Leaders Across America With Steve Acorn

Young Entrepreneurs Across America
  • 4.8 (154)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Leaders Across America With Steve Acorn

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. 7H AGO

    118 | Evan Rose | When Your Grandma’s Advice Leads to Buying a Business

    What happens when you outgrow a traditional job, get a nudge from your grandma, and end up buying a business you once door-knocked as a student painter?   In today’s episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn reconnects with Evan Rose, a 2013 branch manager and 2014 regional manager with Young Entrepreneurs Across America, who went on to become the owner of a thriving custom apparel business. From learning how to lead a team in college to weathering the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, Evan shares the pivotal lessons from his student painting days that continue to guide him more than a decade later.   You’ll hear how Evan navigated burnout as a recruiter, took a leap of faith to acquire Best Buy Uniforms in Pittsburgh, and used the work ethic and leadership skills honed at YEAA to grow through uncertainty—even during COVID-19. This is a story of ownership in every sense of the word: owning your future, owning your growth, and owning your path—even when you don’t feel ready.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: Why Evan left a traditional job to buy a business with no industry experience How the YEAA program shaped his mindset more than college ever did The most valuable leadership lesson he still uses today What it's really like to run a small business through a pandemic Why some customers just aren’t the right fit—and how to say no How to keep your team motivated even when you're overwhelmed The importance of knowing your limits before they break you Why Evan’s YEAA experience still defines his competitive edge And much more… Guest Bio: Evan Rose is a former branch and regional manager in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program who currently owns and operates Best Buy Uniforms, a custom apparel and promotional products company based in Pittsburgh. After starting his professional journey in third-party recruiting, Evan pivoted into entrepreneurship and acquired the business in 2019 with no prior industry experience. Through challenges like COVID-19 and the daily grind of small business ownership, Evan credits YEAA for helping him build the resilience, self-awareness, and leadership skills that continue to drive his success today.     Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Connect with Evan on LinkedIn Best Buy Uniforms  Contact Evan at evan@bestbuyuniforms.com  Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Leaders Across America podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Listeners should consult with a professional for specific advice tailored to their situation. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that any reliance on the content is at your own risk.

    42 min

  2. MAY 7

    117 | Grace Lemerise | Trusting the Process: How Pushing Through Doubt Creates Massive Growth

    What happens when you push past fear and self-doubt to take on a leadership role? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn sits down with Grace Lemerise, a standout Student Works alumna, to discuss how she transformed her confidence, leadership skills, and career path through the program.   Grace shares how she went from feeling uncertain about entrepreneurship to running a $100,000 business in her rookie year and later overseeing $348,000 in revenue as an executive. She opens up about the skepticism she faced from her university advisors, the resilience it took to push through outside doubt, and how the program helped shape her into a confident leader.   Now working as a Senior SDR at demandDrive, Grace explains how the skills she learned—accountability, persistence, and leadership—continue to drive her success in her career today. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to step outside your comfort zone, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on growth and mindset shifts. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why you don’t have to have everything figured out to start How mentors and surrounding yourself with the right people accelerate growth Why pushing through fear is a sign you’re on the right path How to overcome skepticism and doubt from others when making bold career decisions The power of accountability and mindset shifts in achieving long-term success And much more…     Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America Connect with Grace on LinkedIn

    37 min

  3. APR 23

    116 | Chandler Bolt | How to Master Business Fundamentals for Long-Term Success

    What does it really take to scale from six figures as a young entrepreneur to running an eight-figure business—and how do the lessons learned at YEAA can shape that journey?   In today’s episode of the Leaders Across America Podcast, Steve Acorn welcomes Chandler Bolt, a successful entrepreneur and proud alumnus of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Chandler shares how his early experiences knocking doors, hiring crews, and learning to follow proven systems became the foundation for building Selfpublishing.com, an industry-leading company helping thousands of authors around the world.   Chandler opens up about his journey from a rookie branch manager to Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, including the milestones, challenges, leadership lessons, and growth strategies that fueled his remarkable success. This episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom on persistence, goal setting, scaling a business, and why mastering the basics during the YEAA program can set you up for life.   If you've enjoyed this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!   Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: Why the fundamentals you master during the YEAA program set the foundation for long-term success How Chandler turned early sales experience into a global brand serving thousands of customers The difference between chasing growth versus building sustainable, profitable businesses How to use goal setting and daily focus to consistently drive results Why resilience and extreme ownership are non-negotiable for future leaders The power of sticking with proven systems instead of reinventing the wheel How YEAA's lessons prepared Chandler to lead, scale, and thrive in business And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America Chandler’s LinkedIn Selfpublishing.com  7-Figure Principles  74 Chandler Bolt | 34 Million In Sales After YEAA Program Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

