sales Kit33:00 – The Commission Cut & Starting an Engraving Business38:00 – Four Machines in a Garage → Branding Tools43:00 – Becoming the Exclusive Engraver for Cutco47:00 – Cutco Closing Gifts → Cutco Gifting52:00 – $230M in Sales & Scaling to Million-Dollar Reps56:00 – Management vs. Personal Sales: The Tradeoffs1:00:00 – Why Gifting Works (And Why Businesses Need It)1:06:00 – Drop Ship, Systems, and Scaling Smart1:10:00 – The Hardest Days at Branding Tools1:14:00 – Entrepreneurship: Mess It Up Until It Works1:18:00 – Wealth, Autonomy, and Lifestyle Design1:22:00 – Why “Get Rich Quick” Is the Wrong Question1:26:00 – The Future of Cutco Gifting

You press the button. The order ships. The product shows up.But behind every color, suspension, sheath, pricing update, and new release… there’s a process most reps never see.For nearly 30 years, Pam Bailey has been one of the most important behind-the-scenes leaders at Cutco. As Marketing Manager, she oversees product, pricing, and promotions... balancing factory capacity, margins, partnerships, engineering constraints, inventory forecasting, and rep expectations.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Pam pulls back the curtain.She explains why some products disappear. Why others can’t come back (even if demand is loud). Why suspensions happen. What it really takes to introduce a new color. How long product planning actually takes. And why something that seems “simple” from the field can be incredibly complex behind the scenes.If you’ve ever asked:“Why don’t we have red ultimate sets?”“When is the griddle coming back?”“Why can’t we just bring back sewing shears?”“Why can’t we engrave everything?”This episode gives you perspective, straight from the source.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Welcome Pam Bailey02:03 – How Pam Got Started at Cutco05:36 – What a Marketing Manager Actually Does08:29 – Inside the 75th Anniversary Product Rollouts11:13 – How Far in Advance Products Are Planned13:41 – Backup Plans & Products That Never Launched18:13 – What It Takes to Approve a New Product22:43 – How Cutco Decides If a Product Makes Sense25:11 – Limited Releases That Could Become Permanent29:11 – What It Takes to Make a New Color Permanent35:03 – Why We Don’t Have Red Ultimate Sets38:09 – Straight-Edge Santokus Explained41:06 – Why Sewing Shears Were Discontinued46:28 – Cookware Suspensions & The Griddle Update51:04 – Lockback Engraving Suspension53:50 – Factory Capacity & Inventory Strategy57:22 – Will We Get More Pocket Knives?1:00:09 – Most Requested Products from Reps1:02:25 – What Pam Loves About Her Role1:04:18 – The Toughest Part of the Job1:07:20 – What Reps Should Understand About Corporate

From tossing a Cutco letter in the trash to becoming the youngest and fastest rep to $10 million in personal sales… Brandon Brown’s journey is a masterclass in long-term mastery.Starting in 2007 after leaving his job at “Soup Plantation,” Brandon didn’t explode overnight. His first eight years? Roughly $1 million in sales. The next stretch? $9 million. Along the way: multiple $100K pushes, $170K events, 10 out of 12 months over $100K, mentoring 14 reps to $100K+ growth years, and quietly building one of the most respected reputations in the entire company.But what separates Brandon isn’t just production, it’s psychology. The calm presence. The value-based approach. The systems. The delegation. The discipline to live off 30% and invest the rest. The shift from chasing accolades to building legacy.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Brandon breaks down the three phases of his Cutco career, the difference between achievement and mastery, and why mentorship — not milestones — is now his driving force.If you care about longevity, efficiency, financial discipline, and selling with intention… this one is generational.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Welcome Brandon Brown (Live from Guam)02:16 – 7/7/07: How It All Started03:59 – Leaving Soup Plantation & Going All In05:12 – Youngest & Fastest to $10M09:16 – Mentoring 14 Reps to $100K Growth Years10:56 – 100% Commitment & Surrendering Old Habits15:19 – Pressure-Testing Goals & Coaching Framework16:50 – Calm Under Pressure: Stress, Anxiety & Control21:03 – The Psychology of Selling24:32 – 18 Years to $10M: Breaking It Into Phases26:17 – First 8 Years: Grinding to $1M27:53 – Phase Two: Mastery & The Million-Dollar Years29:29 – Phase Three: Mentorship Over Accolades33:54 – Systems for Selling $1M a Year35:17 – Delegation & Knowing Your Hourly Worth38:32 – When He Took Systems Seriously40:40 – Mentors Inside & Outside Cutco42:52 – Early Management Experience44:24 – Public Speaking: Structure, Themes & Delivery49:55 – Life Outside Cutco: Marriage, Travel & Vision52:42 – Retiring at 44 & Designing Optionality57:12 – Real Estate Investing Strategy1:00:40 – Living Off 30% & Delayed Gratification1:05:33 – Legacy: Value-Based Selling & Psychology1:10:10 – Final Reflections & Ripple Effect

Most reps believe they have to choose:Choose money or freedom. Choose business or health. Choose travel or consistency.Reanna Raymond-Sarver decided she didn’t.From a 17-year-old high school senior in Detroit to a nearly $1M career CSP selling $250K+ years, Reanna has quietly built a business that funds 10-day vacations in St. Martin, $21K home show weeks, a disciplined fitness lifestyle, and a marriage rooted in growth.A former Branch Manager, Pilot, and District Manager who shut down her office during one of the hardest seasons of her life… who rebuilt herself from scratch as a CSP and designed a schedule that works around date nights, workouts, service calls, and travel.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Reanna opens up about:Why she walked away from management and chose the CSP pathHow pandemic isolation and anxiety reshaped her identityThe difference between leading others vs. leading yourselfBuilding a new customer base from zero after moving citiesSelling $21K at a home show with 56 claimed customer ticketsWhy demos still matter at $900K+ in career salesThe “power pusher vs. consistency crusher” mentality shiftHow she structures her weeks around gym, faith, marriage, and businessThe truth about being a female CSP in a male-dominated spaceFighting isolation as a young CSP and building real communityWhy identity shifts matter more than routines in fitnessHer vision for a 400–500K business while raising kidsReanna’s story isn’t about balance.It’s about standards.About designing your schedule on purpose.About realizing you don’t have to leave Cutco to evolve, you just have to build it differently.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Reanna Raymond-Sarver: Selling from St. Martin02:00 – Growing Up in Detroit & Entrepreneurial Roots05:00 – Starting at 17: From High School Senior to Assistant Manager08:00 – Branching, Piloting, and Running a Million-Dollar Office11:00 – Pandemic Leadership & Shutting Down Her DM Office15:00 – Choosing CSP: Closing the Office & Starting Over19:00 – Rebuilding Confidence After Isolation23:00 – Manager vs. CSP: Leading Others vs. Leading Yourself27:00 – Being a Female CSP in a Male-Dominated World32:00 – The Isolation of Young CSPs & Building Community36:00 – $21K Home Show Week & 56 Claimed Tickets40:00 – Why Demos Still Matter at $900K Career Sales44:00 – Moving Cities & Rebuilding a Customer Base from Zero48:00 – Structuring the Perfect Week: Noon Starts & Date Nights53:00 – Business Gift Building & Cold Stop-Bys58:00 – Power Pusher vs. Consistency Crusher Mentality1:03:00 – Designing Vacations Without Losing Momentum1:08:00 – Faith, Fitness, and Identity Shifts1:13:00 – Weighing Food, Discipline, and Bigger Whys1:18:00 – Vision: 400–500K Years, Coaching, and Future Kids1:23:00 – What She Would Change About the CSP Opportunity1:26:00 – Final Message: You Don’t Have to Choose

Aimee Mueller is one of the most influential people in the Cutco/Vector world, and she doesn’t technically “work” for Cutco.In this episode, we sit down with Aimee to unpack the full story most people don’t know: growing up in poverty, paying her own way through college, becoming a top District Manager, working in the Region office, founding Vast Action, and building a life of financial freedom alongside her husband, Josh Mueller.Aimee shares what Cutco truly meant to her, how she went from an under-confident 18-year-old to a respected business owner and speaker, why she and Josh chose not to have kids, what financial freedom actually means to them, and the principles that have guided 30 years of growth.This is not just a Cutco story. It’s a blueprint for long-term development, intentional living, and building something that compounds for decades.💡 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Aimee Mueller01:15 – Growing Up Poor & Deciding to Break the Pattern02:29 – Selling Cutco Through College (Debt-Free + 3.98 GPA)03:16 – Branch, District, Rolex, and Opening Oklahoma05:02 – The Hardest Year as a District Manager08:52 – Working in the Region Office & Mentoring Managers10:10 – Leaving to Speak, Write, and Eventually Build Vast Action14:53 – From Scared 18-Year-Old to Competent Adult15:33 – Four Principles That Changed Her Life21:18 – How Aimee & Josh Met (And Why He Almost Got Fired)25:16 – Financial Freedom & Their Real End Goal30:13 – Why They Chose Not to Have Kids36:08 – The Origin Story of Vast Action46:32 – The Hardest Parts of Running a Business52:16 – Time Management, Scheduling, and Momentum1:00:04 – The Summer She Planned $300K and Hit It1:02:02 – Earning the Right to Work Big Events1:08:09 – What Cutco Truly Meant to Her1:14:00 – What She’s Most Excited About This Year

Mikayla Flake didn’t come into Vector as a “natural.” She started as an SMRA/receptionist, fumbled her fast start (she’ll tell you the number), tried to quit more than once, and was still clocking shifts at Olive Garden while figuring out if selling knives was even real.Fast forward: she becomes a District Manager, hits President’s Banquet, builds a business heavily powered by social recruiting, and then makes the move that tests everything—starting from scratch in a brand new territory (Northwest Arkansas) while balancing engagement, a new community, and the pressure that comes with being “proven” in one city… and brand new in another.If you’re a manager (or future manager) who wants the honest version of what the job looks like... virtual offices, rebuilding seasons, social media non-negotiables, the female-manager dynamics nobody says out loud, and what it actually takes to “make the summer start now” this one is a masterclass.And the marathon story might be the most unhinged thing we’ve ever covered on this podcast.💡 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Mikayla Flake (Vegas, PE Banquet energy)01:08 – How She Got Started: SMR + Receptionist Before Selling02:52 – The “Camera Off” Training + First Real Step Into Sales04:57 – $700 Fast Start, Almost Quitting, and Why She Stayed05:44 – Florida Move, Rent Pressure, and Taking More Appointments06:07 – Becoming a High School Spanish Teacher (and Still Selling)06:50 – Fast Track Into Asst. Manager (Because She Already Knew PRs)07:44 – “If I Wanted to Be a District Manager… What Would I Do?”08:52 – Training Inside Darren Gardner’s Office (Mentorship Shift)09:16 – Opening as a DM During Divisional/Virtual Operations10:30 – What Day-to-Day Management Actually Looks Like (Highs/Lows)13:28 – First Year: Surviving, Social Media as the Only Lever14:32 – Missing PB (Barely), Not Even Realizing It Mattered15:15 – Second Summer: Doubled, Staff Challenges, Finally Hit PB16:49 – Recruiting vs Development Seasons (What Changes, When)18:19 – Social Media as the Bread & Butter20:30 – Social Media Non-Negotiables (Interacting, Territory Credibility)21:56 – LinkedIn: Starting Months Early for New Territory Warm Touches23:05 – Female Manager Reality: Assertiveness, Authority, Likability27:00 – The Emotional Load: Why People “Dump” More on Female Leaders29:22 – The Big Change: Starting Over in Arkansas31:14 – Pressure, Proof, and the “Is It the Territory or the Manager?” Test32:25 – Humbling Recruiting Weeks + Early Team Momentum34:18 – Lessons From 4 Years as a DM That Make This Rebuild Different35:35 – Recruiting-Heavy vs Development-Heavy Cultures (What She Learned)38:09 – Life Outside Cutco: 5 Marathons (Including the DIY One)39:32 – Running 26.2 on a 2-Mile Loop (Nerds Gummies Included)42:09 – Marathon Discipline → Management Discipline43:41 – Engaged to Tyler Holmes: The Benefits of a Cutco Partner46:05 – Work/Life Boundaries (The Midweek “Unreachable” Day)48:14 – Building Community: Church Groups + Hot Yoga + Real Friendships49:54 – $100K Saved + Selling the Condo (No Gambling Required)50:57 – “The Job Is Consistent If You’re Consistent”52:42 – Real Estate Ideas in Northwest Arkansas (STRs, student rentals)55:18 – Saving System: Withholdings + Friction + Separate Accounts59:20 – New Territory Advice: Personal Stability + Community First01:00:24 – “The Summer Starts Now” (Why It’s Annoying… and True)01:01:13 – Falling in Love With Recruiting (Mindset Shift)01:03:09 – The Work You Do Months Before Determines Your First Month01:05:19 – Advice for Women Opening Offices01:06:42 – Women’s Leadership Calls + Making Friends at Conferences01:09:04 – Wrap Up + Why People Are Watching Her Next Chapter

