Leaders Across America With Steve Acorn

Young Entrepreneurs Across America
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Welcome To The Leaders Across America Podcast. This show is dedicated to young driven individuals who truly want to choose a path of their life, step out of their comfort zone and create a better future for themselves and in the end, control their own destiny. Each week, we will be interviewing a graduate from our program. You will hear some amazing stories of how being part of the Young Entrepreneurs Program helped transformed them into who they are today. You can determine if you want to be like these individuals and you will understand what it will take to get there. Learn more: https://www.yeaainternship.com/

  1. APR 8

    133 | Sherv Sadr – Astonishing Growth: From Grassroots to 220 Clients Strong

    What would you do if your dreams, your crew, and your confidence vanished in a single afternoon? If you're building a business, career, or even your sense of self, the fear of failure and the pressure to deliver can feel overwhelming. In this exhilarating reunion, Steve Acorn welcomes back YEAA alum Sherv Sadr, whose journey from devastated rookie to thriving financial entrepreneur and biotech founder is packed with raw lessons and electrifying energy. Sherv reveals how surviving his darkest hour and learning to choose action over comfort unlocked exponential business and personal growth. If you're tired of hoping and ready for proven, exclusive strategies to conquer adversity, reclaim your confidence, and scale your future, press play now. Every moment you wait is a moment lost. Don't miss the hard-won wisdom in this episode that you simply won't find anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights 00:14 – Why Sherv's first episode became one of YEAA's all-time most listened-to downloads 01:43 – From door-knocking to financial planning: The business principles that work anywhere 06:38 – Founding a biotech company after a friend's life-altering brain cancer battle 10:09 – Cold calls, rejection, and wild pivots: The gut-punches no one warns you about 16:18 – Grit when you want to quit: The untold story of Sherv's "grass moment" 24:33 – Scalable business growth: Investments, not costs, and building a winning team 31:03 – The Student Painters alumni effect: Why one summer can change your life and your future hires 50:09 – 75 Hard, discipline as a perishable skill, and what it really means for future leaders     About the Guest Sherv Sadr is a financial entrepreneur, business owner, and proven resilience architect. Since his transformative years with YEAA and Student Painters, he has scaled a thriving financial planning practice serving over 220 households, mentored future leaders, and co-founded a biotech startup with a mission to revolutionize traumatic brain injury recovery. Sherv is known for his radical candor, story-driven leadership, and commitment to giving back through mentorship and alumni networks. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned 75 Hard (created by Andy Frisella) Alex Hormozi Aaron Griffin Luke Snyder Traumatic Brain Injury research and biotech entrepreneurship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    1h 5m

  2. MAR 25

    132 | Michael Menaker – How to Scale a Business to Over $170K as a Student

    What if you could transform your student hustle into a $170,000 business and secure job offers while your classmates are struggling to get interviews?  Michael Menaker, Penn State senior and YEAA legend, sits down with Steve Acorn to reveal the step-by-step reality (not the myth) behind his explosive growth from door-knocking teen to Student Painters' all-time Pennsylvania revenue leader. This conversation is packed with rarely shared tactics, raw truths about failure and resilience, and actionable systems for anyone serious about changing their trajectory starting now. From the relentless grind to building an unbeatable resume story, you'll hear how money motivation, organization breakthroughs, mentorship, and tireless marketing turned a campus side hustle into a national showcase. Listen now to escape career mediocrity, fast-track your learning curve, and get the actual playbook top interns use to win big. This episode is your invitation. You won't find its real-world, step-by-step lessons anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – A 9-year-old with an obsession for money—how shoveling snow led to a record-breaking career [00:03] – The "$10,000 summer" email that changed everything for a college freshman [00:05] – Inside high-stakes training: the moment Michael Menaker realized he wasn't the smartest person in the room [00:07] – From $110K to $170K: what REALLY changes and the shocking truth about profits at 19 [00:10] – The 10,000+ flyer drop method—why relentless marketing is the x-factor for student success [00:14] – The podcast hack: how binging alumni stories 2-3 times gave Michael Menaker the advantage over everyone else [00:16] – The organization revolution: inside the "hour by hour" that made stress evaporate and business explode [00:20] – Mentors, money, and motivation: how real-world accountability unlocked rocket growth [00:25] – Stacking the deck: the job search tsunami and why "the right story" makes recruiters beg for meetings [00:32] – Turning down offers and picking your path—unfiltered truth on life after massive student wins     About the Guest Michael Menaker is a senior at Penn State and the all-time Pennsylvania revenue leader for Student Painters, shattering records by scaling his business to over $170,000 while still a student. Known for his relentless drive, money motivation, and willingness to get uncomfortable, he's mentored others to six-figure success and now leverages his story to command top-tier job interviews. Michael is currently focused on launching a career in commercial real estate or tech sales while finishing his real estate minor. 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Penn State University Whirlpool Corporation     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    44 min

