Rhymes with Odd

Hosted by Ryan Snaadt

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

116

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Iowa's business and self improvement podcast hosted by Ryan Snaadt. Hear impactful stories of overcoming obstacles to reach success in various parts of life including business, fitness, finances, and more.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 1151 hr 6 min

Ep. 115: I Lost My Career in a Split Second (Then I Built This) w/ James Machamer

This episode, we sit down with James Machamer, President and Chief Experience Officer of Walk Your Plans Des Moines. He discusses his transition from a 23-year military career and the fire department to launching a technology-driven business that projects life-size floor plans for homeowners and developers.Timestamps: (00:20) Innovative Business Model: James explains that "Walk Your Plans" takes architectural blueprints and projects them onto a floor at a 1:1 scale, allowing clients to physically walk through a space and verify the flow, furniture placement, and functionality before construction begins.(01:37) The Reality of Starting Up: He emphasizes that new entrepreneurs must prepare for a difficult lending environment; he specifically recommends the SBA 7A loan route but cautions that the process for startups is significantly more complex than it was decades ago.(03:06) Seeking Relevant Mentorship: James advises aspiring business owners to talk to those who have started businesses within the last three to five years, as the modern landscape of loans, technology, and regulations has changed drastically.(04:34) Beyond Residential Use: While often used for homes, the studio handles massive commercial projects, including a 150,000-square-foot industrial renovation where the team saved an estimated three months of design time in a single day (49:08).(10:54) Transition from Service: After retiring from the Navy as a combat corpsman and the Des Moines Fire Department due to injury, James struggled with his identity, eventually realizing that his service was "what he did, not who he was" (24:37).(33:39) Managing the "Noise": A recurring theme is the battle against "noise"—distractions that don't move the needle. He credits his wife for pushing him to use lists and EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles to maintain laser focus (38:40).(45:27) Bridging the Literacy Gap: He highlights that most people cannot truly "read" a 2D plan; his service provides confidence and clarity, preventing expensive "change orders" once the walls are already framed.(54:18) Leadership Wisdom: James shares the best advice he received from a Master Chief: "Slow down." He applies this today by taking moments to assess the bigger picture before reacting to business challenges.(59:05) Defining Success: He concludes that success is only possible when you enjoy the ride and give yourself permission to find joy in growth moments, even when the daily tasks are difficult.Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

June 8, 2026Episode 1141 hr 22 min

Ep. 114: How To Manage 5 Businesses Without Losing Your Mind w/ Jeremiah Terhark

In the world of Iowa business, few names are as synonymous with the "web" as Jeremiah Terhark. As the Founder and CEO of Webspec, a Des Moines-based marketing powerhouse, Terhark has spent over two decades navigating the volatile waters of technology, real estate, and seasonal retail.Recently, Jeremiah sat down with host Ryan Snaadt on the Rhymes with Odd podcast—Iowa’s premier show for business and personal development. In this episode, the two dive deep into what it takes to scale a company from a one-man dorm room operation to a multi-state agency with over 50 employees.If you are a Des Moines business owner or a marketing professional looking to level up, here are the key takeaways from Jeremiah’s 20-year journey.Key Takeaways from the Interview(03:10) From Farm to Tech: A fourth-generation farm kid, Terhark taught himself web development via library books and started Webspec in high school, eventually scaling it to a team of 50.(08:23) Early Hustle: In 2001, at age 16, he began selling websites door-to-door, using his youth as a conversation starter and gaining early clients like an auto dealership and a hearse business.(21:48) Navigating Business Lows: Terhark emphasizes the importance of conservative debt management, a lesson learned from his family's farming background during the 1980s farm crisis.(29:02) Strategic Acquisitions: He uses an acquisition model to scale faster, looking for "retirement situations" where he can take over established client books and experienced talent.(39:06) Transitioning to Real Estate: He highlights the benefit of owner-occupied commercial real estate, noting that purchasing his office building was cheaper than leasing and provided a long-term "savings account" for the business.(54:11) The Realities of Physical Business: Discussing Iowa Sign Company, he warns that physical businesses are harder than they look on YouTube, involving "light construction" skills and weather-related challenges.(58:35) Capitalizing on Regulation Changes: He co-founded the Iowa Fireworks Company after the state legalized fireworks in 2017, scaling to 50 locations by managing the intense seasonal logistics and factory orders a year in advance.(1:04:55) The Bittersweet Exit: He reflects on selling dsmdaily.com (a local Groupon competitor) to Gannett, noting the emotional difficulty of watching a "baby" phase out once the novelty of the daily deal model wore off.(1:13:01) The Power of Delegation: Terhark admits he waited too long to hire operations help; he now focuses on big-picture strategy while trusting his team to handle the technical execution.Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

