Pony Tales Podcast

Hosted by Andres Gamboa

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289

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Mar 2026

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About the show

We chat with successful entrepreneurs and professionals who share lessons learned by selling door-to-door during college with Southwestern Advantage. The show is not directly affiliated with the internship itself, but invites alumni of the program to share their experience. These stories vary from motivational, outrageous, comedic, instructional, informational and valuable to any person wanting to learn more about personal growth, attitude, discipline, sales, recruiting, work-life balance, entrepreneurship, work ethic, and much more. Listen on your favorite platform.

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March 31, 2026Episode 2752 hr 43 min

#275: Jenny Dunkin and Shelley Haisman sold books...

Jenny and Shelley share how a simple speaking opportunity led to unexpected momentum, from presenting on mindset at a conference to being invited onto a podcast, and ultimately deciding to write a book with a six-month deadline. They talk about figuring things out as they go, emphasizing that you don’t need to have everything planned before taking action, and how opportunities—from publishing connections to building a website and launching a podcast—came together over time. Throughout the episode, they discuss the role of faith, mindset, and daily habits, including how the first hour of the day can shape everything that follows and how intentional practices like prayer and affirmations have influenced their lives. They also reflect on lessons from Southwestern, including persistence, taking action quickly, and the belief that “everything is figureoutable,” along with stories from their time selling books and how those experiences shaped their outlook. The conversation highlights perspective—how challenges, delays, and even rejection can be reframed—and how their mission has expanded beyond a book into speaking, podcasting, and future plans like coaching and retreats.Where to find Jenny and Shelley:Website:Abundantlyfavored.comFacebook:Abundantly FavoredShelley Bailey HaismanJenny DunkinInstagram:@abundantly_favored_TikTok:@abundantly.favored00:00:00 Start00:09:03 Speaking Opportunity & Mindset Talk 00:09:39 First Podcast & Deciding to Write a Book 00:10:29 Taking Action Without Having It Figured Out 00:17:15 Choosing the Right Publisher & Marketing Concerns 00:19:11 Building a Bigger Vision (Website, Podcast, Retreats) 00:21:27 “Everything is Figureoutable” & Taking Action Quickly 00:31:25 Faith, Daily Habits & Starting the Day with Intention 00:42:25 Perspective During Challenges & Delays 00:44:38 Affirmations & “Abundantly Favored” 00:53:14 Rejection is God’s Protection 01:12:25 First Summer Headquarters Story 01:13:37 Worst Territory Experiences (California & Yuma) 01:19:35 Hardest People to Sell To (Teachers) 01:36:29 Cookbook Demo Pranks in the Field 01:40:09 Off-Schedule Stories & Learning Discipline 01:48:00 Mindset Shift: “Everybody’s Getting Them” 01:50:48 “Cheeto Man” & Choosing Your Path

January 8, 20262 hr 8 min

#274: Brandan Tobin Sold Books...

