"I’m not a greedy guy. I don’t chase money—it follows me." – Donald Baker What does success look like to the average entrepreneur? For most, it’s all about wealth. For Don, it’s about impact. From the beginning, he’s sought to empower his employees & do the right thing, no matter the cost. Whether transforming air quality standards in pools to protect swimmers or creating ESOPs to give his employees a financial stake in their futures, Don shows us that perseverance, purpose, & innovation can exist in any business. Shaped by his father’s lessons, he shares why he believes “most people don’t know what they’re capable of,” and that hands-on, creative leadership leads to breakthroughs that redefine industry. Don builds pools. More importantly, builds opportunities, legacies, & futures where hard work & innovation are rewarded. If you’re seeking inspiration & looking to make a difference in your industry, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to succeed. Learn more about his work Paddock Pool Equipment Company, Pure Aqua Products, and Paddock Construction Company. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “You don’t chase success—you create it with the right mindset.” Don’s a living example.

"Everyone you meet is somebody's hero—even though you don't think they are." – Gerard "Jay" Woelkers Born into a family of 15 children, Jay learned at a young age what it means to serve. At 18, he joined the Navy, starting as an E1—the lowest rank—and rose to O6 over 39 years, commanding thousands of sailors. But his decades-long journey wasn't about climbing the ranks or pinning awards on his own lapel; it was about lifting others up along the way. His secret? A people-first philosophy. Whether building trust on the battlefield, mentoring young sailors, or transforming the culture at Walter Reed, Jay's focus is simple: value people, build trust, & pursue excellence. Amazing results will follow. This episode isn't just about leadership—it's a playbook for how to show up for your team, your family, & your community. To learn more about Jay's ongoing mission as a leadership speaker & how you can take a page from his playbook, connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his leadership talks. Zig Ziglar said, "You don't build a business. You build people, and people build the business." Jay Woelkers is living proof. It’s also a great way to live.

“So, this is a story I like to tell. We're in the office. The phone's not ringing. It's just a regular workday. We're just sitting there, & I said, ‘Well, I'm going to go out and find some work.’” – Billy Austin What happens when an engineer from Charlotte, NC buys an engineering firm in 2007, only to face the Great Recession a year later? For Billy Austin, it wasn’t spreadsheets or strategy that saved him — it was his willingness to try anything, including a blind car ride into the unknown. With no clients calling, Billy got in his car, drove to an industrial park, & started knocking on doors. That bold move sparked a partnership with Duke Energy, giving his fledgling engineering firm the lifeline it needed to thrive. His self-made journey serves as encouragement to all entrepreneurs who need to remember that trust doesn’t come automatically, growth starts with humility, & when in doubt, just take the first step – even if you don’t know where it’s going. To learn more, visit ShultzEngineering.com.

You can’t help of think of Helen Keller when you hear Billy’s story. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”