Student of the Game

Hosted by Brad Noll

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Student of the Game Podcast with host, Brad Noll, realtor, entrepreneur, and athlete. This season, Brad will bring you inspiring conversations with accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs who will share their journeys to success. He will explore the challenges they've faced, the triumphs that made their efforts worthwhile, and the mentors who guided them along the way. Join us this season as we learn from the best and work together to achieve success in life and business. Let's win TOGETHER.

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May 29, 202642 min

Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Confidence with Erica Hyatt from Breastie Boxes

Brad Noll sits down with Erica Hyatt, founder of Breastie Boxes and a five-year breast cancer survivor, to talk about turning a life-altering diagnosis into a mission that has now reached more than 3,700 patients across Northeast Indiana and beyond. Erica was a 39-year-old elementary teacher and mom of four when a routine high-risk MRI led to a stage two HER2-positive diagnosis in 2021. Nine months into survivorship, she and a friend set out to assemble 20 care packages. That small act of service quickly snowballed into a community-fueled nonprofit.This conversation goes beyond the boxes. Erica unpacks the gaps she experienced as a patient, the difference between solitude and isolation, and why hope is the most underrated tool in any hard season. She talks about the messy, beautiful work of building an organization from scratch with no nonprofit experience, the discipline of saying no to protect what matters, and the emotional weight of leading in a space where the people you serve are hurting.Whether you run a small business, lead a nonprofit, or are simply navigating a hard chapter, Erica's story is a masterclass in empathy, intentionality, and showing up one step at a time. As she puts it, "We could either let cancer eat us, or we could eat it." That mindset is the through line of everything she has built.Key Takeaways● Out of your pain comes your purpose. Erica turned a stage two diagnosis into a mission that has reached thousands of patients, proving that the hardest seasons can produce the most meaningful work.● Empathy and perspective are non-negotiable fundamentals. Whether you run a nonprofit, a small business, or a team, knowing the people you serve well enough to anticipate their needs is what separates good from great.● Fill the gap. Erica did not invent a new product; she identified what was missing from patient care and built something tangible to meet that need. Great operators in any industry do the same thing.● Hope counteracts fear. You cannot always control outcomes, but you can control mindset. As Erica says, "What bad could happen from having hope?"● Healthy boundaries prevent burnout. The first two years she said yes to everything and paid for it. Rest, intentional no's, and even a weekly mahjong game are how she keeps her tank full.● You can only learn as fast as you can. Growing fast and humbly admitting you do not have it all figured out are not opposites. They are how sustainable organizations get built.● Relationships win. From Brad's wife Lindsay sparking the introduction, to mentors like Krista Lehman and Michelle Ditton helping Erica navigate the nonprofit world, every meaningful chapter of this story traces back to people.● Win the moment. Lou Holtz's WIN, "What's Important Now," is the same advice Erica gives newly diagnosed patients. One appointment, one chemo session, one step at a time.Connect● Brad Noll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradnoll24/● Noll Team Real Estate: https://www.nollteam.com● Breastie Boxes: https://www.breastieboxes.comAbout Noll Team Real EstateSince 2003, Noll Team Real Estate has been helping people in the Fort Wayne area find the freedom to live the lifestyle they want. Despite changing markets and business tactics, we have remained true to this better and improved business model by focusing on building relationships and serving others in everything we do. Whatever stage of life you are in, our goal is to provide you with the wisdom and tools necessary when buying or selling a home. We put you first to ensure an enjoyable and profitable experience.#StudentOfTheGame #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #MasterTheFundamentals #RealEstate #RealProducers #Mindset #WinAtLife #BreastieBoxes #BreastCancerAwareness #FortWayne #Nonprofit #Resilience #Community #OutOfPainComesPurposeMentioned in this episode:Work with Noll Team Real Estate Today!Noll Team Real Estate

