PODCAST · business
The Winning Balance
by Tanner Litchfield
On 'The Winning Balance,' real estate investor and family man Tanner Litchfield talks with high achievers about how they build wealth, grow their careers, and stay present for the people they love. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice to balance your own life.
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Ep. #48: Ben Jordan – From 400 LBS to an $85 Million Plumbing Empire
What happens when a two-man plumbing operation evolves into an $85 million multi-state trade empire? In this episode, I sit down with Ben Jordan, one of the owners behind Action Plumbing, to dissect the exact moments that took his business from a localized contractor shop to a corporate heavyweight. We pull back the layers on Ben’s absolute masterpiece of personal transformation: shedding an astonishing 204 pounds while shifting his corporate focus toward radical self-development.We map out his journey through the trades, covering his early days running calls out of a beat-up Camry to buying out his partner, rebranding to own the sewer niche, and engineering an unbelievable shift from $4 million to $17 million in revenue within just 10 months. I also reveal exactly how I use real estate tax shields—like cost segregation and real estate professional status (REPS)—to eliminate our active tax burdens and re-inject millions of liquid dollars right back into our businesses.The Camry Grind to Buyout: How Ben saved a failing plumbing operation and successfully navigated a partner shake-up.The Rebranding Playbook: Why Ben specialized strictly as "Utah's Number One Sewer Company" to dominate the regional market.Aggressive Tax Shields: A detailed look at how accelerated depreciation and cost segregation allow active business owners to erase massive tax obligations.The 200-Pound Blueprint: The radical link between leading yourself physically and commanding authority over a multi-million dollar corporate operation.The "I Am Third" Philosophy: A masterclass in putting your relationship with God first, family values second, and personal ego third to unlock true power.True wealth isn't just about the scale of your business—it's about setting uncompromised standards across your fitness, family, and financial structures. Hit that subscribe button, drop a comment with your biggest breakthrough, and step up your own lifestyle framework today.
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Ep. #47: Madison – Tax Strategy Masterclass: Keep More of What You Make Using Advanced IRS Strategies
Tax strategist Madison is on a mission to help high-earners stop funding the government’s crusade and start building their own legacy. In this focused masterclass, Madison breaks down advanced, domain-specific strategies that go far beyond standard depreciation, detailing how custom corporate structures and privately-owned qualified plans can legally protect up to 75% of your active income. In this episode, Madison shares:The Pension Edge: How to leverage privately-owned cash balance plans and the Pension Protection Act to create massive, top-line business deductions.Corporate Tax Architecture: Utilizing C Corp strategies to safeguard capital and lower your effective tax bracket through optimized distribution channels.The "Be Your Own Bank" Concept: Structuring your business with asset-backed revolving doors to maintain liquidity and stabilize your quality of life.The Reality of Scrappiness: A raw account of navigating a massive life transition with babies in diapers, using online systems and grit to survive and scale.If you are tired of working hard just to give the bulk of your earnings to Uncle Sam, this conversation is your guide to legally playing the game. Hit that subscribe button, leave a comment with your biggest tax strategy question, and find your own Winning Balance.
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Ep. #46: Invest Like the 0.01%: Asset Allocation, My Six-Figure Losses, and Portfolio Diversification
Are you too heavily exposed to a single asset class? In this solo masterclass, I break down what I’ve learned from spending six figures on my own education to discover how the top 0.01% of investors manage their wealth. I share my personal wake-up call when I realized my own net worth was 97% real estate heavy, prompting me to check my pride, eliminate emotion, and intelligently diversify my portfolio based on history's greatest investment minds.I walk through the tactical approaches of investment legends—contrasting Warren Buffett's "buy quality and hold forever" philosophy with Benjamin Graham's strict, zero-emotion focus on under-market asset pricing and downside protection. I detail Ray Dalio’s famous All Weather Portfolio, breaking down the exact macroeconomic allocations across stocks, bonds, and commodities designed to survive any financial storm. I also reveal the exact portfolio mix of self-development icon Tony Robbins, contrasting institutional private equity plays with retail strategies.About Your Host I am a seasoned Utah real estate investor, advisor, and agent who has closed over $50 million in transactional volume. After starting my career grinding through cold calls and building a portfolio of 13 rental doors, I shifted my focus to portfolio optimization and tax strategies for high earners. I use my platform, the Winning Balance podcast, to openly document my path to wealth, sharing both high-leverage investment wins and raw, unfiltered lessons from my largest financial failures.Key Topics Discussed:The Frugality vs. Quality Debate: Why I skip Warren Buffett’s extreme penny-pinching but completely adopt his rule of prioritizing prime market assets over cheap, high-headache properties.The 18% Yield Trap: A warning on high-yield, uncollateralized hard money loans in the door-to-door solar and pest control spaces, and how investors blindingly chase upside while ignoring a 100% downside risk.Ray Dalio’s All Weather Allocation: A detailed look at Dalio's recommended framework: 40% long-term bonds, 30% US stocks, 15% intermediate bonds, 7.5% commodities, and 7.5% gold.Tony Robbins’ Portfolio Breakdown: Highlighting how Robbins structures his capital with 52% in private equity, 25% in private real estate, and 23% in hedge funds.My $300k+ Learning Curve: A transparent review of my biggest losses, including a $40k automated Amazon store scam, a $40k mobile home flip failure, and a $200k loss on my first creative finance deal that forced me to master real estate contracts.The Reality of Net Worth Tracking: How a mentor's advice to audit personal financial habits helped me reduce my real estate exposure down to a safer 80% baseline.The Set-it-and-Forget-it Core: How I use low-fee index funds (VOO) and asset-backed hard money funds (Copa Capital at 11% compounded monthly) to build stress-free, automated wealth outside of my active real estate transactions.If you are under 35 and have only built wealth in a bull market, this episode is a vital check on your downside risk. True wealth optimization isn't about getting rich quick—it's about buying what you understand, vetting operations, and building a portfolio that stands the test of time. Hit that subscribe button and start optimizing your financial framework today.
