The American Hustle

Send a textWelcome to this unique take on opportunities utilizing a very organic conversational approach in comparison with other episodes. Jeff and Neil discuss the opportunities and business evaluations that they have encountered in life. Currently, Jeff is exploring an opportunity that fell into his lap unexpectedly and without revealing anything specific, he dives into what that experience is like and what considerations he has to weigh. Neil balances the conversation with past experiences as well. 

Send a textThis episode was recorded just after Neil returned from a 2 week cross country trip to SEMA. In the episode Neil talks about his experience with a random shop in Missouri and how Trust is so important in society. More so, how Trust can be a tool to benefit everyone. 

Send a textFor 16 years, one Erie, PA event has run on autopilot. Same layout. Same flow. Same problems. And according to the organizer, there’s no need to change a thing because “it works.”In this episode of The American Hustle, Jeff shares his firsthand experience attending the event and why he walked away frustrated, disappointed, and convinced that complacent leadership is holding it back from being truly great. We dig into what happens when tradition becomes an excuse instead of a foundation, and how “good enough” thinking can quietly undermine safety, experience, and community impact.This episode was originally held back out of respect for a tragic accident that occurred during the event. Jeff discusses the incident in the episode before he knew the heartbreaking outcome. Our deepest condolences go to the family affected.Listener Discretion Advised:Specific event details and the Erie, PA location are mentioned. No names or personal identities are shared, and the circumstances of the individual involved are not the focus of this episode’s critique.If you care about leadership, event planning, community responsibility, and the dangers of “we’ve always done it this way”...this one’s worth the listen.

Send a textThe ultimate theme of The American Hustle is learning through our failures. Neil and Jeff have over 40 years of combined experience failing forward and utilize this episode to talk about the importance of Failing but learning faster. 

Send a textIn this episode Neil and Jeff focus in on the trending Gen Z approach to work known as Conscious Unbossing. What does conscious unbossing even mean? Why is Gen Z using this approach to work life? What can employers do to make the most out of this trend? Tune in as the guys tackle this trendy topic about work ethic and find out if Gen Z is lazy or simply approaching work in a smarter way. 

Send a textWhen breakfast turns into a life lesson, you know it’s an episode worth tuning into. Jeff shares a hilarious (and slightly smoky) story about his kids, some missing bacon, and the surprising reflections that followed. Joined by Neil, the two dive deep into the moment — unpacking what it reveals about ethics, character, trust, and how we learn values in everyday life… even at the kitchen table.

Send a textIn this episode, Neil and Jeff break down what it means to be responsive to customers and co-workers. Enjoy their breakdown on why responding is so powerful especially in today's world. 

Send a textIn this episode, Neil and Jeff talk about micro goal setting. What is micro goal setting and why is it different than big picture goal setting. How can you use micro goal setting to improve your situation. 

Send a textNeil and Jeff continue the conversation of Habits. The first habit was focused on time ownership. Now let's talk about education and daily learning. Tune in for tips and tricks that have helped both Neil and Jeff to continue their self education. 

Send a textEver know you have a customer that has had a bad experience in the past and so you try with all your might to make it the best experience possible?? And then everything goes wrong along the way... Neil and Jeff break down this phenomenon and explain how to still provide a quality customer service experience despite Murphy's Law working against you. 

Send a textEnjoy this behind the scenes content where Neil and Jeff discuss potential topics for upcoming episodes. More episodes to come after a short break for Memorial Day. 

Send a textWelcome to a very special episode where we are joined by Jim the Barber. We have the pleasure of hearing Jim's business story and how he took over Jim's Barber Shop. Tune in to find out the original name, it's a doozy. This episode is full of great quips from Jim and is definitely one you don't want to miss. 

Send a textThis episode brings Neil and Jeff into a discussion of Habits. Tune in for some great tips and tricks utilizing lessons they've learned in real life. Additionally, some tactics from other leadership teachings are discussed in terms of how they can apply to real world settings or if they are simply exaggerated to make a point. This is a multi part episode with Time Management ironically taking up much of the time in this first part. 