June 1, 2026Episode 1131 hr 12 min

Ep. 113: The 8 Key Principles to GREAT Leadership w/ Rick Tolakson, CEO of Hubbell Realty

What does it take to lead an Iowa legacy for over four decades?In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, we sit down with Rick Tollakson, the recently retired CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. From joining as a construction engineer in 1984 to steering the firm through 170 years of business history, Rick’s journey is a masterclass in local leadership, diversification, and "thinking bigger."Whether you are a Des Moines business owner navigating current economic shifts or an aspiring leader looking to build a multi-generational legacy, Rick’s insights on the "Eight to Great" principles and the power of community-driven "Extreme Builds" are essential listening.Topic Conversations & Timestamps(00:06) – The Hubbell Legacy: Introducing Rick Tollakson and the 170-year history of Hubbell Realty.(01:37) – Teamwork Over Ego: Why a CEO’s biggest mindset shift is trusting the team to carry the vision.(05:52) – The Accidental 42-Year Career: How Rick went from a "five-year plan" to a four-decade tenure.(08:56) – Des Moines Renaissance: Lessons from building the Hub Tower and the 1980s real estate climate.(14:15) – Leadership in a Crisis: Stay optimistic—why down markets are the best time for bold opportunities.(25:33) – The "Eight to Great" Principles: A deep dive into the cultural pillars that define Hubbell.(31:19) – "Can You Think Any Bigger?": The story behind Hubbell’s famous "Extreme Builds" and community impact.(41:42) – Life After the Corner Office: Rick’s retirement bucket list, from Route 66 to global travel.(52:58) – Mastering the Succession Plan: How Rick spent 5 years preparing Kyle Gamble to take the helm.(1:09:57) – Final Advice: Taking advantage of the cycles—advice for the next generation of Iowans.Connect with Our Guest & Resources📖 Get the Book: Rick’s new book, Think Bigger, Lead Better: Eight to Great Principles for Organizational Success, is available now. Learn how to apply these leadership pillars to your own business:Purchase on Amazon | Barnes & Noble🏗️ About Hubbell Realty Company:Explore the projects shaping the Midwest and learn about Hubbell’s 17+ operating divisions:Visit HubbellRealty.comAbout the ShowThe Rhymes with Odd podcast, hosted by Ryan Snaadt, features the builders, creators, and leaders who make Iowa a powerhouse of innovation.Learn more about Ryan Snaadt and Snaadt Media Group: snaadtmedia.com--Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

May 25, 2026Episode 11257 min

Ep. 112: Leaving the STRESS of Entrepreneurship to Focus on Foster Care w/ Chandler Faldet

Is it time to quit your business? In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with Chandler Faldet, the former co-owner of Hatch, to discuss the raw reality of building, merging, and eventually exiting a successful marketing agency.Chandler reveals the "accidental" origins of his entrepreneurial journey, the high-stakes transition from 100% commission sales to business ownership, and the pivotal moment he realized that "staying comfortable" is the most dangerous thing an entrepreneur can do. Whether you are looking to scale your team, find the right business partner, or navigate the emotional complexities of selling your shares to prioritize family, this conversation offers a masterclass in professional evolution.We dive deep into:How to value what you’ve built and start with the end in mind.The "T-Shaped Marketer" hiring philosophy.Transitioning from $500/mo clients to high-level strategy accounts.The life-changing difference between "Expectations" and "Agreements."Balancing the "Work Kid" (your business) with your real family.📍 Topic Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Meet Chandler Faldet01:30 – Starting with the end in mind: Planned vs. Accidental business owners03:21 – From Northeast Iowa to the Des Moines marketing scene05:40 – The grind of 100% commission media sales at KCCI11:53 – Buying your first business: The $2,000 jumping-off point13:32 – Scaling the team: Hiring your first 3 employees in year one16:32 – The 50/50 Partnership: Merging companies with Hatch22:33 – Pivot to Strategy: How to 10x your per-client revenue27:06 – The Exit: Why Chandler chose family stability over ownership31:30 – Lessons in Leadership: Managing people and P&Ls35:33 – Lightning Round: Best tools (ClickUp) and B2B marketing tips38:22 – Recommended Reading: Why The E-Myth is essential45:02 – The only thing standing between you and your dream52:18 – Expectations vs. Agreements: A life-changing mindset shift54:18 – Life after the exit: Homeschooling and foster careConnect with Chandler:LinkedIn: Chandler FaldetConnect with Ryan Snaadt:Website: snaadtmedia.comInstagram: @RyanSnodThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

