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Recent episodes
Built on a Strong Foundation: Leadership Lessons from Valley Wide Painting Pros
Dec 30, 2025
55m 35s
Wired for Success: The Journey from Employee to Lighting Supply Leader
May 21, 2025
1h 00m 33s
How Faith, Family, and Grit Built Dino Turf Cleaning
May 7, 2025
45m 22s
Breaking Barriers: Gerise's Journey from Teacher to Industry Leader
Mar 27, 2025
59m 51s
Human Connection and Quality Design: Transforming the Hardscape Industry
Mar 20, 2025
35m 44s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/30/25 | ![]() Built on a Strong Foundation: Leadership Lessons from Valley Wide Painting Pros✨ | entrepreneurshipleadership+3 | Dave Walls | Valley Wide Painting Pros | — | entrepreneurshipleadership lessons+5 | — | 55m 35s | |
| 5/21/25 | ![]() Wired for Success: The Journey from Employee to Lighting Supply Leader | In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Michael Borgeson, founder of Sonoran Lighting Supply, to explore the business of lighting, the value of relationships, and what it takes to build trust in a tight-knit industry. From growing up in a small California town to launching one of Arizona’s most respected lighting supply companies, Mike shares how his work ethic, industry experience, and commitment to doing things the right way have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. We dive de... | 1h 00m 33s | ||||||
| 5/7/25 | ![]() How Faith, Family, and Grit Built Dino Turf Cleaning | In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Anthony Vickman, founder of Dino Turf Cleaning, to talk about entrepreneurship, work ethic, and how turf cleaning became his unexpected path to success. From growing up in a family carpet cleaning business to scaling and selling a wedding rental company, Anthony’s journey is marked by hard work, intentionality, and faith. We dive into how Dino Turf was built from the ground up—literally—and how Anthony has turned a one-man operation into ... | 45m 22s | ||||||
| 3/27/25 | ![]() Breaking Barriers: Gerise's Journey from Teacher to Industry Leader | In this episode of Raising the Grade, we sit down with Gerise Montoya, an experienced professional in the construction industry and an advocate for workforce development and training. Gerise shares her journey from the field to the office, discussing how she built her career by seizing opportunities and pushing through challenges. Her passion for empowering others is evident as she dives into strategies for training, mentorship, and leadership within the construction sector. We discuss the im... | 59m 51s | ||||||
| 3/20/25 | ![]() Human Connection and Quality Design: Transforming the Hardscape Industry | This week on Raising the Grade, we sit down with Megan Pratt, Hardscapes Sales Manager at Superlite, a division of Oldcastle APG. Megan's journey from the power sports industry to leading the charge at Belgard is nothing short of impressive. We dive into her passion for training, the evolution of hardscape design trends, and how Belgard is making waves in the Arizona market by emphasizing innovation and quality. Megan shares her unique perspective as a woman thriving in a male-dominated indus... | 35m 44s | ||||||
| 3/13/25 | ![]() Ground Up Careers: Transforming the Construction Industry from Within | In this episode of Raising the Grade, we dive deep into the real challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry—focusing on workforce development, training, and innovative recruitment solutions. Join us as we explore how small, local construction companies can overcome the persistent workforce shortages that have long plagued the industry. We discuss the importance of proactive planning, the role of technology in streamlining operations, and the power of building strong, employ... | 57m 24s | ||||||
| 3/12/25 | ![]() Mastering the Trade: Lessons from a Tile Industry Expert | This week on Raising the Grade, we sit down with Steve Meyer from LATICRETE, a company at the forefront of tile installation materials and innovation. Steve shares his unique journey into the industry, from growing up with a chemist father who pioneered coatings and underlayments to developing expertise in concrete chemistry, tile installation, and coatings. We cover game-changing advancements in the trade, including the evolution of setting materials, polymer-modified thinset, and AI-driven ... | 50m 13s | ||||||
| 2/26/25 | ![]() The Truth About Pool Construction: What Every Builder Should Know | This week on Raising the Grade Podcast, we sit down with Matt Sharp, Regional Sales Manager at PebbleTec, to dive deep into the pool construction industry, the importance of quality craftsmanship, and what sets PebbleTec apart from the competition. Matt shares his incredible journey from pool repair technician to business owner and now a leader in the pool finishing industry. We explore the challenges of running a construction business, the lessons learned from on-the-job experience, and why ... | 53m 12s | ||||||