Send a textThe conversation continues on Entrepreneurs. We apologize for the poor audio quality in this episode, we recorded outside of normal methods. Our editors tried their best to bring that high quality audio you've come to expect but just couldn't quite get there. We promise, next episode will be better. In the meantime, please try to enjoy our continued discussion on this topic. 

Send a textIn this episode Neil and Jeff break down what it means to be an entrepreneur. Is there a difference between an entrepreneur and a small business owner? Tune in to part one of this two part episode. Don't forget to stay tuned for the quote of the week. 

Send a textNeil and Jeff resume the book review and continue the next six rules listed in The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. This book is a fun and short read that Neil and Jeff find very impactful and meaningful. Tune in to hear their interpretations and real world examples. 

Send a textThe Energy Bus is a fun and short book written by Jon Gordon. Jeff and Neil tackle the book's first 5 rules as well as give an overview of the story. 

Send a textEnjoy this behind the scenes look at how Neil and Jeff converse. They sit down to discuss the future of The American Hustle and how to really focus it in. Upcoming, a new mini series featuring a book review. 

Send a textThis episode has Neil and Jeff discussing Social Media and its impact on business when it goes bad. Listen in for tips and tricks on how to navigate through and come out on top when it comes to negative social media attention. Stayed tuned at the end for the quote of the week. In the next episode the guys will talk about Financial Mishaps. 

Send a textJoin Neil and Jeff as they explore Fake Promises both in the legal sense and in general terms. Neil shares a personal story from his days in football that identifies how fake promises can impact you. Remember to stay tuned for the quote of the week afterwards. 

Send a textIn a continuation of last week's episode... What do you do when the tank runs empty? Neil and Jeff talk through several scenarios. Life Goes On and that is the focus of the next several episodes. Tune into our next episode in the life goes on series and learn about fake promises.

Send a textNeil and Jeff discuss the Analogy of Gas Tanks and how it relates to life. Following this episode our team will dive into The Empty Gas Tank Theories. Remember to like, subscribe and leave a review and as always stay tuned for the episodes featured quote.

Send a textNeil and Jeff talk about how just because the price is a great price, doesn't mean you should take the deal. Sometimes taking the great deals is what gets a company, or individual in trouble. Listen in for some great learning experience that these two have been through.

Send a textWelcome Back! This episode kicks of the Studio relaunch and brings Neil and Jeff back to the mics with all new content on leadership. Irons in the Fire is a great topic spurred by a conversation with a listener. Tune in Next week for Great Deals = Great Demise.

Send a textTune in for Ep 45 where Neil and Jeff talk about the difference between talkers and doers. In fact, they are doing so much they may have forgot what they were talking about. Tune in to find out!

Send a textNeil and Jeff are fired up and ripping down the curtain of lies surrounding the industry of success.

Send a textThis episode continues the Effort conversation of our last episode. Neil and Jeff share Stories and Experiences surrounding what a little bit of effort can do for you in life. Tune in next week as they guys discuss "Lies"

Send a textThis episode Neil and Jeff explore the impact of just a little bit of effort, and how that impact is more explosive in the post covid era.

Send a textWelcome to Episode 40 - Deseed The Lemons. This episode talks about a concept Neil found in a book. Tune in to find out what Deseed the lemon means as Neil and Jeff talk through this interesting topic. Remember to stay tuned at the end for the Quote of the Week.

Send a textEp 39 is a continuation of the Integrity and Transparency conversation. Tune in for this special episode that includes a hot mic from prior to recording. Additionally, we all make mistakes and we are here to share ours. Listen to the very end of the episode to hear a fun little blooper.

Send a textIn Episode 38, Neil and Jeff talk about integrity and transparency in business. Tune in to find out why this topic has the guys fired up and ready to roll.

Send a textRowing to a shore near you, Neil and Jeff give their takes on ROWE work environment. What is ROWE, tune in to find out. Does ROWE work? See how it can be success or a failure and why. Don't forget to stay tuned for the quote of the week at the end.

Send a textWelcome to a fresh new episode of The American Hustle. In this mini series, Neil and Jeff will look at Remote Work and Work Place Cultures. This first episode in the mini series talks about Remote Work, specifically if it is dying out or thriving. Stay tuned for the Quote of the Week, and remember, you can join the conversation by emailing [email protected] with topic ideas, thoughts, feedback and requests to be a guest.