May 18, 2026Episode 1111 hr 28 min

Ep. 111: Every Leader NEEDS These Two Things (According to a PhD) w/ Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger

What does it take to walk away from a thriving, 40-person real estate brokerage in Austin, Texas, to start over in the Iowa classroom?In this episode, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Dr. Chad Cardani-Trollinger, Director of Undergraduate Leadership Studies at Iowa State University. This conversation is a masterclass for Des Moines business leaders, hiring managers, and entrepreneurs who want to bridge the gap between "managing" and truly "leading."Chad brings a unique perspective—combining the high-pressure "street smarts" of the Texas real estate market with the "book smarts" of a PhD in Leadership. We dive deep into why some of your best performers shouldn't be promoted, how to foster a culture of accountability in a "soft" world, and why the current generation of graduates is struggling to integrate into the Iowa workforce.Connect with Snaadt Media Group:Website: snaadtmedia.comServices: Video Production, Podcast Launching, & Content Strategy.🕒 Topic Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: From Texas Real Estate to Iowa State University.01:38 – The "Sliding Doors" moment: Why Ryan Snaadt didn't get the job (and why it was for the best).04:47 – What separates a "Good" leader from a "Great" leader?07:42 – The Salt Shaker Analogy: Why your top performers are often your worst managers.11:34 – Chad’s backstory: Growing up in Boone, IA and surviving cancer.16:10 – Learning the "No-BS" approach to Real Estate from the "Grandfather of Austin."18:47 – Making the move back to Des Moines and the Polk County Courthouse.22:43 – The jump into Academia: Navigating the PhD process at Drake.28:48 – Modeling the Way: How to build a high-integrity culture in any industry.34:25 – Leading clients through financial wealth vs. personal security.40:01 – Why Des Moines leaders should encourage their teams to "Go Away" and gain perspective.45:44 – Lightning Round: Hilton Magic, Cafe Bealaere, and the best leadership books.51:48 – The "Fear Factor" in Corporate Iowa: Why leaders aren't taking a stand.58:32 – The lack of accountability in Higher Ed and how it impacts the "Product" (Students).1:13:44 – What Des Moines employers are actually looking for (NACE Competencies).1:21:57 – Why "Extroversion" is a leadership myth and "Compassion" is the reality.1:27:15 – Wrap up and how to connect with Dr. Chad.Enjoyed the show?👉 Subscribe to the channel to help us reach our goal of 1,000 subscribers!👉 Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help other local leaders find the show.#DesMoinesBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #IowaState #SnaadtMedia #ManagementTraining #IowaBusiness #PodcastThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

