Inside the Wolf’s Den an Entrepreneurial Journey with Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel

Hosted by Brett Moses, ITWD Productions

Business Management

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247

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May 2026

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About the show

Inside the Wolf’s Den Podcast follows our hosts Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel on their rewarding entrepreneurial journey. With over twenty years of running multiple successful businesses, Shawn and Joni are two fierce modern-day entrepreneurs. Together they own numerous national franchises and one of Texas’ most well respected Turnkey Real Estate investment companies. They have each spent decades mastering the ins and outs of complex business decisions and have become intimately aware of the struggles and triumphs of leading small to medium-sized businesses in today’s competitive market place. They look forward to sharing their true stories, challenges, and the obstacles that they overcame to craft profitable companies and an awe-inspiring relationship.

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May 28, 202651 min

247. Pressure Points: Marc Cunningham On The Current State of Property Management

In this episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den, Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with Marc Cunningham, a second generation entrepreneur, industry leader, and CEO of Grace Property Management and Real Estate. From his early days in a family run business to leading one of Colorado’s most respected property management firms, Marc shares how he built a company grounded in strong systems, clear processes, and intentional culture. Marc walks through the evolution of Grace, offering a practical look at what it really takes to scale in a demanding industry. He speaks candidly about working with family, from setting boundaries between home and the office to navigating difficult conversations that test both relationships and leadership. The episode also covers the launch of his education platform, PM Build, created to help property management entrepreneurs build stronger businesses. Marc explains the moment he recognized a gap in the industry and how teaching others sharpened his own thinking as an operator. A standout part of the conversation is Marc’s breakdown of the sale of Grace to Rhome. He shares how the opportunity came together, what the due diligence process looked like, and the reality of continuing to lead the company through a major transition after the sale. He also offers clear advice for owners preparing for an eventual exit of their business. To close, Marc reflects on leadership, time management, and the mindset shifts required to move from employee, to operator, to CEO. This episode is packed with practical insight for anyone building, scaling, or selling a business. Grace Property Management & Real Estate Link: https://www.rentgrace.com PM Build Link: https://www.pmbuild.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/OvIZBXljZY0

March 4, 202646 min

246. Building Blocks: How Justin Mink Turned Hustle Into High‑Growth Leadership

Join Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel on this captivating episode of Inside the Wolf’s Den Podcast as they talk with Justin Mink, a powerhouse entrepreneur and former corporate trailblazer who has shaped digital marketing, music marketing tech, and data-driven go-to-market strategies. From selling Blow Pops in junior high to steering high-growth teams at ReachLocal, Music Audience Exchange, New Frontier Data, and Scorpion Internet Marketing, Justin shares a rare blend of bootstrapped grit and enterprise precision. Today, as a Certified Outgrow Advisor, he helps clients build repeatable systems that generate predictable revenue. A Washington, D.C. native now thriving in Dallas, Justin’s journey offers practical playbooks for sales, leadership, and scalable growth. In this episode, you’ll hear the roots of Justin’s customer-first mindset: how a junior high bootstrapped business taught him about cash flow, persistence, and the art of understanding the buyer. How early self-reliance shaped later decisions at both startups and established firms, and the mentors and moments that forged his leadership style. The strategic breakthrough at ReachLocal and the problem his multi-unit brands faced, the team structure that enabled scale, and the critical initiatives that helped the company go public. The delicate balance of experimentation and discipline in a fast-paced digital marketing world, plus the metrics that Justin insisted on obsessing over. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or a marketer chasing the next growth milestone, this conversation offers actionable lessons on building momentum, aligning teams, and cultivating the mindsets that drive systematic, repeatable revenue. Tune in for stories, strategies, and the candid insights only Justin Mink can offer. Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmink Justin’s Outgrow Link: https://runoutgrow.com/advisor/justin-mink/ Juston’s EOS Link: https://implementer.eosworldwide.com/justin-mink/ YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Xe49QUo403Y