  3. MAR 11

    131 | Abby Metzger $207,000 All time Ohio Sales Leader

    Are you craving a breakthrough moment to transform your leadership, confidence, and career trajectory, but secretly worry you might not be cut out for the challenge? In this electrifying episode, Steve Acorn sits down with Abby Metzger, the all-time sales and production record holder for Ohio, and living proof that mindset and grit override privilege or luck. You'll discover how Abby went from small-town student to earning $45,000 as a freshman, outpacing every manager in forty years and learning the often-painful secrets of true leadership. Expect raw breakdowns of highs and lows, including near-mutiny moments, unstoppable motivation, and practical tools for unlocking next-level results. Listen now and don't wait. If you want to avoid mediocrity, get ahead of your peers, and understand what separates good from legendary, these insights could change everything. This episode is packed with exclusive, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights 00:00 – Abby reveals the surprising truth about what real leadership means and why empathy—not control—is the ultimate power move 05:40 – How a bold study-abroad goal turned hustle into victory, and what happens when you bet on yourself 14:00 – Near-disaster: Abby's team threatens to quit—hear the pivotal lesson she'll share in every future job interview 18:07 – Incentive secrets: How Abby's unconventional rewards and ice cream breaks unlocked $60,000 in two weeks 26:39 – Crushing records: Her honest confession about wanting to shatter the previous Ohio sales leader's legacy 30:56 – The tough preseason grind nobody talks about—how losing an $11,000 job actually set up a game-changing comeback 40:30 – The expensive mistake: What happens when you don't color-test paint and why owning the fix became her power story 44:01 – Elite job offers: Abby reveals how her business story landed her a prized career at PwC in New York, and how you can replicate her pitch 46:26 – Abby's rapid-fire advice for new interns from radical ownership to selling yourself, not just your product     About the Guest Abby Metzger is a senior at The Ohio State University, slated to join PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in New York City as a Deals Transformation Associate. She holds the all-time Ohio sales and production record for YEAA's Student Painters, earning $45,000 while running a six-figure painting business as a freshman and was named Ohio Manager of the Year. Abby is recognized for her uncommon drive, championship mindset, and ability to turn adversity into advantage for herself and her team. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned Semester at Sea (Study Abroad Program) Student Painters Ohio State University Sherwin-Williams MapMyRun     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    52 min

  4. FEB 25

    130 | Aidan Licata – How to Launch a Million-Dollar College Business Now

    Are you struggling to decide if you should take action now, or wait for the "perfect" time to launch your career? What if the path to a life you love lies not in waiting, but in betting on yourself and following proven systems? In this high-voltage episode, Steve welcomes Aidan Licata, National Executive of the Year at YEAA and a record-breaking student entrepreneur, for an exclusive look at how mindset, discipline, and real-world action create surprising results. From extreme ownership to the art of choosing your circle, Aidan Licata shares battle-tested frameworks for winning, whether you're a rookie manager or aspiring leader. This is more than advice; it's a call to action for anyone ready to break out of average and build a story worth telling. Don't miss the deep truth bombs and actionable steps that could save you from years of regret. Tune in now for the strategies and inspiration you won't find anywhere else.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – The raw truth behind a student's life-changing business journey [00:03] – Why betting on yourself feels terrifying and why Aidan did it anyway [00:07] – "I failed fast"—The hidden power of embracing struggle and learning quickly [00:09] – Panic, laziness, and self-betrayal: Are you sabotaging your own victory? [00:13] – Extreme ownership: The Navy SEAL mindset that beats excuses every time [00:16] – How "choosing your circle" really determines your future (and your mindset) [00:21] – Failure as fuel: Aidan's unconventional take on why chasing mistakes unlocks growth [00:26] – Blunt accountability, real goal setting, and why most interns miss the mark [00:34] – High-impact compartmentalization: Winning at business and at life with focus [00:36] – Why waiting for the right time is a myth (and the daring shortcut to action)     About the Guest Aidan Licata is the National Executive of the Year at Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA), known for leading rookie managers to record-breaking results and running a $440K student painting business while still in college. Grounded in a finance and accounting education at Bowling Green State University, Aidan has mastered the art of coaching, mindset transformation, and leadership under pressure, making him a sought-after mentor for aspiring young entrepreneurs 🔗 LinkedIn   Resources & Links Mentioned Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink Bowling Green State University Student Painters Planet Fitness     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    46 min