May 11, 2026Episode 1101 hr 8 min

Ep. 110: I Lived In A Moldy House And It Nearly Killed Me w/ Amanda Dirkx

"Western Medicine is for emergencies, but Holistic Care is for LIFE." 🌿In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with Amanda Dirkx, the founder of Deeply Rooted Healing in Ankeny, Iowa. A former pediatric oncology nurse of 14 years, Amanda shares her powerful transition from the high-intensity world of Western medicine to building a scaling, multi-provider holistic clinic.We dive deep into:The "Root Cause" Philosophy: Why trimming the leaves of a sick tree doesn't work if you don't nourish the soil.The 10K Mindshift: How the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program helped Amanda stop being just a practitioner and start being a CEO.Healing After Toxic Exposure: Amanda’s personal journey through mold illness that sparked her obsession with muscle testing and whole-food supplements.The Air, Food, Water Method: Three simple, non-negotiable changes you can make at home for zero dollars to transform your health."Healing isn't a quick fix—it’s a lifestyle change." — Amanda Dirkx⏱️ Topic Timestamps00:06 – Introduction: Meet Amanda Dirkx and Deeply Rooted Healing 01:19 – The Mental Shift: Transitioning from Practitioner to Business Owner 03:13 – 14 Years in Pediatric Oncology: Why Western Medicine still matters 03:57 – Growing up Nomadic: How 9 moves taught Amanda kindness 09:23 – The Tree Analogy: Why the name "Deeply Rooted" matters 11:06 – Mold, Illness, and the Wake-up Call: Amanda’s personal health journey 17:37 – Testing on the Family: The first steps into holistic treatment 21:07 – Is Holistic Medicine "Woo-Woo"? Addressing the stigmas 25:18 – The 45-Day Launch: Jumping off the cliff to start a clinic 28:53 – Free Business Gold: Utilizing the SBDC for startup success 31:19 – The Goldman Sachs 10K Program: Scaling a multi-provider brand 41:02 – Adding Services: The Hocket Sauna and Functional Labs 45:57 – Lightning Round: Northern Vessel coffee and "Shitt's Creek" 53:09 – The Best $0 Mental Health Tool: The power of sunshine 57:15 – Authentic Leadership: Leading a team with open communication 1:02:11 – The COVID Deadline: The moment that forced the big leap 1:05:11 – Air, Food, and Water: The three pillars of home healing 🔗 Connect with Amanda DirkxWebsite: DeeplyRootedHealingIA.com Instagram: @DeeplyRootedHealingIA Facebook: Deeply Rooted Healing IA Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

May 4, 2026Episode 1091 hr 53 min

Ep. 109: My Tattoo Mentor Tore Me Down to Zero (And I’m Glad He Did) w/ Jesse Drake

Is the "Tattoo Boom" just getting started? 💉In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with award-winning artist Jesse Drake, a veteran of the industry with 16 years of experience and over 50 hours of work on Ryan personally. Jesse shares his journey from "trap house" garage tattoos and eBay kits to dominating the convention circuit and winning back-to-earth trophies for his world-class black and gray realism.We dive deep into:The Reality of Tattooing: Why being an artist is only 20% of the job—and how to survive as your own accountant, receptionist, and social media manager.The Power of Mentorship: The story of how an art genius "tore Jesse down to nothing" just to build him back up into a better artist.Black and Gray vs. Color: Why Jesse chose to specialize in a "shark tank" of artists to separate himself from the pack.The Next Big Thing: Jesse reveals his new prototype, Midnight Alchemy, a CBD/CBG-infused aftercare product made by a tattooer for tattooers to fight redness and swelling in real-time."If you want to be successful, shut the f* up and listen." — Jesse Drake⏱️ Conversation Timestamps00:06 – Introduction: Jesse Drake’s 16-year career 02:02 – The Tattoo Boom: Why 41% of young Americans are inked 04:42 – Street Shops vs. Custom Art: The evolution of the industry 06:30 – High-Tech Art: How iPads changed the game (and why they’re a trap) 09:42 – Jesse’s Origin Story: Born in the Philippines, settled in Iowa 12:38 – The Garage Days: Tattooing in bedrooms at 17 17:31 – The Turning Point: Being torn down by a mentor to reach square one 20:22 – Life on the Road: Grinding through the national convention circuit 24:21 – Tattooing Rockstars: Meeting Tech 9 and Elijah Wood 33:48 – Beyond the Needle: Oil painting and airbrushing murals 37:24 – The MMA Days: Getting beat up for pennies 42:33 – Specializing in Realism: Why Jesse avoided the "Goldfish in a Shark Tank" 46:40 – The Sharpie Method: Drawing tattoos by hand instead of stencils 53:03 – The Physical Toll: Carpal tunnel, back pain, and "locking in" 1:00:58 – The "Annoying Client" Hall of Fame 1:12:31 – Midnight Alchemy: Jesse’s new CBD/CBG aftercare venture 1:22:08 – The Science of Ointment: Turning a kitchen into a clean-room lab 1:35:24 – Taking on Conglomerates: Why the industry needs "Artist-Owned" products 1:49:56 – Advice for the "Obsessed": Success on the road less traveled 🔗 Connect with Jesse DrakeInstagram: @JD_Drake89 Facebook: Jesse Drake Product: Midnight Alchemy (Coming Soon!) Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

