Pay It Forward Podcast - podcast cover

Pay It Forward Podcast

Austin Siewert and Keagan Walzpayitforwardpodcast.com
You’ve found the Pay It Forward Podcast—where success is redefined. We dive into insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who challenge the traditional definition of success. Because real success isn’t just about money or status—it’s about impact, legacy, and living a life of meaning. Join us as we uncover the stories, strategies, and wisdom of those who have built something bigger than themselves—all with the focus of paying it forward to the next generation. Let’s redefine success together. 🔥
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Episodes

69. Building Together: Flips, Systems, and Marriage

Can you build a real business, flip houses with quality, AND enjoy your marriage? Sean & Sam Tutor say yes—with discipline, detailed systems, and radical communication.Sean and Sam run Tutor Transformations—focused on flips, rentals, and custom remodels—and host The Tutors of Life podcast. They share how they stumbled into assisted living at 21, learned to scale with SOPs, transitioned into real estate full-time, and now balance a growing company with a newborn at home.🔥 In This Episode:- T...

Nov 11, 20251 hr 7 min

68. 1,400 Miles of Healing: A Father’s Journey for Kevin

Join us for an unforgettable episode as we explore "1,400 Miles of Healing: A Father’s Journey for Kevin." Barry Adkins shares the deeply personal and powerful story of losing his 18-year-old son, Kevin, to alcohol poisoning and the extraordinary steps he took to honor his memory. Barry embarked on a 1,400-mile walk from Arizona to Montana with Kevin’s ashes, using each step to heal, inspire, and share a vital message about choices, grief, and forgiveness.In this episode, you'll discover:- Barry...

Jul 03, 202547 minSeason 2Ep. 68

67. Leading with Purpose: Doug Fearing on Faith, Business & Redemption

What happens when you achieve all you've wanted and you realize it's all for nothing?We are joined by Doug Fearing, co-founder and president of Fearings Audio Video and Security. With over 25 years of experience serving 4,000+ clients across the Midwest, Doug shares the powerful story behind the company’s success - and his incredible journey of faith, leadership, and transformation. From fixing TVs in small-town Wisconsin to installing massive video walls across the Midwest, Doug’s journey is a ...

May 07, 202554 minSeason 2Ep. 67

66. From 0 to 500+ Rentals: Ryan & Eva Gray's Real Estate Journey

What does it take to scale from a single rental to over 600 units, build multiple businesses, and still prioritize purpose over profit? In this episode of the Pay It Forward Podcast, Keagan and Austin sit down with Ryan and Eva Gray—real estate power couple, serial entrepreneurs, and founders of Stable Living, Graham Property Management, 715 Homebuyers, and Graham Tax & Accounting. They share how they went from managing group homes in college to becoming key players in the Eau Claire real es...

Apr 17, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 2Ep. 66

65. The Hardest Lessons Wrestling Taught Me About Life

Discover the hardest lessons wrestling can teach you about life with legendary UWL Head Wrestling Coach Dave Malecek—a man who’s spent over three decades shaping not just elite wrestlers, but high-character young men. Dave Malecek- 31-year coaching career (19 years as University of Wisconsin La Crosse head coach) - NWCA Hall of Fame inductee- 3-time NCAA Division III Champion - 2024 National Coach of the Year📌 In This Episode:- The evolution of wrestling and fostering a culture of excellence th...

Mar 27, 202557 minSeason 2Ep. 65

64. How to Succeed in Real Estate: Trading Comfort For Opportunity

Why do most real estate investors fail? If you're looking to break into real estate investing or scale your portfolio, this episode is a must-watch! We sit down with Marvin Wanders, co-founder of 360 Real Estate Solutions, to uncover the hard truths about real estate success and failure. Discover the incredible journey of Marvin Wanders, as he shares how he turned $10,000 into a thriving real estate empire in this powerful episode of the Pay It Forward podcast. 🌟In this episode we cover:- The m...

