Changing Lives Selling Knives - podcast cover

Changing Lives Selling Knives

This is Changing Lives Selling Knives — a podcast that shares transformational life and business lessons from highly successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. All the guests on this podcast have two things in common. First, they’re all changing lives today through their work and their influence. Second, they all got their start in business by selling Cutco knives with Vector Marketing. This podcast was created to share inspiring stories from Cutco’s most prominent alumni and current leaders. On this show, you’ll meet successful entrepreneurs, best-selling authors, superstar business executives, and transformational leaders from many walks of life. The lessons of the Cutco/Vector experience are numerous, are compelling, and are REAL-WORLD concepts for business and life. Through hearing real-life stories and hands-on experiences, you’ll gain insights that can help you in whatever it is that you do in life. Press play to learn how you apply these life-changing lessons.

Episodes

110: Elizabeth DiAlto - The Link Between Self-Acceptance and Success

Elizabeth DiAlto is the creator of the popular Wild Soul Movement and Founder of the Institute For Embodied Living. After a successful stint as a sales rep and manager with Cutco/Vector, Elizabeth found herself in the fitness industry. While success there is often linked to personal appearance, Elizabeth discovered a much greater link to success that was based on learning to love, trust, and accept oneself fully. Today, through her coaching, speaking, writing, and podcast, Elizabeth is on a miss...

Jun 10, 202055 minEp. 110

109: Jeff Bry - Leading By Example, Not Title

Jeff Bry is the Midwest Region Manager for the Cutco/Vector Marketing organization. A member of the Cutco/Vector Hall of Fame, Jeff is widely considered to be one of the most emulatable leaders throughout the entire company. His combination of internal characteristics, outward professionalism, and excellent results have made him an amazing role model for thousands of people over his 30+ year career with the company. This episode also features lessons and observations from Jeff’s son, Logan, who ...

Jun 08, 202047 minEp. 109

108: George Floyd, Race Relations, and Hope For The Future - Buddy Boyd, Greg Cothran, & Kenny Coleman

George Floyd was an African-American man who died in police custody. This event, more than any in recent memory, is bringing people of all races together to express their outrage. It appears that this time, there’s actually a chance for change. This was too important a situation to let pass by, so we wanted to address it on this podcast, through the eyes of several prominent African-American leaders in the Cutco/Vector community. Buddy Boyd and Greg Cothran are the highest-ranking African-Americ...

Jun 03, 202049 minEp. 108

107: Earl Kelly - Leadership Lessons For Work & Family

Earl Kelly is the Northeast Region Manager for the Cutco/Vector Marketing organization. A 30-year veteran with the company, he has served in an Executive leadership role in three different Regions, and is a member of the company’s Hall of Fame. Earl graduated from the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania, and is married with three kids. He is the quintessential leader, helping to guide others in his business, his church, his children's sports teams, and everywhere he goes. Th...

Jun 01, 202045 minEp. 107

106: Mike Lonzetta - 3 Strategies to Break Through Challenge and Gain Certainty

Mike Lonzetta is a Hall of Fame Cutco sales rep who has evolved into an inspirational coach and speaker. Mike’s coaching impact started in Vector’s Gulf Coast Division, and has expanded nationally, where he has impacted a large number successful managers and become known as the “DOC” or District Office Coach. Mike has studied coaching concepts under such luminaries as Tony Robbins and Brendan Burchard, and he speaks from a depth of experience and wisdom. In this conversation, Mike explains how w...

May 27, 202054 minEp. 106

105: Loyd Reagan - A Story Of Triumph Over Challenges

Loyd Reagan is the Region Manager for Cutco/Vector’s Southwest Region, the #1 Region in the company for the last 6 consecutive years. Throughout his life and career, Loyd has encountered some incredibly difficult challenges, and he has always risen up to conquer them and win. He’s a winner in business, one of the greatest champions the Cutco world has ever seen. He’s also a winner in life, with a beautiful family — including his wife Tammy and 5 children — and an amazing lifestyle. Put simply, L...

