Keep Hustling Keep Hustling Network

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and guest Samantha Lacher dive into the intricacies of integrating acquired businesses and establishing new departments within their organization. They highlight the expansion of their marketing and PR work, the role of mentorship, and cultural fit in hiring. Samantha shares a personal anecdote about overcoming a missed internship opportunity with her now partner’s help, underscoring the importance of persistence. Samantha discusses her experiences post-acquisition by Finn Partners, emphasizing her remarkable work ethic and loyalty, which persisted even after structural changes. They also touch on the need to reassess work-life balance amid remote work's evolving landscape and share insights on dealing with work-related stress. Samantha and Aaron exchange thoughts on the illusion of overnight success, advocating for continuous hustle and the value of learning from failure. The conversation includes stories illustrating the support for entrepreneurial spirit within family businesses and career growth moments. Finally, they reflect on loyalty and dedication, with a nod to Samantha's 17-year journey at the same firm, revealing the significance of commitment in a transient professional world.



Get To Know Samantha Lacher
Samantha Lacher, Partner, FINN Partners
Samantha specializes in creating campaigns and developing brand positioning that markets to niche audiences. Her ability to spot trends, capitalize on cultural moments and develop storylines in traditional, digital and social media outlets has made a positive impact on destinations, global hotel companies, hospitality brands, restaurants, nonprofits, and more.
Sam has marketed to outdoor enthusiasts, wellness gurus, environmentalists, city-goers, foodies, beauty aficionados, and more across generations. She excels at conceptualizing executive positioning programs that align with business objectives and using thought leadership to amplify special initiatives. More than a decade of media relationships drives feature coverage across industries, and an eye on the evolving media landscape has led to success with influencer campaigns, from negotiating agreements to creating content.

From media relations to influencer programs to program development and partnership creation, Sam has directed PR strategy for clients including Travel Alberta, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Aspen, SeriousFun Children's Network, No Kid Hungry, Back on My Feet; and more. She started her career at MFA (Missy Farren & Associates), and joined FINN 5 years ago.
Sam loves the beach, hiking, and DIY home improvement projects
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FINN Partners



3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Embracing Corporate Changes: Navigating a company acquisition can be daunting, but Samantha's experience teaches that loyalty and a positive outlook toward change can lead to unforeseen opportunities. The integration of businesses and adaptation while maintaining the core team spirit exemplifies the importance of staying flexible and open-minded during corporate transitions.
2. Importance of Mentors and Culture Fit: Securing a fitting role isn't solely about the skills on your resume. Samantha's journey highlights how personal connections, like her experience with Missy, and aligning with a company's culture can pave pathways to success. Seek mentors and environments that resonate with your values and where your contributions will be appreciated beyond your immediate skill set.
3. Work-Life Balance and Healthy Boundaries: Even in the hustle culture, knowing when to power down is vital. Samantha's reflection on her self-imposed pressure to overwork is a powerful reminder to set and respect boundaries between professional and personal time. The shift to remote work further underlines the need to establish clear lines to ensure a balanced lifestyle while maintaining p

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Taylor Garcia about his unwavering commitment to music and the personal transformations that have culminated in his current fulfilling life of family and a family business. Dedication drove Taylor to spend countless hours honing his drumming in his garage, aspiring to a professional music career—a dream that won his parents' backing as they recognized his true passion. A devoted husband, Taylor enjoyed the full support of his wife, a fundamental pillar despite her vastly different family background.
Diving deeper, Aaron shares his resonating experiences with drumming, underscoring the essence of hard work. Taylor, who is now the president of, Jackson & Jackson Insurance, has found harmony in a well-rounded life with his family. His music is now thriving within a church setting. His role as a father is enriched as he shares his musical journey with his children in this wholesome environment.
Emphasizing authenticity, Taylor and Aaron discuss the newfound success and genuine connections found in embracing one's true self, personally and professionally. The discussion delves into Taylor's initial music aspirations, his transition to stability, and the balance he has achieved today. By recounting their fathers' influences and the crucial lessons learned, they affirm the power of hustle and authenticity. Enjoy the show!
 
