The Pagel Uncensored Podcast

On this episode of Pagel Uncensored Podcast, we sit down with Benji Irvine — longtime OG fan, business owner, and the face behind The Diecast Den and Performance Lawn Care. Benji was also our Pagel Elite YouTube Membership January Thank You Gift recipient, and we were pumped to have him on the show. Benji keeps it real — no fluff, just honest perspective from someone grinding every day. * YouTube: TheDiecastDen * Facebook: Benji Irvine | Performance Lawn Care 🎙️ Pagel Uncensored Podcast — real talk with real people in the trades. 🧰 We’re Proud Jobber Ambassadors!Get a free 14-day trial + 20% off your first 6 months using our link:👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservicesLink is also located in the video description.

Austin Gibson is the owner of Unique Auto Salvage, an automotive recycling business operating across Michigan — and parts of Ohio — buying, selling, and moving everything from catalytic converters to scrap vehicles. In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, Austin opens up about the real side of running a blue-collar business: downsizing from six employees to two, the constant struggle to find trustworthy help, and the pressure of being both the owner andthe guy doing the work. A life-threatening moment on the job forced him to rethink everything — how he operates, who he trusts, and what really matters when you’re trying to provide for a family and keep a business alive. No fluff. No filters. Just real conversation about risk, responsibility, and what it actually takes to stay in business. We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors!Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months:👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

What do snow plows, broken computers, and military service all have in common? Tristan James joins the podcast to tell a story you don’t hear every day. From his days in the Army and surviving cancer, to running a computer repair shop with some truly unforgettable customers, Tristan walks us through how curiosity in a garage turned into Wisconsin Specialty Recycling — a top-level electronics recycling operation uncovering real value in what most people call “junk.” No hype. No politics. Just real work, real stories, and lessons learned the hard way. 🧰 We’re Proud Jobber Ambassadors!Get a free 14-day trial + 20% off your first 6 months using our link:👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Run your service business smarter with Jobber — from quotes and scheduling to invoicing and payments. Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices It took a minute — but once Kaleb locked in, everything changed. In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, Sally Rech, owner of Rech Family Farms & Rech Family Gardens, came in confident about her business… until Kaleb uncovered the exact issue holding her back. The problem?👉 Her pricing strategy When Kaleb laid it out, Sally was genuinely shocked.

Brady Vondra, owner of Vondra Ag Services, has spent over a decade building a farming business from the ground up — and at one point, watched it all burn down. In this raw and honest episode of Pagel Uncensored, Brady shares how losing everything forced him to rebuild smarter, tougher, and more committed than ever. From surviving a total loss to teaching the next generation about farming, this is a story about resilience, hard lessons, and the reality of agriculture that rarely gets talked about. If you care about farming, entrepreneurship, or what it truly takes to start over, this episode is for you. 💦 Get 10% Off Salts GoneKeep your equipment clean and protected:👉 https://saltsgone.com/PAGELSERVICES 🧰 We’re Proud Jobber Ambassadors! Get a free 14-day trial + 20% off your first 6 months using our link:👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with Josh Wells, owner of Wells And Son Outdoor Services, a Minnesota-based stump grinding and landscaping business built through decades of hands-on experience. Josh shares his journey through over 30 years in the landscaping industry, including the challenges of owning a business, balancing family life, and how his combat deployment shaped his work ethic and outlook. We talk about running a self-made operation, specializing in stump grinding, landscaping, and snow removal, and his long-term plan to pass the torch to the next generation by growing the business alongside his son. The conversation also dives into work, discipline, firearms, current events, and the realities of being self-employed in a demanding trade. This is a raw, honest discussion about responsibility, independence, and building something that lasts. Connect with Josh: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D6vq7hLT5/?mibextid=wwXIfr * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A1pfQP9Pk/?mibextid=wwXIfr We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In Episode 221 of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down for a raw conversation about what it really takes to grow a successful business without Google, without a website, and without relying on the internet at all. From word-of-mouth hustle to hands-on work, this episode dives into the challenges, surprises, and grit required to build something real in a digital world. Honest lessons, unexpected insights, and a story you won’t believe.

