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Takin It Next Level

Takin It Next Level

By Luke Miller and Tom Crawford

Luke Miller and Tom Crawford talk with unique people who are excelling in their business space or adding to the betterment of society. Folks who are clearly, "takin' it to levels 'previously unknown to mankind!'"

We'll also offer unique takes on events, and topics that are pushing the norm.
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9. Rufus Jackson, Capital Insurance Services and Coach/Community Leader, talks about coaching, how to be effective in his selling job, and the challenges of youth football.

Takin It Next LevelNov 15, 2019

00:00
38:23
20. Laurie Hellmann - Parent/Podcast Host of Living the Sky Life/Author of Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism

20. Laurie Hellmann - Parent/Podcast Host of Living the Sky Life/Author of Welcome to My Life: A Personal Parenting Journey Through Autism

This episode of Takin it Next Level, proudly part of the Crawford Podcasting Network, Tom and I talk with Laurie Hellman and her experiences raising an autistic child. Although she doesn't use the word, she's been a great activist for autism awareness utilizing her podcast and her just released book to bring light on stories other families have. In doing so, she does all she can to help build communities that can support each other, find resources, or just listen and share stories. 

Take a listen and don't forget to follow, like, give us reviews and ratings. You can listen on Spotify, Anchor.fm, Apple podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Jun 26, 202048:20
19. Daminon Lewis - Prep Sports Nation on what to expect for prep sports in the age of Coronavirus.

19. Daminon Lewis - Prep Sports Nation on what to expect for prep sports in the age of Coronavirus.

Tom Crawford and Luke Miller chat with Daminon Lewis of Prep Sports Nation. He covers sports at the prep level and makes certain not to exclude the "non-revenue" sports. His passion for youth athletics shows and we're glad to have a great conversation with him. 

As always, thank you for listening! Listen, follow, and like on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor.fm, and Google Podcasts. 

Jun 10, 202045:03
18. Sam Hosey - Community Activist talks about the impact of George Floyd and systemic racism and how it's manifested itself in the Greater Lansing Community.
Jun 05, 202001:09:06
17. ND Generates 4 Good; Trevor Morris, Matt Reilly, and Adam Fasula

17. ND Generates 4 Good; Trevor Morris, Matt Reilly, and Adam Fasula

Quarantined away from Tom, Luke goes it alone to chat with Adam Morris, Matt Reilly, and Adam Fasula about their project, ND Generates 3 Good. These guys started a show on YouTube to highlight University of Notre Dame alumni who are active in the community or involving themselves in non-profit work during the Coronavirus epidemic. 

Trevor, Matt, and Adam highlight why they wanted to do this and how to have a little fun in the process!

As always, listen and like on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor.fm, Google Podcast, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

May 21, 202030:07
16. De'Andre Wells - CEO AGX Group, Bunker Labs City Leader, SGT U.S. Army (Ret.)

16. De'Andre Wells - CEO AGX Group, Bunker Labs City Leader, SGT U.S. Army (Ret.)

We talk with De'Andre Wells, CEO of AGX Group, City Leader for Bunker Labs, about the challenges of post-service life for military veterans. The emotional stress and pain that comes with service and the difficulties that those bottled up stresses cause as service members integrate back into the community. 

De'Andre's mission now is to help veterans in various ways. Through AGX Group, providing need services to support the mental and physical health of our VA hospitals and like institutions. On top of that, leading the effort with Bunker Labs to support and encourage veteran entrepreneurship.

Inspiring, challenging, and candid conversation with De'Andre. Tune in!

Mar 05, 202050:45
15. Andy Boyan, Ph.D. - VP of Research & Innovation @UrbanFT; Talks Crypto-Currency, FinTech, and Technology

15. Andy Boyan, Ph.D. - VP of Research & Innovation @UrbanFT; Talks Crypto-Currency, FinTech, and Technology

What do you get when you mix tech, crypto-currency, and former University professor with Takin It Next Level? You get Tom and Luke basking in all the knowledge that Andy Boyan can give us about financial technology and cyrpto-currency. Andy is not only an expert on the subjects, he is brilliantly passionate about these topics. Take a listen and don't forget to follow/subscribe and rate and review where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts.