You maybe didn’t grow up “destined” for Cutco… but she kind of did.Anastasia “Siggy” Esquivel was literally born on National Knife Day (August 24th), and somehow that’s just the beginning. In this episode, she breaks down how a flexible college job turned into a dream-life business: $300K/year, a schedule built around life (not the other way around), and a consistency streak that’s so absurd it sounds fake until you hear the story behind it.Siggy opens up about the real stuff too: being the only woman in a core office group of killers, the internal confidence battles that come with that, and the moments she almost walked away when the job felt repetitive or “too unstable.” Then COVID hit, her rent doubled overnight, and what started as necessity turned into one of the most duplicatable playbooks in the company: small weekly standards, travel-proof momentum, and a culture-first support system with her manager Austin Oberbillig and teammates Zane and Nyan.And yes… the headline is real: Siggy has hit $1,000+ in sales for 282 weeks in a row (including wedding week and honeymoon). She’s also the fastest woman in company history to reach $1,000,000 in career sales — while staying humble, goofy, and fully herself the entire time.If you’ve ever said “I’ll get consistent when life slows down”… this episode might call your bluff.💡 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Anastasia “Siggy” Esquivel01:15 – The Origin of “Siggy” (and the Rolex engraving)03:55 – Born on National Knife Day (Literally)05:14 – Getting Started Through a Cutco Mailer in College07:18 – Why This Episode Had to Happen (Women in Cutco)08:28 – Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Sales World11:18 – Fastest Female to $1M in Company History15:50 – Year-by-Year Sales Growth (30K → 365K)17:33 – 282 Weeks Straight at $1,000+20:59 – Travel Weeks, Momentum, and Zero-Week Discipline23:55 – Paying Off Loans, Marriage, Homeownership, Baby on the Way26:10 – The Actual Schedule (4 Days/Week, $300K+)32:15 – Almost Quitting and Trying “Stable” Jobs35:01 – Austin Oberbillig’s Impact as a Manager43:41 – Pregnancy, Time Off, and Future Flexibility47:01 – Advice for Women Who Feel Isolated48:28 – Shoutouts to Zane & Nyan (Building a Real Tribe)52:07 – Final Reflections and Wrap-Up

He didn’t start with talent, confidence, or support. But today, Nick Matlack leads one of the most respected cultures in Vector, has built a $2.5M+ district, broken national records, and still prioritizes his family, faith, and long-term vision over short-term ego. What’s impressive isn’t just the trophies. It’s the consistency behind them — the ability to stay in the game long enough for the compounding to finally show up on paper.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Nick unpacks what it actually takes to play the long game: nearly quitting after his first weekend, the question that flipped his commitment (“What does your best look like?”), selling Cutco in a hospital room, and why extending your timeline can quietly cap your potential. He also gets into the leadership side — the difference between control and influence, how culture is built through fun and shared memories, why new territory and uncertainty can become an edge, what back-to-back national titles meant after 20 years, and how a demotion nearly broke him but ultimately reshaped his purpose. The throughline is simple: titles come and go, but vision, relationships, and a 3+ year view create real power in the present.From a broke architecture student cutting pennies for gas money… to becoming the back-to-back Silver Cup, #1 district in the nation, Nick’s story is the definition of delayed gratification, belief, and relentless consistency.Nick’s story isn’t about trophies.It’s about becoming the kind of person who deserves them.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Nick Matlack: 20 Years in the Game02:19 – Broke College Student Looking for a Winter Job03:26 – The Penny Cut That Changed Everything04:28 – Leaving Training Because His Dad Was in the Hospital05:06 – First Weekend: 7 Demos, $1,000, Almost Quitting05:50 – The Question That Changed His Career06:31 – 5 Demos, 4 Sales, $3K and Belief06:56 – Selling to His Parents in the Hospital07:16 – 12K Fast Start and Cancun07:33 – First All-American and Early Complacency08:34 – Heartbreak, Becoming an Assistant, and Finding Purpose09:05 – Olean and Choosing Leadership09:27 – First Year: $49,500 and a National Award10:06 – Why Extending Your Timeline Holds You Back12:34 – First Branch, First Painful Lessons15:18 – The Power of Great Culture17:16 – Relationships That Shape a Career18:43 – Opening as a District During the Recession19:29 – Learning What Works and What Doesn’t20:43 – Making Work Fun: Contests, Culture, and Community23:22 – What People Actually Remember25:33 – Breaking Records and Winning Two Silver Cups26:28 – New Territory, New Energy28:29 – Why Not Hitting the Goal Still Changed Everything31:31 – Intentional Imbalance and Family Priorities33:01 – Letting Go of Control and Scaling Through Others35:00 – The Upside-Down Pyramid of Vector37:30 – Learn & Burn: Mastery Through Mentorship41:20 – Building Your Own Inner Circle47:42 – Getting Demoted and Choosing to Stay51:53 – Leading Without a Title54:20 – The Power of a 3-Year Vision56:10 – Fighting the Emotional Response to Quitting59:09 – Crowdsourcing Wisdom and Blind Spots1:03:35 – Family First: Boundaries and Presence1:12:05 – Will His Son Join the Business?1:15:07 – Control vs Influence: The Truth About Leadership1:18:00 – Final Message: Just Show Up

Most episodes of the No Base Pay Podcast feature national champs, CSP monsters, and people you’ve seen on every report for years.This one is different.Devin Ashling isn’t “the most decorated guy in the company.” He even jokes that his branch wasn’t anything special. But he’s the clearest example you may see of what Cutco is supposed to be: a vehicle that takes you from where you are now to the life you actually want.A 20 year old who recently got engaged, Devin is living a version of the “dream life” most people talk about… and never build.He started Cutco as a college freshman at NDSU, selling entirely on Zoom. He ran a branch early, learned the hard truth about environment and leadership, and then made a decision most people never make: instead of spending his commission checks on “stuff,” he started stacking cash and using it to buy back his time.In this episode, Devin breaks down how he thinks about money (save, then invest), why optionality matters more than titles, and what he’s building outside the business right now: a short-term rental in the Black Hills that almost went sideways until he doubled down and turned it into a top-market five-star experience… and a duplex deal in Fargo that’s set up to reduce his living costs while building long-term equity.We also get into the non-business stuff that actually drives everything: his faith, his habits, his mental game, and getting engaged to his high school sweetheart. The thread through all of it is simple. Devin is building his life around what he values first, and then choosing income vehicles that support that, not compete with it.If you’re in Cutco right now and you’ve ever wondered, “What do I do with this money so it actually changes my life?”… this is the episode for you.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “DREAM” to @unlockwithalex on IG if you want help mapping a path from commission → real assets → time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Why This Episode Is Different01:17 – Who Devin Ashling Is (Faith, Family, Health, Optionality)04:30 – How He Found Cutco and Started Selling on Zoom05:34 – Early Wins: All-American Scholarship + AM Role06:29 – Running a Branch (And What He Learned the Hard Way)08:13 – The Season After the Branch: Habits, Identity, Next Move09:48 – Environment, Rejection, and Not Caring What People Think10:55 – Making Money Doing Things That Don’t Feel Like Work12:57 – Why This Episode: What He’s Using His Cutco Money For14:42 – Airbnb Arbitrage Explained (Black Hills Deal Breakdown)16:31 – The Mistake: Underbuilding the Property + Losing Momentum17:18 – The Fix: Doubling Down to Create a Five-Star Experience20:01 – Airbnb Arbitrage in Plain English20:29 – The Fargo Duplex: Buying Below Market + Rehab Plan21:29 – House Hacking: Lower Living Costs + Equity Growth23:26 – Why “Buying a House Is Bad” Is Usually the Wrong Take25:47 – Lessons From Investing at 20: Quit Feelings + Doing It Right31:23 – Getting Engaged and Building With a Life Partner34:07 – The “Dream Life” Inventory (And Why It Still Feels Surreal)38:08 – The 3 Levers: Work Ethic, Mindset, Environment41:31 – Why DLA Matters: Rooms, Mentors, and Cutting Learning Curves44:37 – What’s Next: More Doors, Faith First, Becoming a Great Husband46:29 – Closing: Cutco as the Vehicle, Not the Finish Line

Most reps spend their first year just trying to survive. David Carlucci spent his winning the illustrious Silver Cup.From a random IT grad who didn’t even know what Cutco was to the #1 Rising Star in the nation with $232,000 in his first calendar year, David quietly built one of the most efficient demo machines in the business. No events. No social media. No sales background. Just discipline, structure, and showing up every day.A rep who wasn’t in school. Who doesn’t post online. Who had never sold anything in his life. And who still out-sold thousands of new reps nationwide, 100% from in-home demos.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, David opens up about how a random link from a friend launched his Cutco career overnight, why he left IT for sales, and how he built a national-winning operation by controlling his inputs and letting the law of averages do the rest. He breaks down the simple morning call system that booked him 20–25 demos per week, why focusing only on married couples changed everything, and how he averaged $618 per order across nearly 400 demos.We also get into the mindset behind his Silver Cup run. Why he didn’t even care about the trophy (only the sword), and how holding a 30–40K lead taught him emotional discipline most reps never develop. From pestering his DM for answers every day, to staying off social media to protect his confidence and focus, David’s story is a masterclass in how quiet consistency beats hype every time.Now setting his sights on $400K in 2026, David lays out how he’s adding events, realtor gifting, and higher-end demos to a system that already works. And why stacking cash and building leverage is the real endgame.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet David Carlucci: The #1 Rising Star in the Nation01:20 – $232,000 in His First Calendar Year02:20 – A Friend, a Link, and a One-Day Start04:02 – South Richmond, Virginia & His Territory06:16 – No Sales Background, Just Landscaping08:10 – Why Commission & Autonomy Hooked Him09:42 – Introvert to In-Home Demo Pro12:33 – The Numbers: 375 Orders, $618 AO, All Demos14:51 – Morning Calls & Why Volume Wins16:21 – The Married-Couple Strategy17:55 – Booking Without Scholarships20:10 – The Sword vs the Silver Cup22:28 – Building a 30–40K Lead23:46 – Competing With Other National Ballers25:16 – Emotional Control in Sales26:32 – Mentorship From Caleb & Natalie29:54 – His Weekly Schedule (Calls + 4-6-8s)34:30 – Being a “Ghost” Online37:18 – Gym, Basketball, and Staying Grounded41:17 – His $400K Goal for 202644:04 – Saving, Cash, and Playing Long-Term46:06 – Selling When He Wants, Not When He Has To