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Ep. #45: Jaylon Vickers – Earn Your Spot: Building a Cleaning Empire While Putting Family First
Jaylon Vickers is the founder and CEO of MVP Cleaning, a company on track to hit $2 million in annual revenue by scaling aggressively into the commercial cleaning space. A former walk-on football player at BYU, Jalen applies that same "earn your spot" grit to the business world. In this episode, Jalen shares:The Tech Sales Transition: Why he walked away from a comfortable tech salary to build a service-based business from the ground up.The Power of "Presence": Why being a present father is the ultimate antidote to the "poverty trap" and how to stay grounded in a Utah bubble.Scaling with Focus: How joining a high-level coaching framework helped him increase revenue by $30k–$40k a month just by cutting out the fluff.Faith as the Foundation: Why a relationship with a higher power is the key to navigating the high-pressure seasons of entrepreneurship.If you’ve ever wrestled with the fear of "starting over" or wondered how to maintain a high-growth business without losing your connection to your spouse and kids, Jalen’s story of resilience and intentionality will give you the blueprint to level up.
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Ep. #44: Joe – Scaling Tech, Beating Burnout, and Why Family Is Your Only Non-Negotiable
Burnout, and the "Dumb Kid" Success StoryJoe is more than a veteran of the Utah tech scene—he’s a founder, a father of four, and a marathon runner who recently transformed his life by losing 65 pounds.After serving as a key early employee at Simple Nexus and witnessing its rise to a $1.2 billion valuation, Joe stepped out on his own to found Social Coach. In this episode,Joe shares:The cost of an exit: The raw reality of moving his family every 18 months across the country and the toll of traveling three weeks out of every month to scale a massive tech company.The power of spousal support: How his wife Natalie’s belief in him served as the bedrock for his career, even during the years he went without a paycheck while betting on himself.Social media as the great equalizer: Why consistent, niche video content is currently driving 22% year-over-year growth for modern loan officers and real estate agents.Non-negotiable family time: The exact practices Joe uses to stay present for birthdays and swim meets while managing a national enterprise, and why "no success in the workplace can substitute for failure in the home."If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between being a top-tier professional and a present parent, Joe’s journey from being the "dumb kid" in class to a high-level executive will give you a fresh perspective on how to embrace the changes that matter most.
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Ep. #43 London Lazerson - Life Outside 10 Million followers & Final Boss Sour in Walmart
London Lazerson has over 10 million followers and billions of views, but his greatest pivot wasn’t a viral trend—it was an ego death. After reaching the peak of TikTok fame, London realized he was playing a character that didn’t fit his life as a husband and father. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, he joins Tanner to discuss the transition from "viral experiment" to authentic entrepreneurship with Final Boss Hour and The Rubdown.London pulls back the curtain on the "messy middle" of a young marriage, discussing everything from getting married at 21 to navigating a separation and eventually rebuilding a rock-solid foundation. He offers a rare look at the "inverse envy" of the entertainment world—where world-famous celebrities crave the stability and family life that young entrepreneurs often try to trade for fame.Key Topics Discussed:The Ego Death: Moving past a "cringe" social media persona to find genuine happiness in long-form storytelling.Young Marriage & Resilience: A candid look at high-school sweethearts navigating fame, curiosity, and commitment.Fatherhood as "Biological Adderall": Why having a daughter forced London to dial in his focus and maximize his time like never before.Vulnerability in Utah: Breaking through the religious "checklist" to have honest conversations about religion and self-worth.The Death of Follow Culture: Why view counts and authentic engagement have replaced the vanity metric of follower counts.Building in Public: Using LinkedIn as a transparent reporting tool for business growth rather than just a "professional" resume.If you’ve ever felt the pressure of "hustle culture" or wondered what happens after the cameras turn off, London’s insights on reality and resilience will change your perspective on what it means to win.