| 2/13/25 | ![]() Blending Innovation and Design: How Jack Dyer is Raising Industry Standards | In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Jack Dyer from Innovative by Design to talk about the future of landscaping, construction, and the power of design in shaping outdoor spaces. Jack is an industry expert who has worked across multiple companies and recently earned his KA dual engineering license, allowing him to take on a vast range of construction projects—from pools and outdoor living spaces to public works and beyond. We discuss the importance of blending natural landsca... | 54m 34s | ||||||
| 2/6/25 | ![]() The Power of Quality and Teamwork with Antonio Fernandez | Raising The Grade Podcast | What does it take to build lasting partnerships, grow an industry, and deliver world-class hardscapes? In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sat down with Antonio Fernandez, Hardscapes Sales Manager for Mirage Porcelain & Bellegarde, to talk about the evolution of the industry, the power of collaboration, and the importance of quality over quick wins. Antonio’s journey from IT to the world of building materials is nothing short of inspiring. From his early days at Thompson Building Mat... | 53m 35s | ||||||
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| 1/30/25 | ![]() From Turkey to Arizona: The Stone That is Revolutionizing the Industry | In this episode of Raising the Grade, I’m joined by CJ and Derin from ANS Mermer, and let me tell you it’s a conversation that goes way beyond stone and pavers. We dive into their fascinating journey of importing Turkish natural stone, a family business that’s not only survived but thrived through economic shifts, personal challenges, and ever-changing industry trends. Derin shares how his parents’ entrepreneurial leap during the 2008 housing crisis transformed their business, while CJ refle... | 1h 04m 06s | ||||||
| 1/16/25 | ![]() What Every Business Owner Needs to Know About Social Media Marketing | Jaden & Sabrina | This week on Raising the Grade, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Sabrina and Jaden, the dynamic duo behind Media 4 You. Let me tell you, this episode was more than just a conversation, it was a heartfelt dive into their incredible journey, both as entrepreneurs and as individuals. We uncovered Sabrina’s inspiring story of resilience, growing up in the foster care system, and how her past shaped her passion for leadership and uplifting others. Jaden shared how his grandfather... | 1h 00m 43s | ||||||
| 1/2/25 | ![]() Think You’re Ready to Own a Franchise? Here’s What You Need to Know | Christian Dadulak | What if the key to building your dream business is already out there, waiting for you to take the leap? In this episode, I sat down with Christian Dadulak, a franchise adviser with Franchise Sidekick, who’s on a mission to match aspiring entrepreneurs with the perfect franchise opportunities. Christian shared his incredible journey from Southern California to becoming one of the most insightful voices in the franchising world. He’s not just about the business side, he’s all heart, with a pas... | 1h 14m 56s | ||||||
| 12/19/24 | ![]() Faith, Fitness, and Redemption: How Everett Miner Found His Calling in Helping Others | On this episode of Raising the Grade, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Everett Miner, the owner of Miner Fitness, for his very first podcast appearance and let me just say, he absolutely crushed it. Everett’s story is raw, inspiring, and a true testament to resilience. From growing up in Connecticut struggling with self-image to finding his faith and turning his life around in Arizona, Everett shares how he’s transformed not only his own life but also the lives of his clients. We dove... | 1h 02m 34s | ||||||
| 12/12/24 | ![]() Family, Ambition, and Work Ethic: A Candid Conversation with My Son Cohen | In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with someone truly special, my son, Cohen Russell. At just 19 years old, Cohen’s life is already a fascinating tapestry of hard work, learning, and ambition. Together, we dive into his unique journey, from working with some unforgettable mentors to stepping into leadership roles within our family business. Cohen shares his perspective on what it means to live with purpose, how he's striving to build a life that balances ambition with contentme... | 1h 16m 43s | ||||||
| 12/5/24 | ![]() How Instagram and YouTube Turned a College Grad into a Top Arizona Contractor | Trace Walters | This week, I sat down with Trace Walters from Walters Renovations, and let me tell you this episode is a wild ride. Trace isn’t just a builder; he’s a creator, a visionary, and someone who’s unafraid to chase big dreams. At just 23, he’s already transformed his childhood passion for building into a thriving construction business. From tearing down walls to creating stunning exteriors and even venturing into full backyard renovations, Trace’s journey is packed with grit, ingenuity, and a touch... | 1h 05m 38s | ||||||
| 11/21/24 | ![]() The $50 Job That Sparked a Million Dollar Business Partnership | Patrick Heffernan | In this episode of Raising the Grade, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Patrick Heffernan, co-owner of Southwest Sunscreens and one of the most meticulous and relationship-driven guys you'll ever meet. Patrick and I go way back, he’s been a power partner in my landscaping projects, saving countless yards from the Arizona sun with his innovative solar screens. Patrick shared his story of humble beginnings, from handyman work to building a thriving business with his best friend and busi... | 56m 16s | ||||||