Feb 26, 202045:52
14. Lindsey Jacobs - Author, STRONGER: From Trials to Triathlete to Triumphant

14. Lindsey Jacobs - Author, STRONGER: From Trials to Triathlete to Triumphant

We're joined by Lindsey Jacobs as she speaks to us on how a combination of tragedies, adversity, and a feeling of emptiness led her to train for a triathlon. While going through that process, realizing greater truths about herself and how to make peace with who she is and who she wanted to become. As her book sleeve states, "Not all women who are trapped...pull themselves up, but not all women are Lindsey Jacobs."

Learn about how she tackled adversity, her coping mechanisms, and how it drove her to something bigger, like writing a book!

Feb 21, 202039:43
13. Evemarie Eyde - Partner, Eyde Co/George F. Eyde Family. Talks family business, moving from a large-market to a smaller market, and the power of family.

13. Evemarie Eyde - Partner, Eyde Co/George F. Eyde Family. Talks family business, moving from a large-market to a smaller market, and the power of family.

This episode we talk with Evemarie Eyde, partner with the Eyde Co/George F. Eyde Family. Evemarie talks about her path from Boston College to New York and back to the Greater Lansing-area. We discuss what drew her back, adjusting to working with family, and opportunities and successes in commercial real estate in Michigan and beyond. 

Join Tom and Luke for a great conversation and don't forget to like, subscribe, rate on your favorite podcasting platform.

Feb 10, 202047:21
12. Jeff Gump - Run, Jeff, Run. Gump Photography owner talks about public speaking, group photography, and more.

12. Jeff Gump - Run, Jeff, Run. Gump Photography owner talks about public speaking, group photography, and more.

Join Tom and Luke as we talk with Jeff Gump about his experience as a photography industry "LEGEND" and industry speaker. Jeff talks about the evolution of the group/team photography business, changes in technology, and how to differentiate yourself as an expert speaker. 

Jan 16, 202050:02
11. Jon Czeranna - Wit & Craft Branding Studio. Jon talks about creative processes, branding, and finding your authentic voice.
Jan 14, 202053:59
10. Amber Naslund - Senior Content Consultant @LinkedIn; Talking about LinkedIn, Social Media, Imposter Syndrome and the effects of Self-Doubt

10. Amber Naslund - Senior Content Consultant @LinkedIn; Talking about LinkedIn, Social Media, Imposter Syndrome and the effects of Self-Doubt

Luke and Tom speak with Amber Naslund of LinkedIn, regarding social media, what LinkedIn is up to and where social platforms could be evolving. In addition, Amber speaks on the topic of Imposter Syndrome, it's characteristics, and how to best handle your own self-doubt. 

You can learn more about Amber and her mission to demystify and accept Imposter Syndrome, as well watch/listen to past talks on ambernaslund.com. 

Nov 21, 201950:15
9. Rufus Jackson, Capital Insurance Services and Coach/Community Leader, talks about coaching, how to be effective in his selling job, and the challenges of youth football.

9. Rufus Jackson, Capital Insurance Services and Coach/Community Leader, talks about coaching, how to be effective in his selling job, and the challenges of youth football.

Tom Crawford and Luke Miller talk with Rufus Jackson, youth football coach and successful salesperson, on the latest episode of Takin It Next Level. Rufus talks about time management, what it takes to sell successfully, coaching, and the challenges of youth football. 

As always, thank you for listening! Continue to listen and don't forget to subscribe, like, and share our podcast! Available on all your favorite podcasting platforms like Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

Special thanks to Eric Waggoner and our presenting sponsor, Waggoner Financial!

Nov 15, 201938:23
8. Paul Davis - Former MSU Basketball Star and Managing Director at PODIUM Financial Group; Talking about evolving your mindset and persevering through obstacles and noise.

8. Paul Davis - Former MSU Basketball Star and Managing Director at PODIUM Financial Group; Talking about evolving your mindset and persevering through obstacles and noise.

