The Pillars of Purpose

PJ Crescenzo

The Pillars of Purpose is a show for driven professionals who want to win at work, win at home, and live with intentionality, without losing their soul. Hosted by PJ Crescenzo, each episode explores what it really takes to build an integrated life anchored in the core pillars of faith, family, fitness, finance, and fun You’ll hear real conversations with high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and builders who are thriving professionally while staying grounded in their values.  This isn’t about hustle at all costs, it’s about sustainable excellence, disciplined growth, and living on purpose. If you’re committed to maximizing your God-given potential, leading well, and building a life that leaves a legacy, Pillars of Purpose is for you. Build strong pillars.  Live with purpose.

Episodes

  1. 9H AGO

    How the Meek Will Inherit the Earth with Divisional President Brent Hicks

    Send a text In episode 9 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Brent Hicks, President of Clear Modern Mortgage and one of the leading thinkers in the mortgage industry, as he shares lessons learned from his toughest seasons in the mortgage industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience, humility, and always viewing life experiences as teachers rather than tormentors. Tune in for an episode packed with actionable insights on building strong habits, creating growth systems, and staying humble as you advance in your career. TIMESTAMPS 00:01:11 Hitting rock bottom for success. 00:03:41 Overcoming obstacles in real estate. 00:09:43 Career realization in real estate. 00:11:00 Finding your passion in work. 00:14:54 Comfort zone and growth challenges. 00:16:52 Balancing family and business. 00:20:24 Real estate agent performance standards. 00:23:07 Team building and mentorship. 00:26:29 Recreating the real estate industry. 00:28:45 Changing paths in life. QUOTES "Everything in life is a teacher or a tormentor. It just depends on which you prefer to view it from." —Brent Hicks"You can’t manage people; you can manage systems." —Brent Hicks"If you want to succeed in anything, be obsessive." —Brent Hicks SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Brent Hicks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenthicks/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenthicks1111/?hl=en  WEBSITE Clear Modern Mortgage: https://www.clearmodernmortgage.com/  Support the show

    44 min
  2. FEB 10

    From $760 to 84 Deals: Building a Scalable Real Estate Business and a Thriving Family with Lane Sherman

    Send a text In Episode 8 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III sits down with Lane Sherman, founder of L & S Property Management, to unpack one of the most remarkable transformations in real estate. In less than three years, Lane went from $760 to 84 closed deals, breaking income ceilings and establishing himself as one of the top agents in his market — all while getting married, starting a family, prioritizing his health, and rebuilding his life from the ground up. Lane shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey, how mentorship and discipline accelerated his growth, and why hitting rock bottom became the foundation for long-term success. This conversation goes far beyond real estate, diving into what it truly takes to build wealth without sacrificing family, values, or personal well-being. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:44] Hitting rock bottom for success. [00:03:43] Overcoming obstacles in real estate. [00:09:26] Career realization in real estate. [00:11:00] Finding your passion in work. [00:14:55] Comfort zone and growth challenges. [00:17:01] Balancing family and business. [00:20:24] Real estate agent performance standards. [00:23:07] Team building and mentorship. [00:26:29] Recreating the real estate industry. [00:28:45] Changing paths in life. QUOTES "Find what makes you happy and absolutely double down, put everything you have, all your eggs into that basket and run with it." -Lane Sherman"Disappointment is always on the other side of unmet expectations." -PJ Crescenzo"Age is nothing, absolutely nothing. Don't look at where you're at in life, where your age is in life.” -Lane Sherman SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Lane Sherman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneshermanrealtor/?hl=en  Support the show

    30 min
  3. FEB 3

    From $2B in Production to Reimagining Mortgage Culture & Client Experience | Ryan Grant

    Send us a text In episode 7 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Ryan Grant, a prominent figure in the mortgage industry who has funded nearly $2 billion in production, as he shares his journey from aspiring attorney to mortgage professional, revealing the pivotal moments that shaped his career and his commitment to transforming the homeownership experience. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about purpose, career evolution, and making a meaningful impact. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:09] Ryan Grant's unexpected career path. [00:05:53] Generationally wealthy homeowners. [00:09:48] Post-closing client engagement strategies. [00:12:59] Post-closing client success management. [00:17:08] Hiring a coach for growth. [00:20:16] Depth of business success. [00:25:01] Purposeful imbalance in success. [00:26:08] Self-care as a leader. [00:30:50] Empowering a partnership mindset. [00:32:48] New expectations for mortgage advisors. [00:39:20] Organizational discipline in leadership. [00:42:11] Importance of personal relationships. [00:46:27] Impact of mortgage industry change. [00:47:52] Making an impact as professionals. QUOTES "Wealthy people aren't wealthy because they have money. They're wealthy because they have information." -Ryan Grant"Success is a moving target. And it is a constantly self-evaluating experience." -Ryan Grant"Energy is our number one currency, more than time, more than money." -Ryan Grant SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Ryan Grant Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealryangrant/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangrant2/  Support the show

