Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation

Jan Simon
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation is a podcast that dives deep into the stories of business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are striving to make an extraordinary impact. Each episode explores their roots, motivations, and defining moments to inspire listeners on their own journey to excellence. 

  1. Harnessing Passion for Community Empowerment | Matt Dallas

    MAR 19

    Harnessing Passion for Community Empowerment | Matt Dallas

    Send us Fan Mail Matt Dallas, a Gilbert resident, shares his journey from growing up in upstate New York and playing baseball through college to selling Cutco, experiencing a serious illness (double pneumonia and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) that led him to move to Arizona, and eventually leaving corporate B2B sales to start neighborhood publications with N2/Stroll in 2014. He discusses building Val Vista Lakes, launching Agritopia (later transitioned after 100 issues), and taking over and revitalizing Seville, including the panic and pressure of producing a new issue every month and how he uses boundaries, systems, automation, checklists, and time-management to sustain the work. Matt explains his purpose-driven mission—connecting neighbors, introducing local businesses, and giving back through nonprofit partnerships—along with how faith and reading shaped his leadership and values. Above Par NetworkArizona’s no-BS networking: golf, socials, business mixers.Foundation Insurance ServicesLocal experts building strong insurance solutions for business, personal, and benefits.Meritum Credit Card ProcessingLocal Gilbert team delivering payment processing expertise to East Valley businessesRox Ink CalligraphyGilbert-based artist hand-crafting calligraphy, engraving & event personalization.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 32m
  2. Navigating Uncertainty to Embrace Possibility | Frank Stirpe Jr

    MAR 12

    Navigating Uncertainty to Embrace Possibility | Frank Stirpe Jr

    Send us Fan Mail From Indian Wells during the 6th annual APN Golf weekend, Frank Stirpe Jr. reflects on how Above Par Network began in January 2019 as his personal “Rolodex” for solving inevitable life and business problems, then evolved into a service-first, relationship-driven community of about 400 members with chapters in Phoenix and Myrtle Beach. He contrasts APN’s culture of “builders over bullshitters” with traditional transactional networking, describing programs ranging from happy hours, lunch mobs, Breakfast of Champions, and roundtables to retreats, majors-style golf events, and unconventional outings, all designed to create connection, experiences, and collaboration. Frank discusses growth through COVID, protecting culture through member referrals and selectivity, expanding cross-chapter opportunities, and future possibilities like more chapters and an annual conference, emphasizing legacy, authenticity, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    55 min
  3. Navigating Challenges to Success in Construction | Lawrence Naranjo

    MAR 5

    Navigating Challenges to Success in Construction | Lawrence Naranjo

    Send us Fan Mail Lawrence Naranjo, a renovation and construction entrepreneur, discusses why honesty and transparency with clients matter in life, business, and construction. He shares his Arizona upbringing, family background, and experiences in sports, golf, and college, including leaving ASU’s business program a few classes short due to work demands. Lawrence recounts pursuing firefighting and EMT work during the 2006–2008 downturn when hiring froze, then building a 13-year career in plastics distribution before leaving due to micromanagement. He explains transitioning into residential remodeling, the financial risks of starting Efficient Renovations in 2020, missing payroll once, and becoming licensed (KB-1) before rebranding to LJ Builders to expand from remodels into commercial TI work, ground-up builds, and assisted living projects, emphasizing proactive project management, strong communication, and mentoring employees. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 19m
  4. What shapes a leader long before the title ever comes? - Ted Bliefnick

    FEB 26

    What shapes a leader long before the title ever comes? - Ted Bliefnick

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Ted Bliefnick opens up about growing up in Decatur, Illinois—where faith, sports, community, and hard work laid the foundation for his life. He shares candidly about battling ADD and depression, the heartbreak of losing close friends to suicide, and the lessons learned from regret, failure, and rebuilding. From scaling a recruiting firm to tens of millions in revenue to launching a new venture during COVID, Ted unpacks how his leadership evolved—from commanding to coaching—and what it means to lead with questions instead of ego. We also dive into marriage, raising three boys in a tech-driven world, and how AI is reshaping the future of work. This one is honest, powerful, and deeply human. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 52m
  5. From Washington to Arizona: Sally Harrison's Path of Impact

