Pay It Forward Podcast

Hosted by Austin Siewert and Keagan Walz

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Nov 2025

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About the show

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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60 recent

November 11, 20251 hr 7 min

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:- The leap from assisted living to real estate flips & why “affordable quality” wins- Systems that cut hours and raise profit: SOPs, scope meetings, and ownership thinking- Mentors that matter: learning execution, standards, and customer-first quality- Discipline vs. motivation: the Power List and streaking wins- Marriage in business: love languages, communication, and growing together🎧 GuestsSean & Sam Tudor — Tudor Transformations | Tutors of Life Podcast

July 3, 2025Episode 6846 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's heartfelt journey of carrying his son's ashes across 1,400 miles through deserts, mountains, and valleys. - The valuable lessons he learned about resilience, faith, and forgiveness along the way. - How Barry turned unimaginable pain into a mission to educate others about the dangers of alcohol abuse. - Insights on how to deal with grief, embrace healing, and make good come from tragedy. Experience Barry's transformational journey and hear incredible stories of the people he met along the way. Learn how he found strength in his faith, forgave himself, and continues to inspire others through his book, “Kevin’s Last Walk,” and speaking engagements.This episode is a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling, the importance of making intentional choices, and the strength found in perseverance. Barry’s story will move you, challenge you, and motivate you to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Like, comment, and subscribe to join the Pay It Forward community and be inspired by more incredible stories of resilience and hope!

May 7, 2025Episode 6754 min

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 masterclass in adaptability, lifelong learning, and servant leadership. But what truly sets this episode apart is Doug’s raw and transparent story of coming to faith, hitting the pinnacle of success only to realize something was missing, and the radical impact of surrendering his life to Jesus.🔥 In This Episode:✅ How Doug evolved from a TV repairman to a tech visionary serving 4,000+ clients✅ The moment success felt empty✅ Why your ladder might be on the wrong wall—and how to move it✅ Doug’s candid story of salvation, marriage restoration, and spiritual growth✅ Insights on building a business with purpose, leadership through humility✅ The power of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)📚 To find out more about Doug or purchase his book visit 📚https://www.douglasfearing.com

April 17, 2025Episode 661 hr 4 min

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 estate scene—all while raising a family and living out their values.🔥 In This Episode:➡️ The truth about taking action before you’re “ready”➡️ How they scaled 500+ rental units in under 6 years➡️ Creative financing strategies that fueled their growth➡️ Building a business in assisted living from scratch➡️ The power of cost segregation and tax strategy➡️ Why they’re radically transparent about their success➡️ Flipping vs. rentals: which builds long-term wealth?Ryan and Eva prove that you don’t need a perfect plan to succeed—just grit, vision, and a willingness to keep showing up. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something big but felt paralyzed by the unknown, this episode will challenge you to act anyway.🎥 Like, Subscribe & Share to support these conversations and help us continue empowering the next generation of leaders.Want to partner with us?https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/J2H9GJ34HVVEJ📱 Connect:Follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryan_rei_grayCheck out their rentals: grahamproperties.com#PayItForwardPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #EntrepreneurJourney #CreativeFinance #FaithAndBusiness

March 27, 2025Episode 6556 min

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 through leadership and faith.- Inspiring stories about building better men through the sport, overcoming failure, and embracing challenges.- How to lead with conviction, even when it costs you- The importance of doing hard things in a soft culture- Why sharing your failures may be the most powerful way to lead🙏 WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT --- If you’ve been impacted by the stories we share, would you consider supporting the show? Producing episodes like this takes a lot of time and resources, so please support the podcast so we can continue bringing more conversations just like this one. Click the link below to join the mission.➡️ Support the podcast or become a sponsor: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/J2H9GJ34HVVEJ