    49 min
  4. JAN 27

    Balancing Multiple Pillars While Leading a Billion Dollars in Sales

    Send us a text In episode 6 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Brian Covey, a seasoned leader who has led billion-dollar sales teams and has a wealth of experience in both sports and business, as he shares his journey, the lessons he's learned along the way, and practical tips for anyone looking to elevate their game in both life and business.  Tune in for valuable wisdom on leadership, personal growth, and the journey toward a life of purpose. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:17] Producer to leader mindset shift. [00:03:16] Clarity in goal setting. [00:07:42] Integration of family and work. [00:09:18] Value of time leverage. [00:12:54] Sales as a competitive sport. [00:16:52] Goalkeeper's role and responsibilities. [00:21:16] Information consumption versus application. [00:23:29] One coach, one mentor. [00:26:09] Investing in personal growth. [00:31:05] Importance of being a dad. [00:32:40] Work-life integration habits. [00:37:04] Team dynamics: small vs. large. [00:40:52] Building a personal brand. [00:43:11] Importance of fitness in business. [00:46:57] Loving God and loving people. [00:48:29] Sharing valuable messages. QUOTES "Any one time, one's gonna have to be the priority." -Brian Covey"Once you commit to the priorities, the path forms itself." -PJ Crescenzo"The only way to get better at it is to move through the cringy stage." -Brian Covey SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Brian Covey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriancovey/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-covey/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrianCovey/  WEBSITE Brian Covey: https://briancovey.com/  Support the show

    49 min
  5. JAN 20

    Divine Delegation: Mastering Time Management & Building Quality Relationships

    Send us a text In episode 5 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Juan Carlos Barreneche, an entrepreneur and founder of Gold Bar Staffing, as he shares personal anecdotes, including working with his sister and the significant influence his parents’ work ethics had on him.  Tune in for a dose of inspiration, practical advice, and a focus on servant leadership. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to the Pillars of Purpose Podcast 00:34 Meet Juan Carlos Bar: Entrepreneurial Journey 01:10 Falling in Love with Business 03:12 Time Management Masterclass 07:50 Understanding Your Worth and Delegation 12:44 Building Quality Relationships 15:17 Lessons from Parents and Influences 21:16 Divine Delegation: Wisdom and Understanding 22:15 Goal Setting Strategies for the New Year 24:21 The Journey to Clarity and Focus 26:39 Working with Family: Challenges and Successes 29:56 Secrets of the Top 1% in Real Estate 34:23 Scaling Your Real Estate Business to Seven Figures 36:43 Legacy and Final Thoughts QUOTES “ To scale, you have to say no way more often than you have to say yes.” -Juan Carlos Barreneche“ If you're passionate about the kingdom and you're not delegating. Tasks that are below, you know, your hourly rate, you're actually missing the opportunity to create the freedom you need so that you can serve and make a positive impact on those around you.” -PJ Crescenzo“ If we truly go out of our way to care for others and love them and not hold back and just put ourselves in a position where we could generally be good human beings, life will be better.” -Juan Carlos Barreneche SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Juan Carlos Barreneche Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juangoldbar/?hl=enb  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldbar/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juangoldbar  WEBSITE Juan Carlos Barreneche: https://www.juangoldbar.com/  Support the show

    40 min
  6. JAN 13

    The Crab Mentality: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs in Business

    Send us a text In episode 4 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Remington Ramsey, a nationally ranked podcast host and award-winning speaker, who shares insights on belief, surrounding yourself with the right people, and building a strong local reputation. Tune in as they explore insights on building confidence, overcoming challenges, and taking the leap towards a life of purpose and fulfillment. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:35] Belief as a barrier. [00:05:49] Herd mentality and entrepreneurship. [00:07:16] The influence of your circle. [00:10:51] Brotherhood in entrepreneurship. [00:14:35] Discovering your calling in life. [00:18:12] Networking for success in real estate. [00:22:59] Imposter syndrome in public speaking. [00:25:55] Imposter syndrome in speaking. [00:28:13] Self-publishing book strategies. [00:32:55] Investing in personal development. [00:36:35] OCD and daily exercise. [00:40:09] Integrity and purpose in life. [00:42:19] Encouragement and sharing messages. QUOTES "People don't pay for coaching, for information. They pay for coaching, for organization and application." -PJ Crescenzo"I think about the meaningless, not meaningless, but like the tasks that weren't worth my time, but they were worth the time of somebody else on my teams." -Remington Ramsey"OCD at its core is a brain disorder that has you hyper-fixate on things that are probably not true." -Remington Ramsey SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Remington Ramsey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remingtontramsey/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remington-ramsey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remington.t.ramsey/  WEBSITE Remington Ramsey: https://www.remingtonramsey.com/  Support the show