Most Silver Cup wins look dominant on the sales report.Tariq Sikander’s didn’t feel dominant while he was living it.From a fast start as a rep in 2022, to running a $160K branch, to getting humbled early as a new District Manager, Tariq’s rise wasn’t clean or linear. It was built through resets, scrapped plans, uncomfortable self-reflection, and a relentless return to the basics — people, training, and effort.A combat-sports kid from Naperville who chose the hardest path on purpose, Tariq rebuilt his district by focusing on productivity per rep, individualized coaching, and creating an environment where people actually succeed — not just show up on a report. The result was a year defined by pressure, sacrifice, and ultimately a Silver Cup earned the hard way.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Tariq breaks down the real story behind his Silver Cup year — from the early doubt, personal loss, and burnout moments, to the systems, mindset shifts, and leadership decisions that turned an average start into a championship finish.Tariq’s story isn’t about being the most talented or the most experienced.It’s about working harder than everyone else when it matters, refusing to quit when things get heavy, and choosing who you’re going to be when life doesn’t cooperate.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:03 – Meet Tariq Sikander: Silver Cup Rising Star01:34 – Growing Up in Naperville: Martial Arts, Wrestling, MMA05:24 – Starting as a Rep in 2022 and the Fast Start Mindset06:35 – Olean: The Trip That Changed His Direction07:20 – Choosing the Hardest Path: Rep to Branch08:56 – Running a $160K Branch and Leadership Wake-Up Calls09:24 – Committing to District Manager10:14 – Early DM Struggles and Feeling “Average”11:54 – Scrapping the Plan and Refocusing on People12:20 – “It’s Not About Me”: Individualized Coaching Shift16:05 – Winning the Silver Cup… and Then Asking “Now What?”20:48 – What the Silver Cup Actually Represents24:53 – Personal Loss, Breakups, Self-Image, and Mental Health27:27 – Sebastian’s Mentorship and Writing His Own Story29:09 – Proving He Doesn’t Quit31:00 – Impostor Syndrome and Feeling Behind35:07 – Who Sebastian Is and Why He Matters37:35 – Transitioning to Jacob and the Chicago Power Circle40:14 – Productivity Per Rep and Training as the Edge43:46 – Weekly Whiteboard Planning and Rep-by-Rep Vision47:11 – SC2 Pressure, Cold Feet, and Leadership Doubt49:17 – The Bounce-Back and Breakthrough Weeks50:51 – September Slump and Adapting Fast52:26 – October–November Surge and President’s Banquet55:03 – Money, Investing, Roths, and Airbnbs57:27 – Building the District and Systemizing the Future59:43 – What New Managers Should Avoid

Quentin Israelsen has been one of the most quietly dominant reps in the entire Cutco world, and this episode explains why. From a fully-virtual start in 2020 (closing his first $50K without ever stepping into a home) to becoming the first rep in Utah history to surpass $400,000 in a single year, Quentin is the definition of consistent, compounding growth.In this interview, we go deep on what actually built his results: how he planned his schedule as a full-time BYU student (9 straight All-American scholarships), how he reverse-engineered top performers by cold DM’ing them for field training, how the Federal Program works (and why it’s invite-only), what it takes to get invited to elite state fairs like Texas, and how he builds “multiple routes” to CPO so his business never collapses when one event underperforms.We also talk about the year that almost broke his momentum: losing his dad unexpectedly in 2024… and still finding a way to finish his $300K Panerai goal for him. If you’re a rep who wants to sell more, plan better, stop winging it, and build a business that compounds year after year — this one is a must-listen.How Quentin sold his first $50,000 completely virtual (and what reps today can steal from that)The actual way to win around school: planning the semester before it starts, then executing like a machineWhy your biggest month in a school campaign should be Month 1 (and how to exploit January)What the Federal Program is, what it’s like selling on base, and why it’s invite-onlyThe truth about state fair teams: why they’re “Avengers” level and how you earn your way onto themQuentin’s business planning philosophy: diversify your CPO the same way you diversify investmentsHow he rebuilt his plan after tragedy and still hit the Panerai goal with weeks leftThe money habits that keep him from the commission roller coaster (self-pay system + Roth IRA consistency)The simplest advice that separates amateurs from pros: respect your time, do what you said you’d do⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: “The newest Cutco Avenger” finally joins the show01:35 – Quentin’s background (Chicago suburbs, Jamaican roots, choir kid, law dreams)03:24 – The Philippines mission + the mindset that carried into sales04:54 – Starting Cutco fully virtual + first $50K without leaving the laptop06:25 – The mentorship arc: 55K → 305K with coaching and standards07:12 – Career stats + the streaks/events that define his 2025 run11:49 – Selling around college: how he won 9 straight All-American scholarships14:44 – The “cold DM field training” move that flipped his results16:10 – January strategy: why your first month should be your biggest month22:07 – Federal Program explained (what it is + why it’s invite-only)25:04 – State fairs: five fairs in one year + what makes Texas the holy grail28:34 – Becoming someone the best want to work with (networking + humility + culture)34:21 – Utah’s first $400K rep: how it became a “make history” customer goal36:27 – Business plan discipline: employer hat vs employee hat38:19 – Non-negotiables for planning: multiple routes to CPO + backup plans42:21 – 2024 tragedy: losing his dad + rewriting the goal with purpose46:36 – The Panerai push: running a promo without cutting corners + finishing on time54:10 – What the mission taught him: rejection, discipline, schedule, resilience58:18 – Money system: living below means, self-paying, and maxing the Roth IRA1:03:03 – Final advice: work hard, stay humble, have fun, and respect your time

Most people hear the results.They never hear the origin story.In the first episode of the 2026 season, Spencer Campbell does something he’s never done before, he sits down with the two people who shaped everything long before Cutco, Silver Cups, or stages: his parents, Eric and Lisa Campbell.From Marine Corps discipline and decades of self-employment… to accounting stability, sacrifice, and raising four kids under one roof. This episode is a raw, funny, and deeply human look at how work ethic is developed and witnessed.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Spencer’s parents break down:Growing up with very little, and learning responsibility earlyMilitary discipline, odd jobs, and betting on yourselfMoving a family of six to Texas with no jobs lined upWhy structure, sports, and staying busy mattered more than talentThe sacrifices parents make that kids don’t see until laterWatching Spencer struggle, rebel, fail. And eventually turn it aroundTheir honest doubts about Cutco… and what changed their mindsSeeing their son win Silver Cup, and realizing “this is real”What Cutco did for Spencer’s confidence, discipline, and maturityThe values they cared about more than grades, trophies, or moneyThis episode isn’t about sales tactics.It’s about where drive comes from, how consistency is learned, and why the people behind you matter more than the numbers in front of you.It’s the most personal episode of the podcast to date, and the one that explains everything that came after.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Why This Episode Matters & Kicking Off 202602:00 – Meet Eric & Lisa Campbell: Spencer’s Real Parents05:00 – Eric’s Childhood: Small-Town Pennsylvania & Early Independence08:00 – Enlisting in the Marine Corps at 1712:00 – Boot Camp, Discipline, and Becoming a Man at 1815:00 – Bouncing Between Jobs & Betting on Yourself18:00 – Lisa’s Childhood: Responsibility, Work, and No Safety Net22:00 – Paying Her Way Through College & Choosing Accounting26:00 – Meeting in San Francisco & Building a Life Together29:00 – The Texas Leap: Moving With No Jobs & Four Kids33:00 – Starting Businesses From Scratch to Support the Family37:00 – Raising Four Kids Under One Roof41:00 – Sports, Structure, and Keeping Kids Out of Trouble45:00 – Work Ethic, Consequences, and Consistency49:00 – “Spencer Was Not an Easy Kid” (The Honest Version)53:00 – Discipline, Tough Love, and Letting Him Learn57:00 – Discovering Cutco During COVID1:01:00 – Doubts, Skepticism, and “Is This a Real Job?”1:05:00 – The Silver Cup Year & Everything Changing1:09:00 – Seeing Cutco From the Parent Perspective1:13:00 – What They’re Most Proud Of Today1:17:00 – Final Reflections on Family, Sacrifice, and Growth

Four months ago, this podcast didn’t exist.No audience. No roadmap. No clue what was about to happen.With Spencer Campbell on the mic and Alex Funk behind the scenes, the No Base Pay Podcast went from an idea to 22 episodes featuring record-breakers, Silver Cup winners, future legends, and even the President of Cutco, all in one year.This episode is our 2025 Wrapped.A full-circle reflection on the conversations that defined the year, the lessons that kept showing up, and the people who proved, over and over, that consistency, systems, and long-term thinking still win.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Spencer and Alex recap:How the podcast went from zero to one, and why shipping mattered more than perfectionThe reps and managers who redefined what’s possible in personal sales and leadershipWhy nearly every breakout story shared the same core traits: discipline, structure, and patienceWhat stood out most from the biggest episodes of the year, and why they resonatedThe common thread behind record pushes, Silver Cups, million-dollar orders, and sustainable livesThis isn’t a highlight reel.It’s a reminder of what actually works, and why the long game keeps paying off.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial / time freedom⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to No Base Pay Podcast 2025 Wrapped02:00 – How the Podcast Started (and Why It Almost Didn’t)04:26 — Devin Gilliam: The $103K Push Built on Discipline, Faith, and Systems07:28 — Alan Hernandez: $145K in 18 Days & the Power of Blind Focus11:25 — Alex Noel: Selling a Million on Demos in the “Armpit of America”14:54 — Tyler Strauss: From Underperformer to Running the Nation19:12 — Ryan Leirer: The Biggest Residential Order in Cutco History23:13 — Chelsea Rodriguez: Breaking Ceilings as Cutco’s Ultimate Power Mom26:52 — Jared Erickson (Carlton): Quitting, Returning, and Engineering Peace30:29 — Alex Funk: Dream Life > Trophies (The Real Point of Winning)38:32 — Mike Dawid: Why Personal Brand Is the New Sales Superpower44:07 — Daniel Wright: Winning Silver Cups with a 100% Virtual Office46:37 — Ari McDonald: Unreal Discipline at 19 Years Old49:34 — Jeremy Blough: Almost Quitting, Then The Convo52:20 — Bruce Goodman: 46 Years, No Pyramid Schemes, Pure Leadership56:32 — John Klobe: The First $1,000,000 Order Ever (and What He Bought After)59:38 — Gerardo Luera: Building an Empire by Treating Cutco Like a Career1:04:01 — Hansen Lungren: Health Scare → Purpose-Driven Dominance1:06:24 — Christian Hogg: From Homeless to Fastest Rep to a Million1:09:30 — Austin Oberbillig: The Black Sheep Who Plays the Long Game1:13:00 — Jeff Majors: Leaving, Returning, and Selling with Unshakable Conviction1:19:53 — Jesse Jorgensen: The Virtual Innovator Who Thinks in Systems1:30:00 – The Patterns That Showed Up in Every Breakout Story1:34:00 – Looking Ahead to 2026: What’s Next for No Base Pay Podcast

