Muddy Waters, Clear Vision

Trility Partners
  • 4.5 (4)
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  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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.58 How Ancient Wisdom Shapes Modern CEOs: Lessons from Samurai and Lost Civilizations

    3D AGO

    Ep.58 How Ancient Wisdom Shapes Modern CEOs: Lessons from Samurai and Lost Civilizations

    1/ Meet Don Schmincke: didn’t plan on being a leadership guru. He started as a bored high school dropout in Baltimore, was dragged back by the cops to finish, and somehow wound up at MIT pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering and early AI.2/ The secret? “No plan. There still isn’t a plan.” Don Schmincke has always followed what fascinated him—even if it meant experimenting on his new “favorite species”: humans.3/ 🔍 His curiosity led to funding self-guided expeditions across the globe: “Every year I would fund an expedition or two...there was never any plan, just the pursuit of learning something new.” From tribes in Bhutan to African cultures, he chases what makes humans tick.4/ Happiness isn’t just a metric—it was the national strategy in Bhutan! Don Schmincke tells a wild story of meeting Sherpas who looked at our “space shuttles and skyscrapers” and replied, “But you don’t look happy.” Oof, modern life called OUT.5/ What did he do with all this? Became a guide for CEOs, using what he learned in the wild to help leaders adapt & thrive. “Corporations are just different tribes—with their own belief systems and cultural rules.”6/ The most powerful leadership skill? Learning how to LOSE.“Winners are the ones that know how to lose. Fall down 7 times, get up 8. Never stay down.”7/ Failure isn’t the end. It’s the secret ingredient. Before their story makes it to the books, every accomplished entrepreneur knows: it’s a string of failures strung together by relentless persistence.8/ Why don’t business books tell you this? Don Schmincke calls out the industry: “35,000 management books published every year…but the same issues have been around for 700 years.” Maybe it’s time we STOP looking for easy checklists and start embracing the messy stuff.9/ “Leadership is unsafe. It’s uncharted waters. Winning comes from relying on things that really work—even if they’re hard, messy, and counterintuitive.”10/ His best advice? Trust is great—until it’s not. “There’s a point when trust becomes stupid. Test, don’t assume.” Ouch, but true for any business leader.11/ Generosity matters—but be smart about it. Give when it betters the world, but don’t let yourself get burned: generosity is a spectrum, not an on-off switch.12/ In the end, Don Schmincke’s biggest impact comes from teaching—learning, sharing, questioning, and helping others grow. “When a student comes back years later and says, you changed my life—that makes it all worth it.”If you’re a leader, aspiring change-maker, or just a fellow human, remember: keep getting up, stay curious, and don’t wait for a plan to start exploring.What failures have taught YOU the most?

    37 min
  2. Ep.57 Designing Your Future: Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Impact with Jeff Hoffman

    MAR 3

    Ep.57 Designing Your Future: Entrepreneurial Wisdom and Impact with Jeff Hoffman

    1/ “Every day, I try to learn one new thing I didn't need to know.”This is Jeff Hoffman’s “info sponging”—20 mins daily outside your field sparks innovation. Stay curious, keep ideas fresh, fight tunnel vision.2/ As a 24-year-old CEO, Jeff Hoffman wasn’t a business prodigy—he knew how to LISTEN and make people feel heard.Consensus management > barking orders. Leadership starts with real communication.3/ Leave your echo chamber!Healthcare exec? Go to a banking conference. Jeff Hoffman credits his wildest ideas to learning from OUTSIDE his industry. That’s cross-pollination for the win.4/ “Being an entrepreneur is like jumping off a cliff and trying to build an airplane on the way down.” ✈️Excited by the unknown? You might be wired for entrepreneurship. Terrified? Maybe not.5/ FAILURES were his biggest teachers.Jeff Hoffman’s first internet startup (“Virtual Shopping”) tanked because he never ASKED customers what they wanted.His lesson? “The only opinion that matters is the one who pays you for it.”6/ We all take advice from people who care, but aren’t qualified.“We get advice from proximity, not relevance,” Jeff Hoffman says. Listen to people who’ve DONE what you want to do. Not just friends & family.7/ Early business success left him… empty. The real fulfillment? Using that “platform” to serve others—mentoring, building youth homes, funding education.Impact beats cars and cash every time.8/ What’s Jeff Hoffman’s ideal legacy? That he helped young people see new paths, and changed lives for good.Success ≠ money. It’s the freedom to give back.9/ Want a more epic life? Jeff Hoffman’s advice: leave each day with actionable steps to design the future you want—not settling for “default.”If you found this inspiring, share it. 🧡#Startups #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Learning

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

    FEB 12

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Trility Partners
  • Show Website
    Muddy Waters, Clear Vision