  5. FEB 11

    129 | Jasper Fritz – How to Crush Excuses and Build Unstoppable Success

    Ever feel like big success is just out of reach, no matter how hard you plan? Imagine running a $200,000 business and pocketing $40,000, all before even finishing college.  On this electrifying episode, Steve Acorn sits down with Jasper Fritz, the New England Rookie Manager of the Year, to unravel the real reasons most ambitious students fall short and the extraordinary mindset shifts, accountability hacks, and execution rituals that put Jasper on a different level. Discover mindset breakthroughs, execution tactics, and raw stories of setbacks and recovery that could decide YOUR next 12 months of growth and income. If you want to avoid another year of playing small, press play now. This episode delivers can't-miss, battle-tested wisdom you won't find anywhere else—listen today to outpace the competition tomorrow.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – One unpopular truth that separates winners: Is Jasper's "do what you say" mantra your only missing piece? [00:08] – Jasper's definition of "mindset" shatters the usual buzzwords and lays down a blueprint for mental dominance [00:16] – Four game-changing questions—borrowed from CEO Coaching—that top performers use to predict massive results [00:23] – The untold story: why Jasper prepped, leveraged marketers, and booked 100K before summer started [00:27] – Screwing up, setbacks, and stress—how Jasper navigated his leadership panic zone and fixed a nightmare client [00:32] – The hidden power of painter incentives and how expectation setting builds loyalty (and scale) [00:41] – The uncomfortable truth about mentorship and why "going it alone" is a losing game [00:45] – Raising the stakes: why Jasper's shooting for $300K next and why you should too     About the Guest Jasper Fritz is an award-winning young entrepreneur, current sophomore at UMass Amherst, and the 2025 New England Rookie Manager of the Year in Student Painters. Recognized for running a $200,000+ business and earning over $40,000 as a freshman, Jasper is known for his deep insights on mindset, accountability, and building winning teams as part of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program. As an up-and-coming executive, he's set to mentor the next generation of high-performing student leaders. 🔗 LinkedIn | Facebook | X   Resources & Links Mentioned Student Painters UMass Amherst CEO Coaching International (Mark Moses) Steve Jobs Cathedral Principle Texas Roadhouse Six Flags YEAA Internship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    48 min

  6. JAN 27

    128 | Mike Lamorgese – How to Achieve Amazing Results with Work Hard, Play Hard

    What if the one bold decision you make this year could redefine your future, unleash your confidence, and surround you with a network that opens doors for life?  This episode, featuring Mike Lamorgese, a top industry performer and true YEAA alumni success story, digs deep into the hidden advantages of choosing challenge over comfort and reveals why hard things pay bigger dividends.  Host Steve Acorn gets real about the power of alumni, the magic of showing up, and why every young leader needs to learn the difference between waiting and working for their dream. If you're tired of "coffee intern" gigs and want PROVEN, insider secrets to real-world success, listen now. This conversation is packed with urgent, actionable wisdom you won't hear anywhere else. Don't risk missing out on the one edge that will separate you from the crowd. Tune in before your competition does.     Timestamped Highlights [00:01] – Why top internships catapult careers while "safe" ones stall [00:08] – Landing one of the most coveted jobs in a competitive industry—how Mike did it [00:18] – The ruthless detail that knocked out 80% of his rivals at ADEC (and how you can do this too) [00:24] – Alumni who became best friends, wedding groomsmen, and coast-to-coast connections [00:30] – The shocking interview move that got Mike hired—and why most people are too scared to try it [00:38] – Real talk: What makes YEAA's process unbeatable (and why it's not for everyone) [00:40] – Two game-changing pieces of advice for anyone on the edge of saying YES [00:36] – How to use "hard" as your secret weapon, not a roadblock     About the Guest Mike Lamorgese is a Territory Manager at A-dec, the world's most recognized dental equipment manufacturer, and a celebrated YEAA/Student Painters alumni. Former Manager of the Year at Henry Schein, Mike grew his career from rookie branch manager to industry rainmaker and credits his lifelong network, resilience, and sales mastery to the lessons forged at YEAA. His story inspires—and proves that those who leap, win. 🔗 LinkedIn | Website   Resources & Links Mentioned Henry Schein Student Painters Sherwin-Williams Emerald Paint University of Dayton Joe Osterfeld (YEAA Alumni) Zoom Whitening YEAA Internship     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    44 min

