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What would you do if your $20 million business went bankrupt the same year you got married?   For the first time in 40 years, Steve Acorn hands the mic to his whole family. His wife Sara, son Michael, and daughter Laura sit down with guest host Jay Wong to tell the real story behind Young Entrepreneurs Across America and Student Painters.   They go back to 1987 and the move from Canada, the $20 million company that collapsed, and the humbling restart with 13 managers and a newborn at home. Steve picked up a paintbrush again at 36. They refused to let a single manager go unpaid. And now the next generation is launching Acorn Pro Painting.   Miss this one, and you miss the lessons most founders learn the hard way, straight from a family that lived every one. Listen now.   Timestamped Highlights 3:23 – What growing up Acorn really drills into you (hint: nobody hands you anything) 4:37 – Steve's famous saying about winning his kids will never forget 7:15 – The one question in 1987 that sent Steve across the border 10:53 – How a $20 million company quietly ran out of cash 13:43 – 2 a.m., the lights come up, and seven partners shake hands for the last time 19:50 – Buying ladder racks at 36: the restart nobody saw coming 21:14 – Soaking wet in the rain, Steve looks up and asks God one question 25:47 – Selling credit cards on campus to fund the company that just went bankrupt 44:46 – The exact number Michael set to beat his dad (and the math behind it) 1:00:05 – The new venture the family just launched for everyone over 22   About the Guest Steve Acorn is the Founder and CEO of Young Entrepreneurs Across America and President of Student Painters. In 1987, he moved from Sarnia, Ontario to launch AAA Student Painters in the United States. After the company went bankrupt in 1999, he and his wife Sarah rebuilt it from 13 managers into the nationwide program it is today, 40 years and counting.   Sara, Steve's wife and co-founder, joined the company in 1993 as a payroll manager for the Indiana division and has run the office and back-end side of the business ever since. She and Steve married in 1998, rebuilt the company together after the bankruptcy, and she has been by his side for 34 summers.   Michael, Steve's son, grew up in the business, built and sold a lawn care company in high school, then ran a Student Painters branch as a rookie and hit $132,000. He is the founder of Acorn Pro Painting, a new painting franchise that extends the Acorn model to entrepreneurs of any age.   Laura, Steve's daughter, grew up in the business and followed her mother onto the office side, working across divisions from payroll and administration to marketing and PR, and training the interns who come through.   Resources & Links Mentioned Acorn Pro Painting Student Painters Sherwin-Williams AvidXchange CEO Coaching International (Mark Moses)   Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What happens when a college kid turns a single Instagram post into a supercar business, then walks away to chase something that actually matters?   At 23, JC Carr has already built and sold an exotic car brokerage, run a toy drive that moves six figures in gifts, and stepped into a family business shipping a million pieces a day. Steve Acorn sits down with JC to trace how a Miami kid with a camera and a thousand followers became a serial builder.   They get into the 30-minute Instagram sale that started it all, the market that flipped from steep discounts to 100,000 dollars over sticker, the charity that fills a parking lot with Lamborghinis, and the choice to leave the flashy business behind.   Skip this one, and you miss the real lesson hiding under the supercars. Listen now.   Timestamped Highlights 05:21 – The 30-minute Instagram post that accidentally launched a business 06:03 – How the car market flipped from deep discounts to six figures over sticker 08:36 – The photography hobby that quietly built a six-figure following 12:30 – The wrapped Porsche that may have the highest mileage of its kind on earth 16:42 – The charity that started with one wrapped car and a children's hospital 17:47 – Why 150 supercars show up when JC posts a single thing online 18:33 – The 100,000-dollar toy haul and the feeling he could not explain 24:44 – Six employees to 3,500: the family business hiding behind the cars 26:14 – The one system that rewrote how the whole company runs   About the Guest JC Carr is a 23-year-old entrepreneur from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area and a University of Alabama graduate. He founded Whips Miami, an exotic car brokerage he built while in school, runs an annual toy drive that moved about 100,000 dollars in gifts this year, and now leads a service team at World Emblem, his family's decoration company and one of the largest patch producers in the world.   🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned Whips Miami World Emblem 1 of 1 Motorsports Boys and Girls Club Lamborghini Miami Lamborghini Broward Lean Manufacturing, University of Kentucky Lean Systems Program with Toyota Homestead Miami Speedway   Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What happens when you hand two 19-year-olds a real business, then come back in September to see what they built? Steve Acorn welcomes Noah Jones and Addison Oberhouse back for the rare part two. Last time, their story ended on May 10th with everything still unknown. Now the season is done, and the numbers are real. They get into the highs and lows no classroom teaches. A shattered state record. A dog bite mid-marketing. Nine painters counting on one rookie for work every week. Late-night tears, brutal doubt, and the drive that carried them to the finish. Miss this one, and you miss the honest, unfiltered proof of what a single summer of ownership can do. Listen now.     Timestamped Highlights 05:00 – The real six-figure numbers two rookies put up in a single summer 07:36 – The all-time Michigan rookie record that just got shattered 10:09 – The one skill Addison says will change the rest of her life 16:30 – Bit by a dog mid-marketing, and back on doorsteps the next day 19:05 – Nine painters, nothing booked, and the pressure that drove a record 21:56 – The single trait that separates finishers from quitters 29:26 – The best part of the internship nobody bothers to advertise 36:34 – A 70-hour scraping job and the mindset that turned it around 48:18 – The audacious 2027 goal Noah was almost too scared to say     About the Guest Addison Oberhouse is a 19-year-old business management student at Bowling Green State University and a rookie branch manager with Young Entrepreneurs Across America. She ran a $117,000 business and profited a little over $21,000 in her first season, pushing through a dog bite and a mid-summer dry spell to finish strong. She now works part-time with the nonprofit Mission Increase. 🔗 LinkedIn Noah Jones is a 19-year-old branch manager with Young Entrepreneurs Across America and a biochemistry student at Michigan State. In his rookie year he ran a $203,000 business, profited more than $44,000, and broke the all-time Michigan rookie manager record. He plans to coach rookies and chase a $500,000 revenue goal in 2027. 🔗 LinkedIn     Resources & Links Mentioned Student Painters Eat That Frog! (Book) Mission Increase     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa         Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What would you give to hear the untold truth from one of the very first student entrepreneurs who helped build a movement? In this exclusive, raw conversation, Steve Acorn sits down with Sean Gregory, an original Student Painter from 1987, to uncover the gritty, hilarious, and brutally honest stories that shaped the YEAA legacy. Together, they revisit sleepless launches, wild leaps of faith, and the make-or-break lessons still echoed across today's leadership ranks. This is not a highlight reel. It's the real story behind 40 years of "work hard, play hard" success and the relentless mindset that separates doers from dreamers. Miss this episode, and you risk overlooking the patterns that breed lasting leaders. Listen now for first-hand insights you won't find anywhere else, straight from the roots of YEAA and the heart of entrepreneurship.     Timestamped Highlights 00:30 – The wildest leap of faith in Student Painters history 02:55 – Why entrepreneurship still isn't taught in college (and how Sean hacked the system) 06:18 – The tools, grit, and chaos behind launching a business in '87 10:16 – "I've never felt so alive." The real rewards of radical ownership 13:43 – The eye-opening mistakes that nearly killed his profits 16:04 – Campfires, banquets, lifelong friends: The bonds that outlast the business 22:23 – The moment Sean realized he could out-earn his first 'real' job 35:08 – Brutally honest advice for every new leader in the arena right now     About the Guest Sean Gregory is a 30+ year veteran in residential real estate, executive producer of the Heart of Influence podcast, and one of YEAA's original Student Painters from 1987. With decades of sales, coaching, and entrepreneurial experience, he brings unmatched perspective on leadership and the long game of transformation. 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Heart of Influence podcast Unblinded with Sean Callagy Sherwin-Williams GMC Gaucho     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What happens when you hand the reins of a real business to college rookies, then ask them to build something big, with everything on the line? In this high-energy conversation, Steve interviews first-year interns Addison Oberhouse and Noah Jones as they open up about the surprising challenges and lessons from launching their own painting businesses with YEAA. They dive into what no classroom teaches: brutal doubt, real sales lost, friends laughing at "voicemails," and the relentless rollercoaster of managing a team for the first time. Listen now to discover the overlooked truth about college internships, how "trust the process" unlocks exponential wins, and why resilience—not a perfect spreadsheet—separates those who finish from those who bail. Miss this episode, and you risk staying stuck on the sidelines, while these rookies quietly sprint past you.     Timestamped Highlights 00:51 – The unexpected lesson college never prepared them for 02:04 – Why working hard here feels totally different (and way more rewarding) 06:08 – The rookie mindset shift: believing the "unreal" offer is real 10:42 – The 3-day "business bootcamp" that left their heads spinning 12:32 – How time management became their secret weapon 17:24 – The one thing they wish they asked their mentor sooner 25:06 – Losing $20,000 in sales and getting up again 32:06 – Pro-level time and relationship juggling, rookie edition     About the Guest Addison Oberhaus is a business management student at BGSU and a first-year Entrepreneurial Intern with YEAA, already producing standout results and managing her own team. 🔗 LinkedIn Noah Jones studies biochemistry at Michigan State and is in his inaugural summer with Student Painters, focusing on learning real-world business while overcoming setbacks with resilience. 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Student Painters Eat That Frog! (Book) Sherwin-Williams MapMyRun (app) Aiden Licata's Podcast     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What does it take to launch a truly standout career while your peers are just getting started? In this galvanizing episode, Steve Acorn sits down with private equity rising star Blake Winkley to unravel how student leaders can leapfrog the status quo by stacking bold experiences and embracing brutal discomfort.  From hustling side gigs in high school to running a six-figure business as a college sophomore, Blake Winkley reveals the mindset shifts and tactical moves that turned relentless rejection into career rocket fuel. Don't settle for an average trajectory. Listen now to discover why your "story" matters more than ever, what hiring managers are secretly looking for, and how the way you handle this summer could radically change your life. You'll miss out on proven, exclusive frameworks you won't hear anywhere else if you let this episode slip by.     Timestamped Highlights 00:42 – The unexpected truth behind private equity's allure 04:03 – Why missing the "ideal" internship was the best thing that happened 07:00 – The strategic move that turned rejection into opportunity 12:03 – The inside story that made hiring managers say "yes" 16:08 – Unlocking the hidden ecosystem of million-dollar deals 20:19 – Fresh eyes, real impact, and how to outgrow your comfort zone 27:23 – Why brutal honesty and relentless discomfort are career multipliers 41:43 – Crushing imposter syndrome and trusting the process for success     About the Guest Blake Winkley is a Capital Raising Associate at KKR, one of the world's largest private equity firms. With a track record spanning institutional sales on Wall Street to unlocking high-value real estate funds, Blake's career showcases what's possible when student entrepreneurs apply relentless grit, strategic networking, and the right leadership mindset. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned VanEck Noria Capital Book: "Eat That Frog" Philadelphia 76ers "Trust the Process"     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What's the real difference between feeling like an impostor and building a life that stands out from your peers? In this high-voltage episode, Steve sits down with Celeste Valencia and Brooke Fausey, two unstoppable student leaders who turned setbacks into six-figure stories (and counting). If you think business success is only for business majors, think again. Hear unfiltered truths about failing forward, breaking brutal comfort zones, and building teams when you'd rather hide. This conversation uncovers proven, practical secrets for anyone ready to crush fear, own their results, and accelerate into leadership even before graduation. Miss this, and you could spend the summer playing small. Listen now for exclusive, hard-earned knowledge you can't find in the classroom and join an elite group writing their own future.     Timestamped Highlights 00:08 – The career-defining mindset shift every new leader must hear 04:05 – From LinkedIn to $100K: Brooke's unlikely leap and the mistake that made her 06:38 – How a criminal justice major shattered limits with a six-figure business 10:43 – The two rookie mistakes that nearly sabotaged Celeste's summer 13:58 – Why over-recruiting isn't optional (and how to bulletproof your team) 18:02 – The brutal truth about sales pipelines and the anxiety no one warns you about 26:24 – Owning it: The secret mental switch top earners use every day 35:35 – Leadership vs Boss: The tiny actions that change everything for your team     About the Guest Celeste Valencia is a Senior Executive at Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) and a senior at Grand Valley State University, where she majors in Criminal Justice with minors in Arabic and Psychology. Known for her rapid growth from rookie manager to leading a $350,000 branch and coaching the next generation of student leaders, Celeste is passionate about resilience, transformative leadership, and servant management. 