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Ep. #42: David & Fransisco - Building an $85mil Fund (Utah’s #1 Hard Money Lender)
What happens when a multi-million dollar partnership reaches its breaking point? For David and Francisco, it was the catalyst for creating Copa Capital Partners—a hard money lending firm built on the radical idea that ethics and family values should drive every financial decision. In this episode, the team behind one of Utah’s most successful lending platforms pulls back the curtain on building a powerhouse from the ground up.David and Francisco share the raw story of walking away from a $245M fund to start over at zero. They discuss the "Team David" transition, where their entire staff took pay cuts to follow them into a rinky-dink first office because they believed in the mission. From maintaining a disciplined, "boring" fund that delivers consistent 11% returns to managing the stress of deploying millions while raising large families, this is a masterclass in high-level entrepreneurship.In this episode, David and Francisco shared:The "Team David" Transition: The leap of faith taken by an entire staff to prioritize ethics over a steady paycheck.Protecting the Fund: How Copa maintains disciplined underwriting to ensure safety for both borrowers and investors.The Hard Money Standard: Why Francisco became the top lender in Utah and how they maintain relationships through market cycles.Priorities in Play: A profound look at "Adoration vs. Admiration" and how personal marriage habits impact business success.The Hustle & The Correction: Why you have to work hard, but also know when to "swim back to the board" and realign with family.Whether you are a fix-and-flip investor or a "young hustler" trying to scale responsibly, David and Francisco offer a roadmap for building a business that you—and your family—can actually be proud of.
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Ep. #41: Kelly Thayer – From Pink Slips to the Cover of Inc. Magazine & Navigating the Dot-Com Bubble
Kelly Thayer is a legendary entrepreneur, storyteller, and "connector" who transformed a 1979 video camera into a multi-million dollar marketing empire. In this episode, Kelly opens up about: • The Scraper Mentality: Being fired for "misusing a phone" to build Utah’s first wedding video business. • Duplicating Millions of video tapes. • The Public Market Crash: Navigating a $14M public company through the brutal burst of the dot-com bubble. • The Ultimate Crucible: How he prioritized his family and faith after the tragic loss of his young son at the height of his career. • Buccaneers vs. Farmers: Identifying your entrepreneurial archetype to build a business that lasts.If you want to know how to stay two moves ahead of the market while keeping your family at the center, Kelly’s 45-year perspective on risk and resilience is a must-listen.
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Ep. #40: Joey Webb – Bouncing Back After $250k Loss & Running A Successful Insurance Business
Joey Webb is more than a successful insurance agency owner—he’s a husband, father of four, and an Ironman finisher who believes that time is our most valuable currency. In this episode, Joey opens up about:Building from zero: The reality of starting a business in a new state with no customers.The "Glass Ball" theory: How to prioritize family and faith when business gets heavy.Facing failure: Lessons learned from losing hundreds of thousands on a luxury real estate flip.Resilience: Why showing up to the "start line" is the most important part of the journey.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance high-stakes entrepreneurship with an intentional family life, Joey’s insights on risk and resilience will change your perspective on what it means to win.
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Ep. #39: Alex Bean - Founder of Divvy ($2.5 billion exit) & Juggling Success with Family
"Things are never as good as they seem, and they're never as bad as they seem."I’ve respected what Alex Bean has built from the outside looking in for a long time—not just because he co-founded a massive company like Divi, but because of how he’s kept his family at a high regard through it all.In this episode, Alex and I sit down to talk about the "burn the boats" moments that defined his career. We dive into the raw reality of quitting a stable job during the 2008 recession and eventually taking an 80% pay cut to start Divi with three kids at home.Alex opens up about the soul-crushing stress of the COVID-19 era when $100 million in funding vanished overnight, and how a simple "We love you, Dad" banner from his kids saved him when he felt like he was breaking down. We also get into the "world's tiniest violin" problems—the unexpected challenges of finding purpose and maintaining a marriage after a multi-billion dollar exit.In this episode, we discuss:Spousal Alignment: Why taking massive risks is impossible if you and your spouse aren't on the same page.The Happiness Audit: The spreadsheet Alex built on a flight to New York to find out if money actually buys happiness (and what the results showed).The Bank of Mom and Dad: How Alex is raising his kids in Utah to have "skin in the game" and earn their own way, despite his success.Earning Your Sleep: Why the "rat race" provides a unique fulfillment that golf and hobbies just can't replace.Seattle Legends: A quick detour into our shared love for the Mariners, the Sonics' return, and why Ken Griffey Jr. is the GOAT.Whether you’re a "young hustler" trying to balance the grind with fatherhood or you're wondering what actually happens after the "big win," Alex’s perspective on life and legacy is a masterclass in staying grounded.Follow Me: Instagram: @tannerlitchfield Podcast: The Winning BalanceGuest Info: Alex Bean: Co-founder of Divi, Partner at Tandem, and Author of Factory for Good.
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Ep. #38: Jaden Connor – Growth, Legacy, and Living with Purpose
Jaden Connor is more than a high-achieving real estate investor and realtor—he’s a husband, a new father, and a master of the "lean and mean" business model. After mastering the grit of door-to-door sales, Jaden stepped out on his own to build a seven-figure life centered on ethics and intentionality. In this episode, Jaden shares:• Why true success is about running a lean operation with high-level ethics• How losing his mother to cancer and his father's Alzheimer’s diagnosis shaped his views on legacy• The tactical breakdown of his favorite commercial and residential creative financing dealsIf you’ve ever wrestled with balancing the hunger for financial growth with the desire to be a present, intentional leader for your family, Jaden’s story will give you a fresh perspective on how to embrace the changes that matter most.
