TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton

Hosted by Dustin Sutton

Business EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn X / Twitter YouTube

Episodes

121

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

You are building something. A business, a career, a life that actually means something. Tools, Talents, and Techniques is where founders, operators, and leaders share exactly how they did it. Host Dustin Sutton goes beyond the highlight reel to uncover the decisions, systems, and mindset shifts that separate people who talk about success from people who build it. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe and start listening. © Sutton Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 6, 202644 min

Ep. 115 | From Court to Courtroom: Tracy Schimelfenig's Journey in Sports and Law

🏀 From Court to Courtroom: Tracy Schimelfenig on Sports Law, NIL, and the Future of Women's Sports She went from college basketball player to courtroom. And she will tell you the skills that made her a great athlete are the same ones that make her a great attorney. Tracy Schimelfenig is the founder and Managing Attorney of Schimelfenig Legal, a San Diego-based firm focused on sports, business, and nonprofit law. With 20 years of experience spanning litigation, in-house counsel, and transactional work, Tracy brings a perspective to sports law that most attorneys simply do not have. She has lived it as an athlete, and now she fights for the people still in it. 🔑 What You Will Learn How basketball shaped Tracy's entire approach to thinking and practicing law What sports law actually covers including NIL, athlete representation, and stadium deals Why the NIL space is still the Wild West and what athletes need to know right now The mental health and identity challenges athletes face when their playing days end Why women's sports is one of the biggest investment opportunities in the market today 🕐 Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Tracy's Background in Sports and Law 02:45 How Tracy Fell in Love with Basketball 05:46 Athletic Identity and College Basketball Journey 09:22 Mentors, Coaches, and Lessons Learned from Sports 12:50 Deciding to Pursue Law and Early Influences 14:01 Law School and Developing a Strategic Mindset 16:16 How Sports Shaped Her Approach to Law 19:39 Specializing in Sports Law and Athlete Advocacy 22:50 NIL and the Evolving Landscape of Sports Business 25:10 Women's Sports Initiatives and Community Impact 27:53 Future Projects and Her Vision for Her Firm 47:14 Mental Health, Injuries, and the Athlete's Journey 47:49 Parting Words and Advice for Listeners 🔗 Resources Mentioned The Hoopers Collective: https://www.thehooperscollective.com Schimelfenig Legal: https://www.schimelfeniglegal.com 🔗 Connect with Tracy Schimelfenig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyschimelfenig Website: https://www.schimelfeniglegal.com 🎙️ About Tools, Talents, and Techniques Hosted by Dustin Sutton, Tools Talents and Techniques is a podcast for founders, operators, and professionals who want to go deeper than surface-level success stories. Every episode unpacks how high performers think, decide, and build things that last. 🌐 toolstalentstechniques.com 🎬 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton 🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a

July 21, 202656 min

Ep. 114 | San Diego's Economic Powerhouse: Talent, Trade & Leadership w/ Mark Cafferty

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cafferty of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to unpack what's really driving San Diego's economy — from cross-border trade with Mexico to the talent pipelines fueling regional growth. Mark shares how the EDC engages with industry, the leadership lessons he's picked up from mentors and other cities, and why data-driven decision-making sits at the center of good economic development. We also get into the housing supply conversation and what it will actually take for San Diego households to thrive. 🔑 What You Will Learn • How San Diego's economy is structured and which industries are driving its growth • Why the cross-border relationship with Mexico matters more than most people realize • The leadership principles shaping how the EDC operates and communicates across industries • How San Diego attracts and develops the talent that fuels long-term growth • Why data-driven decision-making is central to smart, effective economic development 🕐 Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to Mark Cafferty and the EDC 2:03 San Diego's Economic Landscape 5:01 Cross-Border Economic Relationships 8:42 Mark's Journey to San Diego 13:40 Communication and Engagement Strategies 19:44 Understanding Industry Needs 24:33 Building a Positive Organizational Culture 27:26 Influential Leadership: Lessons from Mentors 31:27 Learning from Experience: The Value of Observing Others 32:20 Cross-City Learning: Gaining Insights from Other Regions 38:16 Building a Strong Research Foundation: The Role of Data 42:10 Addressing Regional Challenges: Prioritizing Economic Development 48:17 Strategies for Thriving Households: Economic Solutions San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation: https://www.sandiegobusiness.org/ Cross-Border Trade and Collaboration: https://www.sandiegobusiness.org/cross-border/ 🔗 Connect with Mark Cafferty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-cafferty-61b3765/ 📲 Subscribe and leave a review if this episode brought you value. 🌐 toolstalentstechniques.com Tune into our episodes on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a Instagram: @the3Tpod X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod Music provided by C€$ on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww #SanDiego #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #CrossBorderTrade #Talent #SmallBusiness #ToolsTalentsAndTechniques