April 27, 2026Episode 1081 hr 11 min

Ep. 108: Her DNA Test Tells you EXACTLY How to Get Ripped w/ Meg Reynolds-Corson

Stop sacrificing your health for your business! 🚀In this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan Snaadt sits down with fitness expert and entrepreneur Meg Corson. With over 20 years in the fitness industry, Meg is on a mission to prove that health is a business metric. From her early days folding towels at a gym to becoming a leader in cellular health and DNA testing, Meg shares how optimizing the human behind the brand is the ultimate key to scaling a successful company.We dive deep into:The "Bio Code" Program: How DNA and cellular testing can eliminate the guesswork in your nutrition and recovery.Midwest Health Traps: Why "Iowa tough" business owners often burn out by neglecting self-care.Why "strong is beautiful" and how lifting heavy builds the confidence CEOs need to win.Habits Over Motivation: The power of small, consistent movements and the "progressive overload" of life. "Your body conquers what your mind controls." — Meg Corson ⏱️ Conversation Timestamps00:06 – Introduction: Why health is a business metric 02:05 – The danger of neglecting internal health as an entrepreneur 04:21 – Meg’s 20-year journey: From the front desk to cellular health 07:37 – Finding empowerment: How fitness became a "Bible" for control 10:34 – Evolving from "No Pain, No Gain" to corrective exercise 13:39 – Building a fitness "tribe" in the Midwest 16:43 – Breaking the intimidation barrier for women in the gym 20:13 – A personal mission: How the loss of her father fueled her passion 23:18 – Finding your "Why" to fuel your discipline 26:49 – The Bio Code: Testing DNA vs. guessing with diets 30:45 – Cellular Nutrition: Seeing inside your cells 35:01 – The scary truth about the health of the next generation 41:37 – The "Wired and Tired" trap of caffeine and low sleep 44:43 – The truth about Ozempic, GLP-1s, and "Skinny Fat" 52:18 – Biohacking favorites: The power of the sauna 57:03 – Raising a 16-year-old "discipline machine" 1:01:43 – Why you should "Chase Failure" 1:06:18 – Unlocking the "Inner Bada**" for women 1:10:02 – Future Goals: Reaching 1 million people through Bio Code 🔗 Connect with Meg CorsonWebsite: MadeStrongMethod.com Instagram: @MadeStrongMethod LinkedIn: Meg CorsonThanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

April 20, 2026Episode 1071 hr 21 min

Ep. 107: The Secret $0 A.I. Strategy Every Business Owner Should Be Using w/ Adam Viet