    FEB 19

    From Washington to Arizona: Sally Harrison's Path of Impact

    Send us Fan Mail This episode features Sally Harrison, president and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce since 2013, who moved from Washington state to Arizona in 2004 and joined the Mesa Chamber in 2008 after a 20-year career helping grow a physical therapy practice into 20 clinics and launching a community-focused foundation. She discusses how her upbringing in a small Washington community, her parents’ involvement in civic organizations, and her brother’s long law-enforcement career shaped her service-oriented leadership and emphasis on relationships. Sally shares personal experiences including losing her mother at 19 and her father two days later, not finishing college due to family health crises, and moving her family to Arizona after repeated spring break visits. She describes her path into the chamber through Rotary, stepping into the CEO role after a leadership transition, and her leadership philosophy of leaving ego at the door, focusing on protecting, promoting, and advocating for businesses while partnering closely with the City of Mesa. The conversation also covers misconceptions about chambers of commerce, balancing business and political considerations through a business lens, and how the chamber expanded into broader community issues during COVID. Sally speaks candidly about her oldest son Bryce’s suicide in 2006 at age 17, the aftermath for her family, and her involvement in raising awareness and convening community conversations on teen suicide, including collaborating with organizations and individuals such as Copa Health and Katie McPherson and bringing in speakers. She notes challenges facing youth such as coping with failure and highlights Mesa’s growth, the chamber’s wide range of programming, and her current family life, including her granddaughter and her son buying her longtime home. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 32m
  6. Embracing Change: Brock Mather’s Path After Football

    FEB 12

    Embracing Change: Brock Mather’s Path After Football

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for an insightful conversation with Brock Mather, a former Division 1 linebacker whose life has been profoundly shaped by discipline, family, and competition. Raised in Ridgecrest, California, Brock spent nearly two decades on the football field, fulfilling his dream at Sacramento State University where he helped secure a Big Sky Championship. After college, Brock pivoted to join his family’s legacy in the ice and water distribution business in Arizona. In this episode, Brock delves deep into his childhood, football career, the challenges of academic balance, and his journey of self-discovery post-football. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or curious about how athletes transition into new careers, this episode is a compelling listen. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 19m
  7. Service with a Personal Touch: The Larry Schendelman Approach

    FEB 5

    Service with a Personal Touch: The Larry Schendelman Approach

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Larry Schendelman, the founder of A&J Graphics and Promotions, who shares his unique journey from working in the printing industry as a teenager in New York City to moving across the country and establishing his successful business in Arizona. Larry delves into his core philosophy of providing unparalleled service regardless of the client's budget, his early life working alongside his father, and the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. He also opens up about personal challenges, such as dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, and how these struggles have influenced his approach to business and relationships. Whether you are interested in the intricacies of the printing and promotional merchandise industry, or seeking inspiration from Larry's unwavering commitment to customer service and legacy building, this episode offers both practical insights and heartfelt stories. Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 12m
  8. From Tires to Triumph: LJ Richardson's Journey of Perseverance and Faith

    JAN 22

    From Tires to Triumph: LJ Richardson's Journey of Perseverance and Faith

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with LJ Richardson, a family-first entrepreneur known for his dedication, hard work, and strong relationships. LJ shares his incredible journey from struggling with the possibility of alcoholism to finding stability through his faith in Jesus. He opens up about his early career in the tire industry, his ventures into golf apparel, and the founding of MobiTire. LJ also discusses the impact of his faith on his personal and professional life, providing insights into his motivations and the lessons he's learned along the way. Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about experience, relationships, and betting on oneself.  Support the show www.abovebeyondpodcast.com Please LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE.

    1h 36m
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation is a podcast that dives deep into the stories of business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are striving to make an extraordinary impact. Each episode explores their roots, motivations, and defining moments to inspire listeners on their own journey to excellence. 

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