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Ep. #37 – The 3 Habits That Took Me From Debt to Top 0.5% Income
This episode of The Winning Balance Podcast is a little different — it’s just me.I’ve been hesitant to share this because I know I still have a lot of room to grow… but looking back at how far I’ve come, I realized it would be selfish not to.I went from a failed business and $40,000 in credit card debt to becoming a top 0.5% income earner for my age — and a lot of that came down to three habits that completely changed my life.In this episode, I break down:• Why revenue-generating activities became non-negotiable for me (and how I track them)• The morning routine that gives me confidence and momentum every single day• How thinking like my future self helped me level up faster than I thought possible• Real examples from my business and life that prove this actually works• How I shifted from survival mode to building a long-term visionIf you’re feeling stuck, behind, or just know you’re capable of more — this is the framework I used to change my life, and I hope it helps you do the same.
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Ep. #36: Mitch Matthews - From BYU Football to Flow Haus
Mitch Matthews first became known for one of the most iconic catches in BYU football history — but his story goes far beyond the Hail Mary.In this episode of The Winning Balance Podcast, Mitch shares the journey from college football and the NFL to building Flow House, a wellness experience designed to help people tap into flow state through sauna, cold, breathwork, and meditation.In this episode, Mitch shares:• The full story behind his famous Hail Mary catch against Nebraska• What life in the NFL really felt like behind the scenes• The personal loss and major life changes that shaped him after football• How building a pest control company gave him the capital to create Flow House• The Wim Hof experience in Poland that inspired the entire Flow House concept• Why flow state, recovery, and intentional living matter for everyone — not just athletesIf you’re navigating identity after success, building something meaningful, or trying to create a life that feels fully alive, Mitch’s story offers a powerful perspective on what comes next.
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EP. # 35: David Doty - Wall Street to Restaurants (Owner of Summit Pizza, Lehi Bakery, & Magleby’s)
David Doty is a former Wall Street finance pro turned Utah operator who’s built a portfolio of restaurants, bakeries, and commercial real estate — all while learning (the hard way) what “balance” really looks like at home.In this episode, David shares:How he went from JP Morgan + Goldman to buying a frozen yogurt shop (two weeks into law school)The real story behind scaling from 1 location to 10+ — and why growth isn’t just about moneyThe “breaking point” moment that forced him to rebuild his family + business structureWhy owning the real estate behind the business can change everything (cash flow, taxes, long-term stability)What Utah gets right about ambition + family — and how to find mentors who actually give backIf you’re trying to win in business without sacrificing your marriage, your health, or your kids, this conversation will hit hard — and give you a blueprint for building the long game.
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Ep. #34: Jeff Mendez - 10,000 Unit Portfolio, Vivint Exit, & Managing Family
Jeff Mendez is a business leader, investor, and relentless believer in one core truth: the company is just a platform — you are the asset. In this episode of The Winning Balance Podcast, Jeff breaks down how he built transferable skill sets that allowed him to win across industries, long after any one “stage” was gone.In this episode, Jeff shares:• Why “human life value” is the real advantage — and how to increase it• How he went from Walmart leadership to door-to-door, then into executive-level growth• Lessons from scaling teams, earning influence, and leading without excuses• Why mentorship is accessed through books, podcasts, and proximity — not chasing• Work-life harmony, parenting without shame, and being the kind of parent your kids want around• Why goals are just ideas — and habits + systems are what create resultsIf you’re trying to build real success without losing your family, your identity, or your standards, Jeff’s perspective will change how you play the game.
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Ep. #33: Josh Romney - Growing a Career While Staying Present at Home
Josh Romney joins The Winning Balance Podcast to talk about building real success without losing your family in the process. From Harvard Business School to real estate and mortgage leadership — and raising eight kids — Josh breaks down what “balance” actually looks like when your career is demanding and your priorities are bigger than business.This episode gets practical about entrepreneurship, investing in today’s market, being present at home, and why Utah’s culture makes it easier to win in both work and family. In this episode, Josh shares:• Why he left New York’s high-pressure career path to build a more intentional life in Utah• What “work-life balance” really means (and why it’s never perfectly even)• How he stays present at home when work doesn’t stop — including simple reset habits• Parenting with eight kids: unconditional love, boundaries, and meeting each child’s needs• Why one-on-one time matters — and the trips, traditions, and moments his kids remember most• Real estate investing right now: where deals don’t pencil, what’s risky, and what’s still worth looking at• Rates, inventory, and uncertainty: how policy pressure and tariffs can affect housing and inflation• Passive investing options for non-operators (and why spreading risk matters)• What AI could disrupt in real estate — and where opportunities may still be strong• Why he’s putting major energy into homelessness solutions and saving the Great Salt Lake• What Intercap does differently — and why culture between ops + loan officers matters for executionIf you’re trying to grow your income, stay grounded at home, and make smarter long-term moves — this conversation will give you a clearer framework for both.