In this episode of the Rhymes Podcast, we sit down with Iowa-based growth strategist Adam Viet, founder of Big Creek Growth, to break down how small business owners can actually use AI—not just talk about it.While most people are distracted by the hype, Adam focuses on what matters:👉 Practical AI workflows👉 Saving time and increasing efficiency👉 Helping solopreneurs and small businesses scale smarterIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI tools or unsure where to start, this episode gives you a clear, actionable path forward.🔑 What You’ll Learn:Why AI isn’t just for big tech companiesThe easiest ways to start using AI (for FREE)Real-world examples of automation saving hours per weekHow small businesses can compete using AI toolsThe future of AI and what’s coming next👤 About Adam Viet:Adam is an Iowa-based growth strategist helping businesses implement high-leverage AI workflows. He’s also the host of the Shooters Touch Basketball Podcast and author of Iowa Startup Silo.----------Timestamps:⏱️ Episode Breakdown(00:00) Intro & Guest IntroductionMeet Adam VietAI strategist helping small businesses implement automationFocus on practical use vs hype(02:02) Why Small Business Owners Should Care About AIAI helps eliminate repetitive tasksMakes operations more efficientFrees up time for growth(03:19) Adam’s Background & Early LifeGrowing up in small-town IowaFarm work and sports shaping work ethic(04:44) From College Athlete to Business OwnerPlayed basketball at UNITransition from fitness → insurance → recruiting(07:13) Career Turning Point & Starting a BusinessRecruiting for a robotics surgery companyLayoff becomes opportunityLaunching Big Creek Growth(09:10) Why AI Demand is ExplodingOverwhelming number of toolsBusiness owners don’t know where to start(11:28) Biggest AI MisconceptionsAI ≠ robotsYou don’t need to automate your entire businessStart with one task(13:05) Best Free AI Tools to Start WithUsing Google GeminiAnalyzing emails, documents, and dataSimple, no-cost entry points(15:07) High-ROI AI Workflows for BusinessesAI phone answering systemsAutomated schedulingData entry automation(17:20) What is a “Fractional Workforce”?Hiring part-time experts (like a CTO)High-level talent without full-time costAccess to experience + network(20:12) Real AI Use Case: Lead Generation AutomationAI scraping contactsAutomated email sequencesScaling outreach without manual work(22:20) Where Businesses Are Losing Time & MoneyMissed calls = lost revenueOwners doing everything themselvesIdentifying the “hole in the boat”(24:47) Must-Have AI Tools for EntrepreneursGoogle GeminiAI assistants (like Lindy)Email automation tools(27:09) Automating Scheduling & WorkflowsCalendly exampleEliminating back-and-forth emailsSaving hours weekly(30:28) AI Assistants & Daily ProductivityText-based AI assistantsManaging schedules and tasksReducing inbox overload(33:10) The AI Arms Race (Google vs Apple vs Others)Big tech competitionIntegration will be the key differentiator(43:19) The Future of AI (Next 3–5 Years)Big companies absorbing smaller toolsFewer standalone platformsMore all-in-one ecosystems(46:14) AI “Slop” & Over-Automation ProblemsLow-quality AI content (especially on LinkedIn)Importance of editing and personalizationUsing AI for ideas—not final output(48:57) Training AI to Sound Like YouCustomizing tone and voiceAvoiding generic contentImproving over time(50:59) Privacy vs Convenience DebateTradeoffs of using AI toolsAdoption will increase over timeSimilar to early internet adoption(52:26) Real-Life AI Workflow ExampleMeal planning → grocery list → orderingEliminating decision fatigueAI as a daily life assistant--------Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast. Make sure to subscribe to catch future interviews. Follow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast

April 13, 2026Episode 1061 hr 26 min

Ep. 106: Her Coffee Shop's Biggest Revenue Stream - A Horse Trailer! w/ Mel Clark

From the NICU to the espresso machine! In this episode, we sit down with Mel Clark, the founder of Vintage Road Coffee Co., to discuss her incredible journey of turning a rusted-out horse trailer into a thriving coffee empire.Mel shares the raw reality of leaving a stable career in nursing to bet on herself, the "failure" that taught her the most, and how she’s single-handedly helping to rebuild the community of Granger, Iowa. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a coffee lover, Mel’s story about "bringing color where it’s gray" is the inspiration you need today.In this episode, we discuss:How to pivot from a 20-year career into a brand-new industry.The "Rust Bucket" transformation: Turning a 1970s trailer into a business.Why paying your employees more actually saves you money.The secret to finding off-market real estate for your business.Connect with Mel & Vintage Road Coffee Co:📍 Visit the shop: 2206 Broadway Street, Granger, IA00:00 – Starting a business from a horse trailer.01:58 – Leaving the NICU: Why a nurse started a coffee shop.04:30 – Building the "Vintage Road" brand from scratch.09:13 – Why nursing is the ultimate training for entrepreneurship.17:58 – Finding a rusted 1970s trailer on Facebook Marketplace.21:58 – The "accidental" success of the mobile coffee business.35:53 – Opening a shop inside the hospital where she used to work.39:07 – Owner vs. Operator: Knowing when to hire experts.54:37 – The Madrid Failure: What happens when a location fails?58:46 – How a massage led to her dream real estate deal.1:12:03 – Why Mel pays her staff more than the competition.1:19:16 – Rebuilding Main Street and the future of Granger.