🔗 LinkedIn Brooke Fausey is currently a General Manager for the Michigan division at Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA), after graduating from Grand Valley State University. Brooke skyrocketed from running a $104,000 branch to coaching a team of managers with combined sales topping $540,000. She is respected for her commitment to mentorship, time management mastery, and her outstanding track record in leadership development. 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Student Painters Sherwin Williams Servant Leadership Grand Valley State University Eat That Frog!     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Are you hungry to stand out, lead, and create the kind of transformation that pays off for life? Wondering why some student entrepreneurs seem to win big while others plateau or burn out? On this electrifying episode, Steve Acorn sits down with legendary Student Painters GM Ryan Shepherd, an architect behind hundreds of success stories and recognized as one of the top minds in the industry. They break down the entire YEAA internship experience, revealing not just what to do, but how to do it smarter, turning grueling work into unstoppable growth and outsized rewards. Tune in for practical, rarely shared insights on personal mastery, building powerhouse teams, and squeezing life-changing value out of every step, plus learn the insider secrets that separate the profitable leaders from the overwhelmed.  Don't wait to hear this: miss it, and you risk falling into the same pitfalls holding back your true potential. Listen now and grab the blueprint top performers don't want you to see.     Timestamped Highlights 00:00 – "You're going to work really hard but probably pretty stupid at first" (and how to fix that) 07:47 – The uncommon time hack that propelled Ryan's early career 10:43 – Pressure washing fails, wild stories, and what it really means to learn as you go 12:11 – Why the Quality Control Checklist will save your sanity (and profit) 14:34 – The #1 rookie mistake even elite interns make every year 17:00 – How to "suck less" by delegating time-suckers and building your painter pipeline 24:14 – Turning "our business" into a winning team—best crew incentives revealed 30:06 – Why coasting in phase four will cost you the BIGGEST payday     About the Guest Ryan Shepherd is a veteran General Manager and lead mentor for Student Painters at Young Entrepreneurs Across America. Known for his fifteen-year track record developing top-tier student leaders and a relentless dedication to game-changing mentorship, Ryan has shaped the careers of hundreds of driven undergrads and personally built systems that power the best-of-the-best results in the industry. His coaching is legendary for a reason, and it's all focused on future-proofing your success. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned University of Dayton Scott Snyder Quality Control Checklist Google Docs Kings Island Amusement Park Indeed Facebook Instagram Snapchat Hello Neighbor flyers Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What would you do if your dreams, your crew, and your confidence vanished in a single afternoon? If you're building a business, career, or even your sense of self, the fear of failure and the pressure to deliver can feel overwhelming. In this exhilarating reunion, Steve Acorn welcomes back YEAA alum Sherv Sadr, whose journey from devastated rookie to thriving financial entrepreneur and biotech founder is packed with raw lessons and electrifying energy. Sherv reveals how surviving his darkest hour and learning to choose action over comfort unlocked exponential business and personal growth. If you're tired of hoping and ready for proven, exclusive strategies to conquer adversity, reclaim your confidence, and scale your future, press play now. Every moment you wait is a moment lost. Don't miss the hard-won wisdom in this episode that you simply won't find anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights 00:14 – Why Sherv's first episode became one of YEAA's all-time most listened-to downloads 01:43 – From door-knocking to financial planning: The business principles that work anywhere 06:38 – Founding a biotech company after a friend's life-altering brain cancer battle 10:09 – Cold calls, rejection, and wild pivots: The gut-punches no one warns you about 16:18 – Grit when you want to quit: The untold story of Sherv's "grass moment" 24:33 – Scalable business growth: Investments, not costs, and building a winning team 31:03 – The Student Painters alumni effect: Why one summer can change your life and your future hires 50:09 – 75 Hard, discipline as a perishable skill, and what it really means for future leaders     About the Guest Sherv Sadr is a financial entrepreneur, business owner, and proven resilience architect. Since his transformative years with YEAA and Student Painters, he has scaled a thriving financial planning practice serving over 220 households, mentored future leaders, and co-founded a biotech startup with a mission to revolutionize traumatic brain injury recovery. Sherv is known for his radical candor, story-driven leadership, and commitment to giving back through mentorship and alumni networks. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned 75 Hard (created by Andy Frisella) Alex Hormozi Aaron Griffin Luke Snyder Traumatic Brain Injury research and biotech entrepreneurship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if you could transform your student hustle into a $170,000 business and secure job offers while your classmates are struggling to get interviews?  Michael Menaker, Penn State senior and YEAA legend, sits down with Steve Acorn to reveal the step-by-step reality (not the myth) behind his explosive growth from door-knocking teen to Student Painters' all-time Pennsylvania revenue leader. This conversation is packed with rarely shared tactics, raw truths about failure and resilience, and actionable systems for anyone serious about changing their trajectory starting now. From the relentless grind to building an unbeatable resume story, you'll hear how money motivation, organization breakthroughs, mentorship, and tireless marketing turned a campus side hustle into a national showcase. Listen now to escape career mediocrity, fast-track your learning curve, and get the actual playbook top interns use to win big. This episode is your invitation. You won't find its real-world, step-by-step lessons anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – A 9-year-old with an obsession for money—how shoveling snow led to a record-breaking career [00:03] – The "$10,000 summer" email that changed everything for a college freshman [00:05] – Inside high-stakes training: the moment Michael Menaker realized he wasn't the smartest person in the room [00:07] – From $110K to $170K: what REALLY changes and the shocking truth about profits at 19 [00:10] – The 10,000+ flyer drop method—why relentless marketing is the x-factor for student success [00:14] – The podcast hack: how binging alumni stories 2-3 times gave Michael Menaker the advantage over everyone else [00:16] – The organization revolution: inside the "hour by hour" that made stress evaporate and business explode [00:20] – Mentors, money, and motivation: how real-world accountability unlocked rocket growth [00:25] – Stacking the deck: the job search tsunami and why "the right story" makes recruiters beg for meetings [00:32] – Turning down offers and picking your path—unfiltered truth on life after massive student wins     About the Guest Michael Menaker is a senior at Penn State and the all-time Pennsylvania revenue leader for Student Painters, shattering records by scaling his business to over $170,000 while still a student. Known for his relentless drive, money motivation, and willingness to get uncomfortable, he's mentored others to six-figure success and now leverages his story to command top-tier job interviews. Michael is currently focused on launching a career in commercial real estate or tech sales while finishing his real estate minor. 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Penn State University Whirlpool Corporation     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Are you craving a breakthrough moment to transform your leadership, confidence, and career trajectory, but secretly worry you might not be cut out for the challenge? In this electrifying episode, Steve Acorn sits down with Abby Metzger, the all-time sales and production record holder for Ohio, and living proof that mindset and grit override privilege or luck. You'll discover how Abby went from small-town student to earning $45,000 as a freshman, outpacing every manager in forty years and learning the often-painful secrets of true leadership. Expect raw breakdowns of highs and lows, including near-mutiny moments, unstoppable motivation, and practical tools for unlocking next-level results. Listen now and don't wait. If you want to avoid mediocrity, get ahead of your peers, and understand what separates good from legendary, these insights could change everything. This episode is packed with exclusive, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights 00:00 – Abby reveals the surprising truth about what real leadership means and why empathy—not control—is the ultimate power move 05:40 – How a bold study-abroad goal turned hustle into victory, and what happens when you bet on yourself 14:00 – Near-disaster: Abby's team threatens to quit—hear the pivotal lesson she'll share in every future job interview 18:07 – Incentive secrets: How Abby's unconventional rewards and ice cream breaks unlocked $60,000 in two weeks 26:39 – Crushing records: Her honest confession about wanting to shatter the previous Ohio sales leader's legacy 30:56 – The tough preseason grind nobody talks about—how losing an $11,000 job actually set up a game-changing comeback 40:30 – The expensive mistake: What happens when you don't color-test paint and why owning the fix became her power story 44:01 – Elite job offers: Abby reveals how her business story landed her a prized career at PwC in New York, and how you can replicate her pitch 46:26 – Abby's rapid-fire advice for new interns from radical ownership to selling yourself, not just your product     About the Guest Abby Metzger is a senior at The Ohio State University, slated to join PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New York City as a Deals Transformation Associate. She holds the all-time Ohio sales and production record for YEAA's Student Painters, earning $45,000 while running a six-figure painting business as a freshman and was named Ohio Manager of the Year. Abby is recognized for her uncommon drive, championship mindset, and ability to turn adversity into advantage for herself and her team. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned Semester at Sea (Study Abroad Program) Student Painters Ohio State University Sherwin-Williams MapMyRun     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Are you struggling to decide if you should take action now, or wait for the "perfect" time to launch your career? What if the path to a life you love lies not in waiting, but in betting on yourself and following proven systems? In this high-voltage episode, Steve welcomes Aidan Licata, National Executive of the Year at YEAA and a record-breaking student entrepreneur, for an exclusive look at how mindset, discipline, and real-world action create surprising results. From extreme ownership to the art of choosing your circle, Aidan Licata shares battle-tested frameworks for winning, whether you're a rookie manager or aspiring leader. This is more than advice; it's a call to action for anyone ready to break out of average and build a story worth telling. Don't miss the deep truth bombs and actionable steps that could save you from years of regret. Tune in now for the strategies and inspiration you won't find anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – The raw truth behind a student's life-changing business journey [00:03] – Why betting on yourself feels terrifying and why Aidan did it anyway [00:07] – "I failed fast"—The hidden power of embracing struggle and learning quickly [00:09] – Panic, laziness, and self-betrayal: Are you sabotaging your own victory? [00:13] – Extreme ownership: The Navy SEAL mindset that beats excuses every time [00:16] – How "choosing your circle" really determines your future (and your mindset) [00:21] – Failure as fuel: Aidan's unconventional take on why chasing mistakes unlocks growth [00:26] – Blunt accountability, real goal setting, and why most interns miss the mark [00:34] – High-impact compartmentalization: Winning at business and at life with focus [00:36] – Why waiting for the right time is a myth (and the daring shortcut to action)     About the Guest Aidan Licata is the National Executive of the Year at Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA), known for leading rookie managers to record-breaking results and running a $440K student painting business while still in college. Grounded in a finance and accounting education at Bowling Green State University, Aidan has mastered the art of coaching, mindset transformation, and leadership under pressure, making him a sought-after mentor for aspiring young entrepreneurs 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink Bowling Green State University Student Painters Planet Fitness     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

Ever feel like big success is just out of reach, no matter how hard you plan? Imagine running a $200,000 business and pocketing $40,000, all before even finishing college.  On this electrifying episode, Steve Acorn sits down with Jasper Fritz, the New England Rookie Manager of the Year, to unravel the real reasons most ambitious students fall short and the extraordinary mindset shifts, accountability hacks, and execution rituals that put Jasper on a different level. Discover mindset breakthroughs, execution tactics, and raw stories of setbacks and recovery that could decide YOUR next 12 months of growth and income. If you want to avoid another year of playing small, press play now. This episode delivers can't-miss, battle-tested wisdom you won't find anywhere else—listen today to outpace the competition tomorrow.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – One unpopular truth that separates winners: Is Jasper's "do what you say" mantra your only missing piece? [00:08] – Jasper's definition of "mindset" shatters the usual buzzwords and lays down a blueprint for mental dominance [00:16] – Four game-changing questions—borrowed from CEO Coaching—that top performers use to predict massive results [00:23] – The untold story: why Jasper prepped, leveraged marketers, and booked 100K before summer started [00:27] – Screwing up, setbacks, and stress—how Jasper navigated his leadership panic zone and fixed a nightmare client [00:32] – The hidden power of painter incentives and how expectation setting builds loyalty (and scale) [00:41] – The uncomfortable truth about mentorship and why "going it alone" is a losing game [00:45] – Raising the stakes: why Jasper's shooting for $300K next and why you should too     About the Guest Jasper Fritz is an award-winning young entrepreneur, current sophomore at UMass Amherst, and the 2025 New England Rookie Manager of the Year in Student Painters. Recognized for running a $200,000+ business and earning over $40,000 as a freshman, Jasper is known for his deep insights on mindset, accountability, and building winning teams as part of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program. As an up-and-coming executive, he's set to mentor the next generation of high-performing student leaders. 