Most people chase fast starts. Jesse Jorgenson built something that lasts.From a 6-demo first weekend in rural Utah to becoming the #1 district manager in the Elite League, Jesse’s story isn’t loud — it’s disciplined, methodical, and deeply intentional. A district manager who chose consistency over chaos, who doesn’t work Sundays by design, and who quietly rebuilt his business after nearly walking away in 2022.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Jesse explains how growing up in a 6,000-person oil-field town shaped his work ethic, why a slow first Cutco semester became a hidden advantage, and how he got married, branched, and opened an office straight from his honeymoon. He shares the long-game mindset behind not working Sundays, how fatherhood forced sharper focus rather than distraction, and why taking on responsibility creates momentum. Jesse opens up about nearly leaving the business in 2022, the mindset shift sparked by The Gap & The Gain, and how he rebuilt his office by mastering interviews, training, and efficient recruiting. He also breaks down his philosophy on systems and innovation without chasing shiny objects, how he runs a fully virtual office without losing culture, the financial systems that brought peace to commission income, what it feels like to buy a house with “knife money,” and why the best version of you is always ten years ahead.Jesse’s story isn’t about hype or shortcuts. It’s about stacking marginal gains, honoring your priorities, and proving that long-term consistency still wins.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial & time freedom⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Jesse Jorgenson: From Nowhere Zip Codes to Elite League02:30 – Growing Up in Rural Utah: Oil Fields, Agriculture, Work Ethic05:00 – Church Mission, Brazil, and Coming Back Focused08:00 – Searching for a Flexible Job With 19 Credit Hours10:30 – First Weekend: 6 Appointments, $2,300, and Belief13:00 – A Slow First Semester — and Why It Mattered15:30 – Promotion to Assistant Manager and Learning Interviews18:00 – Getting Married, Honeymoon, and Opening a Branch Immediately21:00 – Running a Branch Office With No Playbook24:00 – Choosing the Long Game Over Short-Term Wins27:00 – Why Jesse Doesn’t Work Sundays31:00 – Burnout, Pacing, and Playing the Marathon35:00 – Fatherhood, Responsibility, and the Pickup Truck Story39:00 – From Solopreneur to Executive Thinking43:00 – When Cutco Became a Career, Not a Job47:00 – Almost Leaving the Business in 202251:00 – The Gap & The Gain: The Mindset Shift55:00 – Putting Blinders On and Ignoring Comparison59:00 – Rebuilding the Business Through Better Interviews1:03:00 – Training as the Product: Why It Matters Most1:07:00 – Running a Fully Virtual Office Successfully1:11:00 – Recruiting Efficiency vs Volume1:15:00 – Financial Systems for Commission Income1:19:00 – Buying a House With “Knife Money”1:22:00 – The 10-Year Overnight Success Philosophy1:25:00 – Final Message: Growth, Faith, and Playing the Long Game

How would you feel taking 2nd place in the Silver Cup race THREE years in a row? From a fired high school maintenance worker making $3.35 an hour… to a 4-time district manager in the late ’80s… to a 30-year detour through oil & gas, coaching football, blood banks, and $48–49M of physician staffing deals… Jeff Major’s story is what happens when you combine ridiculous work ethic, quiet faith, and loyalty to the people who depend on you.After leaving Cutco in 1991, Jeff came back “just” hoping to make an extra $500 a month. Four years and four months later, he’s stacked $1.5M in personal sales, gone #10, #2, #2, #2 in Silver Cup races, and quietly built one of the most profitable mall + business-gift machines in the company. All while being a present husband, dad to a high-functioning autistic son, and the guy who still drives 100 miles each way to the same small-town mall.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Jeff breaks down:Growing up in Texas, faith first, and adopting two kids from RussiaEarly Vector days with John Carpenter, Lloyd Reagan, and Bruce Goodman in Dallas and AmarilloHow losing three years in a row actually made his family more moneyTurning a “dead mall” into a top-5 location nationwide with service events, sharpening, and consistencyHow dad jokes, directions, and knowing every bathroom in the mall turned into thousands of loyal customersTraining customers all year to “come see me at Tyler”, and why December is always his best monthGetting 62 purchases out of 65 sharpening clients, and how he sets that up on purposeWhy engraving is his secret weapon, and the offer he uses at the mall to move pocket and hunting knivesThe real reason he believes Cutco is different from every other product and industry he’s soldJeff’s story isn’t about being the flashiest closer or the youngest record-breaker.It’s about long-term vision, quiet conviction, and deciding that if you’re going to spend 11 hours in a mall, you’re damn well going to sell something.For anyone complaining about “dead territory,” feeling burned out in December, or wondering if second place is worth it, this one will either wake you up or expose you.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Jeff Majors: The Humble Legend Nobody Talks About03:00 – Faith, Family, and Two Kids from Russia06:00 – Fired from Maintenance & the $10 Newspaper Ad09:00 – Early Days with John Carpenter, Lloyd Reagan & Bruce Goodman12:00 – All-American Scholarship Run and Leaving Abilene Christian15:00 – Branching in Amarillo and Four Years as a District Manager18:00 – Homesick, Oil & Gas Dreams, and Failing the Series 6 & 721:00 – Coaching Football, Odd Jobs, and Meeting Sherry24:00 – Building a 20-Year Physician Staffing Career ($48–49M Placed)27:00 – Jackson’s High-Functioning Autism and Needing Flexibility Back30:00 – Getting an Insurance License… and Picking Up a Sample Kit33:00 – 22 Demos, 6K Week, 5.8K Week — Insurance Career Ends Before It Starts36:00 – Four Years, Four Months, $1.5M: The Comeback CSP Story39:00 – The Silver Cup Run: #10, Then #2, #2, #242:00 – High School Football Grind, Work Ethic, and Loving the Competition45:00 – “I’m Not the Best Salesperson… But I Won’t Be Outworked”51:00 – Why He Drives 100 Miles Each Way and Refuses to Get a Hotel54:00 – Dad Jokes, Directions, and Ministry at the Booth57:00 – Sharpenings, Repeat Buyers, and Training Customers to Come to Tyler1:03:00 – Turning Mall Traffic into Business-Gift Leads1:06:00 – 76 Business Gift Clients, 320K CPO, All Local1:09:00 – Scripts, Logos, and Engraving: How He Keeps Them Coming Back1:12:00 – Why Cutco Beats Every Other Industry He’s Worked In1:15:00 – The 1,000 Presentations Rule & Final Message to Reps in the Trenches

Most reps treat their first few years like trial runs.Philip Tice treated his like a laboratory.From a 15K fast start with no cell phone, to a 100K SC2 push built on pure preparation and belief, Philip went from “random Alabama college kid” to one of the most lethal closers and business-gift operators in the nation.A CSP who built his early career on event scraps… who now pulls off 38K days, 65K weekends, and 100K weeks while raising a family, flipping houses, and carving out one of the most quietly elite careers in Vector.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Philip breaks down:Booking demos from customers’ landlines and out-worked everyoneBranching in Alabama and learning real entrepreneurship overnightLeaving the business for almost a year and returning with intentionThe SC2 push that started at 75K YTD… and ended at 100K in one weekWhat actually went into the infamous 38K last dayHow Shrimp Fest became a 65K weekend and a career turning pointWhy business gifts aren’t a “skill problem” — they’re a confidence problemHis year-by-year “mastery system” for kitchens, cookware, flatware, and giftingHow becoming a dad reshaped his definition of winningPhilip’s story isn’t about luck or perfect circumstances.It’s about building weapons one year at a time — and proving that consistency, preparation, and belief can make impossible numbers feel inevitable.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Philip Tice: The Booth Monster03:00 – 15K Fast Start With No Cell Phone06:00 – Booking Demos From Customers’ Landlines09:00 – Branching in Alabama and Early Leadership Lessons12:00 – DOM Life and Running a Pilot15:00 – Winning Big but Feeling Unfulfilled18:00 – Taking Time Off and Flipping His First House21:00 – The Rolex Ultimatum: One Year or I’m Out24:00 – SC1 Spark: The Push That Lit Him Up27:00 – Calling His Shot for SC230:00 – Mapping a 50K Push That Became 100K33:00 – The 38K Day: Closing the Gap Over the Phone36:00 – Getting Canceled On and Re-Earning 100K39:00 – Arrogance + Humility: His Winning Formula42:00 – The Mastery Year Framework45:00 – His First Full Kitchen Year48:00 – Why Everyone “Should” Own a Cutco Kitchen51:00 – The 10K Upsell That Turned Into a Full Kitchen54:00 – Preparation vs. Luck: The Bolt Mindset57:00 – Shrimp Fest: The 65K Weekend1:00:00 – How Shrimp Fest Led to a 100K Week1:03:00 – RO Culture and the 21K Day for Bert1:06:00 – Business Gifts: Confidence Over Scripts1:10:00 – Trackers, Follow-Ups, and Simple Systems1:13:00 – What He Wishes He Did Earlier in His Career1:16:00 – Redefining Winning as a Husband and Dad1:19:00 – Final Message: Consistency Beats Everything

Most district managers spend their first decade trying to follow the rulebook. Austin Oberbillig spent his rewriting it.From firing-level strikes at Safeway to secretly recording his Cutco interview on an iPhone 5, Austin went from a skeptical 19-year-old cashier to one of the most effective — and misunderstood — builders in Vector history.A manager who sold just $30K personally… who now has three million-dollar reps, a Hall of Fame plaque, and a district powered by leverage, culture, and some of the most elite producers in the company.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Austin breaks down:How a letter his mom saved (and a firing at Safeway) led him to CutcoThe wild story of his first weekend: 11 demos booked, 3 sales, 7 cancellations, and a quitting attemptThe line that changed his life: “Is that the best you can do?”Why he committed 10 years to the DM role when everyone else wanted twoThe philosophy behind his “deep impact > wide impact” modelHow he built a district with 549 reps… but $10M in salesWhy most managers misunderstand leverage — and how he actually uses itThe truth about developing million-dollar reps (and why Anastasia, Zayn, and Nyan weren’t “destined” for it)Lessons from Ryan Casey, PJ Potter, Andrew Biggs, and Mike MonroeHow he survived the hardest year of his career and almost quitHis view on wealth, masterminds, investing, and why the order of self-investment mattersThe personal side: building a life, a family-first culture, and watching his reps grow into homeowners, spouses, and parentsAustin’s story isn’t just about numbers.It’s about sticking to a long-term vision, honoring the people who developed you, and proving that the unconventional path sometimes produces the most undeniable results.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Austin Oberbillig: The Black Sheep of Cutco02:00 – Fired from Safeway & The Letter Mom Saved04:30 – Secretly Recording His Cutco Interview06:00 – First Weekend: 11 Demos, 3 Sales, 7 Cancellations, Almost Quitting08:15 – “Is That the Best You Can Do?” – The Line That Changed Everything10:30 – Choosing Management Over CSP (Impact, Income, Flexibility)13:30 – Growing Up with a Lawyer Mom & Army Dad: Leadership by Example17:30 – One-Word Philosophy: Leverage20:30 – The 10-Year Commitment: Marrying the DM Role24:00 – Everyone’s in a Hurry… Why Austin Wasn’t27:30 – Hall of Fame at 30: Calling His Shot (and Still “Missing” the Date)31:00 – $10,072,000 on 549 Reps: Breaking Down the Wild Stats35:00 – Deep Impact vs. Wide Impact: Redefining “Success” as a Manager39:00 – The Math of Million-Dollar Reps: Why 10K and 30K Matter So Much43:00 – You Can’t Predict Performance – So Build Systems, Not Favorites47:00 – CSP vs. DM: Letting People Self-Select Their Best Path51:00 – “Don’t Make Permanent Decisions on Temporary Emotions”55:00 – Why He Pays to Be in Rooms Like Lifestyle Investor & Dream Life Academy59:00 – The 3 Levels of Investing: Brain → Earning Power → Actual Investments1:03:00 – Watching His People Grow Up: Homes, Weddings, Babies & Vacations1:07:00 – The Price Before the Prize: The Years with No Vacations1:11:00 – Gratitude for Old Austin: Chicken Nuggets, Gatorade & 15-Hour Days1:15:00 – Leverage 101: Selling More While Working Less1:19:00 – Tactical Advice for Reps & Managers: Minimum Viable Impact1:23:00 – Final Message: Don’t Waste the People Who Poured Into You