March 15, 2025Episode 641 hr 7 min

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 mindset shift required for long-term real estate success- The biggest mistakes new real estate investors make - The challenges of balancing financial risks with long-term vision. - Actionable advice for aspiring real estate investors - How to scale from small rentals to large developments💰 Learn from a real estate expert with decades of experience and avoid the common pitfalls that cause so many investors to fail. You'll hear incredible stories of grit, growth, and the mindset shifts that helped Marvin and his team create impactful developments that strengthen communities. From starting with duplexes to managing large-scale investments, Marvin provides valuable lessons on scaling a real estate business and making a difference.Whether you’re just getting started with rental properties, thinking about your first real estate deal, or looking to scale to multi-family and commercial real estate, this episode has game-changing insights for you.🔥 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real estate investing strategies! 🔥#biggerpockets #housingmarket #realestaterookie #longdistanceinvesting #financialeducation#RealEstateInvesting #RealEstateMistakes #FinancialFreedom #PassiveIncome #MultiFamilyInvesting #RealEstateDevelopment #MindsetMatters #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #PayItForwardPodcast

February 27, 2025Episode 631 hr 18 min

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 discipleship, community engagement, and even officer wellness.We dive deep into:✅ The power of reaching the younger generation✅ How archery is being used to share the gospel & mentor youth✅ The cultural differences in ministry between South Africa & the U.S.✅ Current culture in light of the Gospel✅ The business-as-mission model—how funding a ministry can go beyond just donations✅ Why this generation has the greatest opportunity to change the world⚡ "The greatest seed you can sow is into the next generation." — Jacques von Bommel🔥 Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to pay it forward for the Kingdom.Learn more about their ministries:👉 Reaching A Generation - https://reachingageneration.org👉 CenterShot Ministries - https://reachingageneration.org💡 Don't Just Watch—Take Action -🔥 LIKE this video to support the mission - ✉️ COMMENT your biggest takeaway - 📢 SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations!

February 13, 2025Episode 651 hr 2 min

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. It’s easy to skip the fundamentals, but then, there is no foundation."🔎 What else you'll discover in this episode:✅ How mastering your attitude can create consistency and success in all areas of life.✅ Why going "back to the basics" leads to incredible relationships, businesses, and personal growth.✅ Practical tips for overcoming the fear of public speaking and turning nerves into excitement.✅ The power of setting goals, reviewing them monthly, and carrying them with you for accountability.✅ The essential role of faith & gratitude plays in shaping your journey.✅ Matt’s journey from a teenage DJ to a world-renowned speaker inspiring thousands.Whether you're a business professional, an aspiring public speaker, or someone seeking clarity in life, this episode provides expert tips and a roadmap to achieve your goals. Discover the keys to success, personal growth, and Christian identity that will inspire you to take action today!Learn More about Matt:https://www.mattbooth.com📘 Email Matt with "Pay It Forward" to receive free audio book : matt@mattbooth.com#businessdevelopment #selfimprovement #motivationalvideo #leadershipskills #motivationalspeech #leadershipskills

February 3, 2025Episode 611 hr 6 min

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-year-old company. ✅ Her unique journey as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. ✅ The importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for others. ✅ The Legacy and impact of First Supply ✅ How to modernize and innovate in traditional industries Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking expert tips on leadership and life transformation, this episode offers invaluable insights. Tune in to hear Katie’s authentic story and practical advice on building a lasting legacy. 🔥 Don’t miss this inspiring episode! LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE for more high-impact leadership stories. Katie's LinkedIn: https: {//www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-poehling-seymour} #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #LegacyBusiness

December 30, 2024Episode 6059 min

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 county • Personal stories of the power of mentorship and community involvement • Jake's personal transformation losing 70 pounds and completing the Chicago Marathon • His vision for the future, including an innovative workforce development center Jake shares powerful insights about youth development, including his firm belief that "there's no such thing as a bad kid - just kids who have been in bad experiences." Whether you're passionate about community service, youth mentorship, or creating positive change, this episode offers an intimate look at how one organization and its dedicated leader are building better futures for the next generation. Experience an authentic conversation about transformation, hope, and the profound impact of investing in our youth. This is more than just a success story - it's a blueprint for creating lasting change in our communities.