T.U.T — The Unwritten Teachings
by Raj Tut
T.U.T — The Unwritten Teachings is where timeless wisdom meets modern ambition.Hosted by Raj Tut, entrepreneur and founder of Storyboard Living, the show captures conversations with seasoned leaders, builders, and thinkers who’ve already walked the path and have the scars, stories, and lessons to show for it.No headlines. No hype.Just the unwritten truths about success, leadership, and meaning — shared by those who’ve earned them.New episodes every two weeks.Brought to you by Storyboard Living — storyboardliving.com.Follow @ItsRajTut on all platforms.
Episodes
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12 Luxury Stores in 12 Months: The Rollout Nobody Saw Coming with Dan Abel Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer at Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company & Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier
In this episode, I speak with Dan Abel Jr., Chief Chocolate Officer and co-owner of two St. Louis institutions: Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, the business his parents founded in 1981, and Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier, a brand whose roots trace to Paris and a 1668 appointment as...
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How Missouri Became the 5th Largest Cannabis Market in America with Kevin Riggs, Co-founder & CEO at BeLeaf Medical
In this episode, I speak with Kevin Riggs, co-founder, partner, and CEO of BeLeaf Medical Co., one of Missouri's first vertically integrated cannabis companies and the organization behind the Swade dispensary brand. Riggs's background is in engineering rather than cannabis; he built and ran a…
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The Real Business Behind Interior Design with Julie Abner, Principal Designer & Owner at Julie Abner Interiors
In this episode, I sat down with Julie Abner, Principal Designer & Owner at Julie Abner Interiors, an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in St. Louis. Julie has been building her firm for nearly 20 years, with work featured in publications like St. Louis Magazine, Sophisticated...
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How Tom Schlafly Turned A $137K Bet Into A St. Louis Institution with Tom Schlafly, President at Schlafly Beer
I sat down with Tom Schlafly, President at Schlafly Beer, co-founder and chairman of The Saint Louis Brewery, an attorney, author, civic leader, and minority owner of the St. Louis Blues. Tom helped pioneer craft beer in St. Louis when he opened what became Missouri’s first microbrewery in 1991…
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Why Cities Will Start Dying Without Migration with Ness Sándoval, Professor at Saint Louis University
In this episode, I sat down with Ness Sándoval, a Professor of Demography and Sociology at Saint Louis University and one of the leading voices sounding the alarm on population decline. Ness walks through his personal journey from growing up in a small, segregated town in Nebraska to becoming...
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A $1.5B Real Estate Bet on Aging America with Laurie Schultz, Principal & Co-Founder at Avenue, Viva Bene
In this episode, I sat down with Laurie Schultz, Principal & Co-Founder at Avenue, Viva Bene to discuss how aging demographics are reshaping real estate and why traditional senior living is due for a major transformation. Laurie shared her journey from growing up in St. Louis to building a career...
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Why You Feel Exhausted, Stuck & Unhealthy with Sharnie Grewal, Functional Wellness Coach
In this episode, I sat down with Sharnie Grewal, Functional Wellness Coach focused on helping women over 30 optimize their health through a root-cause, functional approach. Sharnie shares her journey from growing up in London to becoming a physical therapist and eventually transitioning into...
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Why Cities Rise or Fall Based on Their Downtown with Steve Smith, Co-Founder at Lawrence Group
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Smith, co-founder of Lawrence Group and founder of New + Found. Steve started Lawrence Group in 1983 in the attic of his home with just a few hundred dollars and a vision of building what he once called the “super firm” — a company that designs, builds,...
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How Dr. Sonia Cajigal Is Rebuilding Allergy Care with Sonia Cajigal, Allergy/Immunologist at St. Louis Family Allergy
In this episode, I sat down with Sonia Cajigal, an Allergy/Immunologist at St. Louis Family Allergy, to talk about her path from an accelerated medical program into allergy and immunology, and eventually into building her own private practice in St. Peters, Missouri. She has a strong clinical...
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The Modular Construction Playbook for Attainable Housing with Mark Turnbull, Founder at Module Building Systems
Mark Turnbull, founder of Module Building Systems, shares the journey of building an offsite construction company in Saint Louis with a mission to deliver high-quality, attainable housing at scale. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Mark traces his entrepreneurial roots from early real estate...
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The Leadership Shift Every Growing Company Faces with Rachel Wallis, CEO of Wallis Companies & Principal at The Sixth Level
Rachel Wallis is a second-generation business leader, former CEO of Wallis Companies, and founder of The Sixth Level, a leadership and culture consultancy. During her tenure, Wallis Companies grew into a multibillion-dollar enterprise with fuel distribution, convenience retail, and car wash...