  7. JAN 14

    127 | Nolan Staniszewski – Exciting Ways to Build a $191K Rookie Business

    What if your freshman summer could be the launchpad for record-breaking success, wild earnings, and true leadership transformation? In this riveting episode, Steve sits down with Nolan Staniszewski, the all-time rookie record holder for Michigan, who catapulted himself to a $191K season and pocketed $40K profit—starting with zero business experience. Together, they unpack the mental game, masterful planning, and grit it takes to not just win big, but bounce back from brutal setbacks, burnout, and high-stakes challenges. Listen now to avoid common rookie mistakes, accelerate your growth, and discover exclusive strategies not shared anywhere else. Hit play now if you want proven secrets to thriving in leadership. The window to succeed is closing fast, and these lessons can mean the difference between average and legendary.     Timestamped Highlights [00:00] – A freshman steps onto campus and prepares to break Michigan's all-time rookie sales record [00:02] – Why Nolan skipped vacation to knock doors—and ended up with $101K in preseason sales [00:09] – Hiring, firing, and the raw truth about recruiting a superstar crew when everything is falling apart [00:13] – The emotional gut-punch of losing painters—and how Nolan clawed back from "panic zone" [00:20] – Top time management hacks that crushed stress and multiplied profits [00:28] – How blocking out the "scam" comments and social hate fueled Nolan's drive [00:32] – Pressure, mistakes, and screaming in the car: Nolan gets radically honest about growth [00:39] – The epic moment two top rookies meet for the first time—and sell an estimate together [00:43] – The bold goals for 2026: mentoring rookies, breaking $250K, and why Nolan is betting big     About the Guest Nolan Staniszewski is the all-time rookie sales record holder for Student Painters in Michigan, breaking through with a $191,000 season and earning $40,000 in profit as a sophomore at Trine University. Known for his grit, competitive drive, and leadership in both business and sports, Nolan is now set to mentor future branch managers and elevate his game to a projected $250K summer business. 🔗 LinkedIn     Mentioned Resources Trine University Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) Student Painters Detroit Lions Jasper Fritz (fellow branch manager) Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook for recruiting Harrison Bourne (alumni manager)     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    48 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    126 | John Magoto – Eat the Frog and How To Build a Six-Figure Life

    How does a 19-year-old go from zero business experience to running a six-figure painting company, and then go on to build a thriving career as a State Farm agency owner? In this conversation, Steve Acorn reconnects with John Magoto, one of the top-performing alumni from the early 2000s who helped shape the very foundation of YEAA. They reminisce on John's three-year journey in the program, how he trusted the process even when it felt overwhelming, and why he's still using the lessons of "Eat the Frog" and "Start the Next Day the Night Before" two decades later. John shares how YEAA didn't just teach him how to run a business. It taught him how to lead people, create systems, and develop a work ethic that gave him a massive head start. Now a successful business owner in Denver, John reflects on how those early summers planted the seeds for the freedom, lifestyle, and leadership he enjoys today.     Timestamped Highlights  [00:02] – "It feels like yesterday"—John reflects on 22 years since running his YEAA branch [00:04] – Getting the call in his dorm room: how one phone call changed his life [00:06] – How Scott Snyder "sold the dream" without ever selling [00:08] – Paint cans, ladders, and asking if he could bring his parents to the Award Trip [00:10] – Rookie year numbers: breaking $100K+ in the early 2000s [00:14] – The second-year breakthrough: two vans, paint sprayers, and a killer crew [00:17] – Why John hired a marketing team and prioritized lead flow over painting [00:21] – The power of delegation and the gift of learning what you don't want to do [00:24] – Eat That Frog: the book that changed how he works and lives [00:27] – "Start the next day the day before"—his planning system still used today [00:30] – Work-life balance: is it real? John shares his honest take [00:34] – Building joy into the work: a ladder, a speaker, and friends singing on the job [00:36] – His biggest mistake: waiting too long to let go of the wrong hires [00:38] – His proudest moments: client tears, transformation, and impact [00:42] – Why he chose insurance, and how he became a State Farm owner at 24 [00:46] – Challenges in entrepreneurship: freedom comes after the grind [00:49] – What he tells every young person: "Trust the process, and trust yourself" [00:52] – Advice for new interns in YEAA's 40th year: if you've got the bug, do it     About the Guest John Magoto spent three years in the YEAA program and became one of the top-producing branch managers of the early 2000s. After launching his entrepreneurial career through Student Painters, he went on to become one of the youngest agency owners at State Farm. Now based in Denver, John runs a successful insurance practice, leads a thriving team, and spends his free time skiing, biking, and chasing adventures with his wife and young son. 🔗 LinkedIn     Mentioned Resources Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy State Farm Insurance Miami University of Ohio (John's alma mater)     Important Links Gain real-world business experience, build leadership skills, and create a foundation for future success: YEAA Website Watch our case study: Leaders Across America Find more success stories here: Our Alumni Connect with Steve: LinkedIn: Steve Acorn Instagram: @steveacornyeaa      Leaders Across America is an original podcast brought to you by Steve Acorn. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.

    57 min
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4.8
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About

Welcome To The Leaders Across America Podcast. This show is dedicated to young driven individuals who truly want to choose a path of their life, step out of their comfort zone and create a better future for themselves and in the end, control their own destiny. Each week, we will be interviewing a graduate from our program. You will hear some amazing stories of how being part of the Young Entrepreneurs Program helped transformed them into who they are today. You can determine if you want to be like these individuals and you will understand what it will take to get there. Learn more: https://www.yeaainternship.com/

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