January 28, 202640 min

245. Unlocking Insights: Houston Insurance Pro Ryan Steinberg

In this episode, Inside The Wolf's Den dives deep with Ryan Steinberg, a successful Houston, Texas based insurance agent and expert. Ryan is the founder and owner of Texas Prime Insurance Agency, LLC, a firm dedicated to offering top tier insurance products from financially capable carriers while delivering exceptional value to clients. Ryan recently partnered with Dean & Draper, ensuring he continues to serve his existing clients along with new ones for years to come, maintaining the high level of customer service his clients have come to expect.In this engaging conversation, Ryan shares the story behind Texas Prime Insurance Agency and how cutting edge technology helps manage client relationships and tailor risk management solutions. Listeners will gain insights into how a national partnership can expand capabilities without sacrificing personalized service. Discussion highlights include the markets served, and Ryan’s motivation for entering the insurance industry. The episode also covers Ryan’s perspective on the current state of the insurance industry, notable Texas specific trends, and the impact of regulatory changes on day to day operations and product offerings. A thoughtful exploration of consumer expectations over the last 12 to 24 months provides listeners with practical guidance on transparent communication about rate changes. The conversation also tackles rate increases across homeowners, auto, and commercial lines, identifying which segments have risen most and why. Practical mitigations such as discounts are discussed to help clients navigate pricing shifts confidently. Tune in to hear real world insights from a seasoned Texas professional who blends local expertise with national scale to protect what matters most. Ryans Insurance Link: https://www.deandraper.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Y_iidIAvIN4

January 22, 202631 min

244. Valerie Almanzar: An Albuquerque, New Mexico Real Estate Powerhouse

In this episode of Inside The Wolf's Den, hosts Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with Valerie Almanzar, a native New Mexican who has become one of Albuquerque’s most respected and successful real estate professionals. Valerie shares the journey that propelled her from a budding agent in 2006 to a top performer at RE/MAX, thriving even through market downturns. Her story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Valerie’s impressive credentials speak to her relentless drive. With a dual MBA in Marketing and Operations Management from the University of New Mexico, she blends business acumen with a sharp market instinct. She’s been recognized by New Mexico Business First as one of the 40 Under 40 and by REALTOR Magazine as one of the 30 Under 30, milestones that highlight her impact early in her career. Alongside this recognition, she has earned numerous certifications, including luxury real estate, underscoring her versatility across the market spectrum.  As a partner with the Ben Kinney Companies and a founding operator of PLACE, Valerie embraces cutting-edge technology to elevate client experiences. She leverages innovative tools to streamline processes, empower decision-making, and unlock wealth-building opportunities through real estate across New Mexico—from Santa Fe to Albuquerque and beyond. Her expertise spans both residential and commercial development, reflecting a deep understanding of the broader economic and architectural landscape of the region. During the conversation, Valerie offers practical insights into market timing, investment strategies, and how to make real estate work for your financial goals. Shawn and Joni explore her approach to client education, accessibility, and making real estate success achievable for a wide range of people. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an ambitious investor, or a seasoned developer, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and real-world guidance from one of New Mexico’s premier real estate leaders. Tune in for an engaging, insightful, and dreams-wide-open conversation. Valerie Almanzar Albuquerque Real estae link: https://www.bktalbuquerque.com/agent-profile/valerie-almanzar-10290361 YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/Cj-Jwo9FkoM

January 8, 202625 min

243. Military Leadership Meets Albuquerque Real Estate Mastery

In this inspiring episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den, Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with one of Albuquerque’s top real estate forces, Chris Tanner. A war veteran, devoted husband and father, and premier broker, Chris brings a rare blend of service, leadership, and market mastery to the mic. As the 2025 President of the Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR), he now leads a thriving network of 4,500+ REALTORS® and he does so with the discipline and clarity honed from two decades of Air Force service and a relentless commitment to excellence. We dive into Chris Tanner’s extraordinary journey: a University of New Mexico alum with a rich trove of experience, from a 20-year Air Force career culminating as a First Sergeant, to deployment in Iraq, to becoming one of the nation’s top 1% real estate producers. In 2024 he closed 55 families, totaling $22 million in sales, and in 2025 he began shaping the future of Albuquerque real estate through RPAC leadership, MRP, C2EX, and NMAR directorship. In this episode you’ll hear how Chris weaves together military service, education, and real estate into a single mission. The pivotal moment that steered him toward real estate after a storied Air Force career. His priorities as GAAR President and how he translates military leadership into industry wide impact. From competitive tennis and Muay Thai to mountain biking and marksmanship, Chris’s life outside work reflects the same drive and integrity he brings to clients every day. Tune in for candid insights, practical advice, and a portrait of leadership in real estate that’s shaping Albuquerque’s market for years to come. Veteren Realtor Link: https://www.veteranrealtor.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/d6umT32idWg