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What Actually Breaks Small Businesses (And How to Avoid It), with Shaun Hayes Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, Speaker
Shaun Hayes returns for his second appearance to share hard-earned lessons from a career that spans entrepreneurship, banking, and executive leadership. He’s an author and speaker who has built and scaled businesses, evaluated thousands of business plans, and brings a pragmatic operator’s lens to...
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Why Most Founders Fail at Selling Their Company with Han Ko, President & CEO at USAKO Group
Han Ko (Sacco Group) joins Raj Tut to share his journey from being born in South Korea, immigrating to Southern California, and ultimately building his career in the St. Louis region after studying engineering at Washington University. With a background in computer science, electrical…
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The Hidden Cost of Doing Everything in Your Business with Ricky Shah, the Director of the Kumon Center in Chesterfield, MO.
Ricky Shah is the Director of Kumon Chesterfield, a high-performing education franchise known for its strong enrollment and operational discipline. A former Kumon student who completed both the math and reading programs, Ricky’s story comes full circle as he eventually acquired and now leads the...
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Inside FLEX Payment Solutions: How to Win in Specialized Industries, with Rob Zeitler, President and Co-Founder of FLEX Payment Solutions
In this episode, we sit down with Rob Zeitler, President and Co-Founder of FLEX Payment Solutions, a family-owned B2B fintech company specializing in payment processing for niche and highly regulated industries. With over 20 years in the electronic payments space, Rob has helped build FLEX into a...
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How a Family Office Really Analyzes Real Estate Deals (From $1B of Experience) with Jason King, Director of Real Estate and Impact Investing for Lewis and Clark Holdings
Jason King is the Director of Real Estate and Impact Investing for Lewis and Clark Holdings, the Hillman family office, where he oversees investments across real estate, clean energy, affordable housing and tax-related strategies. Over his career, Jason has invested close to $1 billion across…
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The “Unsexy” Problems That Build Great Companies with Amit Kothari, Founder & CEO of Tallyfy
Amit Kothari is the founder & CEO of Tallyfy, an AI-driven startup focused on helping companies document, track, and continuously improve their processes. Born in Kenya, raised in London, and now calling St. Louis home, Amit’s path runs from flipping rare stamps to pay off university debt, to...
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Inside the Business of Healthcare: How Doctors Really Get Paid with Calvin Cajigal, MD partner at Pain Management Services
Dr. Calvin Cajigal, a first-generation physician and partner at Pain Management Services in St. Louis, joins Raj Tut for a deep dive into the realities of modern healthcare. After earning his medical degree through UMKC’s competitive six-year program and completing his anesthesia and pain...
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Inside Title Companies: What Really Happens Before You Close with Brian Thies, Vice President of National Commercial Services at ATA National Title Group
Brian Thies is the Vice President of National Commercial Services at ATA National Title Group, a large Midwest-based title agency that handles complex commercial and residential transactions across multiple states. With 22+ years in the industry, Brian has operated at every scale—from small...
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How Lenders Really Size Your Loan (Explained by Gantry) with Mitch Walsh, Director of CRE Debt & Equity Originations at Gantry
Mitchell “Mitch” Walsh is the Director of CRE Debt & Equity Originations at Gantry, with over nine years of experience in commercial real estate finance. Based in the St. Louis area, Mitch has underwritten and closed loans across multifamily, industrial, retail, and other asset classes and has…
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How Michael Hamburg Scaled $340M of Class-A Multifamily in St. Louis
Michael Hamburg is the founder of Pier Property Group, a St. Louis–based developer behind 1,200+ Class-A units and ~$340M in projects since 2016–2018. Raised around real estate, he studied economics at Vanderbilt, cut his teeth in real estate finance and tax-credit investing, and then launched…
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From Wire Fraud to 1031s: How Title Companies Secure Your Deals, with John Duckworth, co-founder and Managing Partner of True Title, LLC
John Duckworth, co-founder and Managing Partner of True Title, shares his journey from running a fireworks stand as a teenager to building the largest locally owned title company in St. Louis. With over 20 years of experience, John has grown True Title to 17 branches across Missouri, Illinois…
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How to Build Mission-Oriented Teams in a Disruptive World with Robert “Cujo” Teschner, #1 Best Selling Author & Founder/CEO of VMax Group
Robert “Cujo” Teschner is a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and weapons school instructor, now founder and CEO of VMax Group, a leadership consultancy based in St. Louis. With an impressive career that includes leading missions over southern Iraq and training at the Air Force’s Top Gun…
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Why Most Founders Plateau — and What to Do About It with Zach Schaefer, founder and CEO of Spark The Discussion
Zach “Dr. Z” Schaefer, founder and CEO of Spark The Discussion, is a respected leadership coach, management consultant, certified Predictive Index® partner, and award‑winning speaker. A retired tenured professor, he also owns a stake in a sports bar chain, advising on culture, tech, and strategy....