    43 min
  7. JAN 6

    The Five Pillars of Purpose: Building a Life of Faith, Health, and Impact

    Send us a text In episode 3 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Ken Joslin, founder of GrowStackDrive and a leading voice on The Five Pillars, as they dive deep into Ken's transformative journey from a successful mortgage broker to a powerful leader in the faith-based entrepreneurial community. Tune in to learn how Ken's journey embodies the essence of the Five Pillars and discover valuable lessons on faith, family, fitness, finances, and living a purposeful life. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:46] Importance of vision in life. [00:05:21] Mission statement in youth ministry. [00:06:58] Vision and faith in ministry. [00:12:27] Youth ministry growth and impact. [00:15:11] Finding God's Vision. [00:19:07] Faith-based entrepreneurship and community. [00:22:43] Marketplace Mindset for Entrepreneurs. [00:25:06] Vision and obedience in business. [00:27:31] The power of obedience. [00:33:39] Accountability through public commitment. [00:36:36] Mindset and personal growth. [00:39:50] Non-negotiables for elite entrepreneurs. [00:41:23] Daily goal-setting practices. [00:46:18] Identifying purpose in relationships. [00:50:24] Faith and execution in business. [00:52:34] Encouragement through community connection. QUOTES "Worship, change, teach the authority and truths of God's word with a resulting vision that creates an army of young people to make a worldwide difference for the kingdom of God." -Ken Joslin"When you understand that stillness precedes strategy, when you really embrace that stillness precedes strategy, when God speaks a vision into your heart, dude, you don't let it go." -Ken Joslin"Let them have the encouragement and the confidence to step into a room and to get uncomfortable so that they can connect with you." -PJ Crescenzo SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Ken Joslin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenjoslin/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-joslin-86812b197/  Support the show

    53 min
  8. 12/23/2025

    The Power of Hard Work: Lessons in Leadership and Success

    Send us a text In episode 2 of The Pillars of Purpose, PJ Crescenzo III interviews Ralph DiBugnara, a seasoned mortgage industry leader and divisional leader at New American Funding, recently named the number one independent mortgage bank by Forbes, as he shares his journey from loan officer to executive, highlighting the power of hard work, strong company culture, and the lessons that shaped his career. Tune in for insightful conversations and rapid-fire questions as they explore the pillars that lead to lasting success. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:18] Success in the mortgage industry. [00:03:18] Work ethic and success. [00:08:21] Building a loyal company culture. [00:10:34] Servant leadership and responsiveness. [00:14:01] Fitness journey and lifestyle changes. [00:18:40] Inspiration from influential figures. [00:22:00] Minimum volume for loan officers. [00:24:43] Brokers vs. Bankers Debate. [00:26:44] Rapid growth in the mortgage industry. [00:30:10] Importance of being a dad. [00:32:10] Time management and boundaries. [00:35:56] Mental aspects of marathon running. [00:39:10] Millionaire potential for every American. [00:40:36] Managing money in sports. [00:43:38] Sharing valuable messages. QUOTES "If you work hard, you will find the level of success that everybody's level of success may be different." -Ralph DiBugnara"I think be authentic. What you preach is something you should be doing every single day." -Ralph DiBugnara"The biggest learning, if they go just sit with you, and they come sit with you every single day and sit in front of your office, the three years of mistakes you made, they already got back." -Ralph DiBugnara SOCIAL MEDIA PJ CRESCENZO III Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjcrez3/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-crescenzo-iii-11679065/  Ralph DiBugnara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dibug/?hl=en  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-dibugnara-9759096/  WEBSITE: PJ Crescenzo III: https://pjcrescenzo.com/  Ralph DiBugnara: https://ralphdibugnara.com/  Support the show

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Pillars of Purpose is a show for driven professionals who want to win at work, win at home, and live with intentionality, without losing their soul. Hosted by PJ Crescenzo, each episode explores what it really takes to build an integrated life anchored in the core pillars of faith, family, fitness, finance, and fun You’ll hear real conversations with high-performing leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and builders who are thriving professionally while staying grounded in their values.  This isn’t about hustle at all costs, it’s about sustainable excellence, disciplined growth, and living on purpose. If you’re committed to maximizing your God-given potential, leading well, and building a life that leaves a legacy, Pillars of Purpose is for you. Build strong pillars.  Live with purpose.