December 17, 202543 min

242: Elevating Customer Service with John DiJulius: Secrets, Playbooks, and Culture

In this episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den, hosts Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with John DiJulius, the President and Chief Revolution Officer of The DiJulius Group, a renowned authority on customer experience. A celebrated author, podcaster, and entrepreneur, John shares his relentless pursuit of hospitality excellence and how his proprietary X-Commandment methodology can systematize service across any industry. His ideas are known for being brilliantly simple, instantly actionable, and world-class in their impact. Shawn and Joni guide a candid conversation that unpacks John’s origin story and relentless vision: a culture-first approach where “Great customer experiences start with a great internal culture.” They explore how a strong internal culture becomes the operating system for extraordinary customer experiences, and they unpack what constitutes a genuine “wow” moment. The discussion then pivots to The Customer Experience Playbook, emphasizing the powerful link between employee experience and customer outcomes: “Treat your people well and your customers will feel it.” Listeners will hear concrete examples of how investing in people yields measurable results in hospitality, as well as practical diagnostics for identifying the most important customer experience levers in today’s landscape. Whether you’re leading a team, launching a customer-centric business, or simply obsessed with elevating everyday service, this episode delivers clear, repeatable insights designed to disrupt complacency and spark innovative thinking about what’s possible in customer experience. The DiJulius Group Website Link: https://thedijuliusgroup.com Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/JohnDiJulius Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/johnrobertdijulius/?hl=en Email Link: info@thedijuliusgroup.com YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/lu3vY_fLbAE

November 5, 202552 min

241. Violet Mileva Unplugged: Beauty, Entreprenuership, and the Science of Self-Devotion

In this episode of Inside The Wolf's Den, hosts Shawn and Joni Wolfswinkel sit down with Violet Mileva, successful entrepreneur, social media influencer, cosmetic chemist, and founder of Champïone. Violet blends ancient tree resins with modern frequency technology to create skincare that aims to help people look younger, feel radiant, and extend their lifespans; naturally, with nature at the core. Her journey began while offering beauty services to children with terminal illnesses, witnessing firsthand how self-worth and loving care can transform pain into light. After healing her own severe acne, Violet began speaking globally on self-worth, sacred beauty, and longevity, guiding others to reclaim their glow from the inside out. From her early days to now, Violet is committed to helping millions glow brighter, live longer, and love themselves deeper through a fusion of nature, science, and self-devotion. She’s here to share not just her story, but her wisdom and the daily practices that unlock radiant health from within. In this candid conversation, you’ll hear Violet’s origin story, the pivotal moments that set her trajectory, and the creative philosophy that guides her work. We delve into the origins of Champïone, the mentors who shaped her approach, and how she balances passion with practicality when pursuing ambitious goals. The discussion goes deep on her current projects and what problems they solve, why they matter, and what the day-to-day creative process looks like from idea to launch. You’ll gain insights into overcoming roadblocks, measuring impact, and envisioning a five-year horizon for the industry, all while navigating ethical guardrails. The episode also highlights Violet’s community outreach, mentorship efforts, and the resources that helped her grow a loyal following. Tune in for a powerful blend of beauty, science, purpose, and practical wisdom from Violet Mileva. Champione by Mileva: https://www.championebymileva.com/ Violet Mileva Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetmileva/?hl=en YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DUimW7d1brc

October 29, 202530 min

Episode 240. Unlocking Time Freedom: Mastering Outsourcing, Habits, and Skill Development

