Leaders Across America With Steve Acorn

Latest Episodes:

91 | Aaron and Josh | The Benefits of Being Part of YEAA Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

In today's episode of the Leader Across America podcast, Steve sits down with Aaron Acorn and Josh Drushel, both Vice Presidents of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program for the final episode of their special four-part series. The topic for today's show involves the benefits students can gain by being part of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program.

As the summer winds down and we approach the end of this year's internship, Steve, Aaron and Josh take some time to reflect on why this year's executive team may be the strongest yet, and highlight some of the benefits of the program.

Beyond the growth potential that the program provides to participants - offering opportunities to build new skills and helping to make themselves more marketable - it also answers a question many have asked: "Is there anything left to learn?" What they quickly realize however, is that learning never really ends. As you gain experience in business and get better at your job, your learning opportunities actually increase.

Networking is another powerful benefit of the program. Working with like-minded people on an executive team provides powerful opportunities for connection and learning, whether it be from your own class, the executives above you or the people that come after you. Once you reach the executive level, you're able to create that connection with the top 10% of the entire country.

Steve, Aaron and Josh also take time to discuss the deep level of interaction and hands-on learning present in the program. Many internships are based on "shadowing," offering small glimpses of what that office actually looks like. However, what's missing is real world experience, a hands-on approach that provides more opportunity for learning.

Enjoy!

What You'll Learn in this Show:

Why this year's executive team may be the strongest they've ever had going into 2022.
The answer to the perennial question: "Is there anything more for me to learn?"
How the networking opportunities offered by the program allow you to build connections with the top 10% in the country.
Why internships that only allow participants to "shadow" office environments are missing out on a powerful learning opportunity.
And so much more...

Resources:

YEAA Website

Facebook

Instagram

90 | Joey Szczepaniak | Amazing Opportunities Thanks to YEAA Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

On today's special show, we interview Joey Szczepaniak a former intern of ours who had excellent results in our internship program back in 2016. He stayed with us only for one year, but he believes that year had a major impact on his life, both professionally and personally.

Since he left YEAA he had an amazing story filled with great opportunities and he thinks that his experience in our program is what led to all the things that he's been able to accomplish today.

In today's show, Joey will share his background story and what made him decide to join Young Entrepreneurs Across America.

He will share the results he had in the program and the most important lessons he took away from it.

He will also talk about his experience as an intern account manager at ALKU after leaving Student Painters.

You will find out how Joey got a quarter-million-dollar a year position and why he turned that down.

You will also find details about Joey's experience as a sales specialist at Self Publishing School as well as about his experience working as a Senior Advisor at Traffic and Funnels.

Joey will talk about the amazing power of the YEAA culture and network and he will share the most important keys to his success

Tune in to our latest episode to hear another story of an amazing young leader whose journey to success started at Student Painters!

What You Will Learn In This Show

What were Joey's results in the program and his biggest takeaways?
Why did Joey turn down a quarter-million-dollar a year position?
The power of the YEAA culture and network
Joey's experience as a sales specialist at Self Publishing School
What are the three rules of sales and how does Joey use it
Joey's experience working as a Senior Advisor at Traffic and Funnels
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Joey's Instagram

Joey's Facebook

Joey's Linkedin

89 | Patrick Gorman | First Year Success vs Second Year Success Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

On today's special show, we interview Patrick Gorman, a second year branch manager and a rookie executive with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who produced over $90,000 in business and profit exceeding $28,000 during his first year in our program.

Patrick will dive deep into his s rookie year keys to success, month by month as well as he three most important things he enjoyed the most in his first year.

You will find out what you need to do to ensure a great second half of the summer at YEAA.

You will also learn why it is important to continue recruiting painters and some secrets to managing a great team.

Patrick will share some some real life experiences he had with the YEAA and the key benefits he got out of the program so far.

He will reveal some of his highs and lows and some pitfalls he encountered during his internship.

Plus, Patrick will share his plans for this year and some of his goals for the future

For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

Patrick's rookie year keys to success, month by month
Three key things Patrik enjoyed the most in his first year
What you need to do to ensure a great second half of the summer at YEAA
The benefits Patrick got out of the program so far
Patrick's highs and lows and some pitfalls he encountered during his internship
Patrick's plans for this year and his goals for the future
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

88 | Dylan Klocker and Nick Draginoff | Rookie Managers Success Story Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

On today's special show, we interview two of our succesful rookie entrepreneurs, Nick Draginoff and Dylan Klocker, to capture a little bit about their story so far since joining Young Entrepreneurs.

