Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation
Above & Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation is a podcast that dives deep into the stories of business owners, community leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are striving to make an extraordinary impact. Each episode explores their roots, motivations, and defining moments to inspire listeners on their own journey to excellence.
Episodes
42 episodes
Harnessing Passion for Community Empowerment | Matt Dallas
Matt Dallas, a Gilbert resident, shares his journey from growing up in upstate New York and playing baseball through college to selling Cutco, experiencing a serious illness (double pneumonia and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) that led him to move t...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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1:32:04
Navigating Uncertainty to Embrace Possibility | Frank Stirpe Jr
From Indian Wells during the 6th annual APN Golf weekend, Frank Stirpe Jr. reflects on how Above Par Network began in January 2019 as his personal “Rolodex” for solving inevitable life and business problems, then evolved into a service-first, r...
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Season 4
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Episode 5
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55:18
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Navigating Challenges to Success in Construction | Lawrence Naranjo
Lawrence Naranjo, a renovation and construction entrepreneur, discusses why honesty and transparency with clients matter in life, business, and construction. He shares his Arizona upbringing, family background, and experiences in sports, golf, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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1:19:01
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What shapes a leader long before the title ever comes? - Ted Bliefnick
In this episode, Ted Bliefnick opens up about growing up in Decatur, Illinois—where faith, sports, community, and hard work laid the foundation for his life. He shares candidly about battling ADD and depression, the heartbreak of losing close f...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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1:52:08
From Washington to Arizona: Sally Harrison's Path of Impact
This episode features Sally Harrison, president and CEO of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce since 2013, who moved from Washington state to Arizona in 2004 and joined the Mesa Chamber in 2008 after a 20-year career helping grow a physical therapy pr...
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Season 4
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Episode 2
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1:31:45
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Embracing Change: Brock Mather’s Path After Football
Join us for an insightful conversation with Brock Mather, a former Division 1 linebacker whose life has been profoundly shaped by discipline, family, and competition. Raised in Ridgecrest, California, Brock spent nearly two decades on the footb...
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Season 4
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Episode 1
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1:18:59
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Service with a Personal Touch: The Larry Schendelman Approach
In this episode, we sit down with Larry Schendelman, the founder of A&J Graphics and Promotions, who shares his unique journey from working in the printing industry as a teenager in New York City to moving across the country and establishin...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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1:12:19
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From Tires to Triumph: LJ Richardson's Journey of Perseverance and Faith
In this episode, we sit down with LJ Richardson, a family-first entrepreneur known for his dedication, hard work, and strong relationships. LJ shares his incredible journey from struggling with the possibility of alcoholism to finding stability...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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1:35:32
From Cigars to Self-Discovery: Inside Frank Bellavia's World
In this compelling episode, we dive deep into the life of Frank Bellavia, founder of Fido Cigar Company. Born in New York and raised in California, Frank moved to Arizona with his wife to bring a long-held dream to life after spending over 20 y...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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1:33:40
Reinvention and Passion: The Steve Alexander Experience
In this episode, we dive deep with Steve Alexander, a man known for his engaging presence and authentic leadership. Steve shares his journey growing up in East Texas, his diverse career path spanning 20 years in operations and talent leadership...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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1:10:22
Flipping the Script: Jan Simon Unveiled - From Firefighting to Insurance
Join us for a special episode where the tables are turned, and podcast mastermind Jan Simon takes the hot seat. In a dynamic and heartfelt interview, Jan shares his intriguing journey from a firefighter repelling from helicopters to an insuranc...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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1:13:08
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Rewriting the Rules: Ryelee Ponce on Finding Her Voice
In this engaging episode, we sit down with Ryelee Ponce, an Arizona native, animal lover, and twin mom who transitioned from a corporate life to becoming the founder of LZR Marketing and Early Bird Strategies. Ryelee shares her journey from the...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:24:55
Embracing Authenticity: Kate Mayeski's Journey in Life and Business
In this episode, we welcome Kate Mayeski, a community builder and personal brand strategist, who shares her compelling journey from corporate America to founding Maverick May Solutions. Kate discusses the importance of storytelling and authenti...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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1:42:48
A Leap of Faith: Eric Reber's Transition from Corporate to Creative
In this episode, Eric Reber shares his compelling journey from a Six Sigma green belt and lean manufacturing expert with 26 years in transportation and logistics to the president of IS Enterprises and owner of Speed Pro Mesa Gilbert. Discover h...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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1:30:25
Nathan Thue: Building Success from Chaos
In this episode of Above Beyond, we are joined by Nathan Thue, founder of Arizona Total Home Restoration and IICRC certified firm. Starting from scratch in 2014, Nathan has built his business based on honesty, integrity, and exceptional craftsm...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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1:22:05
Persistence and Drive: Kevin Kosisky's Inspiring Path in Mortgage Lending
In this episode of the Above and Beyond Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation with Kevin Kosisky, more commonly known as KK. With over three decades in the mortgage industry, Kevin's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and rele...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:41:09
Breaking Chains: Chad Dunn's Journey to Empowerment
In this compelling episode, Chad Dunn shares his transformative journey from being an athlete, felon, and drug user to becoming a certified behavioral change specialist and author. Following a two-year term in federal prison, Chad founded Move ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:32:02
From Documentaries to Dough: An Inspiring Leadership Journey
In this episode of Above and Beyond: Where Excellence Meets Elevation, we sit down with Josh Carstens, a man whose journey embodies bold pivots and purpose. Born and raised in McHenry, Illinois, Josh began his career as a documentary filmmaker ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:36:22
From Ballerina Dreams to Real Estate Success: Ann Schude's Journey
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ann Schude, a seasoned real estate professional with over 23 years of experience. Ann shares her journey from aspiring ballerina to co-owning the successful real estate firm InstaSold. In this episode,...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:11:18
Rob Elder - A Legacy of Dedication and Service
In this episode of 'Above and Beyond where Excellence meets Elevation,' we welcome Rob Elder, a man whose life and career have been marked by integrity, service, and dedication. Born and raised in Wyoming, Rob excelled as a four-spo...
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1:29:08
Finding Her Voice: Peppur Chambers on Art, Life, and Empowerment
Join us on this episode of Above and Beyond where host Jan Simon sits down with Peppur Chambers, an acclaimed international writer, producer, and educator. Dive into Peppur's inspiring journey from her Wisconsin roots to becoming a significant ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:16:23
The Life and Times of Doug Hopkins: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Purpose
In this episode, we sit down with one of America's leading real estate agents, Doug Hopkins. From his humble beginnings in Bedford Hills, New York, to his rapid rise in the Arizona real estate market, Doug shares his remarkable journey.
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:11:01
Fred Wakefield: Pivoting from Pro Football to Business Leadership
From the Football Gridiron to Business Leadership: Fred Wakefield's JourneyJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Fred Wakefield, co-founder and CEO of Thrive CXO. Fred's incredible journey spans from playing professional football wi...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:12:52
Beyond the Finish Line: Terrance Johnson on Life, Family, and Fitness
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Terrance Johnson—devoted husband, father of seven, elite athlete, coach, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Terrance shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a two-time US Olympic tr...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:38:36
Resilience in Action: The Leanna DeBellevue Story
In this episode of the Above and Beyond Podcast, we talk with Leanna DeBellevue—international speaker, social media strategist, and owner of DeBellevue Global Marketing Agency. Leanna shares her journey from single mom to global business leader...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:05:09