Get To Know Taylor Garcia

Taylor Garcia, President at Jackson & Jackson Insurance, is a professional drummer turned insurance risk management expert who is revolutionizing the industry with his innovative approach. After touring the world as a drummer, he took on the challenge of reshaping Jackson & Jackson Insurance, a family business. With a deep-seated passion for storytelling and content creation, he has been able to make the insurance world accessible and exciting through digital content. Taylor's dedication to service and his entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire both in business and beyond. His journey from rhythmic beats to risk assessments is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the music that can be made in even the most unexpected places.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Embracing Authenticity for Success: Taylor's transformative journey towards embracing his authentic self showcases that personal success isn't just about the external hustle, it's about aligning your external actions with your true identity. By showing his tattoos and being genuine, Taylor not only found increased confidence but also success in sales. This teaches us that authenticity can be a powerful differentiator in the professional sphere, leading to deeper connections and long-term relationships with clients.
2. Nurturing Passion While Juggling Responsibilities: Taylor Garcia's commitment to music, despite the shift in his career and family responsibilities, affirms the value of keeping one's passions alive. Listeners can learn from Taylor's integration of music into his family life, showing that it's possible to find harmony between one's personal joys and other commitments. This is a poignant reminder of the need to keep the hustle alive in all aspects of life that bring fulfillment.
3. Leveraging Relationships for Career Pivots: The episode highlights the significance of navigating relationships in career transitions. Taylor's experience with his in-laws and the support he received from his wife illustrate the importance of having a network that can offer guidance and support. Listeners can take away the role that trusted relationships play in career shifts, whether that's venturing into a new industry, like Taylor did with the insurance agency, or rediscovering and pursuing an old passion. Trust, perseverance, and the willingness to be guided are key takeaways from Taylor's narrative for anyone looking to pivot or evolve career-wise.



Show Overview:


02:12 Musician turned non-traditional insurance agent reflects.
03:17

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and Zoli Honig explore Zoli's journey as a serial entrepreneur. From an early age, Zoli believed in working hard and hustling to achieve his goals, a mindset 
that led him to self-teach IT skills and start his first business while in high school. Despite losing his savings from a frozen yogurt venture called, Zoli views the experience as educational, equating it to an MBA in real-world skills.
Zoli later co-founded Chalkable, balancing multiple jobs to fund his entrepreneurial dreams. His perseverance paid off as Chalkable caught the eye of a larger company, culminating in its acquisition and rebranding, providing Zoli with a validating and surreal experience.
The episode also features Zoli's current endeavors, including his book series Little Founders, inspired by his son's experiences, aimed at teaching children about entrepreneurship. Zoli's innovative approach extends to his electric car rental business that achieved unexpected media attention and led to a notable appearance on Shark Tank.
Throughout the discussion, both hosts emphasize the importance of believing in oneself, seizing opportunities, and not fearing non-conformity—themes central to the hustler’s spirit. Enjoy the show!
 
Get To Know Zoli Honig
Zoli Honig is an entrepreneur with 3 startup exits (and a shark tank deal!) under his belt. His latest venture is Short Form Media - a viral social media agency helping executives grow their personal brands. Over the last year he’s generated over 50M views for his clients.

For a wonderful and inspiring read check out Zoli's childrens entrepreneur book Little Steve: and the Little Details (Little Founders)

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Short Form Media
 
3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Turning Setbacks into Lessons: Zoli didn't let the loss from his first business, Berrylicious, deter him. Instead, he saw it as an education, proving that "failures" can be the richest sources of knowledge.
2. The Power of a Positive Mindset: Zoli and Aaron remind us that belief in oneself is crucial. Adopt the mindset of "why not me" and you could be the next to achieve extraordinary things.
3. Passion Over Norms: Inspired by personal experiences, Zoli's Little Founders book series teaches kids to follow their passion. Success isn't one-size-fits-all, and not everyone needs to excel in sports or traditional roles to make a significant impact.

