This week, we're joined by Jim Scussel, co-founder of Four Peaks Brewing Company. A Phoenix native, Jim tells the story of how he moved around the country with his family and, ultimately, moved back to Arizona after one of his bosses did not give him a raise. His story proves you never know what events will set your life on a different trajectory.
Jim discusses many issues related to entrepreneurship, team building, the art and science of brewing beer, and much more.
This week's podcast features Jim Adkins - lead singer and lead guitarist for Jimmy Eat World. The band has been together since 1993 and has released nine albums, and they have always been based in Arizona.
Jim covers a wide range of topics:
CB Dollaway is a mixed martial artist currently fighting in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). CB came to Arizona when Arizona State University recruited him into their wresting program from Colby Community College (in Colby, Kansas) where he was an NJCAA Division I All-American Champion. In our conversation, CB talks about his unexpected journey from college, to corporate life, and ultimately to the UFC.
Today, in addition to being a professional athlete, CB has just opened his own training gym, DMA Life Club, and in the planning stages of starting a non-profit focused on veterans.
In our conversation, CB talks about life as both a wrestler and a mixed martial artist. He discusses how mental preparedness, attitude, strategy, and resilience have helped make him a world class fighter.
Jim Click, Jr. moved to Tucson in 1971 to turn around a struggling Ford dealership. Fast forward 45 years, and Jim Click has become one of Arizona's premiere car dealers and philanthropists. Jim has dealerships for Ford, Lincoln, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan, Kia, and Hyundai in Tucson, Green Valley, and also in Orange County, CA.
In our conversation, Jim shares the story of how he ultimately began in the car business after growing up in Oklahoma and earning a business degree from Oklahoma State University (where he was a Scholastic All-American football player, captain of the football team, and made the Dean's Honor Roll every semester). Among other topics, he recounts the stories of how two men, Holmes Tuttle and Jim Click, Sr., influenced him at various stages of his life and taught him valuable lessons which serve him today.
This week our podcast features retired United States Air Force Brigadier General Ron Shoopman. In 2004, Ron assumed the role of president of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and continues to serve in the capacity as CEO of that organization. His diverse career accomplishments include serving as the wing commander of the 162nd Fighter Wing where he commanded the International F-16 Training Wing for the USAF. On the civilian side, Ron has worked for Gates Learjet Corporation, flew for Continental Airlines, and served as an instructor pilot and manager for Flight Safety International.
During our conversation, Ron shares his story and the lessons he has learned about leadership, accountability, collaboration, and how to encourage growth within organizations. He also shares his thoughts about how organizations can focus their efforts and not dilute their effectiveness by asking "what not to do." Throughout, Ron shares his lessons learned from both the private sector and military, and you will benefit from his insights.