In this episode, the conversation covers Brandan Tobin’s summers selling books, the people he learned from, and the experiences that shaped how he approaches sales and leadership today. Brandan talks about starting out skeptical of the program, thinking it might be a scam, and showing up to Nashville realizing it was very real and very serious.He shares stories from the field, including recruiting challenges, managing a large group early in his career, and learning how confidence, persistence, and systems affect performance. The discussion moves into how he tracked referrals using a handwritten notebook, how that system worked for him, and why building something you understand matters more than using a tool you don’t.The episode also explores Brandan’s work building CRM systems, what differentiates their approach from platforms like HubSpot and Salesforce, and why follow-up systems often matter more than lead quality. He explains how automations, voicemail drops, texting, and consistent follow-up impact conversion rates.Along the way, there are memorable field stories, including bike crashes, host families, nurses who bought books, and moments where persistence paid off in unexpected ways. The conversation wraps with reflections on faith, alignment with business partners, and why being on the same page matters regardless of belief.00:01:53 – Early connections, sales school, and shared experiences00:02:22 – Introduction to Brandan Tobin and background00:03:45 – Growth awards, leadership roles, and early success00:13:03 – Using CRM systems to manage buyers and follow-up00:18:00 – Building CRM tools to help small businesses compete00:21:47 – Why follow-up systems outperform lead quality00:29:18 – Helping business owners define their sales process00:33:37 – Pivoting from consulting to software development00:35:32 – Using voicemail drops and reminders to drive action00:45:08 – Recruiting stories and standout leaders01:10:29 – Host families, delivery challenges, and field logistics01:11:22 – Managing a large organization with limited experience01:21:18 – Tracking referrals with a handwritten system01:36:33 – Memorable field stories and “sit-downs”01:37:26 – Bike crash story and persistence in the field01:51:46 – Lessons on treating strangers and people skills01:52:43 – Meeting a famous athlete in the field02:06:26 – Faith, relationships, and being aligned with partners02:07:16 – Closing thoughts and how to connect after the episodeBrandan Tobin is a believer in Christ and a humble salesman. His mission is to expand God’s kingdom by helping good people grow great businesses and increase their charitable giving.As the CRO with Knowledge Gap Consulting, Brandan leads the sales team and is still in the field, helping salespeople and entrepreneurs convert more leads in less time with custom built, AI-powered, CRM solutions. Over his nearly 20 year career in sales and business, Brandan built sales teams and sold for a variety of industries, including mortgage, real estate, solar, SaaS software and of course, books.He hit the double growth award his 2nd summer, and the quadruple growth award his 3rd summer, delivering over 8,000 units after hitting Mort, Chairman’s and PC several times. As a 19 year old sophomore and B manager, Brandan helped lead a group of 22 first years and only 3 other managers, also on their B summers….and not a single person quit.Brandan went on to close more than $7,000,000 of annually recurring revenue as an account executive for various tech companies until partnering with Joe Ignace, another SW alum, to sell their own software, Velocity 360.None of it came easily or naturally and Brandan will be the first to tell you, none of it would’vebeen possible without the grace of God, being coachable, and really great mentors.

October 23, 2025Episode 2732 hr 9 min

#273: Linda Schwader sold books.

In this episode, Linda shares her journey from selling books in the 1970s to becoming one of the first women to manage and lead in Southwestern’s history. She talks about her first summer selling in Jackson, Mississippi, the nerves, the first door, the first sale, and the moment she almost quit — but didn’t. That decision shaped everything that came after.Linda recalls becoming a stockbroker after leaving Southwestern, realizing it wasn’t for her, and returning to the company with new purpose. She later joined Family Heritage, where she recruited and trained a team that remains successful decades later. From there, she became a certified trainer, teaching Integrity Selling and goal-setting programs that helped people learn how to sell and believe in themselves.She describes attending Tony Robbins’ early live events, walking through fire, and spending ten life-changing days in Hawaii that shifted how she viewed goals, family, and purpose. That experience led to years as a professional speaker, trainer, and coach, helping others find clarity and motivation.Linda also shares how COVID pushed her to take her work online, how she learned to sell virtually, and how she now works with women creating retreats and online programs. Her story includes raising a family, moving across the country, mentoring others, and rediscovering herself through each chapter.Along the way, she talks about being one of the only women at sales school, learning to get indoors in the South, recruiting over 100 people, leading teams, and the friendships that have lasted over 50 years — friendships that still make her laugh until she cries.By the end, Linda reflects on a lifetime of lessons about rejection, confidence, attitude, and how a single summer job can change the trajectory of a life.

September 8, 20253 hr 31 min

#272: Hans Schlegel sold books.