Ever wondered why insurance costs so much — and what’s really behind those rising premiums? In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with Jaclyn Bevan, owner of Jaclyn Bevan Insurance Agency (State Farm) and Bacon Branch Beef, LLC, to cut through the noise. Jaclyn shares an honest take on the insurance world, small-town business, and what it’s like balancing work, family, and life on the farm. She opens up about real conversations with clients, the value of listening before responding, and why she believes life is better on the farm. If you’ve ever had questions about insurance, small business, or just need a dose of Midwest real talk, this episode’s for you.

When the stress piled up, Paul Ledebuhr decided it was time to share the load. Now co-owner of Bluff Country Outdoor Services, Paul opens up about life in the lawn and landscape industry — from handling bad employees and burnout to rediscovering what matters most: teamwork, family, and the great outdoors. Follow Paul’s work here: 👉 Bluff Country Outdoor Services on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575180594268 👉 Ledebuhr Lawn Care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ledebuhr.lawncare/

From dropping out of high school to running a multi-award-winning tree and winter services company — Matt Wingate, owner of Lakes Area Tree Guys LLC, joins Kaleb for a raw conversation about what it really takes to build a business from the ground up. Based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Matt shares how he built a 5-star-rated company with zero advertising, a loyal crew, and a reputation that speaks for itself. The two dive into the grind of running a service-based business, handling daily chaos, managing growth, and keeping customer relationships at the center of it all. They also talk about leadership, the mindset behind staying small but mighty, and why going back to simpler values still matters in today’s world of business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, tradesman, or just someone who respects hard work and straight talk — this one’s for you. Follow & Connect with Matt: 🔗 Socials: 📸 Instagram: @mvwingate 📘 Facebook: @thetreeguys 🎵 TikTok: @mattwingate1 🧰 We’re Proud Jobber Ambassadors! Get a free 14-day trial + 20% off your first 6 months using our link: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Dowe and Scott Czaplinski, the duo behind K&S Driveway Guys LLC, based in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Since 2013, Kevin and Scott have been transforming driveways and sport courts across the Midwest — specializing in coloring, striping, and resurfacing for pickleball, tennis, basketball, hockey, four-square, and shuffleboard. They share how they went from road construction to building a niche business that makes old courts look brand-new, all while keeping a grounded, hard-working mindset. From being OG fans of the show to running their own thriving company, their story is all about focus, hustle, and finding success in the details — or as they put it, “Focused on one job wins the game.” We talk about everything from wake surfing and family time to their philosophy on work ethic, customer trust, and even the light-hearted debate of “iPhones are the alpha and droids suck.” If you love small-business success stories, this one’s a must-listen — straight from two guys who’ve built their own lane, one court at a time. 👉 Check out K&S Driveway Guys:🌐 Website: https://ksdrivewayguys.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ks_driveway_guys_llc Protect your ride from salt damage with SaltsGone! Get 10% off your order using code PAGELSERVICES at checkout or shop directly: 👉 https://saltsgone.com/PAGELSERVICES We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Run your service business smarter with Jobber — from quotes and scheduling to invoicing and payments. Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, Kaleb sits down with Roger Krantz, the founder and former owner of West End Salvage in Lancaster, Wisconsin. Roger’s story is one of grit, vision, and small-town determination — building a thriving business from nothing and turning it into a legacy for generations to come. From humble beginnings and one life-changing car to building a company that became a community cornerstone, Roger shares how hard work, faith, and perseverance shaped his journey from the start to a well-earned retirement. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small-town dreamer, or just love a good success story, this one’s for you. 👉 Subscribe for more real conversations with Midwest business builders, dreamers, and doers Protect your ride from salt damage with SaltsGone! Get 10% off your order using code PAGELSERVICES at checkout or shop directly: 👉 https://saltsgone.com/PAGELSERVICES We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Run your service business smarter with Jobber — from quotes and scheduling to invoicing and payments. Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In this episode, we sit down with Darren Peters, owner of Peters’ Patio & Landscape in SE Minnesota. With 22 years in the landscape industry and 15 years running his own company, Darren has seen it all — from employee frustrations to equipment mishaps (yes, even pallet forks getting destroyed). What makes Darren stand out? Even after 15 years of ownership, he’s still out in the field, working side by side with his crew. We dive into his journey, his philosophy on leadership, industry debates like dense grade vs. open graded base, and what it really takes to balance sales, HR, and hardscape installs while running a small business. Whether you’re a landscaper, a business owner, or just someone who loves hearing the real stories behind local leaders, Darren’s insights will inspire you. 📲 Connect with Darren & Peters’ Patio & Landscape: * Facebook: https://facebook.com/YourLocalLandscapeLeader * Instagram: https://instagram.com/peterspatiolandscape * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterspatiolandscapeinc.2010 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with real leaders in the trades and landscaping industry! Protect your ride from salt damage with SaltsGone! Get 10% off your order using code PAGELSERVICES at checkout or shop directly: 👉 https://saltsgone.com/PAGELSERVICES We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Run your service business smarter with Jobber — from quotes and scheduling to invoicing and payments. Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Bauer, the man behind Paragon Excavation and Land Clearing—a one-man band who runs his business exactly the way he wants to. An OG fan since the early days, Nick shares how he walked away from seven years as a diesel mechanic, hopped in a skid steer, and built his own excavation and land clearing company with no regrets. We cover it all: * Running a business completely solo (and why he refuses to hire a crew) * The realities of baby momma drama and balancing life outside of work * How the cost of living hits harder when you’re doing it all yourself * Wake surfing, mopeds, BMX, and the hobbies that keep him moving * Raw stories from concrete jobs, heavy equipment, and the “dumb shit” he’s seen along the way 👉 Connect with Nick: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BtQkXpkz5/?mibextid=wwXIfr * Website: https://paragoncontractingwi.com If you’re into excavation, land clearing, skid steers, heavy equipment stories, and unfiltered conversation—this episode is for you. We’re proud Jobber Ambassadors! Run your service business smarter with Jobber — from quotes and scheduling to invoicing and payments. Use our link to get a free 14-day trial plus an exclusive 20% off your first 6 months: 👉 https://go.getjobber.com/pagelservices  

