Muddy Waters, Clear Vision

Trility Partners
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Welcome to Muddy Waters, Clear Vision – the podcast that dives deep into the journeys of Louisiana's most successful entrepreneurs. We'll traverse their humble beginnings, celebrate the coaches and leaders who guided them and explore their unique leadership styles. Together, we'll uncover the muddiest moments of their careers – the challenges that turned into blessings, the obstacles that transformed into stepping stones. Our guests will pass on their hard-earned lessons to the next generation of entrepreneurs and discuss the enduring impact they aim to make. As we navigate the waters of their

  1. Ep.56 Lessons from the Mortgage Industry: Ryan Larussa’s Muddy Waters Clear Vision Experience

    2D AGO

    Ep.56 Lessons from the Mortgage Industry: Ryan Larussa’s Muddy Waters Clear Vision Experience

    1️⃣ "We're blessed to be a blessing."Ryan Larussa opens with a principle: Always lead AND reach back to bring others along. Leadership is about serving, not just winning. 🙏2️⃣ When the market crashed in 2008, Ryan Larussa lost 60-70% of income overnight, team size shrank from 35 to 5, and everything seemed to crumble. His takeaway? You can’t control the market, but you CAN control your mindset and actions.3️⃣ What saved him?COACHING & MENTORSHIP.He credits steadfast mentors, coaches, and a strong small group for keeping him afloat. "A coach can help you get back on track quicker," he says.4️⃣ Success isn't solo."When you're at the top, everyone wants to knock you off. When you're at the bottom, few reach down to pull you up."Build relationships—your future depends on them.5️⃣ Scarcity vs. Abundance:Growing up with little, Ryan Larussa learned giving isn’t just about money. Serve with your time, talents, and resources. “When you serve others, it always comes back tenfold.”6️⃣ REAL TALK for leaders in dark places:Isolation is REAL. Journaling, gratitude walks, and transparency with trusted peers are Ryan Larussa's tools to fight the loneliness that comes from high expectations. Don’t settle for “I’m fine”—dig deeper.7️⃣ FOCUS ON THE GAIN, not the GAP.We tend to obsess over what’s missing rather than how far we’ve come. Celebrate wins, however small. Share the journey.8️⃣ Legacy > Transactions“Fifteen years from now, nobody will remember my mortgage numbers. But they'll remember the impact I made and the relationships I forged.”Lead with integrity, faith, and a servant’s heart.🔑 TAKEAWAY:Surround yourself with mentors. Serve even when it hurts. Invest in relationships. Leave a legacy that outlives your job title.👏 Tag a leader who’s lifting others as they climb!#Leadership #Mentorship #Legacy #AbundanceMindset #BusinessWisdom

    30 min
  2. Ep.55 Lessons in Resourcefulness: Scott Van Kerkhove’s Path from Struggle to Leading Energy Wise Solutions

    FEB 3

    Ep.55 Lessons in Resourcefulness: Scott Van Kerkhove’s Path from Struggle to Leading Energy Wise Solutions

    1/ Meet Scott Van Kerkhove—a Baton Rouge native who watched his father work multiple jobs, determined not to follow the same path of struggle.2/ Growing up, Scott Van Kerkhove learned invaluable lessons about hard work and grit. As he put it: "I never knew what the word quit was." Those early family values lit the entrepreneurial fire in him.3/ At first, his dream was to become a physical therapist. But after a rocky start at LSU (“I completely blew it by going to LSU and playing around”), his dad gave him tough love: “I can't keep paying for you to do this.”4/ Time for a reset: Scott Van Kerkhove joined the Navy, became a hospital corpsman, stepped into leadership roles, and—crucially—figured out the discipline and drive it would take to build his dream life.5/ After 20 years managing hospitals and clinics, he faced another crossroads. The traditional work model required constant relocating. He wanted more: “I made a change.”6/ Enter entrepreneurship. Scott Van Kerkhove ventured into construction, custom homes, insulation, and energy efficiency—eventually landing a major deal distributing polyurethane insulation nationwide. But then...7/ 2008 crash: The housing market imploded, killing the construction pipeline overnight. “We had to start all over again. There’s no more of this business that we had.”8/ Faced with “rock bottom,” Scott Van Kerkhove didn’t give up. He pivoted, targeting the commercial market and looking for opportunities beyond Louisiana. His mantra: “Be a survivor and be resourceful.”9/ The breakthrough? LED lighting. A single big residential project led to a Burger King client—and now Scott Van Kerkhove’s company supplies lighting to Burger Kings across North America!10/ Today, Scott Van Kerkhove runs EnergyWise Solutions, a boutique energy consulting firm known for helping clients save money and navigate energy rebates, not just pushing product.11/ It’s not all business: Scott Van Kerkhove found unexpected community and joy through pickleball, building friendships (and clients) across the country. Work-life integration, on and off the court!12/ What advice does he give his younger self? “Don’t screw up opportunities put in front of you. Appreciate the things that are given to you.” Sage words for us all.13/ Scott Van Kerkhove’s legacy goal? To be remembered as someone who built relationships, gave back where he could, and made an impact well beyond business.14/ Resilience, reinvention, relationships—this is the real entrepreneurial journey.

