Mindset Growth hosted by Gary Bontrager Gary Bontrager Consulting

In this episode of the Mindset Growth Podcast, Gary and Heather welcome Dan Feliciano, co-founder of Closeline. Dan's story begins in New York, where he grew up in poverty in the Bronx before joining the Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work and the importance of giving back. Dan shares his entrepreneurial adventure with Closeline, a tech startup that outsources laundry tasks to gig workers in local communities, breaking traditional industry norms and creating new job opportunities.

Dan's experiences reflect the value of embracing cultural diversity and the importance of travel in broadening one's perspective. He also touches on the seemingly unrelated but equally insightful topic of golf. Throughout the conversation, Dan emphasizes the mindset of always striving to win, a principle ingrained in him from his military service. He talks about the importance of leadership, the necessity of trusting and delegating to others, and the courage needed to adapt and invest in your business amidst economic changes. Dan's favorite quote underscores the essence of self-determination, encouraging listeners to remain fearless and open to new ideas while continuously aiming for improvement.

In this episode of the Mindset Growth Podcast, host Gary Bontrager is joined by faith-based executive coach Christine Jewell, who shares her journey of overcoming challenges and helping others achieve fulfillment and success. Christine emphasizes the importance of interrupting familiar patterns, rewriting mental programming, and aligning business and personal goals through holistic coaching that addresses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. She also highlights the need to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding in relationships, ultimately leading to greater balance, joy, and peace in life.

In this inspiring episode of Mindset Growth, Gary Bontrager sits down with Courtney Wooge to delve into his profound journey in the insurance industry. Courtney recounts the pivotal moments of acquiring and managing an insurance agency, shedding light on the myriad challenges he faced and the strategic solutions he implemented. He underscores the significance of data-driven decision-making and the critical role of maintaining robust client relationships.



Courtney further shares the personal rituals that propel his success, including a structured morning routine and a steadfast commitment to systematic processes within his business operations. His narrative highlights the crucial balance between working in the business and working on the business, with a strong emphasis on financial literacy and goal-setting.



Through his story, Courtney illustrates the dynamic interplay of technology, data, and entrepreneurial spirit in the insurance sector. He discusses the strategic benefits of growth through acquisitions and the advantages of aligning with larger groups for enhanced specialization and valuation. Additionally, Courtney opens up about his venture into co-founding a music festival—a challenging experience that, despite its financial downturn, offered invaluable lessons and emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with ambitious and intelligent individuals. Join us for this enlightening conversation that bridges the gaps between ambition, data, and real-world business acumen.

In a moving episode of the Mindset Growth Podcast, Gary Bontrager welcomes Luke Moore, a figure of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Luke shares his journey from growing up in a construction family, where early exposure to hard work shaped his ethic and values, to facing an unimaginable challenge during his senior year of college when diagnosed with AML leukemia. Luke details his arduous battle with cancer, including undergoing intense chemotherapy and a life-saving stem cell transplant, all while emphasizing the incredible support he received from his family and friends.

Luke's recovery marked a pivotal shift in his career towards a more nurturing path as he ventured into assisted living. He now oversees a 16-bedroom memory care facility, where he is dedicated to providing intimate and specialized care. He reflects on how his personal fight with cancer inspired him to create a smaller, more personalized care setting, believing it fosters a better quality of life and a family-oriented environment for those with memory loss.

Moreover, Luke discusses the cultural dynamics within his business and how it significantly enhances the care residents receive. He also explores the future of memory care, advocating for a trend towards smaller, bespoke facilities that prioritize individual needs. This episode is not only a testament to overcoming personal adversity but also highlights the profound impact of compassionate leadership in healthcare. Join us to hear Luke's inspiring story and his insightful views on the evolving landscape of memory care.

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Mindset Growth Podcast featuring Brad Bakle, a seasoned educator with over four decades of experience. In this engaging discussion, Brad shares his remarkable journey from coaching youth baseball to a distinguished career in education, overcoming initial discouragement from his father. Delve into Brad's insights on the vital role of parental involvement and technology in enriching student learning experiences. He highlights the importance of routine, stability, and addressing mental health concerns in shaping a positive educational environment. Brad also addresses the pressing challenges of online threats and bullying, advocating for investment in public school systems. Tune in as Brad emphasizes the power of human connections and the pursuit of personalized learning environments for every student. Don't miss this invaluable conversation on navigating the complexities of the education system on the Mindset Growth Podcast.

Step up to the plate for an inspiring episode of the Mindset Growth Podcast featuring Rick Heller, the esteemed head baseball coach at the University of Iowa. Join us as Rick shares his journey from humble beginnings in Elden, Iowa, to becoming a renowned coach, driven by his deep passion for the sport. Delve into his experiences as a young head coach at Upper Iowa University, navigating the challenges of earning respect and fostering a culture of development. Rick sheds light on the importance of preparation, hard work, and cultivating a culture-centric program for athlete success. Explore Rick's daily routine, student athlete management approach, and his successes in building thriving baseball programs at Upper Iowa and Indiana State. From the recruitment process to addressing mental challenges, Rick emphasizes the significance of mental resilience, leadership, and effective communication in shaping athletes' futures beyond the field. Tune in for invaluable insights and strategies for building champions in sports and life on the Mindset Growth Podcast.