The Grit and Grow Podcast

Ever wondered how sheer tenacity can turn balloons into a booming business or how an adrenaline junkie leverages his thrill-seeking spirit into entrepreneurial success? That's the story of Cory Hodnett, the dynamic founder of Green Machine Pest Control, who joins us on Grit and Grow to share his riveting journey from parade candy sales to pest control mogul. His anecdotes, from selling cars for fun to sealing homes against scorpions, are as entertaining as they are enlightening, brimming with lessons on the value of grit, charm, and seizing the right opportunities.
Knocking on doors with a smile might not be everyone's idea of a dream job, but for Cory, it was a masterclass in sales and human psychology. Our conversation uncovers the hidden joys and tactics behind each door-to-door encounter, revealing how rejections turned into rewarding customer relationships and teaching opportunities for new recruits. And for those moments when entrepreneurship demands everything, including selling your spouse's car, Cory's stories exemplify the fierce commitment needed to keep the dream thriving, even when you're down to your last $20.
As the episode unfolds, we tackle more than just the entrepreneurial spirit; we dig into the nitty-gritty of keeping Phoenix homes scorpion-free with innovative pest control methods. But it's not all about bugs; we delve into the values that underpin a successful business and life. Cory illustrates how to instill a potent work ethic in children and prepare teens for their own successful ventures, ensuring the next generation is equipped to hustle with heart. So tune in for an episode packed with practical wisdom, infectious laughter, and the kind of stories that stick with you long after the credits roll.
Want to stop your pests dead in their tracks? Call Cory today!
CALL/TEXT: 480-470-5266
https://www.greenmachinepest.com/
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Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545
#gritandgrowpodcast #entrepreneur #greenmachinepestcontrol #mycitylender #mycityoffice #talkshow #podcast #interview #homeloans #purchase #refinance

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Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
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Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545

How does someone go from experiencing homelessness to becoming one of Arizona's top luxury realtors? Blake Clark’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and in this episode of Grit and Grow, he opens up about his path from living in an office space to owning and leading Limitless Real Estate. Blake’s story is filled with personal anecdotes and actionable insights, making real estate engaging and fun through creative listing videos and podcasts. His father’s relentless work ethic and multiple side hustles, such as freelance marketing and e-commerce, played a crucial role in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.
Blake didn’t set out to be a realtor; he stumbled into the industry after buying a rental property from his grandmother and discovering the potential for passive income. With a background in marketing, he skillfully integrated modern techniques like PPC campaigns and social media marketing into his real estate business, which ultimately led to the formation of his own real estate group. His narrative serves as a testament to the power of innovative marketing strategies and the unexpected paths to success. Blake’s transition from a restrictive brokerage to launching Limitless Real Estate is particularly insightful for anyone considering a similar leap.
We also delve into the nuances of building a personal brand on social media. Blake emphasizes the importance of authenticity and consistency, sharing how personal stories alongside professional content can create a genuine connection with the audience. From posting motivational quotes to maintaining a high personal production, Blake’s approach to leadership through example offers valuable lessons for aspiring real estate professionals. Whether you’re interested in building trust through conversations or understanding the financial realities of running a brokerage, this episode is packed with practical advice and motivational stories that underline the importance of going all in on what works best for you.

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Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
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Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545

Imagine transforming from a truck driver and school teacher into a standout real estate agent known for bold tattoos and even bolder marketing. That’s exactly what Justin Mercer, the "Tattooed Realtor" from Phoenix, Arizona achieved. Today’s episode unravels Justin's incredible journey, where he turned societal expectations on their head and used his unique appearance to build a powerful personal brand in the real estate market. We'll hear firsthand how Justin navigated through struggles, skepticism, and a pandemic to emerge as a leader in the industry.
We promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the world of personal branding and unconventional marketing strategies that truly set you apart. Learn how Justin embraced authenticity and leveraged social media to propel his fame and success, creating a magnetic brand that resonates with clients. From the emotional roller coaster of the real estate business to the calculated risks that paid off, Justin's experiences offer a compelling blueprint for breaking free from the mold and achieving greatness in your career.
Plus, we explore the nitty-gritty of transitioning from an individual agent to leading a team, the significance of mentorship, and maintaining a unique office environment. Justin shares candid stories about the emotional highs and lows, innovative billboard marketing tactics, and the ever-important balance between personal branding and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re just starting or looking to revamp your strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to help you carve out your niche in real estate.