Most people hear “record-breaker” and think natural talent.With Christian Hogg, it’s pure survival instinct turned into sales mastery.From sleeping in trucks, bouncing between relatives, and surviving chaos from ages 12 to 18… to stacking $930,000 in personal sales before turning 21, Christian is on pace to become the fastest $1M rep in Cutco history.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Christian breaks down how he rewired that early hardship into the most disciplined daily system in the business.We dive into:• What it’s really like growing up homeless and using sales as a lifeline• The moment he decided he would become the best demo-runner in the country• Why he calls his style “no emotion, just motion” — and why it works• The exact systems behind $930K in personal sales by age 20• How he rebuilt confidence after a childhood of instability• Why mentorship, faith, and environment changed everything• His plan to cross $1M in the next few months — and why he’ll likely smash itChristian’s story is raw, inspiring, and a masterclass in what happens when relentless reps, daily systems, and unshakable hunger collide.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Christian Hogg: The Demo Dominator at 2002:00 – Childhood Chaos: Divorce, Instability, Becoming the Man Early05:00 – Homeless at 12–15: Trucks, Tents, Couches, Survival Mode07:30 – What Homelessness Taught Him: Gratitude, Awareness, Drive10:00 – Working Young: Paying for Soccer & Learning Responsibility12:00 – How a “Baddie” Accidentally Recruited Him Into Cutco14:00 – Early Jobs, Roofing With Dad, and First Fast Start Wins16:00 – Two Years In: $938K Career Sales Before 2118:00 – His Operating System: “No Emotion, Just Motion”20:00 – Full-Time Student + Athlete While Running 20–30K Weeks23:00 – The 24K Week: 16 Orders, 15 Demos, 37–40 Hours26:00 – Ending Victim Thinking & Structuring His Calendar29:00 – AO, No-Sale Stats, and His Level-4 Rapport Framework32:00 – Handling Price Objections & Selling Generational Value35:00 – Mentorship & Learning Daily: Ford, Jackson, Quiet Elites38:00 – Doubling His AO by Moving Into Higher-End Markets41:00 – His Referral System: Hot 10, 3-Way Texts, Instant Booking44:00 – Staying in High-Network Circles & Why It Doesn’t Dry Up47:00 – Using “Odd Niches” (Band Parents, Lunch Ladies, Professors)50:00 – Demos vs Events: Profitability, Simplicity, and Peace of Mind53:00 – Why He Came Back to Demos After Exploring Other Paths56:00 – Long-Term Vision: Real Estate + Indoor Sports Facility59:00 – Joining Dream Life Academy: Money, Systems, Community1:03:00 – Financial Literacy: Budget, Save, Invest, Track Every Dollar1:09:00 – Final Lessons: Discipline, Ownership, and Not Being the Victim1:13:00 – Why He’s Poised To Become the Fastest to $1M1:15:00 – Christian Asks Spencer About Podcast Purpose1:20:00 – Closing Message: Run Toward Your Story, Not From It

Most people spend their early 20s figuring out who they want to be. Hansen Lungren spent his building a family, beating thyroid cancer, winning a Silver Cup and now launching 220 reps to nearly $500,000 in eight months.From a medical-school-bound missionary in Alaska to a top-tier Vector District Manager in Boise, Hansen’s story redefines what’s possible when faith and discipline meet obsession with growth.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Hansen opens up about:How a two-year church mission and a last-minute Zoom interview changed his life forever.The 48-hour stretch when he lost his thyroid, became a father, and still led his office to #1 new business nationwide.Why he doesn’t work Sundays — and how that boundary created record-breaking performance.The system behind 220 launches in eight months and $490K in CPO.His “Simple Path to Wealth” plan to reach financial freedom by 45.The love story that began in Alaska and turned into the ultimate Vector power couple.Hansen’s blueprint proves that success isn’t about age, territory, or luck — it’s about values, systems, and relentless faith.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial / time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Hansen Lungren: The 23-Year-Old District Manager of Boise01:00 – Growing Up Driven: Family, Faith, and Early Ambition03:00 – The Academic Overachiever and Soccer Captain05:00 – Why He Never Works Sundays (And How It Built His Focus)07:00 – Two Years in Alaska and Argentina: A Mission That Changed Everything09:00 – From Future Neurosurgeon to Accidental Sales Rep12:00 – The $8K Fast Start That Started It All14:00 – Dropping Pre-Med and Choosing Cutco Over Medicine17:00 – The Conversation That Redefined His Life with Delaney19:00 – Running His First Branch in Eastern Idaho and Learning the Hard Way22:00 – The Health Scare: Thyroid Tumor Before SC224:00 – Surgery, Miracle Recovery, and Becoming a Father Weeks Later26:00 – The Office That Ran Itself While He Healed29:00 – Delegation, Faith, and The Delaney Effect33:00 – Family Balance and Building a Life That Works37:00 – Working Five Days a Week and Still Crushing 30K Weeks40:00 – Finding Your Person and Building Together Young45:00 – Married in Seven Weeks: The List That Led to Delaney47:00 – Running a $490K Office with Faith and Systems49:00 – The Recruiting Machine: 55 Fire Per Week Every Week52:00 – Weekly Habits and Why Consistency Beats Talent56:00 – Snapchat Recruiting and Social Media Strategy58:00 – What His Week Actually Looks Like as a DM1:01:00 – Freedom Through Systems: No Saturdays, No Sundays1:03:00 – It’s Not the Territory — It’s the Manager1:05:00 – Start with Why: How Faith and Vision Drive His Team1:08:00 – The Simple Path to Wealth: Budget, Save, Invest1:12:00 – How He Went from -$2K Net Worth to $50K in a Year1:15:00 – Vanguard and VTSAX: His Long-Term Investment Plan1:17:00 – Building for Legacy and Freedom by Age 451:18:00 – “Work 5 Years Like Most Won’t, Live the Rest Like Most Can’t”1:21:00 – Humility, Gratitude, and The Power of Reaching Out1:22:00 – Final Message: Faith, Discipline, and Dream Life Design

What happens when a broke landscaping kid from Lubbock, Texas follows his girlfriend to college, gets a random PR text, and six years later becomes the youngest Division Manager in Cutco? You get Gerardo Luera — five-time Silver Cup winner, multi-million-dollar producer, and leader of the Diamondback Division by age 25.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Gerardo breaks down the six-year climb from mowing lawns and sleeping in dorm rooms to running one of the fastest-rising divisions in Vector. He opens up about the power of consistency, what “going to work” actually means, and why he’s obsessed with the fundamentals.We dive into how he built a dynasty of 19 managers in five years, why delegation is development, and the difference between balance and harmony. Gerardo gets real about burnout, faith, marriage, and fatherhood—how putting God, family, and people first became the true engine behind every Silver Cup.From buying a $6,000 engagement ring with Branch money to saving $200K, traveling the world, and running an 11-manager office, this is the story of discipline turned destiny.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial / time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Gerardo Luera: Youngest Division Manager in Cutco02:00 – Following Tessa to College and Going Broke03:30 – From Landscaping and Dorm Jobs to PR Text That Changed Everything05:00 – The $12K Fast Start and Beating His Buddy’s 10K06:00 – Growing Up in Lubbock and Defending the “Dirt Storm Capital”08:30 – Becoming a National Champion Branch and Silver Cup District10:00 – Five Championships in Four Years: The Standard of Excellence11:30 – Work Ethic, Faith, and His Father’s Two-Job Example13:00 – “Go to Work”: What That Actually Looks Like Day-to-Day15:00 – Year One vs. Year Three: Building, Seeing, Then Living the Dream17:00 – Roth IRA Analogy: The Magic of Consistency and Compounding19:00 – Married at 21: Responsibility, Faith, and Family as Fuel21:00 – Harmony > Balance: Winning at Work and Home Together23:00 – Pouring Into People and Letting It Pour Back Into You25:00 – Faith at the Center: Why God Always Comes First27:00 – Three Core Systems: Recruiting, Development, and Management Pipeline30:00 – Delegation Is Development: Teaching Instead of Offloading33:00 – Caring for Your People and Building Future Leaders36:00 – 19 Managers in Five Years and 40 MITs in the Pipeline38:00 – Biggest Misconception of Management: “You Have to Know Everything”41:00 – Doing It Scared: Why Imperfect Action Beats Waiting43:00 – Building a Division Legacy That Outlives You45:00 – Vision for the Diamondback Division and Retiring His Wife Young47:00 – Final Words: Stay Consistent, Keep God First, and Do It with Love