We talk with former MSU Basketball great, Paul Davis. Paul talks about his experience as a player at MSU, the media scrutiny, how he learned to adapt and overcome mental barriers and physical set backs. Wonderful chat and insight on the growth and evolution of Paul Davis, the business man and leader.

As always, thank you for listening! Continue to listen and don't forget to subscribe, like, and share our podcast! Available on all your favorite podcasting platforms like Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Breaker, to name a few.

Special thanks to Eric Waggoner and our presenting sponsor, Waggoner Financial!

Nov 07, 201931:44
7. Randy Kinder, President of AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, on leadership, motivation, creating teams, and more!

7. Randy Kinder, President of AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, on leadership, motivation, creating teams, and more!

Tom Crawford and Luke Miller talk with East Lansing High School football great, Randy Kinder. We cover his experiences in football, from Notre Dame to the NFL,  and how that prepared him for a successful finance and investment career with the AFL-CIO. Great insight on how experiences from childhood and how his parents prepared him for success, to taking lessons from the great coaches and mentors in his life.

Please listen and don't forget to subscribe, like, and share our podcast! Now available on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Breaker, RadioPublic, Pocket Casts, Overcasts, and RSS Feed.

Oct 24, 201945:07
6. Brennan Andrews, Director of Marketing of Dart Bank, talks banking marketing and time management

6. Brennan Andrews, Director of Marketing of Dart Bank, talks banking marketing and time management

Episode 6 of Takin It Next Level! Tom Crawford and Luke Miller talk with rising superstar Brennan Andrews, Director of Marketing for Dart Bank. We talk community bank marketing and brand building and how Brennan manages his time between his day job and participating in the Michigan State University, Executive MBA program.

Be sure to check out all of Dart Bank's excellent community involvement at www.dartbank.com/community

Take a listen and like, subscribe, and download the podcast!

Oct 16, 201935:25
5. Blagica Bottigliero, Zlato Digital and Bottles Nation; Talks about the early days of digital marketing, community involvement, and the online wine business.
Oct 10, 201947:49
4. Luke and Tom Self-Scout

4. Luke and Tom Self-Scout

This episode of Takin It Next Level, Tom and Luke self-scout to evaluate areas of improvement. In addition, we're excited to be on additional platforms starting THIS week.

Oct 03, 201924:51
3. Ben Bakken, Senior Vice President of TriStar Trust Bank; Impact of competition as a college basketball player and how to leverage your circle of influence.

3. Ben Bakken, Senior Vice President of TriStar Trust Bank; Impact of competition as a college basketball player and how to leverage your circle of influence.

New episode of Takin It Next Level! Tom Crawford and I talk with Ben Bakken, Senior Vice President at Tri-Star Trust Bank. Ben's doing great work for Tri-Star and for the Greater Lansing-area, in general!

We chat about how athletics prepared Ben for the business world, his commitment to the Greater Lansing-area, and building a circle of influence to be a people connector.

Please listen now and don't forget to subscribe and like our podcast! Share the podcast with your friends and family!

Special thanks to Eric Waggoner and our presenting sponsor, Waggoner Financial!

Sep 23, 201932:53
2. Traci Ruiz of Traci Ruiz Consultants; Traci talks about her security company, risk management, and her philanthropic interests.

2. Traci Ruiz of Traci Ruiz Consultants; Traci talks about her security company, risk management, and her philanthropic interests.

On this episode of Takin It Next Level, we talk with security and safety expert Traci Ruiz. Her company Traci Ruiz Consultants helps businesses and organizations manage security and safety risks and advises them how to lower, if not remove, threats in their business environments. 

As a former and long-time Lansing Police Lieutenant, Traci's story from night patrols to security consultant is a can't miss story. 

Listen now and don't forget to subscribe and like our podcast!

Sep 16, 201927:21
Episode 1: The Debut of Takin It Next Level

Episode 1: The Debut of Takin It Next Level

Marketing colleagues Luke Miller and Tom Crawford provide unique takes about people, events, and topics that transcend the norm - - takin' it to levels "previously unknown to mankind!"

We're kicking-off this ride, looking to highlight great people and great stories along the way.

Sep 09, 201921:57