Join us on the Braving Business Podcast as we sit down with Adam Kroener, the co-founder of Carbliss, a trailblazer in the low-carb beverage industry. Adam's journey is filled with resilience, starting with his early days as a teenage father and Army veteran, to building Carbliss alongside his wife, Amanda. Named in honor of a close friend, Carbliss has achieved tremendous growth, earning the title of #1 Fastest Growing Company by Inc Regionals Midwest. Adam's story is one of vision, grit, and staying true to one’s values, all while navigating the competitive beverage market.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Adam's early life, from teenage fatherhood to his time in the Army, and the lessons that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

2. The inspiration behind Carbliss and Adam's motivation to address a personal need in a crowded market.

3. Insights on identifying market gaps and the importance of solving problems that resonate personally.

4. Overcoming doubts and setbacks in the initial days of Carbliss, and Adam’s approach to handling uncertainty.

5. Resilience and perseverance in business, with Adam's advice on enduring the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

6. The role of values in scaling a business, and how Adam has stayed grounded as Carbliss has grown.

7. Balancing the demands of business, health, and personal life as an entrepreneur.

8. Tips for turning a personal passion into a thriving business and bringing ideas to market.

9. Adam’s journey of building Carbliss with his wife, Amanda, and the dynamics of a husband-and-wife team.

10. Adam’s dedication to supporting veterans and troubled youth, and how his personal mission aligns with his business goals.

Quotable Moments:

"Resilience is about not sprinting but finding a sustainable pace for the long haul."

"The best ideas are the ones that come from personal passion and real-life problems."

Connect with Adam:

- Instagram: [@therealadamkroener](https://www.instagram.com/therealadamkroener/)

- LinkedIn: [Adam Kroener](https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kroener-not-a-seltzer-beverage-ready-to-drink-cocktail/)

- Carbliss Instagram: [@drinkcarbliss](https://www.instagram.com/drinkcarbliss/)

- Carbliss Facebook: [Drink Carbliss](https://www.facebook.com/drinkcarbliss)

Listener Engagement:

What parts of Adam's journey resonate with you? Share your own experiences of resilience and growth, and let us know how his story inspires your entrepreneurial path.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!

Join us on the Braving Business Podcast as we welcome Joe Huss, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Supply Chain BEST, with a career spanning over 25 years in global business development, product manufacturing, and supply chain management. Joe’s journey from his entrepreneurial family roots to launching his own ventures in North America and Asia is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. His story speaks to the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.

Key Points:

1. Impact of Early Experiences

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Joe witnessed both the triumphs and struggles of running a business.

2. Facing Major Challenges from a Young Age

At just 18 months old, Joe underwent heart surgery, a life event that drained his family’s resources and led to significant sacrifices. Joe reflects on how this shaped his sense of responsibility.

3. Early Influences and Passion for Self-Improvement

Joe’s introduction to personal development began as a teenager, setting the foundation for a lifetime of growth. His love for books like How to Win Friends and Influence People continues to guide his mindset.

4. Starting Over in a Foreign Country

Joe took the leap to Asia as a young entrepreneur with no safety net. He discusses the challenges and cultural insights gained from building a business far from home.

5. Lessons Learned from Adversity and Loss

Joe shares profound lessons learned from significant life events, including twice finding himself "homeless" and the resilience he developed to persevere through setbacks.

6. The Importance of Partnership

Through his journey, Joe highlights the qualities he seeks in partners, emphasizing the value of mutual trust and complementary strengths as key to long-term success.

7. Growth through Self-Reflection

In his career, Joe identified that personal growth is just as important as professional skills. He shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of honesty in facing personal weaknesses.

8. Fostering a Collaborative Business Culture

Joe discusses how building a strong company culture around trust and shared goals has become a cornerstone of his leadership approach, particularly in his work at Supply Chain BEST.

9. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

With decades of experience, Joe advises emerging entrepreneurs on overcoming self-doubt and finding resilience, especially when starting out.

10. Joe’s Vision for Supply Chain BEST and Future Goals

Looking ahead, Joe shares his plans for expanding partnerships and deepening collaborative relationships to drive business growth.

Quotable Moments:

- "I’ve learned that a company’s culture is a shadow of its leadership. The people you surround yourself with are a reflection of your heart."

- "The path to excellence begins with brutal honesty with oneself and the courage to tackle personal challenges head-on."

Connect with Joe Huss:

- LinkedIn: [Joe Huss](https://www.linkedin.com)

Listener Engagement:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Joe’s journey!

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the Braving Business Podcast wherever you listen. Stay brave!

Episode Summary:

Join us as we welcome Monte Holm, co-founder of World Financial Group (WFG), accomplished entrepreneur, and author of Expect to Win. From a challenging start to becoming a global leader in the financial services industry, Monte’s story is one of resilience, strategic planning, and unwavering focus. He shares insights on overcoming adversity, creating a vision for success, and the importance of preparation and execution. Monte’s journey is an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance, strong mindset, and clarity of purpose.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Monte’s early life challenges and the lessons they imparted on resilience and perseverance.

2. The journey from having “no leadership, no money, no vision” to co-founding an international financial services agency.

3. The concept of “Expect to Win” and how it shapes Monte’s approach to business and life.

4. The importance of near-perfect execution and how entrepreneurs can improve their strategic planning.

5. Managing distractions and staying laser-focused — 98% of winning, according to Monte.

6. Common mistakes people make when striving for financial success and practical tips to avoid them.

7. How to cultivate a winning mindset through preparation, strategic planning, and mental toughness.

8. The role of vision in achieving entrepreneurial success and how to define one’s path forward.

9. Monte’s philosophy on turning struggles into strengths and swiftly moving through setbacks.

10. Upcoming projects and Monte’s continued mission to help people “win the money game.”

11. Why deep-seated expectations drive success and how to cultivate an “Expect to Win” mentality.

12. Insights into Monte's personal journey of mentorship and leadership retreats, and how they shape his approach to business.

Quotable Moments:

“Strength comes from struggle. Wisdom and a strong mentality are born from adversity.”

“Deep down, most people expect to fail but hope to surprise themselves and win. Those who win, do so because they prepare and learn to ‘Expect to Win’.”

Connect with Monte Holm:

- Website: [Monte Holm Website](#)

- Book: Expect to Win available on [Amazon](#)

Listener Engagement:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Monte’s insights. How do you prepare yourself for success and overcome setbacks? Share your experiences with us on social media.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Stay brave!