Mar 15, 20251 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 64

63. Reaching the Next Generation : Faith & Archery

We welcome two incredible guests who are making a global impact: Jacques van Bommel, founder & CEO of Reaching a Generation, and Aaron Sheer, president of CenterShot Ministries & chaplain for the Brown County Sheriff's Department.Jacques shares how his ministry in South Africa is reaching millions of children through schools, leadership programs, and even a business-as-mission model that funds life-changing outreach. Meanwhile, Aaron discusses how archery is being used as a tool for disc...

Feb 27, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 63

62. Back to Basics: How Thinking Inside the Box Transforms Your Life

Are you trying too hard to think 'Outside the Box'?In this episode we sit down with attitude expert, certified speaker, and author Matt Booth. Whether you're striving for personal growth, professional excellence, or life transformation, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you get there.As Matt says, "In an age of overnight successes, twenty-one-day fixes, diet pills, sensational viral videos (just to name a few), I say we think inside the box first....

Feb 13, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 65

61. Breaking Barriers: 5th Generation CEO Leads 127-Year Legacy

In this episode of Pay It Forward, we sit down with Kathryn Poehling Seymour, the President & CEO of First Companies, a 5th-generation leader of a 127-year-old business. From its humble beginnings selling windmills to becoming a key player in building materials and innovation, Katie shares how her family’s vision, hard work, and commitment to community have shaped the company’s incredible journey. In this inspiring conversation, Katie shares: ✅ The challenges and triumphs of running a 127-ye...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 2Ep. 61

60. Every Kid Matters - The Boys & Girls Club's Impact

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jake Erickson, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater La Crosse. With 32 years of dedication and a powerful personal story, Jake shares how the organization shaped his life and how he's now paying it forward to impact thousands of youth. What else we discuss: • How the Boys & Girls Club shaped his own path from club kid to incredible leader • The organization's evolution from one location to serving 5,000 kids annually across 9 centers in the c...

Dec 30, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 60

59. Living Intentionally in Your 20's!

Liv Steingraber and Meg Kronser have turned their passion for entrepreneurship into a journey of co-founding successful ventures, including Shop Twenties and Coulee Creative House. By the age of 25, they’ve explored various paths, from social media management and branding to e-commerce, event planning, design, consulting, and even construction management. Their 18-year friendship may not be the typical route to becoming business partners, but it’s a heartwarming story of growth, ambition, and sh...

Dec 23, 20241 hrSeason 2Ep. 59

58. How Ancient History Transforms Our Biblical Understanding with Dr. Mark Chavalas

Dr. Mark Chavalas joins us to talk about the Bible, Ancient Mesopotamia, archeology, and the Historical context to the Old Testament. Mark Chavalas is a Professor, scholar, and a historian with a focus on ancient near eastern history and languages. He is also an educator, speaker, author, editor and archaeologist. He received his PhD from UCLA. He is one of the authors and editors of the IVP Background Commentary Old Testament. His scholarly focus is on the languages, history, and archaeology of...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 2Ep. 56

57. Ben Peterson - Fighting the Spiritual Battles of Life

Ben Peterson is an 8 year Army veteran who served two years in Iraq. He is also the founder of Engage Your Destiny. Discover the power of faith, identity, and purpose through Ben's personal testimony and personal life stories. Ben founded Engage Your Destiny in 2016. It is a nonprofit ministry that exists to engage with military, veterans and their families to lead them into their destiny. EYD creates events that engage with our heroes where they’re at and then leads them into programs which wil...

Nov 01, 202453 minSeason 2Ep. 57

56. The Life of a Surgeon with Dr. Shapiro

In this episode of the Pay It Forward Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Stephen Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro talks about how he went from boy scouts leader to surgeon to Chief Medical Foundation Officer. In this episode, you'll discover: - Dr. Shapiro's 23 years of experience as a surgeon at Gundersen Health Systems - The evolution of surgical techniques: minimally invasive and robotic procedures. - Key leadership insights drawn from Dr. Shapiro's unique experiences in both the opera...