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Ep. #32: Curtis Marshall - Building Dental Intelligence & The Work-Life Relationship
Curtis Marshall has helped build Dental Intelligence into a category-leading platform — and he’s done it while keeping family at the center. In this episode of The Winning Balance Podcast, Tanner Litchfield sits down with Curtis to talk entrepreneurship, leadership, parenting, and why “work-life balance” is the wrong goal.You’ll hear how Dental Intelligence started inside a dental office, the pivot that changed the business, and the real lessons Curtis learned leading people and raising three daughters through the grind seasons.Host: Tanner Litchfield — founder and host of The Winning Balance Podcast, focused on business, family, faith, and long-term success.Guest: Curtis Marshall — co-founder of Dental Intelligence with 20+ years in marketing and 15+ years in dental practice management, coaching, and operations.In this episode:• How Dental Intelligence started (and the early “sell it before it exists” phase)• Why Curtis pivoted away from marketing data to practice management insights• Pay cuts, tight seasons, and having a supportive marriage through the build• “Work-life relationship” vs “work-life balance”• Parenting pillars: what Curtis stayed consistent on with his daughters• Adapting to seasons and different personalities as kids grow• Human performance: circumstance → thoughts → feelings → actions• Leadership lessons: gratitude, connection, and coaching vs replacing people• AI in dental practices: chat insights + analyzing calls to improve scheduling• Investing lessons: don’t buy stories—buy what you understandSubscribe for more conversations like this. What’s one “pillar” you want to be more consistent with?
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Ep. #31: Parker Vassau on Faith, Family, and Building Wealth Young
Most guys chase money and call it success. Parker Vassau built a life around something bigger.In this episode of Winning Balance, Parker shares how door-to-door sales became a vehicle to build real wealth — without sacrificing faith, family, or who you become in the process. From missions and rejection to marriage and long-term vision, this conversation breaks down what an abundant life actually looks like.In this episode, Parker shares:• How door-to-door sales helped him build real wealth (27 units and counting)• Why getting married raised his level of commitment and standards• The framework he lives by: faith, family, finances, and fitness• How losing his stepdad to ALS reshaped his priorities• Why he wrote a book for the next generation of young menIf you’re young, ambitious, and trying to build something real without letting the important things go dark, this conversation is worth your time.
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Ep. #30 - Austin McFee - Building a Company in 3 Years to a $500+ Million Exit
Sometimes there is no work-life balance — there’s a season where you sprint.In this episode, Austin McFee shares his journey from small-town farm work to co-founding a dental company that scaled fast and sold for a reported $500M. We talk about the real cost of building: imbalanced seasons, debt, pressure, and the conversations you have to have before going all-in.You’ll hear:• What grit actually looks like when it’s earned• Why “go to work” still beats everything• The mental toll of scaling fast• Life and purpose after a major exitIf you’re in a heavy season of building or rebuilding, this one will hit.Check out Austin’s clothing brand ROVOR and get 20% off at https://rovorsport.com using code ROVOR.
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Ep. #29: Blake Erickson — The Science-Backed Framework to Dominate 2026
What if 2026 is the year your career changes everything?In this conversation, Blake Erickson breaks down what real scale actually means — and why most people confuse it with growth. He shares the origin of scaling.com, why “realistic goals” limit performance, and how exponential goals force better decisions.You’ll hear:• Why scale is about systems and people, not just revenue• How standards and discipline shape long-term success• The role of A-players, leadership, and non-negotiables• What it actually takes to stop playing smallIf you’re building a business, a team, or a bigger future, this episode will challenge how you think about growth.
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Ep. #28: Dr. Nick Howland – Transformation, Self-Worth, and Living Fully
Dr. Nicholas Howland is more than a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon — he’s a storyteller, speaker, and host of The Naked Patient podcast. He’s also stepping into new roles as a cast member on Writer’s Island and the author of his upcoming debut, The Atheist’s Prayer. In this episode, Nick shares:Why transformation is about more than just the physicalHow his patients (and his own journey) shaped his views on self-worth and self-loveThe lessons he’s learned balancing medicine, media, and family lifeIf you’ve ever wrestled with questions of identity, confidence, or what it really means to live fully, Nick’s story will give you a fresh perspective on how to embrace the changes that matter most.
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Ep. #27: Alex Mashburn – 27 Year Old with Millions in Wedding Venues
At just 27, Alex Mashburn has already lived through failures that would make most people quit. Instead, he used them as fuel to build a path in real estate and the wedding venue business. In this episode, Alex opens up about:How early missteps shaped his approach to entrepreneurshipThe lessons he’s learned buying and operating wedding venuesWhy persistence and family remain his non-negotiablesIf you’ve ever wondered how to keep moving forward when the setbacks outnumber the wins, Alex’s story will inspire you to see challenges as part of the process—not the end of it.