This time we sit down with Stuart Owens who’s been building his own channel while grinding through real-life challenges. From the pressures of managing a crew, to finding purpose through sobriety, to chasing big dreams beyond his day job, Stuart opens up with honesty and grit. If you’re looking for straight talk, personal growth lessons, and inspiration from someone who’s been in the trenches — you won’t want to miss this one.

In this episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with Dalton Campbell — an OG fan, community supporter, and hardworking entrepreneur who runs two businesses: ✅ Buzz Lawn Care & Snow Removal – keeping properties clean and clear year-round. ✅ Buzz Impressions – a warehouse and printing company serving local businesses. Dalton shares his journey of growing both companies, what it’s like balancing family life with two hustles, and why giving back to the community means so much to him. From doing a live news interview while snowplowing to running warehouse operations, Dalton’s story is one of grit, determination, and respect for hard work. If you’ve ever thought about juggling multiple businesses — or just want to hear a real story about making it happen — this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Dalton & His Businesses 🌿 Buzz Lawn Care & Snow Removal: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573585438352🖨️ Buzz Impressions (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/BuzzImpressions🌐 Buzz Impressions Website: https://buzzimpressions.com/ 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more unfiltered conversations on Pagel Uncensored!

In today’s episode, Rich Hume, owner of NE Acreage Group INC. in Leominster, MA, shares some of the wildest stories we’ve ever heard from a business owner. Rich built his commercial maintenance and parking lot sweeping company from the ground up, but the road hasn’t been easy — or ordinary. Along the way, he’s faced situations most entrepreneurs could never imagine, including: * A stolen car smashing head-on into one of his sweeper trucks. * An employee being held at gunpoint in an attempted robbery. * Discovering he had unknowingly employed a registered terrorist — the very same man who attacked his employee. Despite these unbelievable challenges, Rich has grown NE Acreage Group into a thriving company with 16 employees serving HOAs and municipalities across Massachusetts. 👉 Connect with Rich & NE Acreage Group: * Website: http://www.neacreage.com * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeAcreageGroupInc/ This episode is part inspiration, part shock factor — and 100% unforgettable.

Meet Dan Mason, a man who was born with a rare condition called prune belly syndrome — a disorder that affects the abdominal muscles and urinary system, often making everyday life a struggle from the start. But Dan’s story isn’t about what he can’t do — it’s about what he’s built in spite of it. From running his own small engine repair business to working hard for a landscape company, Dan proves that grit, determination, and a blue collar work ethic can overcome even the toughest odds. In this episode, we talk about: * What prune belly syndrome is and how it has impacted Dan’s life * The challenges he’s faced growing up and working with this condition * How he balances health struggles with running his own business * The mindset that keeps him grinding day after day This is a story of resilience, hard work, and the true spirit of the blue collar life.

On this episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with a man who quite literally sleeps, eats, and breathes fencing. With a family-owned business spanning 40 years — and he’s only 36 himself — fencing isn’t just a job, it’s an obsession. From building posts to building a legacy, he shares what it’s like to grow up in the fence world, the challenges and triumphs of running a family trade business, and why fences are more than just wood and wire. This isn’t the fencing you see in the Olympics — it’s the real-world craft of building boundaries, protecting property, and creating curb appeal. If you’ve ever wondered what drives someone to be all in on their industry, this raw and unfiltered conversation will show you. 👉 Connect with him and follow his journey: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fence-industry-podcast/id1573497362 Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefenceindustrypodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheFenceIndustryPodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefenceindustrypodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefenceindustrypodcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thefenceindustrypodcast Website: https://fenceindustrypodcast.com

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Bazor, owner and operator of Bazor Sons Concrete out of Renton, Washington. Steve shares how he built his concrete business, why “Concrete = Big Business”, and how his company stands out by offering an unmatched 10-year warranty on all their work. We also talk about his journey from being the winner of Giveaway #12 to hauling home a brand-new Lamar dump trailer — and how that helped fuel his business success. If you’re interested in the concrete trade, running a successful contracting business, or just love hearing real success stories from hard-working business owners, this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Steve & Bazor Sons Concrete 🌐 Website: bazorsonsconcrete.com📘 Facebook: Bazor Sons Concrete 🎥 What You’ll Learn: * Why concrete is big business with big opportunity 💰 * How Bazor Sons sets themselves apart with a 10-year warranty 🛠️ * The story behind winning the Lamar dump trailer giveaway 🚛 * Steve’s tips for running a strong local business 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more business stories, giveaways, and insights from trades professionals! #ConcreteBusiness #BazorSonsConcrete #ContractorPodcast #GiveawayWinner

In Episode 207, Pink Salt Started It All…, we sit down with Gary Gomoll, the owner of Winnebago Lawn & Snow out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Gary’s entrepreneurial journey began in the most unexpected way — selling pink salt out of his garage. Today, his business has grown to include two thriving locations, serving the community with top-notch lawn and snow services. We dive into his start-up story, the challenges and wins along the way, and the mindset it takes to turn a side hustle into a thriving company. Gary also shares insights into his personal life, from his love for riding his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to balancing business ownership with family life. Follow Gary and Winnebago Lawn & Snow:📍 Website: winnebagolawnsnow.com📍 Facebook: m.facebook.com/winnebagolawnsnow

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Clayton Rajek, owner of Elite Hardscapes LLC out of Cadet, Wisconsin, for a candid conversation about what it really means to take control of your future. Clayton shares how leaving behind the hotel stays and duffle-bag lifestyle led him to build a business not just for himself—but for his family. Tired of seeing the same faces every day and fed up with working under someone else’s rules, Clayton made the leap into entrepreneurship, fully owning the process as a self-proclaimed control freak. We dive into the mindset behind the move, the sacrifices, the wins, and how building a business from the ground up brought new purpose to his life. Whether you’re in the trades, thinking about starting your own business, or just looking for some raw motivation—this one’s for you. 🌐 Website: https://www.ehcurbs.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Elite-Hardscapes-LLC/61551456921423/

In this raw and revealing episode, we sit down with Nicolas Reetz, founder of All Seasons Services based in Clinton Township, Michigan. Nicolas opens up about the struggles, setbacks, and pivotal moments that shaped his path from hitting rock bottom to building a respected business empire in the landscaping and snow removal industry. With unfiltered honesty, he shares what it took to rebuild his life, create opportunity from adversity, and hustle his way into entrepreneurship. Whether you're grinding in the trades, rebuilding your story, or just hungry for inspiration, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Connect with Nicolas Reetz: * 👤 Personal: facebook.com/nick.reetz.7 * 🧰 Business: facebook.com/allseasonsmi * 🌐 Website: allseasonsservicesmi.com * 📺 YouTube (All Seasons Services): youtube.com/@AllSeasonsServices * 📺 YouTube (Nick's Odd Jobs): youtube.com/@Nicksoddjobs

In this episode, we sit down with the unstoppable Jeni Oyen-Reed, a dynamic entrepreneur who wears multiple hats with ease. Based in Lancaster, Wisconsin, Jeni is not only the owner of Alternative Recycling, a local business redefining how rural communities handle waste and sustainability, but she also thrives as a real estate agent, helping clients navigate the housing market with insight and care. We dive deep into how Jeni balances these two very different ventures, what drives her work ethic, and the strategies she uses to stay organized and motivated. From the challenges of running a recycling operation in a small town to the unpredictable world of real estate, Jeni shares candid stories and powerful lessons that will resonate with anyone trying to do more than one thing at once. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a true multi-business powerhouse. LINKS: http://www.altrecycle.org https://www.facebook.com/alternativerecycling/ 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with real people doing big things.

In this episode, we sit down with Dakota Stramka, the owner-operator of Riverview Property Management out of Illinois. Dakota shares how he went from working long hours as an employee to running his own successful property management and landscaping business. We dive into: * His early days in the industry * What pushed him to make the leap to ownership * The challenges no one talks about when starting out * How he built a crew he can trust * Lessons learned managing clients, equipment, and stress If you're thinking about making the move from the job site to the business side, this one’s for you. 📱 Connect with Dakota Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/dstramka Facebook (Profile): facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089456011334 Facebook (Shared Page): facebook.com/share/15JkXjKmju YouTube: @riverratmafia4832

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Texley, owner of S&T Companies, a garbage collection service based in Ramsey, Minnesota. Zach lives a life most people don’t even think is possible—no wife, no kids, and a schedule filled with freedom. We talk about everything—from life philosophy and personal freedom to the ins and outs of running a business in a gritty, blue-collar industry. Whether you're into entrepreneurship, alternative lifestyles, or just curious about how others are living, this one's got something for you. 🔗 Website 🌐 stcompaniesmn.com 📱 Connect with Zack Facebook: facebook.com/zacktexley953 Instagram: @zacktexley94 TikTok: @zacktexley953

In this first episode of Pagel Uncensored, we sit down with Ryan Rands, owner of Midwest Builders in Southwest Wisconsin — and one of my closest friends. Ryan shares what it’s really like running a blue-collar construction business, the lessons he’s learned as a small business owner, and how work and life come together in the trades. We talk about the challenges of being an entrepreneur in today’s world, the pride of building something with your own hands, and why the blue-collar mindset matters now more than ever. Guest Links: 🌐 Website: midwestbuilderswi.com 📱 Facebook: facebook.com/MidwestBuildersInc Follow Pagel Services: 🔗 YouTube: youtube.com/@pagelservices 📱 Instagram: instagram.com/pagel_services