Show Overview:

03:23 Questioning origins of ambition, grateful for upbringing.
05:00 Discussing success and failure in business ventures.
08:14 Success comes from learning and adapting.
12:01 Taking risks, pursuing passion with determination.
12:30 SaaS opportunity, hustle, foundational source, great employees
16:43 Software company acquired, modernized, and deployed statewide.
19:01 Watch the impactful video and learn from it.
22:20 Obscure interview led to Shark Tank success.
26:19 Follow passion, not others' expectations. Believe. Succeed.
28:59 Embracing change, Steve Jobs quote, shaping future.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon delves into the the talent, sustained drive, and dedication of professional success with Senior ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Adam, one of the top sports reporters in the country and known as an archetype of the hustler in journalism, shares the intrinsic motivation that fuels his relentless work ethic. Likening his compulsion to an athlete's willpower to overcome physical challenges, Schefter attributes his drive to professional pride and a competitive spirit.
This episode explores the critical importance of living your job beyond the constraints of conventional work hours, highlighting the necessity of passion and dedication in achieving excellence. Schefter recounts pivotal moments across his career, from his early years contending with rejection and setbacks to significant decisions that propelled him to his current role at ESPN and his deep connection with the NFL.
Throughout the conversation, Schefter's perspective on work-life balance is emphasized, emphasizing the complex interplay between family and career. This is illustrated by his commitment to attend a concert with his daughter despite his demanding schedule.
The episode also touches on philanthropy. Schefter expresses that giving back and aiding others' success is not only a duty but deeply rewarding. Lastly, he leaves listeners with a poignant message from the poem "The Station," underscoring the notion that life's journey is the destination, urging us to savor all moments along the path. Enjoy the show!



3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Professional Pride and Passion: Adam sheds light on the inner spark that drives individuals to excel a mixture of professional pride, caring, and a competitive drive that's hard to describe but incredibly potent.
2. Living the Job: In this era, you can't just work 9 to 5. Adam dives into how he embodies his role, showcasing that commitment and a 'no days off' mindset are crucial for those who aim high in their careers.
3. Evolution of Career Paths: Adam shares his pivotal moments and the evolution from a newspaper journalist to an ESPN icon, emphasizing the importance of adapting and trusting your gut when career-defining opportunities arise.


Get To Know Adam Schefter


Adam Schefter is the Senior NFL Insider at ESPN. He joined ESPN as an NFL Insider in August 2009 and now appears on a variety of programs, including NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter and more throughout the year. He also hosts his own ESPN Audio podcast, “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, and regularly contributes to other ESPN platforms, such as ESPN.com and ESPN Radio.
One of the top sports reporters in the country, Schefter has covered the NFL since 1990, and his social media influence is unmatched in the industry. Schefter’s reporting is consumed by millions of NFL fans on his and ESPN’s social media channels, where his connections, tenacity and breaking news prowess adds to the growth and reach of the ESPN brand. Currently, Schefter has over 13 million followers, including almost 10.5 million on Twitter, nearly 1.8 million on Instagram, and another one million plus on Facebook.
Due to the demands of his job, Schefter always has two phones nearby and now is considered the first commentator in sports broadcasting — news or any other genre — to popularize using his device while on television during show appearances to break stories in real-time.
Schefter’s reporting expands well beyond breaking news. He has been a sideline reporter for ESPN’s NFL wild-card games, as well as some NBA games, including the NBA playoffs. He has done other features for Countdown, including a personal story about his family’s connection to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks that led to a book on the subject.
Schefter has earned numerous accolades for his work. Sports Illustrated’s NFL site, The MMQB, named him the 2014 Media Person of the Year for breaking multiple significant

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Jacob Rubinstein, a lawyer with a compelling personal and professional determination story. Jacob, who was formerly associated with organizations like JPMorgan and WeWork and is now the founder of his own law firm, opens up about the hurdles he's faced, including the loss of his first wife, a trying divorce, and the delicate balance of being a single father to three children.
Jacob delves into his initial reluctance to start his own business, explaining how encouragement from successful friends and a pivotal moment of introspective decision-making led him to specialize in matrimonial and intellectual property (IP) law. Despite the challenges, Rubinstein's passion for assisting clients in tech and advocating for the underdog in divorce cases drives him.
The episode intertwines Rubinstein's professional journey with anecdotes about advocating for the underprivileged, highlighting the importance of hustle and mindset in overcoming life's obstacles. The conversation underscores Rubinstein's belief in striking a balance between work and family and his reliance on a robust support network that helped him maintain stability for his children through tough times. Closing with Justin's favorite inspirational quote, this episode is a testament to the enduring power of positivity and resolve.