This one has been on our “Mount Rushmore” list from the very beginning. Hans Schlegel finally joins the show, and it’s everything we hoped for.From his roots on a family farm in northwest Ohio to eight summers selling books, Hans brings stories of go-kart racing, marching band, zoology, bird study, saving a man’s life with the Heimlich, and building a family with his wife Laura and their five kids.We dive into his first summer in Joplin, Missouri, those early “canon events” on the book field, the challenges of finding HQs, the grind of first days, and what made him stick it out. Hans also shares the beginnings of traditions, wild Sizzler lore, and even the origin story of the legendary “Speedo Amigos.”And on top of it all, we talk about the momentum building today around Southwestern alumni — with Hans spearheading the company’s official network and Pony Tales launching its independent community. Two networks, two vibes, one mission: bringing book people back together.Scroll down for links to pre-register for the Southwestern Alumni Network, to join the Pony Tales “Neighborhood,” and more.00:00 – Intro & why Hans was a “Mount Rushmore” guest02:06 – Who is Hans Schlegel? Farm life, go-karts, marching band, zoology, and saving a life04:14 – Selling books for eight summers & family background05:37 – First big conversation: were we in a cult?10:12 – Early book memories & friendships11:07 – Launching alumni networks: corporate & independent22:20 – Why two networks make sense25:15 – Canon events: the shared Southwestern experience31:51 – Family legacies and alumni kids36:00 – Quitting thoughts, turning points, and growth41:50 – Community, accountability, and why alumni networks matter46:00 – How to connect with Hans and the Southwestern alumni group52:40 – What’s next: timeline and goals1:12:00 – Rewinding the clock: Hans’ first summer in Joplin1:20:00 – First doors, first customers, first day alone1:28:00 – Struggles, breakthroughs, and record weeks1:43:30 – Highlights of that rookie summer2:05:00 – Heimlich maneuver story: saving a life2:18:00 – Traditions, lore, and GRS costumes2:37:00 – Favorite turf, states, HQs, and rapid-fire favorites3:13:00 – The Speedo Amigos legacy3:28:00 – Closing thoughts & links to alumni networks

August 20, 20251 hr 31 min

#271: Ben Fisher sold books.

In this episode of the Pony Tales Podcast, we sit down with Ben Fisher, a two-summer bookman with the FORCE organization (2011–2012) who now lives in California. Ben attended Concordia University in Nebraska and is the author of the children’s book Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, with more than 175 five-star reviews. He’s also the Ben behind the classic “I sell books and I love it” video many alumni remember from Sales School.This conversation is filled with reflections, laughs, and lessons: from the opening line of “Were we in a cult?” to stories from the book field, publishing a children’s book, and the practical side of decision-making. Ben shares how the simple act of narrowing choices became a powerful tool, and he comes back again and again to the lessons learned selling books — persistence, resilience, and how to talk to people.We close with a fun rapid-fire round, covering favorite turf (New York vs. Maine), territory types, and more. Ben also shares where you can find his book and connect with him.Chapters:00:00 – Intro (California, two summers, FORCE org, Concordia)01:32 – “I sell books and I love it” video03:18 – Scribb Aloo and the Color Cruncher (Amazon; 175 five-star reviews)04:00 – “Were we in a cult?”38:26 – Writing and publishing a book53:04 – Decision-making trick by narrowing options1:12:27 – Lessons from the book field1:15:29 – Rapid-fire round begins1:16:16 – Favorite territory, turf type, and more1:29:39 – Closing thanks and where to find Ben’s bookSubscribe to Pony Tales Podcast for more conversations with alumni and the stories that connect us all.

June 16, 20252 hr 39 min

#270: John Carey sold books.

John Carey didn't plan on becoming an expert in grid security and renewable energy infrastructure—he started with a random call to his dorm at NC State, which landed him in door-to-door book sales with Southwestern Advantage. Today, he's CEO of Ovanova, a company creating portable microgrids and secure energy solutions.In this three-hour conversation, John covers how knocking on doors in rural America prepared him for leadership, resilience, and high-stakes problem-solving. He shares detailed experiences like the night his own home power system was disabled by a firmware update from overseas, highlighting hidden vulnerabilities in our energy grid.John explains Ovanova’s Portable Energy Trailer (PET)—a robust, mobile microgrid that significantly outperforms standard units, capable of powering communities during natural disasters and supporting emergency response operations. He dives into critical issues facing America's energy grid, from rural utilities struggling with peak-hour demand to car dealerships facing millions in grid infrastructure costs.Along the way, John shares his reflections on leadership strategies he's carried forward from his early door-to-door days, why emotional intelligence still matters deeply in tech-driven fields, and the books he recommends most often (Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Deep Work, and the Bhagavad Gita).If you're curious about energy security, microgrids, or simply how the skills learned from door-to-door sales translate into leading an innovative tech company, this episode offers unmatched insights directly from John's experience.Stream the full episode, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Pony Tales Podcast for weekly stories from alumni doing remarkable things.