June 25, 202644 min

Ep. 113 | Data Ownership Is the New CRE Advantage | Bill Douglas - OpticWise

Bill Douglas has had more than one moment that changed the trajectory of his life. In this episode, he shares the wild story behind one of them, and how it shaped the way he thinks about resilience, risk, and building a business that lasts. Bill is the CEO of OpticWise and co-author of Peak Property Performance , a Fast Company Press bestseller. His company helps commercial real estate owners take back control of their data and digital infrastructure instead of leaving it in the hands of vendors. Bill brings decades of experience applying modern technology to one of the slowest-moving industries out there, and he has the war stories and the wins to back it up. This conversation covers life lessons that go way beyond real estate, the entrepreneurial mindset that got Bill here, and why data ownership might be the single most overlooked advantage available to property owners today. 🔑 What You Will Learn The life-changing lesson Bill learned from a near-death experience with a coral snake How Bill built and grew a business by applying modern technology to an old industry Why data ownership and digital infrastructure are becoming the real differentiators in commercial real estate How smart delegation and empowering your team changes everything about how you lead What the future of commercial real estate technology actually looks like 🕐 Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bill Douglas and His Journey 01:57 The Coral Snake Bite That Changed Everything 09:35 Twenty Years Later: A Skiing Accident to the Day 12:52 Choosing Accountability Over a Lawsuit 15:28 The $100,000 Tip and Empowering Employees 18:45 Bill's Five Questions for True Delegation 21:45 How Bill Found Commercial Real Estate 24:53 Why Owners Resist Adopting New Technology 28:05 The Question That Sparked the Book 33:43 Machine Learning, NLP, and Robotics in CRE 37:50 Due Diligence and the Hidden Value of Data 40:21 Which Asset Classes See the Biggest Impact 43:06 Setting Up Part Two OpticWise: https://www.opticwise.com 🔗 Connect with Bill Douglas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billdouglas/ Website: https://www.opticwise.com Peak Property Performance (book and podcast): https://www.peakpropertyperformance.com 🎙️ About Tools, Talents, and Techniques Hosted by Dustin Sutton, Tools Talents and Techniques is a podcast for founders, operators, and professionals who want to go deeper than surface-level success stories. Every episode unpacks how high performers think, decide, and build things that last. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review if this episode brought you value. 🌐 toolstalentstechniques.com