May 25, 202041 minEp. 105

104: Steve Heroux - A Guide To Success in Sales Today

Steve Heroux is a leading authority on selling in today’s marketplace. As the Founder & CEO of Victory Selling, Steve teaches insights through sales coaching and keynote speaking. He’s the author of a new book, “Sales Is Not A Dirty Word,” and he is the pioneer of the “Sales DNA Test.” Steve has been a champion salesperson in multiple industries, including being Cutco’s #1 All-American during college, and topping a field of 50,000 sales representatives with AFLAC. He preaches concepts like c...

May 20, 202046 minEp. 104

103: Scott Dennis - Play Like A Champion

Scott Dennis is the Eastern Region Manager for Cutco / Vector Marketing. Scott has been one of the most prolific achievers in the company throughout his 30-year career. While attending the University of Notre Dame, he was one of the top college-student sales reps in the company. He was National Champion Branch Manager, set all-time records as a District Manager, and advanced to Division Manager, then Region Executive. As an “Engineer of People,” Scott has had a life-changing impact on tens of th...

May 18, 202051 minEp. 103

102: Andrew Biggs - Better Than Rich

Andrew Biggs is an international sales coach for top performers in multiple industries, and founder of Better Than Rich, whose mission is to change the world for the better by providing tools and ideas to leaders throughout the world. Andrew was a star Cutco rep who became a National Champion Branch Manager with Vector Marketing. After leaving Vector, he directly managed a team of 1500 people in the mobile gaming industry, responsible for operations for 6 of the highest-grossing apps on the Appl...

May 14, 202059 minEp. 102

101: Angie Macdougall - A Decision Can Change Your Life

Angie Macdougall is the National Sales Manager for Cutco/Vector in Canada. As one of the company’s most consistently excellent achievers, she reached Hall of Fame status, while balancing the challenge of having two children. She is also an accomplished triathlete, having completed events of the Ironman distance. In this conversation, Angie recounts some key moments of decision in her life and career, and how those decisions have built into the all-around success that she has achieved. Through he...

May 11, 202046 minEp. 101

100: Dan Casetta - The Meaning Behind Changing Lives

Changing Lives Selling Knives is a podcast about all the inspiring stories of people who learned the basics of sales, leadership, and business through working with Cutco, and are now using their skills and their influence to change the world for the better. We are proud to have reached our milestone one-hundredth episode! In this episode, the guest is our host himself, Dan Casetta, being interviewed by Jon Berghoff, who Dan counts as being a long-time colleague, friend, mentee, and mentor, all r...

May 07, 202051 minEp. 100

099: Trey Ketcham - The Nobility of Recruiting

Trey Ketcham is a dynasty builder. For Trey, building is a noble pursuit which begins with enrolling people in a vision, then involves giving his best effort to truly take care of the people in his organization. This is what recruiting is REALLY about. Trey is a 19-year veteran of the Cutco/Vector business, who worked closely with Vector legends Matt King and Larry Manley. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, Trey moved to Atlanta where he quickly took over the leadership of t...

May 04, 202049 minEp. 99

098: Tim Nikolaev - Unlocking Your Genius

Tim Nikolaev was a successful Cutco sales rep turned prolific real estate investor. Focusing primarily on mobile home parks, Tim and his wife have managed to accumulate over 500 rentals in about 10 years, enabling them to essentially retire from the traditional workplace. Tim now teaches three classes in the MBA Program at the exclusive Acton School of Business, where he was recently named Teacher of the Year. You can’t have a conversation with Tim that isn’t thought-provoking and inspiring, and...

Apr 30, 202044 minEp. 98

097: John Whelpley - The Vector Way

John Whelpley is one of the most important figures in the 70+ year history of Cutco. He started as an Accounting intern while still attending St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. After graduation, he joined the company full-time and was a key part in integrating several independent marketing arms under Vector Marketing Corporation. As the long-time CFO of Vector, John was responsible for safeguarding the company’s financial sustainability. He managed this task in a manner that emphasized a “...