June 9, 20253 hr 18 min

#269 Lester Crafton & John Carey sold books.

Lester Crafton and John Carey back to Pony Tales for nearly three hours of straight-through conversation. They start with the job that first put them on doorsteps and finish in the middle of a national-grid debate, showing—step by step—how those early summers shaped everything that came after.Lester explains the moment he realised energy was the thread connecting almost every modern problem and why he left residential solar to focus on utility-scale projects. John walks through the hard lessons of appointment setting, the day a remote firmware update shut off power to his own house, and the reason rural co-ops care more about peak-demand penalties than slick marketing. Together they break down how portable “energy trailers” can back up disaster zones, soak up excess midday solar and even feed power back to transformers that would otherwise overload at five p.m.The conversation drifts—from the first time either of them heard the phrase “grid security,” to an early field test where three kinds of solar modules were bolted to the same roof just to see what would survive a Carolina summer. Along the way they trade stories: a cash quote so high a homeowner laughed out loud, a USDA grant that sat frozen for a year, and the drone-monitored micro-grid they built as a sandbox for every new inverter they could find.By the last hour the talk shifts to leadership and culture: why commissions alone never keep a team together, how emotional intelligence shows up in metrics-driven sales, and the simple coaching habits—borrowed straight from the book field—that still anchor their companies today.It is equal parts technical deep-dive and field-tested mindset, and it shows exactly how two former door-to-door reps ended up solving problems that touch the U.S. power grid. Stream the full episode to see how it all connects.Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!Get a sit down with their leadership and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits⁠⁠Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: ⁠⁠⁠cassandra@travodyssey.com⁠Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode.

May 27, 2025Episode 2682 hr 11 min

#268: Victoria Varberg sold books.

Victoria Varberg works in conservation now — specifically raising money to help protect rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. In this episode, she talks about how she got into that world, what it’s really like working in international fundraising, and how much of what she learned from selling books still applies.She also tells the story of her craziest week on the book field — a stretch that included a cult, a broken-down car, and one of her biggest sales weeks ever.Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!Get a sit down with their leadership and ⁠⁠⁠⁠schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior Benefits⁠Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: ⁠⁠cassandra@travodyssey.comWelcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode.

April 16, 2025Episode 2672 hr 4 min

#267: Eric Hampton sold books.

Eric Hampton is an AE and RevOps Manager at Lemony.ai, and he’s carved out a career in one of the fastest-moving industries out there: AI startups.In this episode, we talk about what it’s actually like working in tech after the book field — how sales cycles are different, how to position yourself to get hired, and how to figure out which startups are worth jumping into (and which are a dumpster fire in stealth mode).We also get into a story from his first summer that involves a totaled car, a Pontiac Trans Sport van, and more than one person assuming he was absolutely up to no good.This one’s a mix of strategy, career advice, and a little chaos — just how we like it.Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: ⁠cassandra@travodyssey.comIF THIS IS YOUR FIRST EPISODE: Welcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode. Tune in and be inspired!

April 11, 20254 hr 1 min

#266: Ella Roach sold books

Get info about BIZZLER in Greece here: ⁠cassandra@travodyssey.comGet ready for a marathon episode with Ella Roach!As the daughter of a book-seller, Ella brings a perspective we don’t hear often — what it’s like growing up around Southwestern and then going through the experience yourself. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to stay coachable while also advocating for yourself, learning who you are, and holding onto your independence.If you know Ella, you already know you’re in for bold opinions and unfiltered takes. And if you don’t? You will by the end of this episode.Big thanks to our sponsors over at Cardinal Senior Insurance — and shoutout to everyone who's been supporting the show!Get a sit down with their leadership and ⁠⁠⁠schedule an Interview with Cardinal Senior BenefitsWelcome to The Pony Tales Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring stories and unique experiences of Southwestern Advantage alumni. Each episode features candid conversations with former book-sellers, exploring how their time selling books shaped their personal and professional lives. From incredible career journeys to valuable life lessons, our guests share the habits, mindset, and challenges that led them to success. Whether you’re a former book-seller or just looking for some motivation and wisdom, you’ll find something to relate to and learn from in every episode. Tune in and be inspired!