    53 min

  4. APR 9

    115 | Jacob Zegowitz | How to Run a $180,000 Business with Great Profit

    In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn talks with Jacob Zegowitz, a UMass Amherst graduate, who shattered expectations in the Student Painters Management position.   Jacob shares his journey of running a $180,000 business during his first year with the program, earning nearly $40,000 in profit, and how the experience challenged him to grow as a leader. He reflects on how perseverance and grit helped him navigate the ups and downs of running a business, from building a strong preseason marketing strategy to overcoming rejection and leading a motivated team.   Jacob also explains the importance of coachability, time management, and holding himself accountable, emphasizing how these lessons have shaped his success not only in the program but in life. Now, as a full-time mentor with Student Painters, Jacob is dedicated to helping others achieve extraordinary results by following the same principles that drove his success.   This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, interns, and anyone striving to achieve personal and professional growth. Enjoy!   In This Episode You'll Learn: Why embracing challenges and setbacks is key to growth How to build and motivate a team that drives results The importance of marketing and a strong preseason effort in scaling success Why grit, resilience, and adaptability are the cornerstones of leadership How Jacob's journey with Student Painters has set the foundation for his future goals And much more…     Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

    51 min

  5. MAR 26

    114 | Jillian Walker | How to Build a Career in Professional Sports

    Success in the sports industry doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step far outside your comfort zone. In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn welcomes back Jillian Walker for the special "Where Are They Now?" segment.   Jillian, a proud alumna of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program, has carved an impressive career path in professional sports, transitioning from the Detroit Tigers to the Memphis Grizzlies, then to the Detroit Pistons, and now serving as the Senior Manager of Premium Sales and Service with the Florida Panthers NHL team.   Jillian reflects on how stepping out of her comfort zone, a lesson learned during her time with YEAA, helped her thrive in a male-dominated industry. From moving across the country for leadership roles to leading premium sales during the Panthers' historic Stanley Cup Championship run, Jillian shares valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and how to build a career that aligns with your passions.   This episode is packed with inspiring insights for anyone ready to chase their dreams and build a fulfilling career, no matter how challenging the path. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: How stepping out of your comfort zone leads to massive personal and professional growth Why consistency and mindset are critical to long-term success How to navigate and excel as a woman in male-dominated industries The importance of mentoring and supporting others as you grow How Jillian turned her internship experience into a thriving career in professional sports. And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America 38 | Jillian Walker | How to Set Yourself Apart, Mindset Strategies, and Overcoming Your Biggest Failures

    41 min

  6. MAR 12

    113 | Ashton Benkert | How to Cultivate Determination for Business Success

    What drives a college student to break records and lead a six-figure business before graduation? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, Steve Acorn speaks with Ashton Benkert, a junior at Adrian College who shattered Michigan’s rookie production record by running a $180,000 business in his first year with the Young Entrepreneurs Across America (YEAA) program.   Ashton shares how his relentless determination, coachability, and focus on building a strong marketing team helped him double the average rookie sales. He opens up about the mindset shifts that fueled his success, the lessons he learned from facing setbacks, and how staying consistent through mental slumps gave him a competitive edge.    Now, Ashton is setting his sights on reaching $250,000 in revenue while mentoring rookie managers to follow in his footsteps. This episode is packed with practical strategies and powerful insights for anyone ready to take on leadership challenges and push beyond their limits. Enjoy! In This Episode You'll Learn: How determination and being coachable are key drivers of success in the YEAA program Why developing and leading a high-performing marketing team is essential for business growth How to stay focused and overcome mental roadblocks when challenges arise The impact of mentorship and collaboration on personal and professional development Why trusting the process is critical to achieving long-term goals And much more…   Resources YEAA Website Leaders Across America

    49 min

  7. FEB 26

    112 | Andrew Dennison | From Student Painters to Basepath: The Journey of Building Success

    What does it take to start, grow, and sell a successful business? In this episode of the Leaders Across America podcast, host Steve Acorn welcomes back Andrew Dennison, an alumnus of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program and now the CEO of Basepath. Andrew shares his incredible journey from running his first business as a student branch manager to co-founding a groundbreaking software company that revolutionized payments for college athletes.   Andrew reflects on how the lessons he learned as a student entrepreneur—including managing challenges, trusting the process, and scaling operations—shaped his approach to business and ultimately led to the sale of his company. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a blueprint for leadership, growth, and resilience. In This Episode You'll Learn: The critical role of learning by doing and the power of mentorship in entrepreneurship. How the fundamentals of running a painting business apply to scaling tech startups. Why trusting the process is essential to achieving long-term success. The importance of ownership in building personal wealth and professional legacy. How networking and alumni connections can open doors to new opportunities. And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

    46 min

  8. FEB 12

    111 | Griffin Workman | How to Leverage Mentorship for Business Success

    What does it take to excel as a young entrepreneur and leader? On this episode of Leaders Across America, host Steve Acorn speaks with Griffin Workman, a standout participant in the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program. Griffin takes us through his transformative journey from a rookie painter to running a $150,000 business and earning $30,000 in profit—all while balancing the challenges of leadership, team management, and sales.   Griffin shares how his competitive mindset, strategic approach to marketing, and ability to implement incentives for his team helped him achieve extraordinary success. He discusses the importance of buying into the system, leveraging mentorship, and staying focused on your own path despite external doubts. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to inspire and motivate. In This Episode You'll Learn: The critical role of a strong preseason strategy in achieving success How to build trust and inspire your team through incentives and challenges Why time management and an hour-by-hour schedule can set you apart How to stay focused on your goals and block out external noise The power of mentorship and following a proven system to drive results And much more…   Resources: YEAA Website Leaders Across America

    35 min
See All (117)

4.8
out of 5
154 Ratings

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/

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada