Operator Podcast

While living in Hawaii, Kara and Erin (friends since Junior High) experienced Açaí for the first time. It was the perfect option to nourish themselves after a day spent surfing and being active. When the pair moved to Austin post-college they immediately fell in love with the city, but quickly realized something was missing - the Açaí bowl they loved so dearly. They decided to find a way to fill that need, soon after Blenders and Bowls was born. Today these lifelong friends are busy running two locations and working on opening their third. They are excited, they support each other—and their product is incredible. In this episode the Blenders and Bowls founders share their journey from the birth of their idea, to running their business from a food truck, and ultimately to the success they are seeing today. In this episode the Blenders and Bowls founders share their journey from the birth of their idea, to running their business from a food truck, and ultimately to the success they are seeing today.

David King is one of the top personal trainers in Austin, Texas. He is a highly motivated individual and over the last decade has helped hundreds of people along their fitness journey. David has proven methods that work and he consistently delivers his clients results. He is motivated, driven, and works hard. On this episode David shares the story of how he became one of the best in the business and what it took to get to the top. Plus, you'll hear his secrets to fitness and success.

Tom Smith graduated as a chemical engineer from the University of Illinois. He was a talented and quiet engineer, and began his career post-college at a consulting firm. He made good money and for the most part, he enjoyed his job. But he knew that deep down he wanted to do something different. Tom made a plan to exit his career as an engineer, and start a virtual business, allowing him to have the flexibility to work remotely while traveling. His new business In this episode he shares how he took the leap, his experience as a young entrepreneur, and plans for the future.

Cassidy Phillips was #grinding before #grinding was a thing. In 2002, out of the desire to empower people to take care of themselves and give people a better quality of life, Trigger Point Performance Therapy was born. After experiencing debilitating, chronic pain first-hand Cassidy, a talented endurance athlete, set out to create a methodology to help others. He took an initial investment of $17,000 and turned it into $60 million in sales. Professional athletes, Olympians, and the common man benefit from the methodology Cassidy created. In our latest episode Cassidy shares the story of Trigger Point Performance Therapy, from creation and explosive growth, to the sale of his company on October 17th, 2014. Cassidy shares insights on lessons learned, his advice to other entrepreneurs — and what he's up to next.

James FitzGerald has over 20 years experience as a strength coach and technician. He is the creator of OPEX Fitness, a fitness business company that coaches coaches and coaches people online and in person. James is insightful, thoughtful, and methodical. He is an observer and a learner. James spends his days living out his passion — impacting people's fitness and health through assessment, testing, research, and program design. In this episode James tells the story of how OPEX came to be, his thoughts on the future of fitness and coaching and the three things that you can do today that will immediately impact your life.

Zach Even Esh was working as a 5th grade teacher when he tore his ACL. That moment changed his career. He knew that he didn't want any kids or athletes to experience the pain of training so hard, getting injured, and missing out on opportunity. In that moment Zach decided that we wanted to change and positively impact kid's lives. While working around his teaching schedule, obtaining his masters degree, and training Zach began to create what would become Underground Strength Coach. He worked tirelessly, hustled, and poured everything he had into going after his dream. Zach taught himself how to promote and market using online tools like YouTube, Facebook, and other social media platforms. He leveraged everything he did and to this day is consistently putting in the work to get young athletes results.

Cassandra Stoklosa began her career as a marketing analytics consultant and ultimately found her passion in media and content marketing. Cassandra is a driver and incredibly motivated. She has sought out career opportunities and consistently improves her skill sets. Cassandra is currently the Director of Marketing at Golfsmith, the world's largest specialty golf retailer. On this episode, Cassandra shares how she landed pivotal career opportunities and her advice for anyone looking to excel in their career.

Carey Kepler is a repeat CrossFit Games competitor, Ultra Marathon Runner, and an Iron Man. She is a wife, mother of two, and a business owner. For over a decade Carey has helped thousands of people live their best life. She is an expert in goal setting and developing the proper mindset to make a powerful impact. Carey is a champion. In this episode she shares her story of becoming a competitive athlete and her journey balancing a full and active life.

Brian MacKenzie is an outlier. He has been a key player in revolutionizing the way athletes train and perform for over a decade. Brian has coached elite level athletes including Olympic Gold Medalists, Big Wave Surfers, and CrossFit Games Champions and he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible. Brian's recent endeavor, XPT - Extreme Performance Training - is what's next in the fitness industry. Together, Brian, Laird Hamilton, and Gabby Reece founded XPT, it is the first ever complete fitness lifestyle system. In this episode Brian shares his journey of innovation and creation. He shares how XPT came to fruition and how their team is working to offer a lifestyle program that incorporates components of body, mind, and spirit and has the power to offer long term results.

Ryan Williams is a former Navy SEAL and current entrepreneur. He has created and sold three businesses, and is working on his most successful business to date. On this episode Ryan shares his entrepreneur journey, lessons learned, and what it takes to be successful.

Pro BMX'er and X Games Gold Medalist, Morgan Wade is a phenomenal athlete and all around great guy. During this episode Morgan shares his background and his experience as a pro athlete, as well as a powerful message for all of us. *Please excuse the audio variability due to technical difficulties*

Mark Garza and Chelsea Hardee recount the genesis of the The Flatwater Foundation, and share how they have utilized their experiences and talents to make a big impact. Through their non-profit Mark, Chelsea, and their team have helped over 700 people affected by a cancer diagnosis receive access to mental health support.