Apr 27, 202042 minEp. 97

096: Adam Rupp - The Evolution of Home Free

Adam Rupp is a founding member of the popular vocal band, Home Free. The band’s big break came in 2013 when they were invited to perform in the reality TV competition called “The Sing-Off.” They were prepared for this opportunity, and they won first place, garnering international recognition and a Sony recording contract. Their success has exploded in recent years, as they have headlined around the world and released six successful albums since 2014. Adam has been the singular mainstay in the ba...

Apr 23, 202043 minEp. 96

095: Tom Rastrelli - A Wise Perspective on Life's Challenges

Tom Rastrelli is one of the most impactful leaders in the the Cutco/Vector sales organization. A 28-year veteran of the Cutco business, he became the company’s first “Double Hall of Fame” achiever, having reached that milestone in both sales and in management. He is a company pioneer in areas such as the Fair & Show and Service Call programs, and has mentored many of the company current elite sales professionals. Tom’s life and career have been marked by many twists and turns, and yet he ret...

Apr 20, 202043 minEp. 95

094: Parenting In A Pandemic with Jon Vroman, Angie Macdougall, Amber Vilhauer & Dan Casetta

Parenting under normal circumstances is already one of the most challenging experiences in life. Currently, most of us are under stay-at-home orders mandated because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and most schools are closed for the remainder of the academic year. Parents now have to deal with increased uncertainty and anxiety, while balancing work responsibilities and having kids at home all day every day. This episode features Jon Vroman, Angie Macdougall, and Amber Vilhauer. All three are fantasti...

Apr 15, 202050 minEp. 94

093: Wes Frank - The Opportunity for Adaptability and Innovation

Wes Frank is one of the most respected leaders in the Cutco/Vector Marketing sales organization. A 20-year veteran with the company, Wes is the leader of the Rising Sun Division, headquartered in Arizona. He is a member of the company’s Hall of Fame, and is well-known as one of the most innovative program developers in the company. His mindset and adaptability are ideal for navigating the uncertainty and change of today’s business climate. He offers concepts and strategies for making the most of...

Apr 13, 202059 minEp. 93

092: Don Muelrath - Winning The Game Of Life

Don Muelrath is one of the most legendary figures in the 70+ year history of the Cutco/Vector sales organization. He started selling Cutco in 1965 and was one of the company’s top college-student reps, advancing into management after college. Don’s organization broke numerous company records en route to multiple National championships. When several of the marketing arms for Cutco were merged in 1985, Don became the head of Vector’s Western Region. He ultimately advanced to the role of President ...

Apr 09, 202057 minEp. 92

091: Josh Mueller - Crisis Solutions for Sales Professionals

Josh Mueller is a prime example of a truly excellent professional salesperson. As a 19-year veteran of the Cutco/Vector business, Josh has risen to become the #3 all-time Cutco sales rep. He is a National Consultant for various company sales programs, and serves as a key trainer and developer of legions of sales representatives. He and his wife Amiee are the founders of Vast Action, a marketing and consulting business for entrepreneurs and professional salespeople. Josh is a key conduit through ...

Apr 06, 202046 minEp. 91

090: Jon Berghoff - Crisis Leadership Playbook

Great challenges call forth extraordinary leadership, and the leaders who survive and thrive through challenging times are the ones who are able to ask the kinds of questions that help themselves evolve, and that help others to manage emotions and solve problems. Jon Berghoff has studied leadership at a level that few can match. In this conversation, he offers concepts to form a Crisis Leadership Playbook, starting with inner contemplative practices and ways of helping others direct their focus,...

Apr 01, 202047 minEp. 90

089: Kyle Preman - Formula for Creating Well-Rounded Success

Kyle Preman is the CT-NY Division Manager for Cutco/Vector Marketing. He is a 21-year veteran of the Cutco/Vector Marketing business, having started in 1999. After graduating from Tufts University with a triple Major, Kyle took on the District Manager role and thrived in this position, even developing over a million-dollar net worth before he was promoted to Division Manager in 2015. His Division encompasses most of Connecticut, as well as Westchester County and Long Island in New York. Kyle is ...