In this episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den, Shawn and Joni explain how to maximize time and skill growth through strategic outsourcing and efficient habits, and dive into the busy reality of running five businesses, leading teams, and balancing a thriving family and marriage. The hosts reveal how strategic outsourcing and disciplined efficiency help them manage it all, answering the perennial questions: How do you manage it all? Do you sleep? The core idea is clear: time is a finite resource, and outsourcing becomes a strategic move when earnings exceed roughly $16/hour, freeing up time for learning, side projects, rest, and further business growth. The show details practical outsourcing for meal-related tasks, cleaning and laundry, yard work, and child care, highlighting where time is truly saved. They break down groceries, meal planning, and batch cooking, providing time estimates and options such as grocery delivery or meal kits. Cleaning and laundry receive similar scrutiny, offering insights into when to hire help or leverage nanny services. Yard work and childcare are examined for their substantial time costs, with concrete savings through dedicated services and care providers. Each segment weighs costs versus time saved and dependencies on schedules, delivering a pragmatic map for reclaiming hours. Focusing on reinvesting saved time, Shawn and Joni explain why skill development matters as a force multiplier. They outline actionable, path goal aligned learning, micro lessons, deliberate practice, and time blocking, along with metrics to track progress. The episode wraps with the mantra: “Time is money, but money can buy time,” encouraging listeners to reinvest saved hours into their future selves and higher earning potential. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/ScjsrMMoyco

October 1, 2025

239. Build the Team, Not Just The Task List!

In this special crossover episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den and Real Talk, Real Voices podcast, Shawn teams up with Lavender Lloyd, Director of Training for the Real Property Management franchise system, and Merlin Huff, Integrator and Director of Sales for Real Property Management Express. Together, they unpack practical strategies for building a cohesive, capable team from first-day onboarding rituals that set the tone, to ongoing development that cultivates accountability and alignment across roles. In this crossover episode, you’ll hear how onboarding playbooks accelerate new-hire productivity while preserving culture, how structured training pathways scale with your business and evolve with industry standards, and how to foster collaboration between operations, sales, and support teams. The discussion also covers how to measure success beyond task completion, focusing on engagement, retention, and performance. Whether you’re a small business owner, a team leader, or an aspiring integrator, this episode offers practical wisdom, candid insights, and a fresh perspective on building teams that endure. Tune in to hear how the right people, trained the right way, can transform your company’s trajectory and keep your mission at the heart of every KPI. Get ready to rethink what it means to build a team because when you invest in your people, the tasks follow. YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/H64ST2WaQR8

August 20, 2025

238. A Relationship Series - Higher-Level Love and Elevating Communication

In this episode of Inside The Wolf’s Den Podcast, Shawn and Joni dive into what it means to communicate on a higher level within a romantic partnership. They unpack vulnerability, transparency, trust, and the power of shared experiences as engines for personal growth and deeper intimacy. You’ll hear practical tools you can put to use this week to strengthen connection, sustain individuality, and keep love thriving. So what is higher-level communication? It’s intentional listening, honest sharing, and collaborative problem-solving that honors both partners’ needs and boundaries. The hosts outline three levels of conversation: Level 1 is the basics: facts and logistics. Level 2 moves into feelings and needs, cultivating emotional literacy. Level 3 centers on values, boundaries, and long-term mutual purpose. Learn actionable bridges between levels: using “I” statements, naming the feeling and the need, and pausing to check for understanding. Explore listener prompts designed to spark clarity and connection in everyday talks. Vulnerability and transparency take center stage. The episode lays out a vulnerability ladder, safe-speaking spaces, and weekly transparency rituals, plus ground rules to keep conversations constructive: listen without fixing, validate first, and name overwhelm if it surfaces. Practical exercises include a 10-minute vulnerability conversation and techniques for reflective listening and mirroring in broader social contexts; strengthening not just your relationship, but your friendships and family bonds as well. The conversation extends to shared experiences, non-sexual adventures, travel, hobbies, and how to plan them with clear roles and post-event debriefs. It also covers trust-building practices, repair rituals after missteps, maintaining individuality, conflict-resolution frameworks, and pause-reflect-respond. The ripple effects: stronger social bonds, better teamwork, and a more fulfilling partnership. Takeaway: small, consistent shifts compound into lasting love. Tune in for sidebars on jealousy, consent in daily decisions, and cultivating emotional safety.