Blueprint Banter

In this episode, Derek sits down with Taufeek Shah, founder and CEO of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce a brand born from a family recipe and grown with relentless passion. Taufeek shares how he turned his mother Lola’s signature hot sauce into a nationally recognized brand, built on authenticity, grassroots hustle, and a powerful story. From farmers markets to major retailers, hear how Lola’s connects with customers on more than just heat. It’s not just about sauce- it’s about heart, heritage, and what it really takes to build a business from the ground up.

In this episode, Derek sits down with Jarrod Gray, Residential Manager at Kline Electric. Jarrod’s journey is a powerful reminder that grit, dedication, and a strong work ethic can take you far no matter where you start. From entry-level beginnings to leading residential operations, Jarrod shares how his mindset and commitment helped him climb the ladder in the electrical industry. Whether you're just starting out or already on your path, this conversation is packed with insight and motivation.

Brett McLean, former NHL player and current head coach of the Iowa Wild, left home at just 14 years old to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. He never wavered in that pursuit. Brett shares the story of his journey with remarkable detail and perspective—offering lessons we can all learn from. Through all the highs and lows, it’s his commitment to trusting the process that keeps him on track.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of Todd Sommerfeld, owner and CEO of Kreg Tool, a company with a rich legacy of innovation in woodworking tools. Todd shares his experience of taking over the family business that his father started and the personal struggles he faced along the way. From balancing leadership challenges to navigating rocky times in marriage and fatherhood, Todd opens up about the tough moments that shaped his path. We also explore how Kreg Tool has built strong connections with customers, finding meaning through self-reflection, and the personal growth that has been essential in becoming the leader and man he aspires to be.

In this gripping episode, we sit down with John Krusenstjerna, a Marine veteran who served during the height of the War on Terrorism, with deployments to Iraq in the early 2000s. John shares powerful stories of his time in the military, the challenges he faced, and how those experiences shaped his path back home. After returning to civilian life, John found an unexpected calling — crime scene cleaning. Hear how he turned his resilience and discipline into building CTS Cleaners, a company dedicated to helping families navigate unimaginable loss with compassion and professionalism.

In this episode, guest Lacie Navin shares her inspiring journey into the world of CBD. After discovering the powerful natural benefits of CBD, Lacie was driven to open her own store to help others experience its healing effects. But in 2019, her passion took a shocking turn when her store was raided, and she was arrested for selling CBD oil, facing three felony charges. Tune in to hear Lacie's incredible story of resilience, how she fought back and beat the case, and the lessons she learned along the way. We also dive into what CBD really is, the wide-ranging benefits it offers, and the lingering misconceptions that still surround it—even years after CBD was legalized. Plus, with THC legalization spreading across the country, we discuss how attitudes toward cannabis are shifting and what that means for the future of CBD.

In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Kohlsdorf, a seasoned expert in the healthcare industry. With years of experience in employer benefits and serving as President on the board of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), Eric shares his unique perspective on the financial dynamics shaping healthcare today. Tune in as he discusses the intersection of healthcare and finance, and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Woody to the podcast! Jeff is a former ISU running back, a football analyst for TV, radio, and podcasts, and the owner of Goldfinch Athletics. In this episode, Woody shares his deep passion for athletics and broadcasting. He and Derek delve into the importance of doing what you love and the critical need to genuinely enjoy your career, ensuring that you don't waste your life on unfulfilling pursuits. Jeff opens up about his inspiring journey from being a college athlete to becoming a business owner. He discusses how his knowledge and passion for football and sports have enabled him to educate and inspire others.

In this episode, Derek is joined by Christie Steiger, founder of Innovative Wellness, who shares her journey of healing from chronic health issues using holistic practices. Frustrated by the lack of solutions from conventional medicine, Christie turned to natural methods that addressed the root causes of her health challenges. Now, as a wellness expert, she helps others overcome chronic conditions and optimize their health, with a focus on detoxification, vitality, and overall well-being. Christie explains the crucial role of methylation in the body’s detox processes and how supporting methylation can improve everything from detoxing heavy metals to boosting energy and mental clarity. Derek and Christie also dive into simple, actionable steps—like dietary changes and lifestyle practices—that can have a huge impact on your health. Whether you’re dealing with chronic issues or just want to optimize your body’s natural healing abilities, this episode is filled with practical advice to help you begin your wellness journey today.

Today on the pod, Derek is joined by Jordan McCann, the owner of Earls Tire. While the tire industry might not be considered a "sexy" business, Jordan’s innovative approach has led to impressive success. In this episode, Jordan shares his fascinating journey—from starting as an employee at Earls, to leaving the business and diving into the broader car world, and eventually returning with a fresh perspective to take over the company. Jordan’s story is a powerful reminder that stepping away when you’re not satisfied can give you invaluable knowledge and a clearer vision for growth. He also emphasizes the importance of never burning bridges along the way—because the relationships you build could become crucial to your success down the road.