    37 min
  3. Ep.54 From Rock Bottom to Clear Vision: Ashton McGee on Faith, Business, and Redemption

    JAN 27

    Ep.54 From Rock Bottom to Clear Vision: Ashton McGee on Faith, Business, and Redemption

    1/ Meet Ashton McGee: He was 27, exhausted, drinking every day, popping pills, life spiraling. Instead of running from the darkness, he SURRENDERED. His story isn’t just about business — it’s about surviving, thriving, and radical honesty.2/ “Alcoholism was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Not your average CEO wisdom, but for Ashton McGee, addiction unlocked the spiritual principles that turned his life — and company — around.3/ At rock bottom, Ashton McGee did the unthinkable: told the counselor in detox, “Wherever you tell me to go, I’ll go.” Next stop: Minneapolis, MN. Not for skiing, but for recovery. Talk about blind faith.4/ In Minneapolis, lost and alone, he fell in with a “sober gang.” AA meetings, cheap meals, hustling for jobs — building community was LIFE OR DEATH. Those bonds? Many still sober, still close, still changing lives today.5/ Recovery became his playbook for business. Applying AA’s 12 steps to entrepreneurship was radical—and it worked. “Spiritual principles applied to business solutions just doesn’t make sense to most people.”6/ When Ashton McGee started at Delta throwing luggage for $8.50/hr, he promised himself: “No cherry picking, no shortcuts. Just show up and be the best.” Spoiler: that humility led to a breakout mortgage gig, then #1 in his branch, then launching his own roofing company.7/ “You can go do anything you want in life, but you can’t drink or drug. And you have to put your recovery #1.” When money started rolling in, he doubled down on mentoring, AA meetings, and helping others.8/ Building Ashton McGee Restoration Group wasn’t easy. From $0 to $36M revenue in less than a decade — all with a team of “wild egos” (fellow recovering addicts!), trust, and honesty. You want to know their secret sauce? STORYTELLING. Vulnerability was the ultimate sales tool.9/ Bonus structure? “Ridiculous.” Generosity wasn’t just marketing fluff, it was the company’s DNA. Ashton McGee learned: “Don’t kill the spirit of the giver. The more I give, the more keeps coming.”10/ Biggest clarity: Every bet-the-farm gamble had one thread — Surrender first, results second. “I know you didn’t bring me this far not to bring me further.” Radical faith, radical results.11/ Legacy? It’s not about saving everyone. It’s about changing the trajectory for ONE starfish at a time. “If I can just save a couple, those can make a significant ripple.”12/ Are you struggling, doubting, or hustling non-stop? Ashton McGee wants you to know: YOU ARE ENOUGH. Trust the process. Do unto others. Be radically honest. And never, ever forget where you came from.

    1h 2m
  4. Ep.53 Why Hospitality Drives Louisiana’s Economy: Insights from Chris Landry