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Ep. #26: Michael Perry – Selling 1,000 Homes in a Year, Flipping Luxury, and Finding New Perspective as a Father
Michael Perry is the founder of The Perry Group, Utah’s #1 real estate team—and the first team in the state to sell over 1,000 homes. Beyond leading the top team, he’s also flipped high-end homes and built a reputation as one of the sharpest voices in real estate.In this episode, Michael opens up about becoming a new father to Scarlett, what that’s done to reshape his perspective on life and business, and why narrowing your focus is the key to becoming the best in the world at something.From leading at the very top of real estate to navigating fatherhood’s first season, Michael’s story is a masterclass in ambition, excellence, and balance.
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Ep. #25: Ben Kjar – Wrestling with Life, Adopting 3 Kids in 13 Months, and Choosing Victory Over Victimhood
Ben Kjar was born with Crouzon’s syndrome, but instead of letting life define him, he became Utah Valley University’s first NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American, an international speaker, and a powerhouse real estate investor with nearly 100 multifamily rentals and multiple storage complexes.In this episode, Ben shares how he turned obstacles into a platform, the story behind adopting three children in just 13 months with his wife LaCol, and why he believes true wealth comes from connecting with people and living fully.From resilience to real estate, Ben’s journey is a playbook on choosing victory over victimhood—and building abundance in family, business, and impact.
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Ep. #24: Dillan Lewis – Betting on Yourself, Building a Top Mortgage Brokerage, and Making Family the Driver of Success
Dillan Lewis is the founder of Summit Home Loans, one of Utah’s biggest mortgage and finance brokerages. He’s an expert in financing both residential and commercial real estate and is deeply passionate about building a powerful network. But behind the success is a dad of three who lives for time with his family.In this episode, Dillan shares why bold leaps matter more than perfect timing, how his family drives his growth, and what it takes to scale a business while keeping relationships at the center.If you’ve ever felt the tension between going “all in” on business and still being present at home, Dillan’s story will show you how to make the jump and build both.
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Ep. #23: Bubba Page – Leading 8 Kids, Scaling Startups, and Turning Wounds Into Leadership Strength
Bubba Page is a single dad of 8, a serial entrepreneur, and a faith-filled leader on a mission to transform how we lead—at home and in business. He built and sold multiple companies, including the Inc5000 standout LaunchLeads, and now pioneers Influence.vc, The Business Bootcamp, and the soon-to-launch Fatherhood Movement.In this powerful episode, Bubba shares the real story behind balancing startups and single fatherhood, how Jesus-centered healing helped him lead with strength, and why he’s equipping parents with entrepreneurial tools like KPIs and 1-on-1s to lead at home with purpose.From startup strategy to raw conversations on parenting, faith, and leadership—this episode is a blueprint for anyone wanting to win at both business and family.
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Ep. #22: Heather Griffith Barber – From Vehicle Wraps to Million-Dollar Exits: Building a Business & Motherhood
Heather Griffith Barber started her first company at 23—not because she loved wraps, but because she knew she could build something big. Since then, she’s scaled and exited multiple businesses, coached entrepreneurs through chaos, and launched her mission to help others build businesses that don’t burn them out.In this episode, Heather shares the messy truths behind growth, what most founders get wrong about scaling, and how to build a business that fuels—not fights—your life and relationships. We also dive into her bold goal to create 100 millionaires (including 20 women) through strategic exits, and why family and freedom are the true benchmarks of success.
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Ep. #21: Mark Stubler – Building Joe Homebuyer as a Family Man
Mark Stubler walked away from a successful sales career to chase something bigger—freedom for his family. In this episode, he shares how that leap of faith led to the creation of Joe Homebuyer, a multi-million dollar real estate investing franchise helping everyday people succeed off-market.We dive into how Mark’s values-first leadership, authentic sales style, and commitment to personal growth helped him scale rapidly without losing sight of what matters most: his wife, his four kids, and his faith.This conversation is packed with insights on building scalable systems, leading like a trusted advisor, and balancing the hustle of entrepreneurship with an intentional home life.
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Ep. #20: Dave Allred – From Leaving Home at 17 to Owning 1,000+ Doors
Dave Allred left home at just 17 with nothing — and went on to become a self-made millionaire by 26. By 40, he reached a personal goal of owning over 1,000 rental units, all through intentional planning and bold action.In this episode, Dave shares how he reverse-engineered financial freedom, built his real estate portfolio from the ground up, and made family and purpose central to his mission. His journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about wealth — it’s about designing a life that aligns with your values.If you're ready to think bigger, act bolder, and build a legacy with intention, Dave's story will leave you fired up.
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Ep. #19: Jeff Gardner – Supplements, Scaling, and Staying Centered
Jeff Gardner is the co-founder of Bucked Up, one of the fastest-growing supplement brands in the country — and he’s built it alongside his twin brother. But behind the national success and booming product line is a man deeply committed to faith, family, and Utah roots.In this episode, Jeff opens up about what it’s like to scale a massive business while staying humble, keeping family first, and making a lasting impact. We talk about building with intention, navigating growth with your brother, and why giving back to the community matters just as much as revenue.If you’re building something big and don’t want to lose yourself along the way — Jeff’s story will resonate.