Send a textThis episode features Neil and Jeff discuss the power of Networking and some ways to make your networking skills even better. Tune in to learn how you can build a bigger network of people. Don't forget to stay tuned in for the Quote Of The Week towards the end of the episode.

Send a textNeil and Jeff kick off 2024 strong with a fiery topic about a local BBQ restaurant. You are not going to want to miss this episode! This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Don't forget to stay tuned for the Quote of the Week.

Send a textWelcome to the final episode of this year. In the Episode, Neil and Jeff break down the Code and explain their beliefs in it. Don't forget to stay tuned for the quote of the week towards the end of the episode. The show is pausedfor the holidays but will return in January!!

Send a textYup. We know... Everyone talks about this. So why would a podcast all about avoiding cliche talking points talk about it?? Guess you just have to tune in to find out.

Send a textWelcome back to another great episode. This episode continues the conversation of Climbing out of Rock Bottom by discussing the Fools Gold Theory. This theory was created by Jeff and expanded upon by Neil and Jeff as they discuss it. Tune in to catch it and to hear the quote of the week towards the end.

Send a textThe conversation continues as Neil and Jeff talk about recognizing and escaping that rock bottom moment in your life.

Send a textDig in because the team went from Humble Pie to Rock Bottom real quick! Neil and Jeff explore what Rock Bottom means and share their own stories. Stay tuned for the quote of the week. Tune in to our next episode for discussion on climbing out of Rock Bottom.

Send a textHumble Pie is a branch off from an earlier mini series called 5 Hs. We are exploring Humble a bit more in depth than our last episode. Don't forget to stay tuned for the Quote of the Week and look for our next episode "Rock Bottom"

Send a textIn this episode, Neil and Jeff continue the conversation from last week about burning bridges. They each share stories of times they have, should have, or shouldn't have burnt bridges. Additionally, they discuss times it is important to just let it burn but doing it as a controlled burn. Special Guest Davey "The Savage" cinematographer steps onto set and it was left in for your entertainment. That's right, we did not edit out the Coffee coming onto set because we all know how important coffee is.

Send a textIn this episode, Neil and Jeff tackle the topic of application of leverage but not Financial Leverage. Tune in to hear their takes and obviously tune in for the quote of the week at the end of the episode.

Send a textWelcome to another great episode of The American Hustle. This episode takes explores different theories on proper application of leverage. Neil and Jeff have an organic conversation about the topic leading to a surprise analogy that blows Neil away. Tune in to find out more and to hear the quote of the week towards the end of the episode. Next week, the guys will discuss "Too Much Leverage."

Send a textWelcome to an episode based solely around Nascar Theories of Leadership. Neil and Jeff unpack multiple ways that Nascar can teach leadership lessons. Stay tuned for a Nascar Legend Quote of the Week. Tune in next week for an episode on Proper Application of Leverage.

Send a textWelcome to another great episode of The American Hustle. In this Episode, Neil and Jeff discuss one of Neil's personal theories. It's just another day at the beach for these guys. Don't forget the quote of the week at the end, and tune in next week as the guys are off to the Races talking about Nascar and how it relates to leadership.

Send a textIn this episode, Neil and Jeff talk about emotional burnout and how to overcome it. As an added bonus, this week's quote of the week has 2 quotes.

Send a textWelcome to Episode 20 of The American Hustle. In this episode Neil and Jeff dive deep into the Sink Or Swim conversation. The conversation gets intense as they both are passionate about this topic. Learn about some Lows in their lives as well as how they just keep swimming.

Send a textWelcome to episode 19 of The American Hustle. In this episode Neil and Jeff discuss SMART Goals and Identifying Rocks. As a throw back to an earlier episode, this topic is a lot of Sharpening Your Axe. Though sometimes planning can seem counter productive, taking the time to prioritize your tasks and create SMART Goals is extremely important.

Send a textWelcome to Episode 18 of The American Hustle. In this episode, Neil and Jeff discuss the "Perfect" leader. Practice Makes Perfect or does it? Don't forget to listen in for the quote of the week at the end of the episode.