Oct 16, 202451 min

55. Holy Ground: Reclaiming Your Life & Business

Today, Josh is the founder of Holy Ground Ministries, where his coaching is more than just business advice—it’s an extension of his faith. He encourages others to see their lives and their workspaces as sacred ground, to reclaim their surroundings and live with intention and purpose. He speaks passionately about the ministry’s mission and his vision for a retreat center that will offer pastors and ministers a place to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with their spiritual callings. Josh Kasinskas...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 55

54. Beyond the Battlefield: Lessons from Sergeant Major Micheal Seefeld

Join us as we dive deep into the remarkable 25-year military career of Sergeant Major Micheal Seefeld. Micheal Seefeld joins us to share powerful stories from his service overseas, where he defended our freedoms and exemplified the highest forms of courage and bravery. Micheal Seefeld - 25 year veteran of the United States Army - Deployed 5 times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Special Operations Joint Task Force Afghanistan and Operation Alamo Shield - Recipie...

Sep 18, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 54

53. Miller Time : The MLB Journey of Damian Miller

Former Major League Baseball catcher Damian Miller shares his big-league journey from a small-town kid in West Salem, Wisconsin to a World Series Champion with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Damian Miller: - 10 year MLB catcher - 2001 World Series champion - 2002 MLB All-Star - Played for the Twins, Diamondbacks, Cubs, and Brewers Damian talks about his "secret passion" for baseball growing up and when his childhood aspirations for play in the Major Leagues started to become an actual reality. He als...

Sep 13, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 53

52. End of the Road: The Truth Behind Selling Your Business

Joe Laux, the former president and CEO of River States Truck and Trailer, shares his unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of ultimately selling your business. Joe Laux: - Former President and CEO of River States Truck and Trailer - Sold to Penske, a publicly traded company - Recognized 9 times in the “Wisconsin 75” which recognizes Wisconsin’s largest and most successful companies - Recognized as Truck Dealer of the Year and Freightliner Dealer of the Year - Sports memorabilia colle...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 52

51. Success By Design: Becoming WHO You Want to Be

Imagine facing obstacles that could've stopped you in your tracks— instead, they became the fuel for your success. Ben Phillips - CEO of Phillips Outdoor Services joins us to discuss the power of intentional leadership and personal growth/development. Discover Ben's inspiring journey, who overcame obstacles to transform his business into a legacy of growth and resilience. Tune in to hear how Ben has built more than just a business—he’s built a legacy of growth, resilience, and inspiration. Want ...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 2Ep. 51

50. The Truth Behind Owning a Chick-Fil-A Restaurant with Pam Chaney

Ever wondered what it's really like to own a Chick-Fil-A restaurant? Join Pam Chaney as she shares the truth behind owning a Chick-Fil-A franchise. Pam reveals her inspiring journey from being a high school basketball coach to becoming one of the select few Chick-Fil-A owner-operators. In this episode, we look into: - The competitive process of becoming a Chick Fil A owner-operator - The biggest misconception about Chick-Fil-A Onalaska - Pam's personal and professional growth - The unique busine...

Aug 15, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 2Ep. 50

49. Accidental Manager: Lessons from Former Kaplan CEO Andy Temte

Andrew Temte, former CEO of Kaplan Professional and a seasoned leader with a wealth of knowledge talks leadership, mentorship, and business success. Who is Andrew: - Author of “Balancing Act: Teach, Coach, Mentor, Inspire” & “The Balanced Business: Building Organizational Trust and Accountability through Smooth Workflows”. - Host of the Balancing Act podcast - Former CEO of Kaplan Professional for 20 years - Founder of Skills Owl LLC In this episode, we delve into avoiding common leadership ...

Aug 07, 202448 minSeason 2Ep. 49

48. Top Strategies for Business Growth from Chamber of Commerce CEO

In this episode of the Pay it Forward Podcast, hosts Austin Siewert and Keagan Walz sit down with Neal Zygarlicke, the CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce! Neal Zygarlicke is also - 2022 Rising Star Under 40 in the 7 Rivers Region - Board Member of the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives - Board Member of Habitat for Humanity of La Crosse Area - Board Member of Viterbo Advisory Board In this discussion we dive deep into unlocking the power of personal growth in business. Neal talk...