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No Salaries, No Vacation Tracking: Our Partner-Only Model with Tom Kaiman, Founder of Mia Rose Holdings
Tom Kaiman is the founder of Mia Rose Holdings, a St. Louis-based real estate development firm with nearly $1B in assets under management and over 3,000 apartment units developed. Before becoming a prolific builder, Tom was a professional hockey player and earned a degree in civil engineering.…
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How To Scale a Storage Business with Smart Systems, with Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage
Alex Erbs is the VP and co-owner of Storage Mall Group and Gateway Storage, a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in the self-storage industry. With more than 2 million square feet under management across 11 states and over 12,000 units, Alex has played a pivotal role in scaling...
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Structuring Triple Net Sale-Leasebacks: Real Estate Financing with Tim Crowley, President, Crowley Financial Corp.
Tim Crowley is a St. Louis-based real estate investor and entrepreneur who built a decades-long career in triple net sale-leasebacks, conservative underwriting, and long-term investing. With no formal real estate background, Tim entered the industry after careers in manufacturing and oil & gas,...
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Inside FHA Lending: How to Get the Best Rate (and Keep It) with Cortney Mauldin, Commercial Loan Originator Specializing in FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Balance Sheet Lending
Cortney Mauldin is a seasoned FHA loan originator based out of St. Louis with a remarkable track record in commercial real estate finance. Over the past five years, he has originated $375 million in HUD-backed loans and has overseen more than $4 billion in loan volume throughout his career....
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Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever in Real Estate, with Jake Klamen Founder & Investment Broker of Klamen Commercial Advisors
In this episode, we interview Jake Klamen, founder of Klamen Commercial Advisors and co-owner of My Ten Management. With deep family roots in St. Louis real estate, Jake has successfully completed over 48 commercial transactions valued at over $125 million since founding his brokerage in 2021....
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How Ethics Shapes Company Culture with Yonason Goldson
Yonason Goldson, a globally recognized thought leader on ethics, leadership, and culture, joins Raj to share insights from his remarkable journey. Yonason is a TEDx speaker, former hitchhiker, world traveler, and author of seven books, regularly contributing to Fast Company and having been…
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Why Most Businesses Fail at Branding with Gair Maxwell
Discover the power of storytelling in creating legendary brands with Gair Maxwell, author of "Big Little Legends" and renowned international speaker. In this insightful conversation, Gair reveals how businesses and entrepreneurs can stand out by tapping into their authentic stories and building...
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The Mindset of a Real Estate Mogul – Michael Staenberg
Michael Staenberg is a visionary real estate developer and philanthropist who has developed over 200 retail centers totaling more than 45 million square feet. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Michael has worked with some of the biggest names in retail, including Walmart, McDonald’s…
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The Power of Holding – Why Selling Too Soon Costs You Millions with Jim Stewart, President & Founder of Stewart Properties, Inc.
Jim Stewart, founder and CEO of Stewart Properties, brings over 40 years of experience in commercial real estate, particularly in multifamily investments. He is also a founding shareholder of Enterprise Bank, the largest bank headquartered in St. Louis. Jim’s career journey is one of resilience…
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Should You Buy a Business Instead of Starting One? with Ben Strake Co-Founder & President of Premier M&A Advisors
Ben Strake is an award-winning M&A advisor, serial entrepreneur, and founder of Premier Business Brokers and Kodiak Business Valuations. With a background in hospitality and experience in business brokerage, Ben has built a career helping business owners maximize their exits and guiding...
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Mastering Leadership: Jonathan Jones Reveals Game-Changing Insights
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Jones, a true expert in business operations, leadership, and culture. Jonathan’s impressive background includes serving as an executive coach and peer group facilitator with Vistage, the world’s largest CEO peer group, where he’s...
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Unlocking Opportunities for St. Louis Entrepreneurs: Insights from Jeff Colona & Darrell Scott from STL Partnership
In this episode, Raj Tut hosts Jeff Colona and Darrell Scott, two key leaders from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership). Jeff serves as the director of the Heartland Regional Investment Fund and has a wealth of experience in residential and commercial real estate…
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Why Boutique Firms Win in Real Estate with Brian Kelley, Founder of Revel CRE
In this episode, Raj sits down with Brian Kelley, Founder of Revel CRE, a boutique commercial real estate brokerage operating in Missouri and Southern Illinois. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Brian has built a reputation as one of the most active brokers in the St. Louis…
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Challenges of Building a Restaurant Empire - Lessons from Munsok So, President and CEO of So Hospitality Group
In this episode, I sit down with Munsok So, President and CEO of So Hospitality Group. With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Munsok has transformed the Saint Louis dining scene through his leadership of well-known brands like Drunken Fish and Kimchi Guys. His journey from running a...