    JAN 20

    Ep.53 Why Hospitality Drives Louisiana’s Economy: Insights from Chris Landry

    Ever wondered what powers Louisiana’s tourism industry and keeps it thriving? Meet Chris Landry, the leader who's passionate about driving community impact through hospitality and heart. Here’s how his journey and insights are transforming a state where oil & gas, tourism, and LSU football reign supreme1️⃣ It all started with a Jerry Maguire moment! Chris Landry was inspired to work in sports, but pivoted when he realized the real magic was in bringing people together—first through sports events, then hotels, and now the whole travel sector.2️⃣ Leadership at 24? Yes. Chris Landry was “the baby in the room,” hired to turn around struggling hotels and lead teams with people twice his age. His secret? Curiosity. Picking brains, learning from mentors, and being obsessively open to feedback.3️⃣ “People need to understand that before you get a business to move here, it starts with a visit.” Tourism isn’t just fun—it’s the front door to business growth in Louisiana. First impressions matter for BOTH visitors and future investors.4️⃣ Chris Landry isn’t about hiring just the shiniest resumes: "I want someone who has a great attitude, great work ethic, great personality...we’ll train them to do whatever." Values > skills for building long-term, loyal teams.5️⃣ Louisiana Travel Association is like the chamber of commerce for tourism: 500+ members, universities, hotels, attractions, and small businesses. They’re not just promoting fun—they’re building career pathways and giving back BIG.6️⃣ Want real impact? Chris Landry started the Louisiana Tourism Fund, sending teams into business colleges to show grads they can craft careers in hospitality—whether their degree is in marketing, accounting, or management.7️⃣ The little things matter. From hotel customer service to the drive off the highway to Tiger Stadium, every touchpoint shapes how people feel about Louisiana. Tourism opens doors to new residents, new businesses, and fresh community pride.8️⃣ Legacy isn’t about having the best office—it’s about how you make people feel. Chris Landry hopes to be remembered for southern hospitality: “Did I make you feel welcome? Was I hospitable? That’s what matters most.”Business leaders: Want to make Louisiana a magnet for success? Start by investing in your people and community vibe, and remember: tourism is EVERYONE’s business.Drop your favorite Louisiana experience, tag someone who embodies Southern hospitality, and let’s keep telling GOOD stories about our state!#MuddyWatersClearVision #LouisianaTourism #Leadership #CommunityImpact #HospitalityMatters

    40 min
  5. Ep.52 Servant Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Seth Kaplan’s Journey in Physical Therapy

    JAN 13

    Ep.52 Servant Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Seth Kaplan’s Journey in Physical Therapy

    1/ Meet Seth Kaplan, owner of Baton Rouge Physical Therapy-Lake for nearly 37 years—and a servant leader on a mission. His secret? It isn’t hiring the “top performer.” It’s finding people who put team and patients first.2/ “It’s not always the person who stands out as number one… It’s the people that connect, put themselves second, their team and patients first.” (Seth Kaplan)3/ Seth Kaplan inherited his work ethic and generosity from grandparents who ran small businesses—dry goods in Mississippi, auto parts in Albuquerque. “There was never a day off. You were always doing something for someone else.”4/ Leadership style? Servant leadership, modeled after PT legends before him. His daily goal: “Bring my team to a higher level… demonstrate the behavior I want my team to demonstrate.”5/ 60+ years in business and counting. Why? “Longevity comes from finding the right people, building trust and shared value, and treating everyone—techs and therapists alike—with respect.”6/ Seth Kaplan lives by “Never said no.” When faced with a challenge, the answer is How can I help? How can I make that happen? That’s how he survived the Muddy Waters—from tough moves early in his career to weathering COVID’s 80% business loss.7/ A major mistake: Hiring for resume alone. “It never works out if you put the wrong people in place.” Instead: Wait for the right fit. “People tend to attract those like-minded people.” Humble, hungry, smart—the Ideal Team Player.8/ Culture isn’t accidental. Seth Kaplan’s team does Enneagrams, reads “Ideal Team Player,” and runs a mentorship program so new therapists have support and customized growth.9/ As for industry disruption? COVID was a reset button. Now, AI is on the horizon—especially to tackle documentation burdens and burnout. “Seth Kaplan’s philosophy: “We’ll only grow at the pace of excellence, with the right people.”10/ Community matters: Baton Rouge PT sponsors races, events, and educates locals. In Louisiana, you can see a PT without a physician referral—saving time, money, and pain.11/ And it doesn’t stop at work: Seth Kaplan raises 3 daughters to give back, runs pet therapy with golden retrievers, and volunteers at Camp Dream Street for kids with disabilities. Leadership is lived, not claimed.12/ Final words? “If we take care of each other, taking great care of patients will follow—and we’ll continue to grow.” Want a team that thrives? Hire for heart, coach for growth, serve the community. Follow Seth Kaplan’s lead. #Leadership #PhysicalTherapy #ServantLeadership #TeamCulture #CommunityImpact

    29 min
  6. Ep.51 Embracing Curiosity and Challenge: Matt Moreau’s Approach to Business and Life

    JAN 6

    Ep.51 Embracing Curiosity and Challenge: Matt Moreau’s Approach to Business and Life