June 3, 202650 min

Ep. 112 | How AI Is Disrupting Commercial Real Estate | Dan Mosher, DealGround

🏢 AI Is Disrupting Commercial Real Estate. Here's What That Actually Looks Like. Dan Mosher has been early to almost every major tech wave of the last 25 years. Food delivery. Electric vehicles. Programmatic advertising. Now he's setting his sights on commercial real estate, and the timing could not be better. Dan is the CEO and co-founder of DealGround, an AI-native data platform that combines fragmented property and market data into one searchable system spanning 62M+ properties. Before launching DealGround, he led the merchant team at Postmates through its $4.4B acquisition by Uber and served as SVP/GM of BrightRoll Exchange ahead of its $640M sale to Yahoo. In this episode, Dan and Dustin unpack how AI is reshaping the way brokers access data, build pipelines, and close deals, and why the brokers who adapt fastest will have a massive competitive advantage. 🔑 What You Will Learn Why being early is both a superpower and a liability, and how Dan navigated both How DealGround is stitching together siloed CRE data into one AI-powered interface Why the new crop of brokers is the catalyst for industry-wide adoption How AI agents can now write outreach letters, pull ownership data, and build prospect lists in seconds Why curiosity is the most underrated skill in the AI era How to make yourself a 10X employee using the tools that are already available to you 🕐 Episode Chapters 00:00 Making Yourself a 10X Employee with AI 00:39 Welcome Dan Mosher, CEO of DealGround 01:29 What DealGround Is Building and Why 02:02 From Morgan Stanley to Web 1.0 and Beyond 04:44 Always Early: Lessons from Webvan, EVs, and Mobile 06:05 BrightRoll and the Birth of Programmatic Video 09:53 Postmates and the Restaurant Delivery Revolution 16:30 What Stays Constant Across Every Stage of Growth 20:29 Why Commercial Real Estate Was Ready for Disruption 22:46 Stitching Together Siloed Data with LLMs 26:17 How Dan Validated the Problem Before Building the Product 31:36 DealGround vs. the Incumbents: The Clean Sheet Advantage 35:45 AI Certifications, Curiosity, and Cross-Industry Thinking 39:44 Making Brokers 10X More Efficient 41:39 How Dan's Team Uses AI Across Sales, Product, and Engineering 46:52 Democratizing Access to CRE Data 48:18 Parting Words: Build Your Skills, Embrace the Tools 🔗 Connect with Dan Mosher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmosher DealGround: https://www.dealground.com 🎙️ About Tools, Talents, and Techniques Hosted by Dustin Sutton, Tools Talents and Techniques is a podcast for founders, operators, and professionals who want to go deeper than surface-level success stories. Every episode unpacks how high performers think, decide, and build things that last. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review if this episode brought you value. 🌐 toolstalentstechniques.com

May 20, 202651 min

Ep. 111 | Commercial Real Estate Fundamentals That Never Change | Peter Quinn of Kidder Matthews

Here are the full optimized RSS show notes: Peter Quinn has seen commercial real estate from every angle. IBM sales training, land development, market crashes, and the digital transformation reshaping how deals get done today. Through all of it one thing has remained constant. The fundamentals work if you work them. In Episode 111, Dustin sits down with Peter Quinn of Kidder Matthews to unpack a career built on resilience, relationship building, and a relentless commitment to staying sharp in one of the most dynamic industries in the world. If you are building a career in commercial real estate or trying to navigate a market that never stops moving, this conversation is exactly what you need to hear. 🔑 Key Topics Covered From IBM to Commercial Real Estate How Peter's sales training at IBM shaped his approach to CRE What the pivot from tech to real estate taught him about transferable skills Why cold calling and fundamentals still matter in a digital world Building Relationships and Acting as a Trusted Advisor Why the best CRE professionals lead with advice not transactions How to navigate client relationships and manage expectations effectively The role of trusted networks like Provisors in building a sustainable business Tools and Technology in Modern CRE The tools and apps Peter uses to stay ahead in today's market Why CRM is non-negotiable for serious real estate professionals How staying informed through consistent reading creates a consistent edge Land Development and Market Trends Navigating land development opportunities in the San Diego market How resilience through market cycles separates long term producers What Peter sees coming in the future of commercial real estate Lessons from the Advertising Business How a background in advertising sharpened Peter's communication skills The crossover between marketing thinking and real estate strategy Why self discovery and resilience go hand in hand in any career 💡 Key Takeaways The fundamentals of sales and relationship building never go out of style Acting as a trusted advisor rather than a transaction broker builds a career that lasts CRM is not optional for anyone serious about building a real estate business Resilience through market cycles is what separates long term producers from short term players Continuous learning and staying informed give you a consistent edge in any market Transferable skills from outside the industry are often the biggest competitive advantages inside it 🔗 Resources Mentioned Provisors Network: https://www.provisors.com/ Kidder Matthews: https://www.kidder.com/ 🔗 Connect with Peter Quinn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterquinn/ Website: https://www.kidder.com/ Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com #CommercialRealEstate #LandDevelopment #Resilience #SanDiego #the3tpod