Jul 24, 202455 minSeason 2Ep. 48

47. How to Build Wealth & Plan for Retirement Now

Take a deep dive into the world of financial planning with Freeman Linde! Freeman shares his expertise, thoughts, and opinions to help you be wise with your money and help you to start planning for retirement NOW! - Freeman is a Certified Financial Planner with La Crosse Financial Planning - Author of 3D Retirement Income: Creating a Retirement Income that Outpaces Inflation, Outlives You, and Outperforms Others - Host of the RetireMentorship Podcast. In this episode Freeman shares his inspiring...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 47

46. How to Coach Speed: Expert Tips for Faster Athletes

Join us for an insightful episode as we sit down with Dillon Martinez, a former college football player turned Adaptive Physical Education Instructor at Winona State University. Dillon, alongside Eddie Hodges, has revolutionized the way we think about speed training with their innovative Get F.A.S.T Speed Coaching Certification. Their motto? "Making every coach a speed coach." Dillon reveals the secrets behind transforming athletes from average to elite. In this exciting session, Dillon dives de...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 2Ep. 46

45. The Yoga of Business: Lessons in Real Estate & Life

Get ready to be inspired by Nick Roush, the visionary behind Roush Rentals and the Co-Owner of Root Down Yoga. In this episode, Nick takes us on his incredible journey from 20 years in HVAC to becoming a prominent real estate developer. Nick's story is a powerful testimony to the importance of perseverance, genuine motives, and the impact of working together for mutual benefit. In this episode, we discuss: - What is "the Yoga of Business"? - The challenges and rewards of new construction develop...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 45

44. Freedom From Addiction Part 2: Adult & Teen Challenge

We continue our conversation with Kevin and Jess Schaler of Adult and Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin! Join us In this powerful and heartfelt episode as we dive deeper into the daily life of this ministry, helping women break free from the bonds of addiction. Be sure to stay until the end to hear the testimony of Aubrey who found freedom form addiction and new life in Jesus! Kevin, the executive director, and Jess, the program director, open up about the challenges they face and the reality ...

Jun 20, 202458 minSeason 2Ep. 44

43. Overcoming Addiction: Adult & Teen Challenge Story

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Kevin and Jess Schaler, the dynamic duo behind Adult & Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin. Kevin is the Executive Director and his wife Jess is the Program Director. Hear as they share their heartfelt journey of transforming lives through their faith-based recovery program in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Adult & Teen Challenge of Western Wisconsin was started in 2019 and offers a long-term, faith-based recovery program for women struggling with drug a...

Jun 12, 202459 minSeason 2Ep. 43

42. Paying It Forward: Wrapping Up Season 1

In this special episode, we're flipping the script and handing the control over to YOU, our amazing listeners! We had you send us questions and topics as we wrap up season 1! 🎉 We unpack all that has taken place in season 1 including our highlights and our biggest challenges so far. We peel back the curtain on our vision for the podcast's impact beyond just business and take time to reflect on the impact it has had on us. What we talk about: - What tips or advice we have implemented in our live...

Apr 24, 202439 minEp. 42

41. Mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Journey to Black Belt

Ian Maland, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, takes us into the incredible world of Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts and mastering your craft! Ian is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and Co-founder & Owner of Driftless Academy. Driftless Academy is a modern training facility in La Crosse, Wisconsin teaching Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai. In this unique and fun episode Ian talks about his 15-year journey to the becoming a black belt, and how that process had more to do with him continually just ...

Apr 19, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 41

40. Setting Your Sights: The Story of HHA Sports & Chris Hamm

Step into the captivating world of archery with Chris Hamm! Chris is the Co-owner of HHA Sports, the founder of HHA USA, and the Founder & host of Operation HHA USA podcast. What is HHA Sports: - The manufacture the highest quality bow sights - 100% American made - World's #1 Single Pin Sighting System for bows and crossbows. - Hunting World's reader's choice award for 20 straight years. In this episode, Chris Hamm shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a family business to helping...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 40
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