When a quiet, humble Minnesota CSP named John Klobe placed the first $1,000,000 single order in Cutco history, the entire company stopped for a second. $760,000 CPO from one invoice. One client. One rep. Whose splurge from the paycheck will blow your mind.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, John opens up about his 21-year journey—from grinding through months trying to hit bonus and 15 service calls a week to mastering business gifts and becoming the quiet force behind Cutco’s next frontier. He shares the eight-year road to the million-dollar order, how he cracked the union niche, and the small acts of focus and faith that are building an empire.We unpack it all:• The real story behind the million-dollar client he’s never met in person.• How he built a family-first business that works around his life.• The secret to scaling down events while scaling up profit.• Why “focus beats talent” in business gifts—and how to find your niche.• The spiritual, patient, long-game mindset that makes him the anti-hype millionaire.This is the blueprint for every CSP who’s ever wondered what’s possible if they choose mastery and play the long game.🎧 Hosted by: Spencer Campbell🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – The First Million-Dollar Order in Cutco History02:00 – Who Is John Klobe? The Man Behind the Myth03:00 – What He's Spending the Paycheck On05:00 – How John Started with Cutco in 200407:00 – The Early Grind: Endless Service Calls08:30 – From Events to the Rolex Club: Finding His Lane10:00 – Moving Back to Minnesota and Pivoting to Business Gifts12:00 – Family > Fairs: The Turning Point That Changed Everything13:00 – Slowly Replacing Residential with Gifting14:30 – The Power of Focus: Why He Chose the Union Niche16:00 – Letting Go: Scaling Down Events, Scaling Up Profits18:00 – The Million-Dollar Moment: “I Prayed for This Order”21:00 – Becoming the First to Ever Do It24:00 – The Truth: He’s Never Met the Client in Person26:00 – How Strategic Referrals and Niches Create Momentum29:00 – Why Small Circles Create Big Leverage36:00 – The Timeline: How a $1M Order Evolves Over Time38:00 – The Let-Go Mindset: “Whatever God Wants It to Be”40:00 – Fishing for Whales: Patience, Timing, and Trust43:00 – Inside the Order: 4,250 Shear Sets and 100 Studio Plus Fours45:00 – The Power of Niching Down: Building in One Industry47:00 – Cold Calls, Persistence, and the First $100K Order50:00 – The 100-Call Rule: Why Most Reps Never Find Their Lane53:00 – Following Up Like a Pro: The System John Built57:00 – Patience Pays: “I Call Some Prospects 30 Times”1:00:00 – Numbers Game: How He Wins with Volume and Focus1:04:00 – How Big Orders Shift Your Workload (and Mindset)1:07:00 – Why He Works Less and Earns More Every Year1:09:00 – The Moment He Realized: “One Phone Call = Two Weeks of Events”1:12:00 – Lessons from 21 Years: Efficiency Over Hustle1:16:00 – Inside Olean: The Call That Shook the Factory1:18:00 – Logistics: How a Million-Dollar Order Ships to 100 Locations1:20:00 – What’s Next: The 5-Year Event and Future of Cutco Gifting1:23:00 – Breaking the 4-Minute Mile: What’s Now Possible for Everyone1:27:00 – The Future of Cutco: More Reps, More Niches, More Big Orders1:29:00 – The Factory’s Capacity and What Needs to Change1:31:00 – The Product Wish List: “We Need More Pocket Knives”1:34:00 – Three Steps to Start a Business Gifts Layer1:44:00 – Focus Beats Talent: What John Really Wants You to Hear1:46:00 – Building a Family Business and a Legacy1:49:00 – Outdoor Boys, Simplicity, and the Peace of Doing Enough1:51:00 – “CPO Is Not the Goal”: John’s Final Word

After 46 abundant years with Cutco/Vector, the one & only Bruce Goodman sits down for a rare, candid, heartfelt conversation before his retirement. From his first door-to-door apartment sale in 1979 (different era) to becoming President of Vector West, Bruce has lived every chapter of this company’s story.In this episode, Bruce reflects on his early days selling knives for $180 a week, the mentors who shaped him, and how Vector evolved from Alcoa paychecks to a billion-dollar organization built on servant leadership and culture. He dives deep into what it really means to lead—why “what’s exciting and what’s going to be exciting” became a guiding principle, how to stay grounded after decades at the top, and why connection will always outperform any new technology.We unpack everything: the truth behind the myths, the future already unfolding and making headlines ($1mil order this week), and his thoughts on AI, gratitude, and everything of what's next for Cutco. Bruce’s words are humble, honest, and powerful—a masterclass in leadership from one of the most respected voices in Cutco’s 75+ year history.🔥 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – The People’s President: 46 Years of Abundant Service01:00 – From 19-Year-Old Student to Sales Rep: The Newspaper Ad That Started It All03:30 – Door-to-Door Beginnings and Hope Chest Sales06:10 – From Assistant Manager to District Leader: The Early Climb07:30 – Meeting Mentor Don Milrath and Learning “What’s Exciting, What’s Going to Be Exciting”09:00 – Building Vector West: The Smallest Zone That Became the Silver Cup Winner10:20 – Becoming President: The Transition to Leading Vector West11:15 – Booth Sales and CSP Greatness: “I’m Bob Cousy, They’re LeBron”14:00 – What a President Really Does Day-to-Day18:00 – Servant Leadership and Staying Connected to the Field21:00 – Spencer’s Mom and the Letters: The Power of Personal Touch25:00 – Travel Memories: From Italy to Argentina to the Austrian Alps30:00 – Defining Moments as President: Growth, Gratitude, and the Silver Cup Era33:00 – The Rise of the CSPs and the Evolution of Cutco Sales Channels36:00 – Why Integrity and Character Still Win: Protecting the Culture40:00 – The Pyramid Question: Bruce’s Candid Take on MLM Myths46:00 – Why Base Pay Matters (Even on the No Base Pay Podcast)50:00 – Doing Things “The Vector Way” and Protecting Reputation56:00 – The Foundation of Success: The Reps Who Crush It1:00:00 – Gratitude, Growth, and the Power of People1:04:00 – On AI, Technology, and the Human Advantage1:09:00 – Why Connection Will Always Be the Competitive Edge1:12:00 – The Future of Cutco: People, Products, and Programs1:16:00 – New Product & Program Ideas for Cutco’s Next Chapter1:21:00 – Million-Dollar Orders and the Factory That Keeps Up1:28:00 – Gratitude, Legacy, and Leadership Lessons After 46 Years1:33:00 – Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch1:38:00 – Run Your Own Race: Bruce’s Final Message to the Next Generation1:44:00 – Thank You, Bruce: A Farewell from the Field

What happens when a first-generation kid from San Diego—raised by an El Salvadoran mom and a hard-working dad—turns down pizza and smoothie jobs to chase a scholarship that changes his life? You get Jeremy Blough: now District Manager, mentor, leader, and one of the most grounded, high-character humans in Cutco.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Jeremy gets real about growing up in SoCal, balancing college and Cutco, and the 18-year-old breakthrough that taught him to focus on effort over outcome. He takes us through the humbling $30K branch summer that almost broke him, the Olean dinner that changed everything when Jim Stitt told him, “Relax—you’re doing it,” and how that one moment re-centered his entire career.We dive into his full evolution—assistant manager to PSM to DM—along with lessons from running an office through COVID, leading one of Southern California’s top teams, and mentoring a handful of Western Region rising stars. Jeremy shares how he’s learned to play the long game: finding purpose beyond trophies, detaching from Silver Cup obsession, and falling back in love with the work itself.From Tony Robbins firewalks to late-night recruiting calls, from cross-training with Gerardo Luera to joining Dream Life Academy, Jeremy opens up about unlearning his scarcity beliefs, redefining success, and choosing joy over pressure. His message is simple: your circle is your ceiling, your vision is your responsibility, and love is spelled T-I-M-E.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Meet Jeremy Blough: San Diego Roots & DA Energy02:00 – Childhood, Family, and First-Gen Grit04:00 – From Pizza & Smoothies to Cutco: The PR Call That Changed Everything06:00 – Winning the All-American Scholarship and Learning to Celebrate Effort09:00 – The Humbling Branch: Mattress on the Floor, $30K Summer, Big Lessons13:00 – The Olean Moment: Sitting Next to Jim Stitt and Hearing “Relax, You’re Doing It”16:00 – The Power of a Year: From Confused Rep to 10K Push Winner19:00 – Climbing Through Every Role: AM, Branch, PSM, Pilot, and DM23:00 – COVID Chaos and Reinventing the San Diego Office25:00 – Building a Mount Rushmore: Mentors, Legacy, and Leadership29:00 – Letting Go of the Silver Cup: Having Fun, Not Chasing Recognition33:00 – Redefining Success: Family First, Faith, and Gratitude36:00 – The Rewards of Management: Emily, Henry, and Abby’s Growth Stories41:00 – The Power of Gratitude: Finding Meaning in the Overwhelm44:00 – Circle & Mentors: Evan Keller, Funk, Herardo, and the Dog Group Chat50:00 – Dream Life Academy: Money Mindset, Blind Spots, and Breakthroughs56:00 – Rewiring Beliefs About Money & Comfort Zones1:03:00 – What Dream Life Academy Really Is1:07:00 – Applying DLA Lessons to Cutco & Time Audits as a DM1:10:00 – Field Training with Herardo Lera: Elegance in Simplicity1:14:00 – The Power of Consistency: Treating the Job Like a Job1:19:00 – Advice for Future DMs: Vision, Time, and Building with People1:23:00 – Full Circle: Faith, Fun, and Living the Dream Life

What happens when a small-town kid from rural Indiana—where the only fast food was a single Subway—dreams of starting a business, almost takes a job at an ice cream shop, and instead stumbles into Cutco? You get Arri McDonald: full-time college student, former college golfer, #1 in the FSM Silver Cup race, and the #3 Branch Manager in the nation at just 19 years old.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Arri shares how a random mailer to his girlfriend’s house sparked the start of his Cutco journey, leading him to $250K+ in sales, multiple All-American scholarships, and top regional finishes in SC2 and Olean pushes. He unpacks how selling around school while balancing 18-19 credits and college golf taught him discipline, why deleting social media gave him back hours of focus, and how phoning twice a week non-negotiably became his secret weapon.We dive into his first Branch summer—237K in sales, 70–80 hour workweeks, and the lessons that only come from leading reps through the chaos. Arri gets real about the tough days (no-shows, reps quitting mid-training, and eight-demos-scheduled-turned-four), and how faith, self-discipline, and a strong “why” keep him moving forward.From budgeting $100/week and investing in a Roth IRA, to coaching with Ben Kooper and learning CSP-level skills, Arri proves that being 19 is no excuse—if anything, it’s an advantage. His story is proof that with vision, consistency, and humility, you can turn small-town beginnings into big-time results.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Arri McDonald: 19 Years Old and Already Top 3 Branch04:00 – From Subway County to Cutco: How a Random Mailer Changed Everything08:00 – First Summer Lessons: Hard Work Without a Ceiling12:00 – Selling Around School: 18–19 Credits, College Golf, and Discipline16:00 – Deleting Social Media: The Hidden Advantage of More Time20:00 – Phoning Twice a Week Non-Negotiable: The Habit That Built Success24:00 – Running a Branch: 237K in Sales, 70–80 Hour Weeks, and Hard Lessons29:00 – Reps Quitting Mid-Training, No-Shows, and Chaos Management34:00 – Staying Motivated: Friendly Rivalries, Healthy Competition, and Faith39:00 – Living Below His Means: Budgeting $100/Week and Dave Ramsey Discipline44:00 – Investing Early: Roth IRAs, Withholding Taxes, and Compound Interest49:00 – Coaching with Ben Kooper & Alan Hernandez: Leveling Up to CSP Skills54:00 – Why Impact > Silver Cups: Focusing on Growth, Not Just Trophies59:00 – What’s Next for Arri: Branching Again, Sales Goals, and God’s Plan