May 5, 20261 hr 7 min

Ep. 110: Joshua Volen of CIRE Equity on Mindset, Culture & CRE Success

Joshua Volen did not stumble into commercial real estate. He built toward it, one lesson at a time, starting from childhood ventures that taught him more about business than any classroom ever could. In Episode 110, Dustin sits down with Joshua Volen, co-founder of CIRE Equity, to unpack how authenticity, vulnerability, and a fundamental shift from scarcity to abundance mindset transformed his approach to leadership, culture, and commercial real estate investing. 🔑 Key Topics Childhood Influences and Early Entrepreneurship How growing up in a unique household shaped Joshua's identity and drive Early business ventures that laid the foundation for his real estate career The lessons from family dynamics that still inform how he leads today Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership Why being the same in all situations is a leadership superpower How vulnerability builds trust faster than any management strategy The connection between personal identity and professional performance Mindset: From Scarcity to Abundance The shift that changed everything about how Joshua approaches business How fear can be reframed rather than a reason to stop Navigating the tension between fear and love in business decisions Building a People Centric Company Culture The core values behind CIRE Equity and how they show up daily Why psychological safety is the foundation of high performing teams How communication shapes culture from the inside out Commercial Real Estate and Business Growth Joshua's path from early ventures into commercial real estate Lessons learned from deals that did not go as planned What launching CIRE Equity taught him about vision and execution 💡 Key Takeaways Authenticity is not just a personal value it is a business strategy Scarcity mindset is the silent killer of growth in business and in life Fear does not have to stop you. In the right hands it becomes rocket fuel Psychological safety is the foundation every high performing culture is built on Vulnerability builds trust faster than any policy or process ever will 🧠 Memorable Insights "Be the same in all situations." "LOVE is my rocket fuel." 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Commercial real estate investors and operators Entrepreneurs building companies with strong culture Leaders working on mindset and personal development Anyone navigating fear and trying to turn it into forward momentum 📚 Resources Mentioned Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612680194 Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345472322 🔗 Resources and Links CIRE Equity: https://cireequity.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-volen-0759344/ Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com

April 21, 202637 min

Ep. 109: The Lawyer for Lawyers | Jonathan Hawkins on Law Firm Breakups, Partnerships, and Building a Unique Legal Practice

Jonathan Hawkins built a legal practice most lawyers never considered. He represents law firms themselves, navigating breakups, partnership disputes, and business divorces that tear firms apart from the inside. In Episode 109, Dustin sits down with Jonathan to unpack how he went from engineering to law, found one of the most underserved niches in the legal industry, and built a practice around serving firms no one else focused on. If you are building a business, managing a partnership, or thinking about how to stand out, this one is for you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered From Engineering to Law His unconventional path and what drew him away from a technical career How his engineering background shapes his approach to complex legal problems Finding the Niche: Lawyer for Lawyers How Jonathan identified an underserved market inside the legal industry What law firm breakups and business divorces look like from the inside Communication and Trust in Partnerships The patterns Jonathan sees most in law firm disputes How resentment builds when communication breaks down Coaches, Mentors, and Mindset Why even high performers need outside perspective The mindset shift that separates good lawyers from great ones Marketing and Content Creation Newsletters, social media, and building an audience with consistency How authentic content builds trust in a crowded field 💡 Key Takeaways Niching down is a competitive advantage, not a limitation Communication breakdowns drive most partnership failures Consistency in content creation compounds over time Staying true to yourself is a strategy 🧠 Memorable Insight "You need to stay true to yourself." — Jonathan Hawkins 📈 Why This Matters Jonathan flipped the model entirely and built a practice around serving the firms themselves. This is a masterclass in finding a gap, going all in, and standing out. 🔗 Resources & Links https://www.lawfirmgc.com/ https://www.lawfirmgc.com/podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hawkins-law-firm-general-counsel/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-firm-gc/ Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com #LegalBusiness #LawFirm #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPartnerships #the3tpod

April 7, 202649 min

Ep. 108: The Future of Retail with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital

What does the future of retail actually look like? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Andy Weiner, President of Rockstep Capital, to break down the real story behind retail’s evolution. While many headlines focus on the rise of e-commerce, Andy explains why physical retail is not only surviving, but in many cases thriving. From shifting market dynamics to smart investment strategies, this conversation unpacks how the strongest retailers are adapting, expanding, and redefining success in today’s environment. 🔑 Key Topics Covered The Reality Behind Retail’s Comeback Retail is not dying. It is consolidating and strengthening Weak operators have been pushed out, leaving stronger brands behind Surviving retailers are now in expansion mode Supply and Demand Advantage New shopping center development has slowed significantly Existing centers are benefiting from limited supply Landlords can upgrade tenant mix and increase rents E-commerce vs Brick-and-Mortar Physical stores are still critical to growth Stores act as customer acquisition tools Opening a store often boosts online sales in that market Rockstep Capital’s Investment Strategy Focus on secondary and tertiary “hometown” markets Target areas with strong economic drivers like universities and military bases Partner with local business leaders to reduce risk and improve execution The “Rock Step” Philosophy Stay agile and adaptable Build a culture that responds quickly to change Prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term wins 💡 Key Takeaways Retail is evolving, not disappearing Strong operators are gaining more market share Scarcity of new development is creating real opportunity Physical retail and e-commerce work together, not against each other Local market insight can be a major competitive advantage 🧠 Memorable Insight “Retail isn’t going away. The best operators are just getting stronger and more strategic.” 🎯 Who This Episode Is For Commercial real estate professionals Retail investors and developers Entrepreneurs interested in physical + digital strategy Anyone trying to understand where retail is headed 📈 Why This Conversation Matters This episode challenges the narrative that retail is fading and replaces it with a more nuanced, data-driven perspective. If you are in real estate or investing, understanding these dynamics is not optional. It is a competitive advantage. 🔗 Resources & Links https://rockstep.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/ https://www.youtube.com/@TheShoppingCenterChannel Podcast Homepage: toolstalentstechniques.com #CommercialRealEstate #RetailStrategy #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #the3tpod

March 12, 202656 min

Ep. 107: The Psychology of Employee Motivation - with Dr Bob Nelson & Mario Tamayo

Employee recognition and leadership are two of the most important drivers of employee engagement and workplace culture. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques , Dustin Sutton sits down with management expert Dr. Bob Nelson and leadership advisor Mario Tamayo to discuss how meaningful recognition improves motivation, performance, and team loyalty. Dr. Bob Nelson, named the #1 management guru in the world for three consecutive years , shares research-backed leadership strategies that help organizations build stronger cultures and more engaged employees. Together with Mario Tamayo, the conversation explores the disconnect between how managers believe they recognize employees and how employees actually experience recognition in the workplace. Key Topics Covered • Why employee recognition is critical for engagement and performance • The disconnect between managers’ perception of recognition and employees’ experiences • How personalized recognition creates stronger motivation than generic rewards • Practical techniques leaders can use to recognize and encourage employees • The importance of hiring for cultural fit and long-term potential • Why learning from mistakes is essential for growth and development • How leadership influences workplace culture and morale • The role of soft skills in modern management Learn More About Our Guests Dr. Bob Nelson https://drbobnelson.com/ Mario Tamayo https://www.tamayogroup.com/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a Follow the Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/ X https://twitter.com/the3tpod Music provided by C€$ on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww?si=yNBmIPqIT7-56hAmfvqShA #Leadership #EmployeeRecognition #Management

February 25, 202649 min

Faith Meets Business: Bishop Kevin Foreman on Mindset, Action & Purpose (Ep. 106)

***Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.*** Bishop Kevin Foreman shares how faith, entrepreneurship, mindset, and execution unlock your full potential. In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, we explore spiritual leadership, business growth, personal development, and the discipline of taking action. Known as “The People’s Bishop,” Bishop Kevin Foreman discusses starting his first business at age 12, why you should never demonize your differences, and how prioritization beats balance. He explains why rejection can be protection, why most barriers are mental, and why execution separates dreamers from leaders. We also dive into his History Makers initiative and the responsibility each of us has to recognize our role in something bigger than ourselves. If you are building a business, leading a team, strengthening your faith, or sharpening your mindset, this conversation will challenge and equip you. 🎯 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bishop Kevin Foreman 01:56 Faith, Business & The 360 Life Approach 4:27 Starting a Business at 12 07:19 Don’t Demonize Your Differences 10:08 Entrepreneurship and Ministry 17:23 Embracing Your Uniqueness 20:54 Prioritization vs Balance 27:45 Church Planting and Vision 30:10 Marketing & Modern Ministry 37:17 Power of Testimonies 39:56 Overcoming Mental Barriers 42:53 History Makers Movement 45:52 Think Big, Execute Small 49:43 Final Thoughts 🔗 Connect with Bishop Kevin Foreman Harvest Church: https://www.harvestchurch.church/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinforeman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinforeman YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUtL6RSfO3WV2_k-EwWUm7A #FaithAndBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership 🎙 Listen to Tools, Talents & Techniques YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/