Get To Know Jacob Rubinstein
Jacob Rubinstein is a skilled attorney who specializes in family law, commercial litigation, and intellectual property law. As the founder and managing partner at the Rubinstein Law Firm, PLLC, he provides valuable counsel to clients who are navigating the complexities of matrimonial law. Jacob is known for his hands-on approach and unwavering dedication to client advocacy. He uses his personal experience in family law courthouses to understand his clients better and provide effective representation tailored to their unique needs. Jacob is also involved in Jewish religious activities and widowed father of three daughters. Despite facing financial setbacks, he remains resilient and adapted to the challenges of change and financial realities. Jacob's professional journey is marked by his strong connection to his faith and family heritage, his dedication to providing effective legal representation to clients, and his commitment to innovation and forward-thinking strategies. Overall, Jacob Rubinstein is a compassionate yet aggressive advocate for those fighting for their children and finances, offering cutting-edge legal solutions and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Embracing Life's Pivotal Moments: Jacob Rubinstein's late career shift underlines the importance of seizing life-changing decisions. He illustrates how pivotal moments can lead to personal fulfillment and professional success, even if it means stepping into the unknown. His willingness to pivot, particularly after personal tragedies, showcases the hustle needed to create opportunities out of hardships.
2. The Importance of a Support System: Jacob's journey highlights that success often involves leaning on others. His reliance on friends, family, and a wider community network during tough times emphasizes the value of having a strong support system. This serves as a reminder to nurture meaningful relationships that can help balance professional ambition with personal responsibilities.
3. Balancing Specializations with Passion: Diversifying expertise can be daunting, but Jacob's dual focus on matrimonial and intellectual property law demonstrates that passion can drive success in multiple domains. His excitement for tech and advocacy for families in divorce cases proves that with dedication, professionals can manage and excel in varied specialties that align with their interests and make a positive impact.



Show Overview


02:34: Jacob’s career journey from study to family business.
07:32 Jacob’s friend advised hi

In this episode, Aaron Gordon hustles with Liv Coffman. They discuss Liv's upbringing in Southern Indiana, her early job experiences, which began at the age of 14, and how she was influenced by her family's work ethic and financial situation. Liv shares how she transitioned from working in service industries to pursuing a new career in the insurance industry, highlighting a pivotal moment during her initial licensing test. Despite doubts, she trusted her decision and embraced the start-up agency environment, tackling challenges and helping businesses grow. Liv's journey exemplifies the impact of trusting partnerships and the motivation to help people. The episode ends with Aaron recognizing Liv's inspirational journey and thanking her for her contributions. Throughout the interview, Liv's story highlights the power of resilience, passion for helping others, and the importance of valuable relationships in achieving success.
Liv Coffman's journey and career choices highlight the significance of hustling through diverse experiences, trusting in partnerships, and finding purpose in helping others, all of which can inspire listeners to drive their own success in various aspects of their lives and careers. Enjoy the show!


Get To Know Liv Coffman
Liv Coffman is a dedicated advocate for homeowners and landlords, helping them navigate the complexities of homeownership. With a background in insurance, she's become a trusted resource for those seeking to protect their investments and properties. In her free time, she enjoys gym workouts, listening to podcasts, and reading books. Liv is also a spirited entrepreneur with a knack for innovative ideas, and her passion for bringing novel concepts to market is truly inspiring.

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Armadillo



3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Embrace the Hustle: Liv's journey from a young age of 14, starting with a job at a bakery, showcases the importance of embracing the hustle and seeking opportunities to work and learn from various experiences.
2. Trust in Partnerships: Liv's decision to join a start-up insurance agency with a deep relationship with her best friend highlights the significance of trust in partnerships, showcasing the value of shared vision and commitment to the journey.
3. Helping Others: The pivotal moment of feeling a deep sense of purpose while taking her insurance licensing test emphasizes the power of helping others, and how it can serve as a guiding force in one's career and personal journey.
 
Show Overview:


01:00 Meet Liv Coffman.
05:54 Young entrepreneur gets early start serving doughnuts.
08:32 Dad's career influenced sales skills.
11:10 Finding happiness in helping and connecting with people.
15:08 Overcoming fear and finding inspiration through helping.
16:06 Skilled at connecting with people in industry.
20:00 Trusting relationships crucial for successful hustling.
22:32 Imagine helping many, words and people matter.