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Ep. #18: Stan Ricks – Leading a $4B+ Firm & Finishing a Triathlon at 69
Stan Ricks is a founding partner at Sundance Bay — a private equity firm with over $4 billion in assets under management. But beyond his business success, Stan is a man deeply grounded in faith, family, and personal growth. At age 69, he completed a triathlon, proving that high performance doesn’t stop with age — it just evolves.In this episode, we explore how Stan has built both a thriving firm and a meaningful life. From leading one of Utah’s top investment companies to staying physically and spiritually active, Stan shares the disciplines and values that have guided his journey. If you want to lead with purpose — in business and beyond — this one’s for you.
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Ep. #17: Adam Lancaster - Balancing #2 Agent Status with #1 Dad Goals
Adam Lancaster is the #2 agent in the entire country for Real Broker — but his proudest title is Dad. In this episode, Adam shares what it really takes to dominate in real estate while staying deeply committed to his family. From early mornings to intentional time blocking, we talk about discipline, perspective, and how he keeps his priorities straight in a high-performance world. If you're striving to lead in business and at home, Adam’s story is packed with real, actionable insight.
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Ep. #16: Brandon Turner - Making Family The Priority Even with 14,000 Units
Brandon Turner has built a real estate empire with over 14,000 units — but what makes him stand out isn't just the numbers, it's his why. In this episode, Brandon opens up about the intentional decisions he's made to keep family at the center while scaling big. We dive into his daily rhythms, his shift from hustle to purpose, and how he's redefining success beyond the balance sheet. If you're chasing growth but don’t want to lose what matters most, this conversation is your blueprint.
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Ep. #15: Logan Petersen - Viral Influencer, Mental Health Advocate, Host of Dad Bods & Beards
From going viral on TikTok & Instagram to building a platform centered on fatherhood, fitness, and mental health — Logan Petersen is redefining what it means to be a present dad and influential creator. In this episode, Logan shares the story behind his rise, the struggles that shaped him, and how he balances content creation, business, and fatherhood. Whether you’re a dad, a creator, or just trying to figure out how to show up better for your family, this one’s packed with real talk and practical wisdom.
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Ep. #14: Corbin Church - Utah’s Favorite Serial Entrepreneur
Corbin Church is a true entrepreneur’s entrepreneur. From building and selling companies like Miche to leading real estate ventures and mentoring young founders, his impact on Utah’s business community runs deep.In this episode, Corbin shares the real story behind his entrepreneurial journey—including the wins, the setbacks, and the values that kept him grounded through it all. We dive into what it means to lead with faith, prioritize family, and build success that actually lasts.If you’re chasing growth but don’t want to lose what matters most along the way, this one’s for you.
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Ep. #13: Cameron Lam - Holding it All Together: AirBnB Guru, Golf Professional, & Business Owner
Cameron Lam wears a lot of hats—and wears them well. From building a thriving Airbnb portfolio to competing as a professional golfer and recently building a multimillion dollar business, he’s learned how to pursue excellence without burning out.In this episode, Cameron shares what it really takes to juggle ambition, performance, and peace. We talk short-term rentals, discipline from competitive sports, and the habits that help him stay grounded while building big.This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone trying to grow without losing balance in the process.
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Ep. #12: Zach Smith - Raising $500+ Million, Making Millions, & Finding Harmony
Zach Smith has helped entrepreneurs raise over half a billion dollars through crowdfunding—while building multiple 7-figure businesses of his own. But despite the financial wins, his most powerful breakthroughs didn’t come from the next big exit… they came from finding harmony in faith, family, and purpose.In this episode, Zach unpacks the mindset shifts behind massive scaling, what most entrepreneurs get wrong about fulfillment, and how he balances the pursuit of growth with living a centered life. Whether you’re chasing your first six figures or leading at a high level, this conversation offers a blueprint for building success without sacrificing what matters most.
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Ep. #11: Jordan Stevenson - Navy Special Forces Shot in the Head & Lived (A New Perspective)
Jordan Stevenson’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. As a Navy Special Forces veteran, he was shot in the head during combat—and survived. But what’s even more remarkable is what he’s done since.In this episode, Jordan shares how that life-altering moment gave him a completely new lens on purpose, resilience, and living with intentionality. This isn’t just a story about survival—it’s about transformation, mindset, and turning pain into perspective.Whether you’re navigating challenges, burnout, or simply searching for deeper meaning in your life and business, this conversation will leave you re-centered and recharged.
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Ep. #10: Blake Erickson - From Door-to-Door to SCALING w/ Benjamin Hardy
Blake Erickson’s journey is anything but traditional. After years in door-to-door sales, he made a bold pivot—partnering with best-selling author Ben Hardy to help people unlock their next level through coaching and mindset work.In this episode, Blake opens up about what it took to leave a high-income but unfulfilling path, and how embracing the 10x is easier than 2x philosophy changed everything.This conversation is a masterclass on reinvention, alignment, and building a life around impact instead of just income.