🔗 LinkedIn | Facebook | X   Resources & Links Mentioned Student Painters UMass Amherst CEO Coaching International (Mark Moses) Steve Jobs Cathedral Principle Texas Roadhouse Six Flags YEAA Internship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if the one bold decision you make this year could redefine your future, unleash your confidence, and surround you with a network that opens doors for life?  This episode, featuring Mike Lamorgese, a top industry performer and true YEAA alumni success story, digs deep into the hidden advantages of choosing challenge over comfort and reveals why hard things pay bigger dividends.  Host Steve Acorn gets real about the power of alumni, the magic of showing up, and why every young leader needs to learn the difference between waiting and working for their dream. If you're tired of "coffee intern" gigs and want PROVEN, insider secrets to real-world success, listen now. This conversation is packed with urgent, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Don't risk missing out on the one edge that will separate you from the crowd. Tune in before your competition does.     Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – Why top internships catapult careers while "safe" ones stall [00:08] – Landing one of the most coveted jobs in a competitive industry—how Mike did it [00:18] – The ruthless detail that knocked out 80% of his rivals at ADEC (and how you can do this too) [00:24] – Alumni who became best friends, wedding groomsmen, and coast-to-coast connections [00:30] – The shocking interview move that got Mike hired—and why most people are too scared to try it [00:38] – Real talk: What makes YEAA's process unbeatable (and why it's not for everyone) [00:40] – Two game-changing pieces of advice for anyone on the edge of saying YES [00:36] – How to use "hard" as your secret weapon, not a roadblock     About the Guest Mike Lamorgese is a Territory Manager at A-dec, the world's most recognized dental equipment manufacturer, and a celebrated YEAA/Student Painters alumni. Former Manager of the Year at Henry Schein, Mike grew his career from rookie branch manager to industry rainmaker and credits his lifelong network, resilience, and sales mastery to the lessons forged at YEAA. His story inspires—and proves that those who leap, win. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned Henry Schein Student Painters Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint University of Dayton Joe Osterfeld (YEAA Alumni) Zoom Whitening YEAA Internship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

What if your freshman summer could be the launchpad for record-breaking success, wild earnings, and true leadership transformation? In this riveting episode, Steve sits down with Nolan Staniszewski, the all-time rookie record holder for Michigan, who catapulted himself to a $191K season and pocketed $40K profit—starting with zero business experience. Together, they unpack the mental game, masterful planning, and grit it takes to not just win big, but bounce back from brutal setbacks, burnout, and high-stakes challenges. Listen now to avoid common rookie mistakes, accelerate your growth, and discover exclusive strategies not shared anywhere else. Hit play now if you want proven secrets to thriving in leadership. The window to succeed is closing fast, and these lessons can mean the difference between average and legendary.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – A freshman steps onto campus and prepares to break Michigan's all-time rookie sales record [00:02] – Why Nolan skipped vacation to knock doors—and ended up with $101K in preseason sales [00:09] – Hiring, firing, and the raw truth about recruiting a superstar crew when everything is falling apart [00:13] – The emotional gut-punch of losing painters—and how Nolan clawed back from "panic zone" [00:20] – Top time management hacks that crushed stress and multiplied profits [00:28] – How blocking out the "scam" comments and social hate fueled Nolan's drive [00:32] – Pressure, mistakes, and screaming in the car: Nolan gets radically honest about growth [00:39] – The epic moment two top rookies meet for the first time—and sell an estimate together [00:43] – The bold goals for 2026: mentoring rookies, breaking $250K, and why Nolan is betting big     About the Guest Nolan Staniszewski is the all-time rookie sales record holder for Student Painters in Michigan, breaking through with a $191,000 season and earning $40,000 in profit as a sophomore at Trine University. Known for his grit, competitive drive, and leadership in both business and sports, Nolan is now set to mentor future branch managers and elevate his game to a projected $250K summer business. 🔗 LinkedIn     Mentioned Resources Trine University Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) Student Painters Detroit Lions Jasper Fritz (fellow branch manager) Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook for recruiting Harrison Bourne (alumni manager)     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.