May 15, 202648 min

Wisdom for the Road with Mitch Kruse

Mitch Kruse grew up in a family that helped invent the modern collector car auction. By 18 he was the youngest licensed Realtor in the country. By 20 he had sold the first car to ever change hands for a million dollars cash, delivered to Tom Monahan at home plate in Tiger Stadium. By 27, an IRS raid and a recession nearly took it all down. What happened next is the heart of this conversation.Brad Noll sits down with Mitch Kruse to walk through a story most Fort Wayne entrepreneurs have heard about but never heard told. From the 1971 Auburn auction behind a Dairy Queen that drew 15,000 people, to building 50 annual collector car events, to selling the company to eBay in 1999, Mitch unpacks the fundamentals that built the business: listening, locking eyes, marketing with intention, and serving people before profit.But this is more than an auction story. It is a story about changing the scorecard from money to wisdom, from religion to relationship, and from striving for flawless to surrendering to the Restorer. Whether you are running a small business, leading a team, or chasing a dream, Mitch's framework for the house of leadership and the practice of authenticity will give you something to chew on long after the episode ends.Key Takeaways● Change the scorecard. Mitch's uncle asked him a question that changed his life: have you ever thought about changing the scorecard from money to wisdom? Wisdom is God's heart intersecting with street smarts.● Relationship beats remuneration. People before profit is not a slogan, it is a strategy. The world flocks to people who put others' needs ahead of their own.● Communication is the dying art that will define the next decade. Listening, eye contact, tone, and presence are becoming the most valuable skills in a culture that has forgotten them.● Authenticity is the most powerful word in a postmodern culture. The more people deconstruct, the more they reward consistency. Be the same person on stage, at home, and alone in the car.● Perfect practice makes perfect. John Wooden was right. Ask yourself: what process would I do if the end result did not matter? That answer tells you what you love.● Surrender the old, surrender the pieces, surrender the new. You cannot self-restore. The Restorer takes the basket case apart and rebuilds it piece by piece.● Build the house of leadership on humility, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The rare and beautiful treasures inside are relationships.● Generosity replaces greed. A greedy heart is never satisfied. A generous heart is free.Connect● Student of the Game Podcast: https://www.nollteam.com/podcast● Brad Noll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradnoll● Noll Team Real Estate: https://www.nollteam.com● Mitch Kruse: https://www.mitchkruse.comAbout Noll Team Real EstateSince 2003, Noll Team Real Estate has been helping people in the Fort Wayne area find the freedom to live the lifestyle they want. Despite changing markets and business tactics, we have remained true to this better and improved business model by focusing on building relationships and serving others in everything we do. Whatever stage of life you are in, our goal is to provide you with the wisdom and tools necessary when buying or selling a home. We put you first to ensure an enjoyable and profitable experience.#StudentOfTheGame #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #MasterTheFundamentals #RealEstate #RealProducers #Mindset #WinAtLife #FortWayne #CollectorCars #Auctioneer #Wisdom #Restoration #RelationshipsWin #FaithInBusinessMentioned in this episode:Work with Noll Team Real Estate Today!Noll Team Real Estate

May 1, 202631 min

From the Court to Clippers, How Pro Volleyball Player Jeff Ptak Built a Winning Salon Business