| 11/21/24 | ![]() Faith, Family, and a Dream: Adam Estavillo's Inspiring Entrepreneurship Journey | This week on Raising The Grade Podcast, I sat down with Adam Estavillo, owner of Redemption Renovations, to explore his incredible journey from teenage skater to successful entrepreneur in the renovation industry. Adam shares how his early lessons in perseverance as a cross-country champion shaped his relentless drive and determination. From humbling setbacks in college to the birth of his business, his story is one of resilience, faith, and grit. Adam opens up about learning the ropes of... | 1h 06m 49s | ||||||
| 11/14/24 | ![]() From Boardrooms to Backyards: Rob Robichaud’s Unexpected Journey into the Turf Industry | On this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Rob Robichaud, the insightful and down-to-earth founder of Verde Valley Turf. We jumped into Rob’s journey from Detroit to Arizona, where he’s built a career centered around quality and a genuine passion for the industry. Rob has an incredible story, with roots in resilience, from his days at boarding school in the ‘80s to climbing the ranks in big corporations. But what really captured my attention was his mission to help landscapers an... | 1h 08m 27s | ||||||
| 11/10/24 | ![]() Mentorship, Mistakes, and Million Dollar Moves: Brian Tibbs’ Guide to Wealth Building | On this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Brian Tibbs, a man of incredible resilience, ambition, and heart. Brian’s journey started in the heart of a small-town entrepreneurial family, guiding him to a business degree and a calling beyond the ordinary. But his story takes a wild turn when he leaves Idaho to become a volunteer missionary in Guatemala, a decision that led him to live in five different countries over sixteen years, spreading purpose and establishing deep, meaningfu... | 56m 59s | ||||||
| 10/31/24 | ![]() Turning BBQ into a Blessing: How Jeff Simpson’s Calling Became a Community | In this episode of Raising the Grade, I sit down with Jeff Simpson from BBQ Mission to dive into an inspiring story of purpose, faith, and a lot of pulled pork. eff’s journey has been anything but ordinary, from his multiple careers and personal ups and downs to ultimately landing on a mission that serves both body and soul. BBQ Mission is no ordinary ministry, it’s a calling to serve the homeless with a hot meal and a genuine sense of community. As we talk, Jeff shares the incredible gro... | 59m 36s | ||||||
| 10/24/24 | ![]() Why This Barbecue Expert Left Banking to Pursue His Grilling Passion | In this episode, I sit down with Josh from BBQ Island, a true barbecue enthusiast who has built a career around his love for cooking and outdoor living. We talk about his journey from working at fast-food joints like Arby’s to building connections in the banking and finance world, and ultimately finding his passion at Barbecue Island. Josh’s story is all about chasing what you love and turning it into a career that doesn’t feel like work. We dive into the unique approach BBQ Island takes to... | 44m 43s | ||||||
| 10/17/24 | ![]() Does Quality Actually Matter? Here’s What You Need to Know | In this episode of Raise The Grade Podcast, I sit down with Chris from Telluride Natural Stone, a long-time player in the industry who’s seen it all, from the early days of the stone veneer market to where it stands today. Chris shares his journey, starting from a small town in Connecticut and making his way to Arizona, all while building an impressive career in the landscape supply business. We dive into everything from the importance of educating contractors and clients about quality mate... | 1h 03m 47s | ||||||
| 10/10/24 | ![]() The Power of Quality and Teamwork with Will from Universal White Cement | Welcome to the second episode of the "Raise the Grade" podcast, brought to you by Rising Tide Landscapes. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Will from Universal White Cement, sharing his journey in the construction industry and insights into running a family-owned business. Will talks about his love for working with his hands, transitioning from restaurant work to a long-standing career in construction, and how his passion for creating and building things led him to stay with Univer... | 56m 53s | ||||||
| 10/2/24 | ![]() Building Success: Elevating Landscapes and Business with Rising Tide | Welcome to the "Rising Tide Landscapes Podcast," where we dive deep into the world of hardscaping, landscaping, and everything in between. Join Eric, owner of Rising Tide Landscapes, as he brings together industry professionals like Nolan from Belgard to discuss not only the technical aspects of the trade but also the values that elevate businesses. Eric’s journey from a newly established business owner to developing meaningful relationships within the industry is an inspiration for those jus... | 55m 12s | ||||||
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