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AI-Driven Growth: How to Transform Your Business with Tyler Kelly, Co-Founder of Slam! Agency
In this episode, I sit down with Tyler Kelley, co-founder of Slam! Agency, a marketing agency based out of Saint Louis, and a passionate entrepreneur who's dedicated to giving back through coaching and mentoring. Tyler grew up in a working-class area of North County, Saint Louis, and while his…
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The Truth About Scaling a Tech Business: Lessons from John Krewson, CEO of Sketch Development
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with John Krewson, the founder and CEO of Sketch Development, a company he started in 2015 that has rapidly grown to $10 million in revenue and earned a spot on the Inc 5000 list for two consecutive years. John shared his incredible journey of...
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Emotional Intelligence for Business Success, with Justine Froekle Speaker, 2x TEDx Presenter, Corporate Trainer, Author
Welcome to "Country Club Conversations." In this episode, we bring you Justine Froekler, a distinguished author, speaker, and licensed professional counselor renowned for her expertise in mental health, resilience, and leadership. With a career spanning over 25 years, Justine has captivated...
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Transforming Urban Spaces: Real Estate Strategies You Need to Know, with Garen Lafser President at Salient Realty Group & CityRise Development
In this episode of Country Club Conversations, Raj sits down with Garen Lafser, President at Salient Realty Group and CityRise Development. With extensive experience in both commercial real estate and development, Garen has been a pivotal figure in shaping the St. Louis real estate landscape. His...
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An Immigrant's Path from $0 to $25 Million in the US, with Krishna Kurnala President and CEO OF Stellar IT Group
In this episode of Country Club Conversations, we’re joined by Krishna Kurnala, a remarkable entrepreneur. Founder of Stellar IT Group. Krishna's journey began in a small town in India, where he grew up in a lower middle-class family with limited resources. His ambition and resilience drove him…
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Building a $400 Million Real Estate Company, with Bob Walpert Founder & CEO of Walpert Properties
Welcome to Country Club Conversations, where we delve into the world of real estate with industry leaders. In this episode, we're joined by Bob Walpert, founder and CEO of Walpert Properties and one of the most sought-after real estate minds in St. Louis. With over four decades of experience, Bob...
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From a $13,000 Mobile Home To Over $100 Million in Real Estate with Raj Tut, Founder & CEO of Storyboard Living
Welcome back to another episode of Country Club Conversations. Today, we have a very special episode as Raj Tut takes the interviewee spot, allowing us to take a deep dive into his story. As we already know, Raj is the Founder of Storyboard Living. His company has been featured six times in the...
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Building Success Stories: How Jasper Paul PR Elevates Brands with Caiti Chaney, Founder of Jasper Paul PR & Marketing
Welcome to another episode of Country Club Conversations. In this episode, we have the one and only Caiti Chaney, Founder of Jasper Paul PR & Marketing. Caiti has a rich background in Public Relations and the Hospitality industry. Considered one of the most influential businesswomen in St. Louis,...
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Building High-Performing Teams with Verne Harnish, Owner and CEO, Scaling Up: A Gazelles Company
On today’s episode we have the pleasure of sitting down with Verne Harnish, a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and business growth. As founder and CEO of Scaling Up, a global executive education and coaching company, and authoring bestsellers like "Mastering the Rockefeller Habits"…
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Acquiring Ambition: Blueprint for Growth Through Buying Businesses with Michael Heath, President at State Line Products, Florida Pool and Spa, and Pool King Enterprises LLC
On this episode of Country Club Conversations, Raj sits down with Michael Heath, President of Pool King Enterprises, Florida Pool and Spa and State Line Products of Missouri to discuss his journey to successful entrepreneurship from a background in accounting, insurance and sales. Michael spares…
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Deep Dive into the Recycling Industry with Adam Orf, President & Owner of Didion-Orf Recycling
On this episode of Country Club Conversations, we journey with Adam Orf, the president and owner of Didion Orf Recycling, as he details his ascent from a hardworking youth in his family's foundry to the trailblazing leader of a flourishing recycling business. Adam's insights offer a window into…
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The Business of Gambling with Melissa Helton, President & General Manager at FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing
In this episode, Melissa Helton, President and General Manager of FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, sits down with our host, Raj Tut, to share her extensive experience in the gaming and betting industry. With a successful career spanning nearly 25 years, the once-former accountant with adept...
About this show
T.U.T — The Unwritten Teachings is where timeless wisdom meets modern ambition.Hosted by Raj Tut, entrepreneur and founder of Storyboard Living, the show captures conversations with seasoned leaders, builders, and thinkers who’ve already walked the path and have the scars, stories, and lessons to show for it.No headlines. No hype.Just the unwritten truths about success, leadership, and meaning — shared by those who’ve earned them.New episodes every two weeks.Brought to you by Storyboard Living — storyboardliving.com.Follow @ItsRajTut on all platforms.
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Raj Tut
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