From Buffalo to Fort Wayne, from NCAA Final Four glory to pro courts across Italy, Russia, Brazil, and beyond, Jeff Ptak turned a decade-plus volleyball career into a second act as one of Fort Wayne's most sought-after salon owners. In this conversation, Brad Noll and Jeff unpack how fundamentals, client experience, and authentic relationships translate across sports, small business, and life.Key Takeaways● Fundamentals are non-negotiable. Whether it's footwork in volleyball or the client consultation in a salon, the small, repeatable basics are what separate successful businesses from stalled ones.● Client experience is paramount. People don't want to be a number. A 12-minute chain-salon haircut can't build rapport; slowing down to ask questions and understand the person is the difference maker.● Two things can be true at once. You can be fully present in your current chapter while intentionally building toward your next one. Jeff knew at 12 he'd cut hair after sports, and that clarity drove both careers.● Adversity can be a gift. COVID shut Jeff down for nine-plus weeks right as he was opening his salon. When the doors reopened, demand exploded and his client base grew faster than it would have otherwise.● Happiness is the real scoreboard. After chasing the game around the world, Jeff's definition of winning is simple: a quiet night at home with the people he loves.● Problem-solving is the job. Every head of hair is unique. Great operators in any field diagnose first, then execute.Guest InfoName: Jeff PtakFormer professional volleyball player who starred at IPFW, earning All-American honors, MIVA Player of the Year in 2003, and helping lead the team to the 1999 NCAA Final Four. He played professionally for over a decade in countries including Italy, Russia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the UAE, and now owns a small business in Fort Wayne, Indiana.Company: Jeffrey Benjamin Hair (Fort Wayne, IN)Resources● Jeffrey Benjamin Hair: https://www.jeffreybenjaminhair.com● IPFW (now Purdue University Fort Wayne) Athletics: https://www.gomastodons.com● Allen County War Memorial Coliseum: https://www.memorialcoliseum.com● NCAA Men's Volleyball: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/volleyball-men● MIVA (Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association): https://www.mivavolleyball.com● USA Volleyball: https://www.usavolleyball.orgConnect● Student of the Game Podcast: https://www.nollteam.com/podcast● Brad Noll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradnoll● Noll Team Real Estate: https://www.nollteam.com● Jeff Ptak / Jeffrey Benjamin Hair: https://www.jeffreybenjaminhair.comAbout Noll Team Real EstateSince 2003, Noll Team Real Estate has been helping people in the Fort Wayne area find the freedom to live the lifestyle they want. Despite changing markets and business tactics, we have remained true to this better and improved business model by focusing on building relationships and serving others in everything we do. Whatever stage of life you are in, our goal is to provide you with the wisdom and tools necessary when buying or selling a home. We put you first to ensure an enjoyable and profitable experience.StudentOfTheGame #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #MasterTheFundamentals #RealEstate #RealProducers #Mindset #WinAtLife #Volleyball #FortWayne #SmallBusiness #IPFW #SalonOwner #ProAthlete #SecondAct #ClientExperience

April 17, 202652 min

How To Build a Community From Scratch with Jon Good

Jon Good, owner and publisher of Fort Wayne Real Producers and national training director for 130 markets, shares how selling Cutco knives at 18 launched an entrepreneurial journey that transformed the real estate community. From athlete to business owner, Jon unpacks the fundamentals of adding value, taking steps of faith, and closing the integrity gap between intention and action.Key Takeaways● Add value always: your clients owe you nothing, it is your job to earn the relationship● The integrity gap is the space between what you say you will do and what you actually do; high performers minimize it● Activity is king: consistent effort drives consistent results in any business● Step through open doors; if it is not the right one, it will close on its own● Stop competing, start collaborating; 85% of homes are co-brokered, and relationships win● Study success by sitting down with high performers and learning their stories● Follow the proven blueprint; steal with intention, practically everything (SWIPE)● Identify the top producers first, then focus your energy on building those relationships● Winning at life is defined by faith, family, and giving without expectation of returnGuest InfoJon Good ("Johnny Bueno")Owner and Publisher, Fort Wayne Real ProducersNational Training Director, Real Producers (130 markets)Based in Fort Wayne, IndianaResources● Real Producers Magazine: www.realproducersmag.com● The N2 Company (parent company): www.n2co.com● Cutco Cutlery: www.cutco.com● Vector Marketing: www.vectormarketing.com● Bethel University (Mishawaka, IN): www.betheluniversity.edu● University of Notre Dame: www.nd.edu● Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: www.naphill.org● NOLL Team Real Estate: www.nollteam.com● Lou Holtz (WIN philosophy): www.louholtz.comConnectStudent of the Game Podcast● Host: Brad Noll, Noll Team Real Estate● Website: https://www.nollteam.comGuest: Jon Good● Fort Wayne Real Producers: www.realproducersmag.com/fort-wayne● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-good-216277ba/Also, check out the Moving Fort Wayne podcast for real estate-specific content.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgOrL7ofkyBukIS3YKE9H1A and theAudio: https://movingfortwayne.captivate.fm/listenHashtags#StudentOfTheGame #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #MasterTheFundamentals #RealEstate #RealProducers #Mindset #WinAtLife #FortWayne #RelationshipsWin #AddValueAlways #Cutco #FaithInBusinessThis podcast was produced by Truth Work Media — helping businesses and organizations tell their story through strategic podcast production.Learn more: https://truthworkmedia.com/