What happens when a D1 pitcher’s career ends with a devastating back injury—only for that setback to spark a new path that changes everything? You get Daniel Wright: born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, former Memphis Tiger turned Cutco District Manager, Silver Cup winner, fastest to Court of Honor in Southern Rock history, and now the division’s first-ever Assistant Division Manager.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Daniel opens up about his journey from baseball dreams to building one of the most consistent management careers in Cutco. He shares how his dad instilled leadership from a young age, how mentors like Mark Bullard pulled greatness out of him, and why consistency—not flash—became his superpower. Daniel takes us inside his grind of selling through college, surviving insane schedules, running one of the top-performing virtual offices in the nation, and the breaking points that nearly pushed him to quit.We dive into his biggest lessons: the power of saying no, tithing and financial discipline, living below your means, and why vision—not just results—pulls you forward through the toughest seasons. Daniel gets real about his hardest years, including 2021 and 2025, and how faith, marriage, and relentless consistency turned them into turning points. For anyone chasing big goals in Cutco or life, Daniel’s story is proof that consistency compounds and vision creates freedom.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Meet Daniel Wright: From Baseball to Management04:00 – The Injury That Ended SEC Dreams and Led to Cutco09:00 – Early Influences: Leadership, Coaches, and Mentorship14:00 – Selling Through College: Classes, Baseball, and Chaos20:00 – Year-Long Hiatus and the Return to Management26:00 – Surviving 2018: Relentless Work Ethic and Consistency32:00 – Becoming a District Manager and Southern Rock’s First ADVM39:00 – Running a Virtual Office: Records, Silver Cup, and Fatigue46:00 – The Breaking Point: Burnout, Finances, and Faith in 202152:00 – 2025 Challenges: Health, Marriage, and the Hardest Year Yet58:00 – Recommitting: Going Live, Choosing People Over Profit1:05:00 – Marriage, Mentorship, and Building a Power Couple Dynamic1:12:00 – Financial Lessons: Tithing, Living Below Means, and Investing1:18:00 – Vision, Legacy, and Daniel’s Dream of Becoming a Division Manager

What happens when a kid from Chicago who started his Cutco career going 1-for-11 decides not to quit, leans on his faith, and turns his last name into the most recognized brand in Cutco? You get Mike Dawid—better known as Cutco Mike—the now titan who has sold over $10M, stacked four (going on five) million-dollar years, and built an empire on social media by leading with joy, generosity, and stories.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Mike unpacks the full journey: bombing his first appointments, sticking around long enough to find his rhythm, and turning Facebook into his personal newspaper. He explains how he built a following of raving fans who don’t just buy knives—they root for him like family. Mike also opens up about how faith, family, and fun became his three pillars, and why he believes the “heart score” always shows up in your results.We dive into his backstory—growing up in the business, learning from legends like John Ruhlin, and realizing that promotion isn’t about gimmicks but about generosity. Mike breaks down how to win in gifting, why consistency beats hacks, and how to make sales feel like a win for the customer every single time. He even shares the money lessons every commission earner needs: set floors and ceilings, automate taxes and investing, and protect yourself with the right insurance before you scale.From million-dollar years to zero returns, from branding himself “Cutco Mike” to building a faith-first business, this is a masterclass in playing the long game, loving the process, and having way more fun while you sell and build.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Meet Cutco Mike: From 1-for-11 Rookie to $10M Career04:00 – Early Struggles: Almost Quitting Before Finding His Groove09:00 – Branding Himself “Cutco Mike” and Owning Social Media15:00 – Facebook as a Newspaper: Stories, Smiles, and Smart Asks21:00 – Faith, Family, Fun: The Three Pillars That Drive Everything27:00 – Learning from John Ruhlin: Generosity, Bigger Rooms, and Legacy34:00 – Building Raving Fans vs. Just Selling Knives40:00 – Million-Dollar Years: Systems, Consistency, and Staying Grateful47:00 – The “Feel Like They Won” Philosophy: Why Returns Don’t Exist53:00 – Money Moves: Floors & Ceilings, Auto-Investing, and Insurance1:00:00 – If Social Media Disappeared Tomorrow: What Still Works1:07:00 – Closing Thoughts: Faith, Joy, and Playing the Long Game

What happens when a middle child from a zero-stoplight town—who almost quit Cutco training twice, and had zero confidence—decides to turn every setback into fuel? You get Alex Funk: $4.1M in career Cutco sales, Silver Cup winning manager, best-selling author of The Dreams List, and now founder of Dream Life Academy.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Alex sits down on the other side of the mic to tell the unfiltered story behind his rise. From a $20K start that sent him to Jamaica without a passport, to building a million-dollar office in under a year, to why he ultimately decided to walk away from a potential promotion. Alex breaks down the sickening work ethic, mentorship, and relentless dreaming that has shaped his journey.We cover everything—his 600+ dreams crossed off (from running a treadmill marathon to medaling in bodybuilding), how spreadsheets run his life, the brutal sacrifices behind building wealth in your early 20s, and why he believes anyone can create financial and time freedom if they commit to a focused grind and align it with their values. He opens up about family, faith, mistakes, and how intentionality—not “balance”—is what makes his dream life possible.Alex also reveals the mission behind Dream Life Academy: equipping high-earning sales reps to turn commission checks into cash-flowing assets, stop feeling broke, and build lives they don’t need a vacation from. From real estate investing to the psychology of dreaming, this episode is both a playbook and a wake-up call: your best isn’t even recognizable yet.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – Introducing Alex Funk: From Producer to Guest of No Base Pay03:00 – Small-Town Minnesota Beginnings and Early Setbacks05:00 – $12K Fast Start, Jamaica Trip, and Rookie Year Lessons8:00 – Losing $4K Trading Forex and Almost Quitting Cutco12:08 – Million-Dollar District: Building an Office from the Ground Up27:28 – Mentorship: Dane Espegard, Mike Chu, and the Power of Guidance36:19 – Choosing Love and Freedom Over Promotion43:53 – Crossing Off 600+ Dreams: Marathons, Bodybuilding, and Beyond53:22 – The Dream Life Method: From Spreadsheets to Systems1:01:00 – Writing The Dreams List and Becoming a #1 Bestseller1:07:02 – Why Dream Life Academy Exists: Turning Sales Income into Real Wealth1:12:00 – Airbnb, Real Estate, and Building Cash-Flow Vehicles1:27:00 – Faith, Family, and Redefining “Balance” as Intentionality1:33:05 – Legacy, Impact, and Why Your Best Isn’t Recognizable Yet

What happens when a Minnesota mama’s boy, hockey player, and part-time bread delivery guy quits Cutco twice—only to come back, dominate the fair circuit, and win a Silver Cup? You get Jared Carlton: $1.2M+ career sales, $67K SC2 push, $19K single-day record, and the 2024 Rising Star CSP Silver Cup winner.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Jared opens up about what it’s really like to live “fair season,” grinding through state and county fairs to stack six figures in 90 days. He breaks down the daily discipline—ice baths, meal prep, workouts at 5:45 AM, laying everything out for the morning plunge—that’s transformed his results this year. Jared also gets real about shifting from chasing trophies to chasing profitability, cutting expenses, and valuing time at home as much as CPO.We dive into his backstory—growing up in northern Minnesota with his mom and sister, changing his last name from Erickson to Carlton to honor his papa, quitting Cutco twice before moving into Alex Funk’s basement and giving the business a third shot. Jared unpacks the Silver Cup grind, the nail-biting $11K margin of victory, and the fog that came afterward—how marriage, faith, and focusing on net profit over gross sales gave him a new purpose.From bodybuilding comps to hockey hat tricks, protein vending machine side hustles to joining the Avengers-level State Fair of Texas team, Jared shows what it takes to bounce back from failure, stack wins, and build a future with his wife Hannah. He leaves us with one piece of advice: surround yourself with the right people, because they’ll make or break your life.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Meet Jared Carlton: Jacked, Fair Season, and Ice Baths in Underwear03:00 – Life in the Fair Circuit: $200K Goal, $118K at Halftime07:00 – Daily Systems: Prep, Meal Plans, Ice Baths, and Discipline11:00 – Backstory: Northern Minnesota, Hockey, Mama’s Boy, Cabin Life15:00 – From Ericson to Carlton: Honoring Papa and Carrying the Family Name19:00 – $1.2M Career Sales, $67K SC2, $19K Day, and Rising Star Silver Cup25:00 – Bodybuilding, Hockey Goals, Marriage to Hannah, and Life Goals30:00 – Winning the Silver Cup: Burnout, Breakthroughs, and a Nailbiter Finish36:00 – Life After the Trophy: Shifting Focus to Profitability and Home Time42:00 – Quitting Twice: Burned Bridges, Bread Trucks, and Funk’s Basement Invite50:00 – Faith, Positivity, and the Power of Who You Surround Yourself With56:00 – Marriage as a Team Game: Combining Incomes, Shared Purpose1:02:00 – Hannah’s Career: From Cutco to AI Bot Boss in Med Spa Marketing1:08:00 – Federal Team, State Fair of Texas, and “Run Your Own Race”1:14:00 – Fitness at the Fairs: Protein, Sleep, and Cutting Social Media1:20:00 – Goals Ahead: Debt-Free, Six-Month Savings, Investments, Fatherhood1:26:00 – Protein Vending Machine Side Hustle: Passive Gains, Not Just Muscle Gains1:31:00 – One Word of Advice: Food, Water, Roof, Lord, and the Right People

What happens when a small-town Alabama girl—born in a double-wide, raised by a Marine dad and nurse mom, first airplane ride to a Cutco conference—becomes one of the most decorated women in Cutco history? You get Chelsea Rodriguez: $7.8M career sales, $1M in a single year, $100K SC2 pushes, and the first female guest on the No Base Pay Podcast.In this episode, Chelsea goes deep on her journey from pulling weeds in Cottondale to becoming the “Queen of Cutco.” She opens up about paying for college debt-free through sales, rebuilding her business three different times from scratch, and grinding through 22 trips in 2022 to hit the elusive million-dollar year. She also shares how she scaled down after having her daughter Adeline—working 7 months, selling $700K, and proving that boundaries, systems, and priorities create freedom.We talk about her unapologetic sales style, why she believes anyone can master rapport, how she and Roger built a powerhouse Cutco marriage, and what it really takes to balance motherhood with being one of the most elite reps in company history. Chelsea doesn’t hold back—covering the hustle, the chaos, the money moves (Tesla, Vanguard, Airbnb), and the wisdom she wants every rep to hear: your best isn’t even recognizable yet.This is raw, real, and inspiring—a blueprint for reps, CSPs, and entrepreneurs who want to build wealth, freedom, and a life they’re proud of while still being present for the people that matter most.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters:00:00 – First Female Guest: Introducing Chelsea Rodriguez02:00 – Growing Up in Cottondale: Marines, Nurses, and Family Yard Day05:00 – From Double-Wide to Debt-Free College Grad08:00 – Early Cutco Days: 180 Names, Mrs. Jones’ Kitchen, and First $275K12:00 – Career Highlights: $7.8M Sold, $100K Pushes, $1M Year16:00 – Style of Selling: Unapologetically Chelsea21:00 – Building Rapport Fast: Why People Buy You25:00 – Power Couple: Meeting Roger, 10 Years Together, 8 Years Married32:00 – Adeline Arrives: Balancing Motherhood and Million-Dollar Sales38:00 – The Chaos and the Beauty of Being a Mom in Sales44:00 – Protecting Family First: Vacations, Boundaries, and Saying No50:00 – 2022 Million Dollar Year: 22 Trips, Relentless Grind, and Breaking Through58:00 – Jason Jeffery’s Mantra: “Maybe Your Best Isn’t Even Recognizable Yet”1:05:00 – From $1M to $850K: More Profitable by Working Less1:11:00 – Investing: Tesla, Vanguard, Airbnbs, and Financial Lessons Learned1:18:00 – Why Cutco? Product, Programs, and People1:23:00 – Closing Thoughts: Seasons, Sacrifices, and Enjoying the View