    Wisdom from Matt Moreau on Entrepreneurship, Curiosity & Community 1/ Meet Matt Moreau of Moreau Medical Equipment. He’s extending a family brand from physical therapy into durable medical equipment; think home oxygen, wheelchairs, and more — caring for communities, one patient at a time.2/ Growing up in Louisiana, Matt Moreau found his biggest mentor in his dad: “He had a way of making us believe we could do anything if we worked hard enough.” That mentality shaped his view on business, service, and legacy.3/ But entrepreneurial life isn’t all clear skies. Matt Moreau recalls his “muddiest moment” — juggling business growth, passing medical marijuana legislation, then out of nowhere — the infamous flood of 2016 hit. Chaos, confusion, but also… clarity.4/ What did he learn? Keep your head down, keep going, don’t quit. Sometimes, big visions have to wait — you just have to get in the weeds and get the job done.5/ Curiosity runs deep. Matt Moreau shares, "That’s Matt from the beginning." In fact, his parents took him to a psychologist as a kid because he asked so many questions. Turns out, curiosity is a superpower in business & life.6/ The COVID era challenged Matt Moreau in unexpected ways — from manager to hands-on patient care, pretending to be a respiratory therapist because it HAD to be done. All hands on deck for the community.7/ When things get hard, Matt Moreau turns to yoga, prayer, and family. “Everyone in their journey comes to the cross.” Entrepreneurship requires grit, heart, AND spirituality.8/ If Matt Moreau could time-travel and give his younger self advice? “Everything's gonna be all right. Listen to yourself. Keep going.” Wise words for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed.9/ Community impact isn’t always about giant visions. Matt Moreau says sometimes it’s just about hanging Sheetrock with your neighbor. Little acts, big heart. Simple efforts, lasting change.10/ On legacy: “Matt Moreau says it’s important, but thinking about it isn’t as important as showing up every day and serving.” Leave your mark by how you live, not just what you plan.11/ Baton Rouge is a better place because of the Moreau's — serving, advocating, caring, and always curious. If you’re on an entrepreneurial journey, make sure you bring that curiosity, resilience, and a sense of community.12/ What's YOUR muddy moment? And how did you find clarity? Share your story #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #FamilyBusiness #Community #Legacy #Curiosity #MuddyWatersClearVision

    23 min
  7. Ep.50 Beyond the Game: Jesse Simpson on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Generosity

    12/30/2025

    Ep.50 Beyond the Game: Jesse Simpson on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Generosity

    In this episode, host Stuart Gilly sits down with Jesse Simpson, founder of Simpson Sports Engineering, to dive into the journey from professional athlete to entrepreneur. Raised in Zachary, Louisiana and having played baseball at the highest levels—including several years as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals organization—Jesse Simpson shares how lessons learned on the field have shaped his approach to business, leadership, and community impact.1/ Jesse Simpson: former professional athlete turned founder of Simpson Sports Engineering. From throwing heat for the St. Louis Cardinals to building sports fields for schools & municipalities, his journey is one you need to hear 2/ Every morning, Jesse Simpson starts EARLY – organizing, reading, and prepping for projects that could be anywhere from Louisiana to Illinois. No two weeks are ever the same. The grind never stops.3/ Simpson Sports Engineering was a side hustle until 2017, taking off after years of balancing other careers. “We both had other professions… then about three years ago it really started taking off.” Full send into the athletic space! 4/ Influences matter. For Jesse Simpson, lessons in consistency and hard work came through coaches. BIG shoutout to Dennis Martinez, “El Presidente,” who taught him: Respect everyone, fear no one. That mindset fuels his leadership style today.5/ “Don’t put these people on a pedestal...know that you can compete with them.” – Jesse Simpson turned pro insight into entrepreneurial courage. If you’re starting over, remember: even the biggest names began somewhere.6/ Leadership isn't micromanagement. Jesse Simpson empowers his team with clear vision, tools, and SPACE to make (and fix) mistakes. Why? “You don’t learn as much from the success as the failure.” Let people grow, let them own it.7/ But here’s the real talk: Entrepreneurship is MESSY. “Whereas in sports, the game doesn’t change...in entrepreneurship, it feels like there’s 50 million different ways to make a buck.” There’s no playbook. You’re building the game as you play it.8/ If you’re struggling with delegation, listen up! Jesse Simpson learned the hard way—racing six hours to Shreveport when “the house was on fire” because he had no one to send. The lesson? Hire before you’re desperate. Don’t rush. The right team changes EVERYTHING.9/ Sage advice to his younger self: “Stick it out. Be consistent. Do things today that pay you later.” Not just money—health, relationships, habits. Delayed gratification is powerful.10/ Generosity is a core value. For Jesse Simpson, business should be a conduit for giving back. Imagine if every local business owner gave just 1% more—financially, with time, with heart. The impact for Baton Rouge would be exponential.11/ Legacy? It’s about generosity and community impact. “If there was a need and we could help, we did.” In business, in life, that’s how Jesse Simpson wants to be remembered. 12/ From pro sports to building something lasting—Jesse Simpson is living proof: Great leaders delegate, keep learning, and always give back. Hit “Follow” for more inspiring journeys from the Muddy Waters, Clear Vision podcast #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Delegation #SportsToBusiness #BatonRouge #Generosity #PodcastThreads