Nick is a sophomore at Miami University, Ohio, and so far he has about $55,000 in sales and 45 estimates completed.

Dylan is a sophomore at UMass Amherst, and he has about 130,000 in sales, 53 estimates completed and about 22 jobs booked

In today's episode, you will find out a little bit about Nick and Dylan's background stories and their experiences in the program so far.

They will share their opinion about what is the best part of our organisation, as well as the skills they have developed since joining the program.

You will find out how Nick and Dylan became interested in the program and how they knew they'd succeed.

They will also talk about their biggest fears since they started this journey and their key secret to maintaining a successful business while being a full-time college student.

Nick and Dylan will also talk about their personal and professional growth since joining the program and the top characteristics they think you should possess to be a winner in this program

For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show

What skills have Nick and Dylan improved since they joined the program?
How did Nick and Dylan become interested in the program and how did they know they'd succeed?
The biggest fears Nick and Dylan had since they joined the program
The key secret to maintaining a successful business while being a full-time college student
The top characteristics you should possess to be a winner in this program
Nick and Dylan's parents' first reaction when they heard about the program
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

87 | Charles Beck| Becoming a Whole New Level of Person Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to Charles Beck, a young leader who will share with us insightful details about his 5 years experience with Student Painters that started back in 2014. Currently, Charles owns his own painting business and he is also a Field Underwriter at Symmetry Financial Group.

In today's show, you will find out when Charles heard about Student Painters and what drew him into the program.

You will also learn some details about Charles' achievements in his first and second years in the program.

Charles will share some of the key habits a young leader should develop to set himself up for success

Charles will talk about how Student Painters changed his life both personally and professionally.

He will also reveal some details about what he does today and what are his goals for the next years.

For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show

When did Charles hear about Student Painters and what drew him into the program?
What are Charles' key takeaways from the program?
Key habits you should develop at a young age to set yourself for success
How Student Painters changed Charles both personally and professionally
Some advice for our rookie managers
What is Charles doing today and what are him goals for the next years
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Charles' Linkedin

86 | Ben Cummings | Leave Your Comfort Zone to Enter Your Growth Zone May 17, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to Ben Cummings, a Branch Manager at Student Painters back in 2012 who used what he learned in the program to start three different companies

He is currently the CEO of Sales Rev, an organization that helps small businesses streamline and innovate how they do business as well as adopt the right technology stack for their needs.

Before Sales Rev, he owned a video production company in Detroit and a full-service landscaping company.

"An entrepreneur at heart", as he likes to call himself, Ben is also a creative person and a talented musician. He plays as a drummer in a band called Schema Things.

In today's show, you will find out how Bem started his experience in the YEAA program and how he became a Branch Manager.

Ben will talk about his results as a Branch Manager at Student Painters, key takeaways from the program and the pivotal moments that changed his life both professionally and personally.

He will share the biggest mistakes during the program and the lessons he learned from them.

Ben will reveal How Ben used what he learned in the program to start three companies.

You will also find out what is the #1 thing you have to do to become succesful, why implementing a process and a system is important in a business and some tips to finding your first customers.

For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show

How Ben started his experience in the YEAA program and how he became a Branch Manager
Ben's results as a Branch Manager at Student Painters
Ben's key takeaways from the program and the pivotal moments that changed his life
The #1 thing you have to do to become successful
Ben's biggest challenges during the program and how he overcame them
How Ben used what he learned in the program to start three companies
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Ben's Linkedin

Schema Things Youtube Channel

85 | Laura Lawson | Keys to Getting Accepted into an Elite Company Like United Wholesale Mortgage May 11, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to Laura Lawson EVP and Chief People Officer at United Wholesale Mortgage and elite company helping independent mortgage brokers deliver a far superior client experience than banks and retail lenders.

Additionally, they offer training, technology, marketing support, and more to help their partners compete, win, and grow their businesses.

In this special episode, Laura is going to share important insights and the steps you can take as a young student or graduate to get the attention of an elite company like UWM.

Throughout the interview, you will learn what Laura is doing at United Wholesale Mortgage as well as a little bit about the company's business model.

Laura will share some keys to creating and maintaining UWM's workplace culture.

She will also talk about the importance of constantly seeking feedback from your team.

You will find out what are some of Laura's biggest challenges when hiring someone in the organization.

Laura will share some tips on how to apply for a job at United as well as how she chooses the best candidates.

You will discover what you need to know before applying for a job at UWM and also what is the income range and the benefits you can have working for them.

Plus, you will learn why having YEAA experience is a big plus when applying for jobs at UWM.

Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about how to get an elite job right after college!

What You Will Learn In This Show

Laura's role at United Wholesale Mortgage and a little bit about the company's business model
Keys to creating and maintaining UWM's workplace culture
The importance of constantly seeking feedback from your team
What you need to know before applying for a job at UWM
The income range and the benefits you can have working for UWM
Why having the YEAA program experience is a big plus when applying for a job at UWM
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Laura's Linkedin

Uwm.com

www.Uwmcareers.com

84 | Fernando Tenesaca | Keys To Running a $100,000 Business May 04, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to Fernando Tenesaca, Senior Executive at YEAA, currently building the New England Team for Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Development Program for our 2022 Summer Internship opportunity.

As a Senior Executive, Fernando is recruiting and interviewing candidates for the Branch Manager position from public and private institutions in the New England area and also mentoring students in starting their first profitable business

In today's show, Fernando will talk about his backstory, how he heard about our program and what made him join it.

He will share his results in the program and the greatest lessons he took from his first year.

He will also talk about some of the challenges he had as a rookie manager and how he managed to overcome them.

You will learn some which are some of the most important keys to a successful startup.

You will also find out some interesting details about Fernando's speech on perspective and taking advantage of pivotal moments in your life.

For this and much more, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show

Fernando's results in the program and the greatest lessons he took from it
Important keys to a successful startup
Tips to building a solid relationship with clients
The importance of understanding your "why"
Fernando's speech on perspective and taking advantage of pivotal moments in your life.
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

Fernando's LinkedIn

83 | John Gave | Keys To Finding The Right Talent Apr 27, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to John Gave, Managing Partner at The Metiss Group, a company that provides team development solutions, recruitment selection services, talent assessment, and EOS integrator recruitment.

John's experience working with emerging companies through growth and performance initiatives enabled him to accelerate the company's growth.

To help The Metiss Group and their clients create more predictable results through consistent process application, he uses experience from his days as a software developer, systems engineer, and distribution center manager. He also plays an important role in growing new markets for the company.

In today's episode, John will talk about some important strategies for finding the right talent for any type of company and role.

You will learn how John and his wife started the Metiss Group, the inspiration behind it and what the company does today.

You will find out more details about John's role in the company as a Managing Partner.

John will talk about creating specific defined approaches to helping organizations make a better hire and how to minimize the most common hiring mistakes.

He will also share some secret keys to a great hiring process and will reveal the reasons behind most retention issues and how to prevent them.

You will learn what a scorecard is and why you need to have one when hiring new talents.

John will also discuss the importance of having a healthy organization and will reveal some secret keys to becoming a great leader and why this is crucial for your organization.

He will also share his thoughts on the YEAA program and why he believes this is an important experience for a college student

For these and much more, tune in to our latest episode! Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show

Creating specific defined approaches to helping organizations make a better hire
The secret keys to a great hiring process
What is a scorecard and why do you need to have one when hiring new talents?
Secret keys to becoming a great leader and why is this crucial for your organization
John's thoughts on the YEAA program and why he believes this is an important experience for a college student
And so much more…

Resources:

YEAA Website

Leaders Across America

82 | Mike Praeger | Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone Is Where the Learning Happens Apr 20, 2022

Show notes

On today's show, we talk to Mike Praeger, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at AvidXchange, a successful company that provides "AP" (accounts payable) automation software and payment solutions for middle-market businesses and their suppliers. As a YEAA alumnus, Mike believes that the experience and skills he gained in our program contributed greatly to becoming who he is today - the owner of a company valued at over a billion dollars. You will find out how Mike got involved with Student Painters and what are some of the takeaways he gained from his experience as a branch manager.

You will discover what Mike did to start and grow AvidXchange, and what the company does today.

Mike will reveal his secrets on how to build and manage a great team and he will talk about how important it is for a CEO to have a vision of the company and be able to help execute that vision.

He will also discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with people that are better than you and why getting out of your comfort zone is the key to success.

For this and much more invaluable advice from one of our most successful alumni, tune in to our latest episode!

What You Will Learn In This Show

How Mike got involved with Student Painters and some of the takeaways he gained from his experience as a branch manager
What Mike did to start and grow AvidXchange, and what the company does today
How important it is for Mike as a CEO to have a vision of the company and be able to help execute that vision
The importance of surrounding yourself with people that are better than you
Why is getting out of your comfort zone the key to success?
And so much more…

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