Mar 30, 202047 minEp. 89

088: John Ruhlin - Winning Hearts In A Season of Social Distancing

John Ruhlin is the #1 sales rep in the 70-year history of Cutco, with almost $10 million in personal sales. He pioneered the idea of leveraging Cutco as a high-class gift for clients and employees and has since developed that idea into the creation of the largest business gifting company in North America, the Giftology Group. His clients include major corporations across North America and at least 25 major pro sports franchises, who leverage John’s ideas to increase client retention. John’s best...

Mar 26, 202048 minEp. 88

087: Ryan Trembler - My Stages Of Career Evolution

Ryan Trembler is the Northern New England Division Manager for Cutco/Vector Marketing. As is the case for most people, his career has passed through several distinct stages as he has advanced with the company and evolved as a leader. Ryan has learned the habits and mindsets necessary to continue to progress as responsibilities increase and challenges get larger. Through it all, he has become one of the top producing managers in the history of the company, and a member of the Cutco/Vector Hall of...

Mar 23, 202042 minEp. 87

086: Michael Arrieta - Brilliant Insights For Exponential Career Success

Michael Arrieta has had exponential success in his relatively short career. As a Cutco sales rep, he was the #1 new sales rep in the company during his first year. He became one of the top college-student sales reps in the history of the company before graduating from the University of Alabama. Michael’s first corporate experience was with Wyse, a company which was purchased by Dell, where he was able to leverage his experience, effort, and results to advance to Chief of Staff in a short period ...

Mar 19, 202057 minEp. 86

085: Greg Strine - Concepts For Long-Term Excellence

Greg Strine has been one of the most consistently excellent performers in the history of the Cutco/Vector Marketing field sales organization. He rose to National Champion status as a District Manager, and was eventually promoted to Division Manager in Wisconsin. After growing the Wisconsin Division, Greg got the opportunity to take over his home Chicago Division, which he has built into a juggernaut championship organization. His story is the epitome of how to succeed in business and in life for...

Mar 16, 202045 minEp. 85

084: Olivia Trivisani-Bowker - Creating A Culture Of Empowerment

Olivia Trivisani-Bowker lived on five different continents as a child. She eventually came to the US for college, and found Vector Marketing as a way to help pay her expenses. She had great success with Vector, advancing as far as District Manager and developing several other managers. After some time in corporate roles, she decided that she wanted to return to her roots as an entrepreneur in charge of her own organization. She founded Amivero, an IT company specializing in providing services to...

Mar 12, 202043 minEp. 84

083: Andrew Evans - A Millennial’s Guide To Success In The Modern Era

Andrew Evans is a superstar. At the age of 24, he already has unprecedented credentials in the Cutco/Vector organization. He’s the record holder for Branch Managers, a National Champion New District Manager, and has already been promoted to run his own Division in Florida. Andrew understands the traits and qualities for success in the evolving world of today, and he shares those insights in this episode. Get ready for a fast-moving and profound conversation with this dynamic young leader, Andrew...

Mar 09, 202054 minEp. 83

082: Dan Casetta - The Five Tools of Influence

Influence is defined as “the power to affect others.” It’s important in virtually EVERY role in life. This IS the key skill for living the kind of life that we all want. Dan Casetta has spent his entire professional career learning the nuances involved in developing powerful skills of influence. He has trained and developed thousands of sales reps, managers, and business leaders. He has leveraged his ability to influence to build championship teams, and he has taught others how to develop their ...

Mar 05, 202044 minEp. 82

081: Alicia Anderer - From Teen Mom to Sales Leader

Alicia Anderer is an elite Cutco Sales Professional who is positively impacting sales reps throughout the company. She started in the business as an 18-year old single mom, and has found great support within the company, as well as the flexibility to balance her personal life while consistently growing her business. She has served as Events Coordinator for the Northeast Region for many years, helping to build out a very successful sales team across at least 10 states. She’s now a National Consul...

Mar 02, 202037 minEp. 81
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