    29 min
  8. Ep.49 From Fraternity T-Shirts to Franchise Success: The Nathan Pearce Experience

    12/16/2025

    Ep.49 From Fraternity T-Shirts to Franchise Success: The Nathan Pearce Experience

    On this episode of Muddy Waters Clear Vision, host Stuart Gilly sits down with Nathan Pearce—a serial entrepreneur whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up in the fast-paced world of auctions, learning the art of negotiation and public speaking before he was even a teenager, to launching a multimillion-dollar clothing brand straight out of college, Nathan Pearce shares his inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Discover how a Shark Tank deal with Mark Cuban almost changed everything, the hard lessons learned from legal battles and bankruptcy, and how those trials helped shape his vision for Pearce Bespoke Franchising—a modern, mobile tailor service that’s now one of the fastest growing franchises in the country. Along the way, Nathan Pearce reveals why giving back through initiatives like the For Good Measure campaign is central to his mission, and how his experiences have forged his leadership philosophy. This is an episode packed with entrepreneurial grit, wisdom, and a deep commitment to community.1/ Meet Nathan Pearce—the founder & CEO of Pearce Bespoke Franchising. From selling motorcycles at live auctions as a kid to dressing NFL athletes, his story’s an absolute rollercoaster!2/ At just 13, Nathan Pearce was shipped off to auction school by his dad. Picture a middle schooler learning bid call in a room full of grown men. Public speaking? Baptism by fire! 3/ Both his parents were entrepreneurs—a muscle car auctioneer dad & a software company founder mom. Family dinners? Licking stamps, prepping for the next big sale. #StartupLife since DAY ONE.4/ College days at Millsaps weren’t about frat parties for Nathan Pearce. He saw gold in fraternity/sorority tees, launched his first clothing biz from a rental house—handmaking pocket tees with friends in the laundry room.5/ Fraternity Collection took off FAST. Year one, $2M in sales. Year two? They doubled. Bought a factory & became plant owners at 21. 6/ Shark Tank called. Mark Cuban offered a deal. The episode was called "the best pitch in Shark Tank history"—but... it never aired. A lawsuit from a designer, massive attorney fees, and everything flipped overnight. #MuddyWaters7/ Nathan Pearce learned tough lessons: “I built a company that couldn’t be sold without me.” When your business is you, selling it is almost impossible. His next move? Build something scalable.8/ Enter Pierce Bespoke—a modern franchise for custom suits, no inventory, no retail. Traveling tailors meet clients wherever they are. Now 75 locations, coast to coast, suiting up icons like Drew Brees, Eli Manning, and Nick Saban.9/ But it’s not just about suits. Through “For Good Measure,” Nathan Pearce is helping job seekers, veterans & fire victims suit up for new opportunities. Confidence is the real product.10/ When asked about leadership, Nathan Pearce said: “I’m a hype man & a coach. Teach people, help them grow, inspire them—and let them learn from your own trials.” #LeadByExample11/ Sage advice for his younger self? “Never give up.” Even the most unstoppable leaders need that reminder.12/ What’s next for Pierce Bespoke? 1,000 US franchises, a million suits sold, and expansion worldwide. Dream big enough for the whole team to fit inside.13/ Legacy, for Nathan Pearce, means inspiring future leaders and giving back. “If we help just one person support their family—that’s impact.”14/ The ups and downs are real—bankruptcy, legal drama, building again from scratch. But the lesson is always the same: keep going, pivot, build smarter.15/ Entrepreneurs, future founders, and anyone chasing a big dream: read this, re-read it, and don’t forget—sometimes you just need a push, sometimes you ARE the push. An episode packed with wisdom, wild stories, and some seriously good business advice. #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #StartupJourney

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Muddy Waters, Clear Vision – the podcast that dives deep into the journeys of Louisiana's most successful entrepreneurs. We'll traverse their humble beginnings, celebrate the coaches and leaders who guided them and explore their unique leadership styles. Together, we'll uncover the muddiest moments of their careers – the challenges that turned into blessings, the obstacles that transformed into stepping stones. Our guests will pass on their hard-earned lessons to the next generation of entrepreneurs and discuss the enduring impact they aim to make. As we navigate the waters of their

Information

  • Creator
    Trility Partners
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Trility Partners
  • Show Website
    Muddy Waters, Clear Vision