April 3, 202652 min

Beyond Strategy: The Real Foundations of Success with Tyler Davis

This week, Brad speaks with Tyler Davis, owner of Triumph Studios. From navigating personal adversity and overcoming substance misuse to building a thriving business, Tyler breaks down the real foundations of success that go far beyond strategy.They discuss what it truly means to master the fundamentals of small business ownership, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, strong team dynamics, and authentic client relationships. Tyler talks about the role of preparation in facing challenges head-on, and why passion and consistency are essential for long-term growth.Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.

November 14, 202546 min

Winning with People: Mastering Team Culture with Matt Ransbottom

This week, host Brad Noll shifts gears from the field to the front office to take a closer look at the people side of performance and how great leadership off the field drives success.Brad talks with Matt Ransbottom, HR Manager at OmniSource, to break down what coaches and sports business leaders can learn from strong human resource practices. They dive into how building the right culture, hiring the right team, and managing transitions, both onboarding and offboarding, can make or break your organization. Matt shares practical strategies for aligning your core values with how you recruit and lead, creating an environment where athletes, staff, and businesses can thrive.Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.

October 31, 202550 min

Listening, Leading, and Creating Lasting Change with Keion Henderson

This week, Brad is joined by Keion Henderson, a renowned pastor, leader, and visionary, to explore the importance of mastering the fundamentals in every area of life. Keon shares powerful insights on why consistent practice is essential, not just for athletes or business leaders, but for anyone striving toward excellence.Their conversation dives into the role of resilience, showing how life’s challenges can shape us much like training shapes an athlete. Listen as they uncover lessons on personal growth, leadership, and the art of listening, all in the pursuit of true greatness.Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.

October 24, 202534 min

Building Your Brand with Asher Agency President Kara Kelley

In this episode of the Student of the Game podcast, host Brad Noll sits down with Kara Kelley, president and co-owner of distinguished marketing firm Asher Agency, to unpack what really makes a brand stand out.Together, Brad and Kara dive into the heart of branding, why it’s more than just a logo or tagline, and how it starts with truly knowing who you are, what you stand for, and who you’re trying to reach. Kara shares insights from her work leading a top marketing agency, breaking down how consistent, authentic branding builds trust and lasting recognition.Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.

October 10, 202547 min

Custom Fit for Success: What Golf Teaches Us About Business & Life

This week, Brad and guest Eric Touchet, owner of Touchet Performance Golf, explore the powerful parallels between mastering the fundamentals of golf and building a successful business. Eric walks through the evolution of his business, from the early challenges of getting started to the lessons learned about teamwork, relationships, and growth. Along the way, he offers stories and insights that resonate not only with golfers but also with entrepreneurs and small business owners.This conversation is about more than golf, it’s about passion, commitment, and the belief that consistent practice leads to lasting success. Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.

August 29, 202521 min

Stop Getting Stuck: Take Action

In this episode of The Student of the Game, Brad talks about the essential difference between knowledge and action, a gap that frequently stalls growth in both personal and professional life. He explores why decisive action matters, arguing that preparation alone holds little value without execution. Brad shares three key themes: first, that taking action is the driving force behind success; second, that clarity generates energy and motivation; and third, that relationships are indispensable, forming the bedrock of trust and collaboration. Listen as Brad shares how you can step into action, pursue clarity, and invest in relationships as you advance toward your goals.Noll Team Real EstateSINCE 2003, Noll Team Real Estate HAS BEEN HELPING PEOPLE IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA FIND THE FREEDOM TO LIVE THE LIFESTYLE THEY WANT.DESPITE CHANGING MARKETS AND BUSINESS TACTICS, WE HAVE REMAINED TRUE TO THIS BETTER AND IMPROVED BUSINESS MODEL BY FOCUSING ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND SERVING OTHERS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.WHATEVER STAGE OF LIFE YOU ARE IN, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE WISDOM AND TOOLS NECESSARY WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME. WE PUT YOU FIRST TO ENSURE AN ENJOYABLE AND PROFITABLE EXPERIENCE.