In this week's episode, we welcome special guest Chris Trott, aka Trottie, Director of Global Tours and Sports Marketing for TaylorMade Golf. He shares insights from his work with some of the biggest names in the PGA Tour, along with his social media influence on Instagram and YouTube, where he educates others with his expertise. Chris discusses the importance of staying authentic to who you are, ensuring that your brand reflects your true passion rather than just following trends. He shares how golf has opened numerous doors for him and highlights the risks they've both taken in their respective fields. They emphasize that true growth comes from facing challenges head-on and that the best in their sport or business don't shy away from risks; instead, they pursue their passions boldly. Their conversation explores how being genuine can create opportunities and the necessity of embracing authenticity. Trottie relates success back to the game of golf, noting that even the best have faced mistakes and failures on their journey to achieving their goals.

In today’s episode, Derek welcomes Craig Hunt, known as "The Landlord" in his community. At 35, Craig faced significant struggles but decided to change his path toward success. As the owner of Universal Barbershop in Des Moines and CFO of Billionaire Grooming Consulting, he shares his entrepreneurial journey and vision for creating an inclusive barbershop that welcomes clients of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Craig highlights the importance of hiring diverse staff and mastering all hair types and textures. He candidly discusses his difficult past and how it has shaped his success. Committed to mentoring the younger generation, Craig empowers his employees to find purpose and build fulfilling careers, striving for their success not just as barbers, but as individuals.

In this episode of the Blueprint Banter Podcast, host Derek welcomes Andy Ray, who shares his compelling journey of building a business from scratch. Andy discusses how traditional paths like college and corporate jobs weren’t for him and what ultimately led him to entrepreneurship. Both Derek and Andy, with their backgrounds in the construction industry, delve into the aspects that set their businesses apart. They explore the reality of starting from nothing and the understanding that success requires time and effort, countering the unrealistic expectations that are often prevalent today. Andy and Derek talk about how a strong work ethic fueled their success, including the sacrifices made—such as taking pay cuts and spending time away from family—to hire and support their teams. They also address the significant responsibilities of entrepreneurship, reflecting on how decisions impact not just their businesses but their families and employees as well.

Derek sits down with Terry Cook, a successful entrepreneur, amateur golfer, and one of Iowa’s wrestling legends. Terry reflects on his journey from growing up in Iowa, sharing his early struggles and how he discovered his passion for wrestling. Despite facing setbacks, including a devastating state tournament loss and injuries, Terry’s resilience led him to find success outside the sport. Through personal tragedy and self-discovery, he transformed his life and achieved entrepreneurial success. Although his wrestling career is often remembered with a sense of tragedy, Terry’s story reveals how a shift in mindset allowed him to build a fulfilling life he loves.

Derek sits down with Matt Boelman, President of one of North America's top landscaping companies, as they delve into Matt's entrepreneurial journey. From humble beginnings to navigating the 2008 financial crisis that nearly led to bankruptcy, Matt shares how diversification saved their business. They discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, including isolation while climbing to the top and the reinvestment of earnings into business growth. Matt also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with family life and fatherhood.

In today's episode, Derek is joined by Rich Bales, an independent insurance agent, who brings a wealth of insight from his journey in the insurance and business realms. Rich recounts his early days in insurance, navigating a career steeped in tradition and outdated practices. Embracing his creative instincts, he boldly modernized conventional insurance methods, setting himself apart in such a competitive industry. Their conversation then delves into embracing new avenues to success and the transformative power of passion in driving income. Rich candidly shares the challenges he overcame in his youth, fueling his drive for a stable and fulfilling future. Derek adds his own perspective, recalling a defining moment from his adolescence that ignited his determination to forge a clear path to success. Both Derek and Rich emphasize the profound impact of positive role models and how their passions became the driving force behind building successful personal brands. They discuss creating environments that attract others and contribute to their industries in innovative ways and the practical steps they took to stand out.

Derek chats with Joe Hayhoe, the creator of Blind Pig Basement Pub and a Mortgage Loan Officer. They discussed topics such as relocating for career advancement, how to enhance personal branding while aligning with corporate identity, creating a basement speakeasy that is gaining traction on social media, and navigating challenges such as online criticism while continuing to pursue one's passions despite negative feedback.

In this premiere episode, Derek sits down with sales and leadership coach Allen Weaver. Together, they delve into Allen's expertise in cultivating client relationships, using golf as a tool for business success, navigating fatherhood, and building deep connections. Join the conversation as Derek and Allen explore personal and professional growth strategies, offering a blueprint for success in life and business.