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Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
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Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545

Welcome to a journey of transformation and timeless wisdom with the remarkable Don Clark. Although he began his career with Ford Motor Company, Clarke spent most of his career as an executive in retail companies. By the mid-1980s he was serving as chairman of May Department Store's Venture operation. He was chairman and CEO of Caldor Corporation from 1986 to 1998, both before and after it split from May Department Stores in 1989. Clarke then returned to work for May as president of Lord & Taylor. As he narrates his rise from the humble beginnings of Rexburg, Idaho, to becoming a powerhouse at Ford Motor Company and later in the retail industry, you'll uncover the essence of reaching beyond the expected. This episode is a treasure chest of life lessons, where Don, alongside stories of friendship with titans like Sam Walton, lays out the five bedrock principles that can catapult you to success.
Settle in for a heartwarming exploration of how success in the boardroom intertwines with nurturing values at home. Through Don's anecdotal tapestry, spanning from his transformative voluntary work at Southern Virginia University to life lessons in Bolivia, we unravel the profound impact of a 'fixer' mindset. This chapter is not just about accolades and achievements; it's about the profound influence of honesty, feedback, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in every facet of life.
This episode is a must-listen for everyone from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned veterans in the throes of their career journey. Don's insights, enriched by the experiences of his son Todd Clark, offer a guiding light through the often-tumultuous path of professional growth and personal fulfillment. Join us as we unpack these narratives and arm you with the wisdom to blaze your trail, uplift others, and sculpt a legacy of success and principled leadership.
🔔 Subscribe to our podcast and channel on YouTube 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@MyCityLenderTV?sub_confirmation=1
Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
https://linkin.bio/gritandgrowpodcast
Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545
#gritandgrowpodcast #entrepreneur #donclarke #ford #lordandtaylor #businessleader #mycitylender #mycityoffice #talkshow #podcast #interview #homeloans #purchase #refinance

🔔 Subscribe to our podcast and channel on YouTube 👇 https://www.youtube.com/@MyCityLenderTV?sub_confirmation=1
Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
https://linkin.bio/gritandgrowpodcast
Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545

When Todd Clark sat across from us, the air buzzed with a blend of Arizona heat and entrepreneurial fervor; the founder of Ensign Partners had tales to tell that would ignite the fire in any aspiring business owner's heart. His family's legacy of business success and entrepreneurship was the spark that lit his path, and his journey – from the captivating financial workshop in college to the founding of his own advisory firm – is a narrative steeped in dedication and sheer grit. Our conversation delved into the tapestry of challenges and triumphs that mark the life of someone who doesn't just participate in the financial world but reshapes it to better serve the spirited business community.
The Ensign Partners approach, a seamless suite of advisory services, stands as a beacon for those navigating the complexities of legal, tax, and financial planning. Todd shared the insights gleaned from offering a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs, emphasizing that a united team of experts doesn't just simplify procedures; it genuinely empowers clients to concentrate on their passions. We discussed the evolving needs of diverse business entities, from solo ventures to sprawling enterprises, and how personalization and high-touch service can profoundly impact their trajectories. The conversation also turned to the strategic partnership building and the foresight necessary in crafting an exit strategy – pearls of wisdom for any business owner charting a course toward scalability and independence.
Wrapping up with a heartwarming nod to the importance of community, Todd instilled a sense of camaraderie over competition. We talked about his upcoming podcast, "Nothing Personal, Just Business," which promises to shed light on the personal stories that often remain untold behind the business facades. Todd's commitment to creating abundance and aiding others resonates throughout our chat, a true embodiment of the spirit that sees connections and learning opportunities in every interaction. Don't miss out on the unique perspective and rich experiences Todd brings to the table, offering more than just financial advice – he's serving up life lessons that echo across boardrooms and personal spaces alike.

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Follow The Grit and Grow Podcast on Social Media:
https://linkin.bio/gritandgrowpodcast
Thinking about purchasing or refinancing your home? For sound mortgage advice visit www.mycitylender.com or call 480-945-4545 today to connect with an experienced loan advisor!
LO Licensing (BRIAN): AZ LO-0924243 NMLS ID:1069978 LO Licensing (JAY): AZ LO-0911512/NMLS-162250 | Company Licensing: AZ MB-1036604/NMLS-2344442 | Equal Housing Lender
2250 E. Germann Road, Suite 12, Chandler, AZ 85286 | (480) 945-4545