What happens when a Southern fraternity kid—who only got into Cutco to pay for dues and golf—sticks around for a decade, shifts from DM to CSP, and decides to bet everything on himself? You get Ryan Leirer—five-time #1 All-American, Honeybadger Award winner, national record-breaker, and the man behind the single biggest order in rep history: $230,679 CPO.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Ryan unpacks his journey from paying fraternity dues in Alabama to rewriting the record books as a CSP. We cover his early management days under Brian Stevenson, running a $125K branch, and helping break a national new business record as a DM. He opens up about stepping back from management to finish his degree, going all-in on CSP, and what it’s like selling in markets people dismiss—like Mississippi—only to prove that big business exists everywhere.Ryan tells the full story of how a single sharpening service call turned into the largest order ever sold by a rep—1,800 Santokus for a Fortune 500-level company. He breaks down how patience, persistence, and creative follow-up landed him the deal, what it took logistically to close and fulfill, and how he’s already planting seeds for next year. On top of that, we dive into his $138K SC2 push just a month later, his “whale hit list” strategy for closing massive accounts, and the family-first planning that allowed him to prep for fatherhood while running monster numbers.He gets real about spending $50K on IVF, Whitney’s health struggles, and how that fueled his grind. We also get into his why, his mindset on money (treating the $230K order as bonus), and the brutal truth about preparation, territory, and excuses.This is the playbook for CSPs who want to dominate gifting, reps who think their “territory” is a disadvantage, and anyone who wants to see what it takes to stack six figures in sales on top of six-figure orders.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Who Is Ryan Leirer? From Fraternity Dues to CSP Legend03:00 – Starting in 2013: Karate Discipline Meets Cutco Sales06:00 – Branch Rookie Year: $125K and Drinking the Kool-Aid09:00 – DM Years: Breaking National New Biz Records with Stevenson13:00 – Transition: Stepping Back, Finishing School, and Going CSP17:00 – Selling in the South: Why Territory Excuses Don’t Matter21:00 – The Honeybadger Award: Finding Loopholes, Never Taking No25:00 – The $230K Order: How a Sharpening Service Call Turned Historic33:00 – Pallets, Production, and Logistics: Behind the Biggest Order Ever39:00 – SC2 Push: From 93K Last Year to 138K This Summer44:00 – The “Whale Hit List” System for Closing Heavy Hitters49:00 – Preparing Clients Months Out: Why July is Christmas53:00 – IVF, Miscarriage, and Marriage: Why the Grind Mattered More59:00 – Delegation at Home: Paying His Mother-in-Law to “Fill In”1:05:00 – Craziest Day of Push: 30K in 24 Hours1:11:00 – What’s Next: From Record Rep to Multi-Year Gift Contracts

What happens when a 23-year-old from Nebraska—who once sold just $12K in his first summer and quit his only SC2—decides to actually try? You get Tyler Strauss—now $4.2M career, Silver Cup winner (twice), Panerai watch earner, BMW driver, and the newly promoted ADVM running a multi-million-dollar empire.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Tyler unpacks his evolution from “worst rep in the office” to building one of the sharpest young dynasties in the company. We dive into his branch “I’m him” moment, his first million-dollar DM year, and why his SC2 team just put up $500K. He shares how he developed almost ten $50K reps, coached two rookies to $150K+ years, and deployed seven branches at once—all while traveling to 15+ countries in two years.Tyler breaks down his bounce-house accountability philosophy, his social media recruiting hack that landed him 250+ student promoters, and why culture > numbers if you want longevity. He opens up about the struggles too—laying on his office floor ready to quit, a 4K new-business month, and the internal slip signals that forced him to rebuild vision and discipline.We get into his why, his financial playbook (salary yourself the same every week), and how he’s stacking capital to build Nebraska into a national powerhouse. Plus: what it actually takes to delegate without micromanaging, why he pays reps to fail “on his dime,” and the brutal truth that most managers don’t think nearly big enough.This is the blueprint for branches who want to win, DMs who want to scale sustainably, and anyone who doubts that you can go from average rep → division-level builder in just a few years.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Who Is Tyler Strauss? $4.2M at 2303:00 – From $12K Fast Start → Worst Rep in the Office06:00 – The Branch “Dark Horse” Story & Silver Cup Breakthrough09:00 – First Million-Dollar DM Year & $500K SC2 Team13:00 – Why He Thinks Most Managers Don’t Dream Big Enough17:00 – The Bounce House Analogy: Leading Top 20% vs. 80%21:00 – Recruiting Hacks: 250 College Influencers on Payroll25:00 – Delegating Without Micromanaging (Fail on My Dime)29:00 – Developing Dogs: Coaching Kale, Trenton, Reese & Co.34:00 – Traveling the World While Running Multi-Million Offices39:00 – Hardest Seasons: 4K New Business, Football Identity Crisis44:00 – Regulating Stress: Building Vision Beyond Silver Cups49:00 – Investing Discipline: Salary Yourself the Same Every Week53:00 – Withholdings, Savings, and Preventing Rep Burnout57:00 – Culture Standards: Pack Mentality & Public Accountability1:03:00 – The Next Step: ADVM to Division Builder

What happens when a lowkey, down to earth guy from Louisiana drops five $50K+ pushes without a silver cup or flashy event booths? You get Alex Noel—the Demo Demolisher, the bayou king of in-homes, and one of the most slept-on killers in the Cutco game.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Alex pulls back the curtain on how he's quietly built a million-dollar Cutco business off pure referrals, old-school appointments, and a belief that where you're from doesn’t define what’s possible. We talk mindset, daily routines, emotional resilience, how he turned “doing demos” into a six-figure career post-college, and why CSPs need to stop sleeping on their most profitable sales pillar.He drops tactical scripts, advanced referral psychology, push strategy, faith-based motivation, and how he's using Cutco as a launchpad for financial freedom. Plus: gym discipline, family impact, saving vs. spending, and why most reps burn out after a win.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.This is the new era. No fluff. No filters. Just fire.Welcome to No Base Pay.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Who Is Alex Noel? Rolex, SC2s, Swimming03:00 – From Snapchat Swipe-Up to Million-Dollar Rep06:00 – Selling in Louisiana: Mindset Over Market10:00 – Why In-Home Demos Still Dominate15:00 – 5x $50K Pushes: What It Actually Takes21:00 – The Power of Urgency, Gratitude, and Passion26:00 – Tyler Park’s Coaching + the 100K Mentality30:00 – Building Momentum from Zero Leads36:00 – Referral Scripts That Actually Work43:00 – Selling as a Post-Grad: How to Own It48:00 – Non-Negotiables, Time Management & Balance54:00 – From $26K Paycheck to Whole Life & Real Estate1:01:00 – What CSPs Need to Hear About Demos1:06:00 – What’s Next for Alex + Final WordsThis one’s not just for new reps. It’s for anyone who forgot how powerful this job can be—if you treat it like a business.

What happens when a Texas-born grinder who couldn’t even get hired at Five Guys stumbles onto a Craigslist ad and sells $20,000 of Cutco his first summer? You get Alan Hernandez—the now Southwest Region record-breaker, back-to-back $400K+ years CSP, $2.1M career, and the man who just obliterated the SC2 push ceiling with $145,925 in 3 weeks.In this episode of the No Base Pay Podcast, Alan breaks down the three-year climb from 74K → 84K → 145K pushes, the mental shift that killed his need for recognition, and doing it while his biggest order was just $4,700. We go deep on service-call strategy, team building for push, skill-set upgrades from Brandon Brown & Jason Jeffrey, and how to sell big packages without flinching.He opens up about failing forward, his faith, his fiancé, stacking capital until 2030, and why he wants to be fully job-optional by 2035 so he never has to miss his future kid’s soccer game. Plus: health standards, event coordination realities, coaching with Ben Kooper, and why he thinks almost no one is tapping the true demo/referral goldmine.This is the playbook for reps chasing scary numbers, leaders wanting to scale sustainably, and anyone who thinks they’ve “maxed out” their potential.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @unlockwithalex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Who Is Alan Hernandez? $2.1M Career Sales, $3M Events Team03:00 – From Craigslist Ad to $20K First Summer06:00 – Rolex, All-American Scholarships, First Property at 2209:00 – $74K → $84K → $145K: The 3-Year SC2 Climb13:00 – Why 100K? The Goal That Scared Him Most16:00 – Crossing 100K with 5 Days Left & Chasing the Region Record21:00 – Breaking Down $145K: Service Calls, Events, No Big Orders25:00 – Push Team Roles: Caller, Driver, Admin Support29:00 – Learning From Brandon Brown & Jason Jeffrey33:00 – The Mental Shift: Letting Go of Recognition38:00 – Investing in Outside Coaching (Champ Dev, Mike Chu)42:00 – Paying It Forward: Sharp Ninja Coaching with Ben Kooper46:00 – Health Standards: From 29% to 19% Body Fat52:00 – What Event Coordinators Actually Do58:00 – Stack Season Until 2030: High-Yield + Whole Life1:03:00 – Defining Your Survive/Live/Thrive Numbers1:06:00 – What’s Next for Alan + Final Words

What happens when a former semi-pro baseball player, missionary, doctorate earner, and debt-free grad decides to go all-in on Cutco? You get Devin Gilliam—the 3rd fastest rep in company history to cross $1M in sales.In this first-ever episode of The No Base Pay Podcast, Devin shares his journey from a $2K fast start to a $103K SC2 push, how he went from nearly quitting to building a faith-driven legacy in Cutco, and how he’s already passed $300K this year with over $100K in biz gift sales. But this isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s a raw, tactical breakdown any rep can apply.He talks mentorship, rejection, day-to-day strategy, emotional resilience, pushing through failure, time management, and how he bought his first house and launched an Airbnb. Whether you’re a new rep or chasing your next milestone, this is a masterclass.🎧 Produced by: Alex Funk (@unlockwithalex on IG)💥 Sponsored by: Dream Life Academy Mastermind🔗 DM “PODCAST” to @UnlockWithAlex on IG for a free 10-min roadmap call to financial/time freedom.This is the new era. No fluff. No filters. Just fire. Welcome to No Base Pay.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Intro & Why Devin’s Story Is Different02:00 – Devin’s Cutco Stats: From $300K to $1M Rep04:00 – Early Struggles & Virtual Start in 202006:00 – Why Mentorship Saved His Career08:00 – Faith, Identity, and the Real “Why” Behind the Work10:00 – The $103K SC2 Push: What It Actually Took14:00 – Exact Sales Breakdown (Buckets, Orders, Follow-ups)20:00 – Mapping the 100K Vision & Pivoting Mid-Push26:00 – Devin’s Daily Grind: 5AM to 9PM30:00 – The Glass Ball vs. Rubber Ball Analogy34:00 – Character-Building Moments (Including a Lost $25K Deal)39:00 – What to Do When the Day Goes to Sh*t43:00 – Buying His First Home & Launching an Airbnb49:00 – Real Talk: Being a Landlord Isn’t Glamorous52:00 – Why Top Reps Build Wealth (Not Just Sales)55:00 – Coaching, Gifting Systems, and Scheduling for Sanity58:00 – Logic vs Emotion: What Devin’s Learning About Leadership1:04:00 – Who He’s Becoming & Why That’s the Real Win1:09:00 – Devin’s Fall Plans: Work Hard, Play Hard1:13:00 – Final Words + How to Reach DevinThis episode is for the grinders who want more than paychecks. It’s for the ones chasing growth in their faith, finances, and freedom. If that’s you—press play.