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Ep. #9: Bridger Pennington - Faith, Family, & Funds
Bridger Pennington has helped thousands launch investment funds through his company, FundLaunch. But behind the spreadsheets and scaling is a deeper story—one rooted in faith, family, and staying grounded through it all.In this episode, Bridger shares how he built a business in a high-stakes industry without losing sight of what matters most. We dive into his early challenges, the mindset shifts that helped him grow, and the daily anchors that keep him centered in both business and life.Whether you're in finance or just trying to balance ambition with alignment, this one hits home.
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Ep. #8: Jimmy Rex - From #1 Realtor in Utah to Intentional Living
Jimmy Rex built a name for himself as one of Utah’s top Realtors—known for hustle, vision, and out-of-the-box thinking. But behind the business success is a man who’s spent the last few years redefining what winning really means. In this episode, Jimmy opens up about the shift from chasing deals to building deeper relationships—with his family, his friends, and most importantly, himself.We talk about how he learned to show up more intentionally as a brother and uncle, and why he believes emotional wealth might just be the ultimate flex.Whether you’re in real estate or just trying to become a more present version of yourself, this conversation is full of honest insight and real growth.
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Ep. #7: Shawn Finnegan - Building TaxHive w/ Kevin O’Leary and Being a Present Dad
What’s it like building a company alongside Kevin O’Leary—and still making time for every dance recital?In this episode of The Winning Balance, I sit down with Shawn Finnegan, co-founder of Tax Hive, to unpack his incredible entrepreneurial journey, including how he scaled a business with Mr. Wonderful himself. We dive into the power of long-term partnerships, the mindset that helped him push through early challenges, and what he’s learned from working with one of the sharpest business minds in the game.But even more powerful than the boardroom moments? Shawn opens up about being a proud girl dad and how fatherhood grounds every decision he makes. If you’re a business builder trying to stay rooted in what really matters, this one will hit home.
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EP. #6 Learning How to Win at Life w/ Casey Baugh
In Episode #6 of The Winning Balance, we sit down with Casey Baugh, a powerhouse investor, entrepreneur, and mentor who has deployed over $600M+ through Sandlot Partners. As a serial entrepreneur, he’s had a massive influence in Utahs economy and the nations economy. From scaling Vivint to leading transformative ventures, Casey shares high-performance strategies, the power of leveraging relationships, and how he balances business, family, and personal growth.
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Ep. #5: Nations Top AirBnB/STR Operator with 200+ Doors w/ Lame Kinikini
In this episode of The Winning Balance, I sit down with Lame Kinikini, owner of Elkridge Management, who personally owns over 200 rentals and manages $50M+ in real estate. As one of the nation’s top Airbnb operators, Lame has mastered short-term rentals at scale.We dive into his journey building a massive portfolio, the systems behind managing 200+ doors, and what separates top Airbnb operators from the rest. But beyond the numbers, we explore how his family plays a key role in his success, shaping both his business and personal life.If you're looking to scale your real estate portfolio, improve your Airbnb strategy, or find balance between business and family, this episode is for you.
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Ep. #4: How I Broke Into the Utah Market in 2 Years (Solo Episode)
In this solo episode of The Winning Balance, I’m sharing my personal journey of breaking into the Utah real estate market. After moving to a brand-new market in 2022, I had to start from scratch—no network, no past clients, just pure hustle. In two years, I sold over $33 million in real estate, built a thriving investment portfolio, and created a community that’s changing the game for investors.I’ll take you through the exact steps I took to establish myself, the biggest challenges I faced, and how I leveraged branding, networking, and creative financing to accelerate my success. Whether you're a Realtor, investor, or someone looking to break into a competitive industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
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Ep. #3: 26 Year Old Making $850k A Year Through Pest Control w/ Gage Heward
In Episode 3 of The Winning Balance, we sit down with Gage Heward, a sales powerhouse who became a millionaire at 22 and now pulls in $850K per year at 26 in pest control. What strategies did he use to grow so fast? How does he keep pushing forward? And how can you apply his lessons to your own career? We cover it all in this episode—tune in now!
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Ep. #2: From Poor Beginnings to NAR President & Selling 3,200 Homes w/ Kenny Parcell
In this episode of The Winning Balance, I sit down with Kenny Parcell, a true powerhouse in real estate. From humble beginnings to leading 1.6 million agents as President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Kenny has sold over 3,200 homes while keeping his family at the core of his success. We dive into his journey, the principles that built his career, and how he’s balanced massive professional achievements with personal priorities. Tune in for insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of staying grounded.
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Ep. #1: Building the GRIT & Family Life w/ John Taylor
Join us for the debut episode of The Winning Balance as we sit down with John Taylor, CEO of The GRIT. We explore his journey of building an influential brand, balancing family life, and navigating the challenges and triumphs in between. Whether you're seeking inspiration or actionable insights, this episode has something for everyone!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
On 'The Winning Balance,' real estate investor and family man Tanner Litchfield talks with high achievers about how they build wealth, grow their careers, and stay present for the people they love. Tune in for inspiration and practical advice to balance your own life.
HOSTED BY
Tanner Litchfield
CATEGORIES
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